The Alienware Aurora R16 is the latest release in the company’s line of Aurora gaming PCs. Still, unlike its predecessor, the Alienware Aurora R15, the Aurora R16 doesn’t look like much of a gaming machine. Sporting an ultra-futuristic Legend 3 design, this PC’s design is decidedly minimalist, meaning you can use it for gaming, and won’t look out of place on your office desk.
Beyond the subdued look, it packs the power where it counts, and it’s available in various configurations to match any budget and use needs. You can configure the Aurora R16 with the latest Intel processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs. And with its advanced cooling tech, you won’t have any heating problems no matter the configuration you choose.
Our review unit features an Intel Core i9-14900F processor, Nvidia RTX 4070 Super graphics card, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD + 1TB HDD storage options. As mentioned, the Aurora R16 is available in various configurations for various regions, but the design remains unchanged overall. So, how does the Alienware Aurora R16 stack up against other high-end gaming machines out there? Let’s find out.
Alienware Aurora R16 Specs
- Processor: Intel Core i9-14900F
- RAM: 32 GB
- Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Ports: USB-A, USB-C, 3.5 mm audio, Ethernet, DisplayPort, HDMI, SPDIF, surround sound
- Size: 18 x 16.5 x 7.7 inches
- Weight: 33.8 pounds
Design and Features
The Aurora R16 is the first machine to sport Alienware’s Legend 3 design, a significant departure from the bolder aesthetics of the Aurora R15. It features a sleeker and more conventional mid-tower chassis that’s 40% smaller than its predecessor, with a 25-liter capacity. This compact build improves desk compatibility and maintains the ability to house high-end components like the RTX 40 Series GPUs.
While still a gaming rig through and through, the rather plain black case with modest RGB lighting and a single clear side panel creates a PC that’s a gaming powerhouse but still a perfect fit for the office. It’s impressive how little space it takes up on a desk and how easy it is to move around than previous models.
To a larger extent, I do enjoy the gaming flair of Alienware’s gaming desktops, but all that’s lost here; instead, you’re getting a more professional look, although the interior is set up pretty much like any other Alienware gaming machine. The build also includes improved cable management with lots of vents on the top and sides of the chassis for seamless airflow, along with the 240mm liquid cooling system on the inside.
Port selection is excellent, with the case offering enough ports for all your peripherals. There are four USB 3.2 Gen Type-A ports, three USB 3.2 Type-C ports, one audio jack, two SPDIF digital outputs, one side surround output, one rear surround output, one center/subwoofer output, one Ethernet port, one line out port, and one line in port.
Performance
Most gaming PCs nowadays not only perform well with high-end PC titles but are configured to double as productivity and creative/editing workhorses. The Alienware Aurora R16, with its minimalist design and powerful hardware, fits right into that class.
Our Aurora R16 review unit has an Intel Core i9-14900F processor (24 cores), an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super (12GB), and 32GB of RAM (two 16GB sticks of DDR5 running in dual-channel) mode and 1TB SSD + 1TB HDD storage. Playing Cyberpunk 2077 at 3840 x 2160 at the Ray Tracing preset with DLSS frame generation, the R16 averages 76-87 fps indoors and low-90 outdoors. The game is highly playable, and it’s free of any noticeable lagging or performance spikes.
Cyberpunk 2077 presents the biggest challenge to gaming PCs due to its extensive use of high-res textures, long draw distances, and extreme ray tracing effects in the Ultra RT mode. Still, the Aurora R16 can exceed 60 fps at 1080p for both its average and minimum frame rates, even without utilizing DLSS. Bumping to 1440p at the same settings, the system remains steady, which is not possible with most midrange gaming PC in the market.
The Aurora R16 can take advantage of its upscaling technology to improve frame rates, and it supports DLSS 3.0, too. With the latter enabled, the R16 can exceed an average of 100fps at 1080p Ultra and 71fps at 1440p, which are both fantastic results.
With excellent performance in Cyberpunk 2077, there’s no doubt that the Aurora R16 holds well in other games as well. Whether you’re gaming at 1080p or 1440p, the system performs well in Total War: Warhammer 3, maintaining 60fps and above at 1440p.
This means gamers could go for a 4K resolution on this system if they’re playing less graphically demanding games, or if they’re willing to tone down some settings or don’t mind playing a little under 60 fps. Most importantly, the performance from the GXiVR8080A38 is consistent, with just a few variances between games.
Finally, with an Intel Core i9-14900F processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD + 1TB HDD, this is a balanced system for almost any kind of usage, including content creation, 3D modeling, and pretty everything else, though the storage drive may fill up quickly with too many games or raw videos. We’ve seen up to 4TB storage on top-tier gaming PCs, but you have some wiggle room to expand your storage and RAM if needed.
Alienware Aurora R16 Review: Verdict
The Alienware Aurora R16 is a refreshed update to the already spectacular Aurora line of gaming PCs. However, in addition to the power and function it brings along, the newer industrial design is much welcome: It looks sleek, smaller, and more compact than previous models, making it a perfect fit for any work environment. And with the powerful components you can configure it with, you can pack plenty of power under the hood.
In addition to the newer design, Alienware’s new cooling tech allows this machine to run super cool and quiet, eliminating the heating bottlenecks in previous models. The only complaint, maybe, is that Dell doesn’t sell a truly budget model yet. Still, there’s an RTX 4060 base model that’s well-priced, but as you stack up more power, the cost also moves up.
Overall, the Alienware Aurora R16 is one great rendition of an already stellar Aurora line of gaming PCs. It does everything well for a decent price and looks beautiful; it earns our Editors’ Choice for mainstream midrange gaming desktops.
Recommended Configuration
Alienware Aurora R16 Liquid Cooled Gaming Desktop - Intel Core i9-14900F Processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD + 1TB HDD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER 12GB GDDR6X, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Black
3 used from $2,855.51
The Review
Alienware Aurora R16
The Alienware Aurora R16 is a strong choice for gamers seeking high performance and quieter operation in a compact, hassle-free design. It’s great for hybrid workers who need a gaming PC that can double up for home or work use.
PROS
- Stellar performance
- Excellent cooling
- Lots of ports
- New compact design
CONS
- Can be pricey
- Proprietary power supply
Review Breakdown
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ARS SCORE
