When comparing Alienware Steam Machine vs Alienware Alpha, the Slant community recommends Alienware Steam Machine for most people. In the question“What are the best Steam Machines?” Alienware Steam Machine is ranked 3rd while Alienware Alpha is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Alienware Steam Machine is:
There have been posts claiming the R2 version of this system does support an amplifier port like the Alpha R2 but is covered by the plastic casing. It can be cut through but that will void the warranty. You could also take off the chassis entirely and use the port that way but that will look ugly and can attract dust. If you don't mind cutting through the plastic or remove the case to use the amplifier port and get yourself a desktop quality GPU then by all means.
Specs
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Pros
Pro The R2 model may have an amplifier port
There have been posts claiming the R2 version of this system does support an amplifier port like the Alpha R2 but is covered by the plastic casing. It can be cut through but that will void the warranty. You could also take off the chassis entirely and use the port that way but that will look ugly and can attract dust. If you don't mind cutting through the plastic or remove the case to use the amplifier port and get yourself a desktop quality GPU then by all means.
Pro A reasonable price point
The R1 models are now on sale and can cost $300 for a base model I3 and $500 for the top of the line I7. The R2 versions, although a bit more expensive, still make it in a range that people can afford the machine to be in their homes alongside their Xbox Ones, Playstation 4s, and Nintendo Switches.
Pro R2 variants have reasonable GPUs
When you get away from the base model of the R2 variant and pay higher for the other I3 with 1 terabyte, the I5, or the I7, you're dealing with a GTX 960 that packs a bigger punch than the base model's custom GTX 860M. It can last you for awhile until you need to upgrade which is possible with the supposed hidden amplifier port.
Pro User replaceable components
The CPU, RAM and hard drives can all be replaced by the user meaning the machine can be upgraded easily. Sadly the GPU cannot be replaced though, so keep that in mind.
Pro Good form factor for living room
The box is quite small, a lot smaller than an XBone or PS4. It is square shaped and looks like many other set top boxes meant for a living room. So will fit in quite nicely with any other peripherals being used for a TV.
Pro Windows OS
This machine launched before the Steam OS was released which means it is built on the Windows OS. This means all of the games available for Windows are able to be played on the machine. With Windows having a much larger amount of games available over Linux, which is what Steam OS is based on.
Pro The R2 model
The Alpha had undergone a revision which was later called the R2. This version opened up the possibility to allow you to use Alienware's official Amplifier add on on that could handle desktop quality GPUs, like a GTX 1060, as a way of upgrading what you currently had in your system. It can breath more life into your Alpha. For some odd reason, it feels like when the Sega Genesis had undergone the CD and 32X add on in order to extend it's lifespan. But, with the Amplifier, it isn't attaching itself on top of or underneath the system like the Genesis add ons so it makes for a cleaner look.
Cons
Con Under-powered GPU
The GPU used is the equivalent of an 860m, which is a mobile GPU fr laptops and when compared to GPUs for a desktop is pretty under-powered. So many graphic intensive games may have trouble holding 60fps at 1080p
Con Controller does not turn on the system
Unlike regular game consoles the Steam Controller is unable to turn the machine on. This means the user will have to get up and press the power button on the actual box, which may be frustrating.
Con Steam OS
This box comes with Steam OS as the operating system, which is based off of Linux. This means that there is less support for games and has a much smaller library when compared to Windows.
Con Steam controller dongle is weak
There is a hidden port where the Steam Controller dongle is placed in the machine, this obstructed eye of sight gives issue with the connection to the wireless controller when used past 10 feet. Luckily the dongle can be moved to a front USB port on the machine, which does help.
Con GPU can not be replaced
Sadly there is no way to swap GPUs (like a regular tower PC) and so will detract from the longevity of this device.
Con The R1 model
If you purchased the R1 model you're pretty much screwed in terms of upgrading, or amplifying, the GPU since this machine does not have an amplifier port for you to use the Alienware amplifier and be able to use something like a GTX 1080 or 1070 inside. There is one method that had been shared on youtube but it is a longer process than simply buying the R2 model and then buying the GPU of your choice and their Amplifier.
Con Some UI problems with the controller
Being that this is a Windows OS machine there are some parts of the UI such as the log in screen which are not optimal for controller support. It can be difficult to type in ones password when logging in.