Alienware - Alpha Desktop - Intel Core i3 - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive

Name: Alienware - Alpha Desktop - Intel Core i3 - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive
Brand: Alienware
SKU: 9561097
Rating: 4.5 (110 reviews)

Model: ASM100-1580

SKU: 9561097

This item is no longer available in new condition. See similar items below

Key Specs
- Processor Model: Intel 4th Generation Core i3 (Your computer's processor is like its brain. Working in combination with system memory, the power of the processor determines the complexity of software you can run, how many programs you can have open at the same time, and how fast those programs will run. Most computers feature an AMD, Intel or Snapdragon processor.)
- System Memory (RAM): 4 gigabytes (Random-access memory (RAM) is a computing device's short-term data storage, which allows active information to be accessed quickly. The size and type of RAM determines how efficiently the device can handle large amounts of information at one time. For example, gaming or video editing requires more RAM for optimal performance.)
General
- Product Name: Alpha Desktop - Intel Core i3 - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive
- Brand: Alienware
- Model Number: ASM100-1580
Processor
- Processor Brand: Intel
- Processor Model: Intel 4th Generation Core i3 (Your computer's processor is like its brain. Working in combination with system memory, the power of the processor determines the complexity of software you can run, how many programs you can have open at the same time, and how fast those programs will run. Most computers feature an AMD, Intel or Snapdragon processor.)
Memory
- System Memory (RAM): 4 gigabytes (Random-access memory (RAM) is a computing device's short-term data storage, which allows active information to be accessed quickly. The size and type of RAM determines how efficiently the device can handle large amounts of information at one time. For example, gaming or video editing requires more RAM for optimal performance.)
- Type of Memory (RAM): DDR3L (Each type of RAM delivers a different level of speed, bandwidth, energy efficiency and performance.)
- System Memory RAM Expandable To: 8 gigabytes (Adding more random-access memory (RAM) to a computer speeds up performance and improves efficiency. Upgrades to memory are limited by the number of expansion slots for additional RAM and existing RAM installed on the device.)
Compatibility
- Operating System: Windows 8.1 (The operating system manages all software and hardware, including files, memory and connected devices. Most importantly, it lets you interact with your device and your programs in a visual way; otherwise, you'd be typing computer code to get anything done.)
- Operating System Architecture: 64-bit (An operating system (OS) manages computer hardware, software resources, and programs in conjunction with the system's processor. 64-bit operating systems can handle more data at once than 32-bit systems, resulting in faster speeds, more effiency, and overall improved performance.)
Features
- Media Card Reader: false (A hardware device that allows for access to data on a memory card and enables the transfer of its files to a computer. These devices may have one or multiple slots for various types of memory cards, and may be integrated into the computer or available as an external device.)
- Audio Technology: Integrated
- Size: Mini
Dimensions
- Product Height: 2.2 inches (The out of box height of the item. Height is measured as the vertical distance from the bottom of the item to the top as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Width: 7.9 inches (The out of box width of the item. Width is measured as the horizontal distance from one side of the item to the other as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Depth: 7.9 inches (The out of box depth of the item. Depth is measured as the distance from the front of the item to the back as it would be primarily used or placed.)
Certifications Listings & Approvals
- ENERGY STAR Certified: false (Devices carrying the ENERGY STAR service mark, such as computer products and peripherals, kitchen appliances, and other products, generally use 20% to 30% less energy than required by federal standards.)
- EPEAT Qualified: false (The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) was designed to provide an environmental assessment tool for purchasers. In order to qualify for EPEAT, a product must meet all 23 required criteria.)
Included
- Keyboard Included: false
Other
- UPC: 884116162131

