Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2025 21:48:27 +0000

Alienware Aurora (ACT1250): Two-minute review

When the rebooted Alienware Aurora R16 launched some years ago, we praised it as a capable pre-built gaming desktop that balanced a unique design with capable performance.

This time around, the Alienware Aurora gaming desktop (ACT1250) brings the
same distinctive and compact design that feels more office-friendly, yet
still has that Alienware flair, thanks to its sleek aesthetic.

Starting at $1,399.99 / 1,699 / AU$2,798.40 , the Aurora delivers solid performance across the configuration stack, though higher-spec configurations will obviously see the best performance. It also features some really clever ventilation alongside easy access to its internals, though the interior is rather uninspiring.

For many, the proprietary motherboard and limited upgradability, once configured, are also slightly problematic.

All that said, one thing that just might make this the best gaming PC around
is the wide variety of configurations on offer, split between RTX 5060, RTX 5060 Ti, RTX 5070, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5080 GPUs, and Intel Core Ultra 7 and Core Ultra 9 CPUs, with lots of options for storage and memory.

My $2,049.99 / 2,148.98 / AU$3,699.30 review build came packed with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF, Nvidia RTX 5070, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD. Thats just enough for 1440p gaming at respectable frame rates, though our benchmarks showed that there hasnt been much of a framerate gain in many games over the Aurora R16 from 2023.

However, the latest models can play more recently released games like Doom:
The Dark Ages and Black Myth: Wukong at good frame rates if settings expectations are managed.

On the other hand, a game like Cyberpunk 2077 , which was already fairly old back in 2023, doesnt gain significant FPS with the 50-series GPU either,
unless you use multi-frame generation, which can sometimes introduce a distracting input latency under heavy load.

That said, the new RTX GPUs do feature better AI upscaling through DLSS 4,
and the Alienware Command Center app does help a bit when attempting to fine-tune performance.

Other customization options, such as the various RGB lighting settings for
the power button, light ring, and other lights, can be managed through the
app, too.

Right now, the Aurora R16 remains a striking desktop that blends futuristic design with solid performance, but its limited, post-purchase upgradability
and plain interior may disappoint enthusiasts. And while the new 50-series
GPUs bring improved AI upscaling and reliable 1440p gameplay, raw framerate gains over the previous generation are modest.

However, for gamers who prioritize style, customization, and dependable out-of-the-box performance, the Alienware Aurora gaming desktop (ACT1250)
still stands as one of the best pre-built options on the market. Alienware Aurora (ACT1250): Price & availability (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett) How much does it cost? Starting at $1,399.99 / 1,699 / AU$2,798.40

When is it available? It is on sale now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Alienware Aurora (ACT1250) gaming PC is available now in the US, UK, and Australia, starting at $1,399.99 / 1,699 / AU$2,798.40 .

My review configuration costs $2,099.99 / 2,198.98 / AU$3,749.30, and is
built for solid 1440p performance, though there are cheaper and more
expensive builds available that target 1080p and 4K gaming.

The cheapest option for US buyers is a rig featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 265F, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD for some quality 1080p gaming, while those looking for a more maxed-out gaming desktop can get an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, Nvidia RTX 5080, 64GB, and up to 8TB (2x4TB) SSD storage.

My review configuration is actually cheaper than the 2023 Aurora gaming
desktop that featured the mid-tiered 40-series of Nvidias GPU by around $100, so the price of the Aurora desktop hasn't really gone up.

Despite the new CPU and GPU, though, benchmarks arent necessarily better,
which means users could find a mid-tier 40-series version of the gaming
desktop somewhere for cheaper and get roughly the same native performance, so the biggest draw here is the multi-frame generation. Value: 4.5 / 5

Alienware Aurora (ACT1250): Specs Alienware Aurora (ACT1250) specs

Base configuration

Review configuration

Max configuration

Price

$1,399.99 / 1,699 / AU$2,798.40

$2,099.99 / 2048.99 / AU$3,498

$4,009.99 / 4,410.19 / AU$5,663.90

OS

Windows 11 Home

Windows 11 Home

Windows 11 Pro

CPU

Intel Core Ultra 7 265F

Intel Core Ultra 7 265F

Intel Core Ultra 9 285F

GPU

Nvidia RTX 5060

Nvidia RTX 5070

Nvidia RTX 5080

Memory

16GB DDR5-5200

32GB DDR5-5200 (16GB in Australia)

