When comparing Alienware Alpha vs Origin Chronos, the Slant community recommends Alienware Alpha for most people. In the question“What are the best Steam Machines?” Alienware Alpha is ranked 4th while Origin Chronos is ranked 7th. 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 Nice design
Origin is another company that has also been able to jam capable hardware is a sleek design with the red O on the tower that it just can't help remind you of a certain super computer in an older film. Regardless, it looks really nice.
Pro Upgradable
Like many listed, this Steam Machine can be upgraded to the desired specs that you'd like to see inside during production, and what you'd like to replace inside when it's time for an upgrade.
Pro Vertical position
May seem as an odd thing to mark as a pro but if you look at this like a console, it can be placed alongside your Wii U or Xbox 360 and still have space for more systems in the future.
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 No SteamOS
Some people like using Linux for their gaming and other casual usage like Youtube, Google, Amazon, and others. But, this option is not available on the Chronos and thus you're stuck to choosing Windows while configuring your system. It can be installed when you get it, but it would be nice if you didn't really need to have to do that. Plus, it's a cheaper OS option to go with versus Windows.
Con Heat
There have been some tests relating to heat and it doesn't seem to be doing so well reaching some high degrees compared to the other small form factors.
Con Another expensive machine
It shouldn't be a surprise due to the company behind this product is known to having high quality products with a high quality price tag. The base model reaches to $1268 before checkout. Of course if the base model without lights inside doesn't cut it, you can always upgrade from the website adding the price higher and higher.