Is there a better alternative?

The closest competitor to the Alienware Aurora R8 is HP’s Omen Obelisk. Since we last reviewed the Obelisk, HP had made some notable changes to the 2019 model that makes it more competitive with the Aurora R8. Like the Aurora, this year’s Omen Obelisk can be configured with the same choices of 9th-generation Intel processors, and the PC can be configured with up to an RTX 2080 graphics card. Even though HP doesn’t ship the Omen Obelisk with two graphics cards, the tower does support it. An Omen Obelisk that’s similarly configured to our Aurora R8 review unit would cost $3,223, making the Aurora the more affordable option.

　　Origin PC’s Neuron is a great alternative if you want customization. The Neuron feels more modern with its all-metal construction and glass window design. The Neuron is as compact as it is powerful, making this gaming rig an excellent choice for gamers and designers who need to maximize desk space. Like the R8, the Neuron supports up to two graphics cards, but power users can extend this PC’s performance with an 18-core Intel Core i9-9980XE processor, making it a workstation replacement. And while the Aurora R8 tops out with dual-RTX 2080 graphics, users have the option of dual-RTX 2080 Ti graphics on the Neuron. When similarly configured to our R8 review unit, the Origin PC costs upwards of $2,700.

　　

How long will it last?

The Aurora R8 will last at least five years. The flexible case design – although made of opaque plastic – will help keep this gaming PC fresh years down the road, allowing you to make DIY upgrades in the future.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes, the Alienware Aurora R8 is a solid gaming PC that offers excellent performance for its price.

　　If you’re on the hunt for a discount, then consider checking out the best gaming PC deals and desktop computer deals we found online.