64GB DDR5-6400 (32GB DDR5-5200 in Australia)

SSD

1TB SSD

1TB SSD

2 x 4TB SSD (8TB total, 1TB in Australia)

PSU

500W

1000W

1000W

CPU Cooling

Air Cooler

240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

240mm AIO Liquid Cooler

Chassis

Solid side panel

Clear side panel

Clear side panel

With a wide array of configuration options on offer with the latest Nvidia
RTX 50-series and Intel Core Ultra 200-series chips, you won't have any
trouble configuring a system to your specific performance needs.

The lack of easy upgradability once you have the system in hand, though, does take away from the overall package, but for a prebuilt system, it's hard to beat. Specs: 4 / 5

Alienware Aurora (ACT1250): Design
No major design changes from last year's model. Plenty of
ventilation and easy access to internals. Rather boring internals make the glass panel less appealing.

The 2025 refresh of the Alienware Aurora gaming desktop carries forward the Alienware Aurora R16s familiar strengths and weaknesses, setting the stage
for its enhanced cooling and port design.

This includes the extensive cooling and ventilation system, which combines a side hexagonal array, top exhaust, and front stadium intake. According to Alienware, this makes the desktop around 20 percent quieter and about seven percent cooler than the Alienware Aurora R15 .

Beyond the looks is a rig that also offers plenty of ports in both the front and rear, which should serve users of all kinds, from content curators to the most serious gaming enthusiasts.

The front ports include a global 3.5mm headset jack, three USB-A ports, and
one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) with PowerShare technology. In the rear, theres
a line-in and line-out port, optical audio port, two USB-C ports, four USB-A ports, and a 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port. Unfortunately, theres no six-channel 3.5mm audio connection for those who want surround sound set-ups.

It doesnt help that the cramped space inside will make it difficult for
anyone who wants to add something like a sound card into the mix. That
extends to how hard itll be to upgrade to bigger GPUs in the future as well.
At least access to the inside is made easy through one simple screw and
latch.

All together, the latest Aurora gaming desktop keeps the sleek, futuristic
look of its predecessor while delivering improved cooling, quieter operation, and a wide range of ports. However, limited internal space and upgrade challenges remain its biggest drawbacks, making it best suited for gamers who prioritize style and ready-made performance over long-term expandability. Design: 4.5 / 5

Alienware Aurora (ACT1250): Performance
1440p performance doesnt significantly improve over the
40-series edition. Alienware Command Center can help fine-tune performance. Higher-spec or base-spec configurations provide a better value.

When looking at the performance of the latest iteration of the Alienware
Aurora gaming desktop, the 1440p performance of my review unit looks and
feels very impressive, but if you look back to the 2023 benchmarks on this system's predecessor, the refreshed CPU and GPU pairing doesnt translate into
a dramatic leap in raw power.

CPU benchmarks (comparison table in link below)

For instance, Cyberpunk 2077, which remains one of the most demanding titles despite its 2020 release, manages only about 16fps at native 4K on the older build, and with the new Core Ultra 7 and RTX 5070 combo, performance nudges only slightly higher to 17fps. That makes DLSS upscaling essential, though
even then, dont expect substantial gains in titles from the past couple of years.

In more recent tests, Senuas Saga: Hellblade II averaged below 30fps at 1440p max settings (rising to roughly 40-50fps with DLSS), while Doom: The Dark
Ages delivered 40-50fps with path tracing enabled.

Meanwhile, Forza Motorsport (2023) held a steady 60fps at 1440p with ray tracing on, maintaining the same level with DLSS active. One great thing
about the 50-series is that DLSS 4 does a much better job at preventing (or
at least greatly reducing) the ghosting effect that has plagued upscaling
tech since the beginning.

GPU benchmarks (comparison table in link below)

One factor that can boost CPU performance is the option to choose between air or liquid cooling, which not only supports higher frame rates but also helps extend the overall lifespan of the components.

