When comparing Alienware Alpha vs Syber Steam Machine, the Slant community recommends Alienware Alpha for most people. In the question“What are the best Steam Machines?” Alienware Alpha is ranked 4th while Syber Steam Machine is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Alienware Alpha is:
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.
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Pros
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.
Pro Takes up less shelf space
Along with being able to keep playing brand new games, it only takes up one section of shelf space while consoles have many iterations and can take up more than ample room. This box is one and done.
Pro Completely upgradable
Unlike some of the smaller Steam Machines, this one is completely upgradable like a normal desktop.
Pro Long life on original specs which were....
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4690K CPU @ 3.50GHz 3.50 GHz
Installed RAM 16.0 GB
1 x 128gb SSD
1 x 1TB SSD
Nvidia GeForce GTX960
Windows 10 Pro
Pro Tons of options
When you visit their website, the machine comes with whatever you want inside the system (from their options list) and what you would like to come alongside with the unit like a steam controller, Xbox controller, monitor, mouse, and more.
Pro Longevity
Unlike a console, this particular Steam Machine can still get the latest and greatest and all you need to do in order to play those titles is to upgrade the components.
Cons
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.
Con Gets pretty hot under load
Playing more demanding games makes the fans spin up which can be fairly noisy.
Con Glossy finish
Although it sports a pleasing architecture, the glossy finish is something that makes you want to facepalm. We all know that with glossy finishes, leads to dirty fingerprints. Unless you're among those who won't touch the console without latex gloves or something in order to not get fingerprints, you might want to ask if glossy finishes will be a deal breaker for you or not.
Con Relatively expensive
It is more powerful than a console but that power also shows in the cost. Whenever you upgrade to the desirable specs to last you for quite awhile, it can cost a couple hundred dollars more than the consoles. Making it not so competitively priced with the current gen systems.
But, for the price and longevity of the system compared to spending an additional $400 after the few years of the console lifespan has ended and doing that same buying again and taking up shelf space, the Steam Machine is still a better investment even with this con.