Stay connected with this Alienware Alpha ASM100-1580 desktop, which features built-in wireless networking for access to online gaming, social media and more. The included wireless Xbox 360 controller with USB adapter lets you play your favorite games.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 operating system preinstalled: Upgrade to Windows 10 for free** - it's easy. Learn more about Windows 10 ›
4th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-4130T processor: Features a 3MB cache and 2.9GHz processor speed.
Intel® Core™ i3 processor: Features smart 4-way processing performance for HD quality computing.
4GB DDR3L memory: For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
Note: Optical drive not included: Compatible with optional external recordable CD/DVD drives (not included).
500GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm): Provides spacious storage and fast read/write times.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics: Feature 2GB GDDR5 video memory for lush images. HDMI output enables flexible connectivity.
2 USB 3.0 and 2 USB 2.0 ports: For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
Built-in Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160 LAN (802.11ac): Connect to the Internet without wires.
Bluetooth 4.0: Enables simple wireless connection to compatible devices.
Built-in Gigabit Ethernet LAN: With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.
Wireless Xbox 360 controller with USB adapter: Play your favorite games on the desktop with the included controller.

Whats Included

Alienware Alpha Desktop - Intel Core i3 - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive
Power cable
Wireless Xbox 360 controller with USB adapter
Owner's manual

Customers are saying

Customers express satisfaction with the Alpha Desktop's performance and compact size, frequently praising its ease of use and good graphics. Many appreciate the affordability of the system, although some users mention that the hard drive speed could be improved and that the system may get warm during extended use. The small form factor is a recurring positive point, making it suitable for various applications. While some users suggest RAM upgrades for optimal performance, the overall experience is largely positive.

This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.

Customer Images

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Overall amazing experience
I went in store to purchase the base model when it was on sale. Add on the gift cards and rewards and I had and you could consider it as a Black Friday deal. The unit shipped to the store the next week, but was DOA. Luckily, I was able to exchange it at another BB location that had it in stock. On to the actual review: The computer itself has an amazingly small form factor. Definitely smaller than any current gen console and small form-factor computer. I'm not a hardcore gamer, so I initially bought it for the windows license to use Office for school. The console aspect was a nice bonus for me. It comes with AlphaUI, which is perfect for all your media needs. If you add the right stuff to it, you'll realize how much more value this little thing has. I decided to try out Steam to see its gaming capabilities and this thing packs a decent punch. NBA 2K15 ran well and the graphics look amazing, though the fans did crank up an audible notch. Other older games ran beautiful and smooth without putting the fan on overdrive. For the casual gamer, this exceeded my expectations. Like others mentioned, you should definitely switch out the 500gb HDD for and SSD and add another stick of ram (I put in an extra 4gb) and this thing will fly. There are YouTube videos that will show you how to do it. You don't need to switch anything out if you're just using it for windows, but it is well worth it to do so. Overall, I'm satisfied with the base model I bought, and the upgrades made me like this machine even more.
Posted 10 years ago by Dave
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Little Power House
I bought this instead of a XBOne or a PS4 because I wanted to have access to the wide variety of PC games. This little machine just rocks - it's able to play most recent vintage PC games at a high to very high graphics setting. The PC games themselves are very inexpensive compared to the console counterparts (I recently bought all three Bioshock games for about $10). Depending upon the game, the performance of the games meet or exceed that of either of the consoles. It comes with a XBox360 controller and on certain PC games that support the XBox controller, you'd be hard pressed to think that you are gaming on anything other than a console. The size of the machine is about half of that of the consoles and is quiet - which is a plus because I keep this on keyboard shelf at my desk. It's not one of those big machines you keep on the floor and will not get in the way. While this makes an excellent mid-level gaming machine, it also doubles as a Window 8.1 machine, so I am able to run MS Office and virtually any other PC programs out there. One word of warning - the standard spinning drive that come with the system is horrible. Get a SSD to replace it and watch the system fly!
Posted 10 years ago by Moosehead
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
great for pc gaming
I read many reviews before purchasing the i3 version of the Alienware Alpha. My expensive gaming laptop died (Asus G73) and I needed a cheap replacement fast. The price was right. I added a 480gb SSD and 16gb of memory and this little PC really does a fantastic job. Switching to Windows 10 was simple. I do plan on upgrading the processor at some point but am in no hurry. I can run most current games at High or Medium which definitely looks superior to the Xbox One/PS4 versions. (I know because I have both). So, if your new to PC gaming or just want to spend less, this would be a great PC for you. Also, you can find most PC games at a fraction of the cost of Console versions.
Posted 10 years ago by Tyson