Alienware X51
Specification and Upgrade Options
The Alienware X51 is a specialized gaming machine engineered to deliver gaming performance in a space-saving design. Released in 2011, it combines the H61 chipset and 3th gen Intel Core processors and up to 8GB of DIMM DDR3-1333 memory. Unlike standard office PCs, this model was built with thermal headroom and slot spacing to accommodate dedicated graphics hardware right out of the box.
This form factor is similar in size as the business SFF class, but has no internal power supply. There is less space compared to the larger Mid Tower, but it is still easily upgradable. The Small Gaming chassis has the space for a full size GPU.
Can you upgrade Alienware X51 to play games?
Yes, Alienware X51 is a gaming machine pre-assembled with dictated graphics card. You can easily play games and upgrade it with better hardware components. Processors, memory modules, and storage devices are easy to install. However, these PCs sometime have proprietary elements like the power supply unit, the chassis or the power connector, which can make it difficult for users to install aftermarket PSUs to support better GPUs.
Does Alienware X51 support Windows 11?
No, Alienware X51 does not meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements. According to Windows 11 specification, all models with Intel 7th Gen CPU or older are not officially supported. Processor with TPM 2.0 and a UEFI Secure boot BIOS is also required in order to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 through Windows Update.
However, anyone with PC that does not pass the upgrade test can download the official Windows 11 ISO, make a bootable flash drive, and install the OS manually.
Processor
The Alienware X51 supports Gen3 Intel Core technology on a H61 chipset. 3rd generation Intel Core CPUs (Ivy Bridge) offer modest efficiency and performance improvements over Sandy Bridge. Performance depends heavily on the installed CPU model. Higher-end variants are suitable for office work, software development, light virtualization, and basic homelab usage. Entry-level emulation works well, while more demanding emulation (such as PS3) is only feasible on top-tier SKUs and remains limited.
Best CPUs for Alienware X51 upgrade:
| Model | Cores (Threads) | Base frequency | Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core i5 3550 | 4(4) | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| Core i7 3750 | 4(4) | 3.4 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| Core i7 3770 | 4(8) | 3.4 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
GPU upgrade
Alienware X51 is a gaming computer and comes assembled with a dedicated graphics card. According to the specification the best possible GPU you can use with it is GeForce GTX 1650 Super. You can upgrade Alienware X51 graphics card, but you should select a model that requires 330 W or less.
GPU upgrade options for Alienware X51 with the stock 330W power supply:
| GPU | Power consumption | Memory | Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super | 130 W | 6 GB DDR6 | *SATA to PCIe adapter |
| NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti | 125 W | 6 GB DDR6 | *SATA to PCIe adapter |
| NVIDIA GTX 1070 | 145 W | 8 GB DDR5 | *Dual SATA to PCIe adapter |
| NVIDIA RTX 3050 | 130 W | 8 GB DDR6 | *Dual SATA to PCIe adapter |
Please note that upgrading to a more power-hungry GPU requires a better PSU. However, in most cases, this may not be possible because most OEM pre-built PCs have motherboards that use a proprietary power connector. Nevertheless, this problem can be solved by using a power adapter. The more challenging problem arises when the model has a non-standard chassis or power supply, in which case upgrading the PSU becomes much harder.
Memory
Alienware X51 supports up to 8 GB of DIMM DDR3-1333 RAM across two DIMM slots, with memory speeds up to 1333 MT/s and dual-channel support depending on the installed configuration.
Actual supported memory capacity and memory channels may vary depending on the installed CPU and chipset.
Typical Alienware X51 memory configurations include 8 GB for everyday productivity and 16 GB for gaming, heavier multitasking, or professional workloads.
Wi-Fi Support
Alienware X51 doesn't come with any on-board Wi-Fi support. In that case, you have two options to upgrade this model with Wi-Fi. You either use an external USB Wi-Fi adapter (wireless network dongle) or a PCIe-based wireless adapter.
The USB dongle is much more convenient and easy to install, but has less space for a decent antenna and can have thermal problems. On the other hand, the PCIe based adapter is much more powerful, more reliable, and has better antenna, but it is harder to install.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless adapter upgrades for Alienware X51:
| Model | Speed | Frequency | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi 6E (Gig+) Kit | 3000 Mbit/s | 2.4GHz / 5GHz | NGFF M.2 A/E Key |
| Rekong AX210 | 3000 Mbit/s | 2.4GHz / 5GHz | NGFF M.2 A/E Key |
| Gigabyte GC-Wbax200 | 2400 Mbit/s | 2.4GHz / 5GHz | PCIe |
| TP-Link Archer TX50E | 2400 Mbit/s | 2.4GHz / 5GHz | PCIe |
| TP-Link Archer T9UH | 1300 Mbit/s | 2.4GHz / 5GHz | USB 3.0 |
Ports
Alienware X51 provides a fixed set of external I/O ports for connecting peripherals and displays. Port availability and versions determine supported data transfer speeds and display capabilities.
USB ports
Alienware X51 includes eight USB ports in total in the following configuration - (2x) USB 3.0 Type A; (6x) USB-A 2.0; with no USB 3.1 ports available.
Video ports
Alienware X51 does not include a DisplayPort output.
HDMI output is provided via one HDMI 1.4 port.
Motherboard video outputs require a CPU with integrated graphics. Systems equipped with a dedicated GPU must use the video ports on the graphics card instead.
SSD storage - M.2 sockets and SATA ports
The Alienware X51 comes with four SATA port(s) for connecting storage devices.
Unfortunately, the Alienware X51 has no M.2 PCIe soket and you have to rely on the available SATA ports to connect your drives.
The M.2 PCIe SSD connector in combination with an NVMe drive allows for higher transfer rates, compared to the old SATA interface. In some situations, NVMe device connected to the M.2 PCIe socket can be more than 5 times faster.
*Keep in mind that some M.2 connectors may not support SATA SSDs. Check the motherboard manual to confirm compatibility.
Power Supply
The Alienware X51 comes with a 330 Watt PSU. Having a power supply with high power rating is important, especially if you are doing upgrade with addtional components, like dedicated GPU and more HDDs. Will this 330 W be enough, it all depends on your specific use. Please keep in mind that some models might have more than one PSU option. Whenever possible get the most powerful one, as it might make future upgrades easier.
