When comparing Alienware Alpha vs Maingear DRIFT, the Slant community recommends Alienware Alpha for most people. In the question“What are the best Steam Machines?” Alienware Alpha is ranked 4th while Maingear DRIFT is ranked 10th. 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 Quality over quantity
It may be among one of the most expensive Steam Machines on the market; but, this system does contain more than capable hardware such as the choices between three Intel Processors, vast options in graphics cards, customizable paint jobs, water cooling, freebies, storage and more. All bundled within one stunning and durable chassis.
Pro Two chassis options
If you want the newer chassis instead of the one based on the picture with the ability to gaze at the pretty components you're rocking inside through the window, you can have that one since it is now the base chassis. However, if you're into what was initially the base chassis design, you can request that chassis via special request box underneath the stock image during your picking of your new system.
Pro It also has Windows
Besides having the option of deducting your price at $200 when switching to SteamOS, you now have the option to stick with Windows as your base operating system so that you can play titles you can't on SteamOSlike Fallout 4, Witcher 3, and GTA 5. However, if you don't really care for that sort of thing and would use the $200 for a better GPU, switch to SteamOS and get yourself a 1070, 1060, or heck get a 1080 if you feel a splurge rush coming on.
Pro Fully upgradable
Like the Syber Steam Machine, this Steam Machine is also completely upgradable. I would recommend calling Maingear themselves in order to fully understand how you should proceed when the time has come to plug in your new sweet components. Luckily, from what has been stated in various reviews, they seem to have quality customer service versus some of the other big dogs in the market. So it is safe to assume that they would be more than happy to help walk you through the process.
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 Among one of the most expensive options
This Steam Machine is a quality product and it shows in it's price point. A system with an initial $899 when launched now took an elevator to a couple floors up to reach $1299 for the base model alone (not counting shipping). You only get free shipping once you reach the $2,000 price range and only then is when you get certain freebies. Heck, the highest model reaches to $4399. Somehow, the Zotac, Alienware, and Syber Steam Machines become more appealing after seeing this.