Another way to boost frame rates is through the Alienware Command Center app that comes pre-installed. Here, users can customize settings for games,
change performance settings, and customize the RGB lighting too.

Gaming benchmarks (Average FPS) (comparison table in link below)

Outside of gaming, the Aurora R16 handles creative tasks with ease. It
smoothly manages Adobe Photoshop projects with multiple high-resolution
layers with no slowdown, while 10-minute 1080p videos in Premiere Pro render and export in seconds, and 4K projects finish within just a few minutes.

This makes it a reliable option not only for gamers but also for content creators who need a system that balances performance across both worlds.

Though the Alienware Aurora ACT1250 may not deliver a massive performance
leap over past generations, it refines the experience with smarter cooling, better DLSS support, and versatile software controls.

For gamers and creators alike, it remains a sleek, capable desktop that balances style with reliable all-around performance. Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Alienware Aurora (ACT1250)?
Alienware Aurora (ACT1250) gaming desktop scorecard

Notes

Score

Value

The Alienware Aurora ACT1250 balances style and power across a wide range of price points. For gamers who value design and performance over long-term upgrades, its an easy recommendation.

4.5 / 5

Specs

With a lot of configuration options available and the most up-to-date
hardware, you have a wide range of specs available with this PC. The proprietary motherboard and limited expandability isn't great though.

4 / 5

Design

Though there havent been any tweaks to the Aurora Desktop over the past
couple of years, it still stands out as something futuristic despite issues with the proprietary motherboard, which limits upgradability in areas.

4.5 / 5

Performance

Dont expect max settings at 1440p resolution without using DLSS upscaling, as native performance is good but not great compared to other mid-tier
offerings. Those who want 1080p and 4K performance will be satisfied on that end of the spectrum for sure.

4.5 / 5

Final Score

The refreshed Alienware Aurora ACT1250 gaming desktopremains a futuristic-looking gaming desktop that delivers solid 1080p and 4K
performance across price points, even if its mid-tier value and limited upgradability hold it back.

4.38 / 5

Buy the Alienware Aurora (ACT1250) if

You want a gaming desktop with a stunning design
The sleek compact design blending an all-black colorway with smart RGB
lighting feels so above whats out there with other gaming desktops, and its backed by smart ventilation.

You need specific spec options for 1080p, 1440p and 4K gaming
Regardless of what potential buyers are looking for, there are a wide variety of performance options split between CPU, GPU, RAM and storage. Despite utilizing the Nvidias new 50-series of graphic cards, the prices remain respectable.

Dont buy it if

You want a desktop with a bit more space
The more compact gaming desktop may look fantastic, but while finding space
for upgrades is possible, its limited.

You want the best 1440p performance
My benchmarks show that 1440p performance was only marginally better than the previous Aurora R16 with 40-series GPU, despite the upgrade to the newer RTX 5070.

Also Consider

If my Alienware Aurora (ACT1250) review has you considering other options,
here are two gaming desktops to consider...

NZXT Player PC (5070 Intel Edition)
With very similar specs to the Aurora ACT1250, the NZXT Player PC is a little cheaper than the Aurora PC I tested, but it has nowhere near the configurability of the Aurora either.

Lenovo Legion Tower 5 (2025)
The Lenovo Legion Tower 5 also features comparable specs to the Aurora
ACT1250, as well as a similar starting price and a good degree of configurability, but its smaller chassis likewise makes expandability a challenge.

How I tested the Alienware Aurora gaming desktop (ACT1250)

I tested it using games like Doom: The Dark
Ages , Ninja Gaiden Black II , Forza Motorsport (2023), and Senua's Saga: Hellblade II I ran TechRadar's standard suite of PC benchmarks I used
creative software like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro for long stretches

built-inOutside of the standard PC benchmarks I run for my reviews, including builkt-in gaming benchmarks in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong , I also tested modern games including Doom: The Dark Ages , Ninja Gaiden Black II , Forza Motorsport (2023) , and Senuas Saga: Hellblade II for its real-world gaming performance.

For day-to-day tasks, I used it as my day-to-day work PC for about two weeks, including extensive creative work through Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

First reviewed October 2025 ======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/gaming-pcs/alienware-aurora-act1250-gaming -desktop
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