Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe Alienware Aurora R8 is a compact-for-a-mid-tower gaming desktop with unusually easy access for upgrades, but it is not a small-form-factor PC—and its age means buying one today only makes sense if the exact components, condition, and price line up. RTX 2080 versions delivered strong 1080p performance and playable results in the tested 4K games, while less expensive R8 configurations used substantially weaker graphics.
What the Alienware Aurora R8 is—and how compact it is
The Aurora R8 is a mid-tower gaming desktop, not a miniature or small-form-factor system. Dell lists it at 472.5 mm (18.60 in.) high at the rear, 212 mm (8.34 in.) wide, and 360.5 mm (14.19 in.) deep, with a maximum weight of 14.82 kg (32.67 lb). That makes it relatively compact for its class, though Tom’s Hardware characterized it as chunkier than competing systems. Check your desk, shelf, and route through doorways against those measurements before buying. Dell’s R8 specifications provide the official dimensions and maximum weight.
Its angular, UFO-inspired enclosure has configurable RGB lighting and ventilation across the front, side, and top. The styling is distinctive, but the meaningful design advantage is inside: Dell’s release lever opens the side panel, and a hinged power-supply assembly swings outward to expose core components. Tom’s Guide’s review describes that access; Tom’s Hardware’s review notes that some internal parts remain awkward to reach.
Which Aurora R8 configuration should you look for?
“Aurora R8” describes a range of configurations, not one fixed level of gaming performance. RTX models commonly combine 9th-generation Intel processors with RTX 2060-, RTX 2070-, or RTX 2080-class graphics. CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and cooling can vary, so identify the precise parts in the listing rather than relying on the model name or case appearance.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Core i7 Processor: 9th Gen Intel Core i7 9700 processor for fast performance.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070: Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card for crisp visuals.
- 16GB DDR4 Memory: 16GB of DDR4 memory provides smooth multitasking.
- 256GB Solid State Drive: Fast 256GB solid state drive for quick load times.
- Windows 10 Home: Pre-installed Windows 10 Home operating system.
| Historical configuration | Key components | 2019 launch-era price |
|---|---|---|
| Tom’s Guide entry model | Core i5-8400, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB hard drive, Radeon RX 560X | $839 / £800 starting price, as reported by Tom’s Guide |
| Tom’s Guide RTX 2060 model | Core i7-9700K, RTX 2060, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, 1 TB hard drive | $1,799, as reported by Tom’s Guide |
| Tom’s Guide tested RTX 2080 build | Core i7-9700K, RTX 2080, 32 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, 2 TB hard drive | $3,064, as reported by Tom’s Guide |
| Tom’s Hardware tested RTX 2080 system | Core i9-9700K, RTX 2080, 32 GB RAM, 512 GB NVMe SSD, 2 TB hard drive | $2,624.99, as reported by Tom’s Hardware |
| HotHardware RTX configurations | RTX systems; exact parts vary by configuration | From $2,159.99; its configured sample was $3,014.99 |
These are historical prices from 2019 coverage, not current offers or guidance on what a used system is worth. The reported configurations and launch pricing come from Tom’s Guide, Tom’s Hardware, and HotHardware.
How it performs in games
Historical testing shows what an RTX 2080-equipped R8 could do, not what every Aurora R8 will deliver. On Tom’s Guide’s tested RTX 2080 system, Shadow of the Tomb Raider ran at 88 fps and Grand Theft Auto V at 97 fps at 1080p with maximum settings. In the two tested 4K game scenarios, the system recorded 30 fps in each. It scored 6,036 in 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra and received a perfect 11 in the SteamVR Performance Test.
Rank #2
- Intel Core i7 8700K (6-Core/12-thread, 12MB Cache, up to 4.7GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology)
- 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 up to 64GB, (additional memory sold separately)
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080, 8GB GDDR6
- 256 GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Boot + 2 TB 7200 RPM SATA HDD 6GB/s storage
Tom’s Hardware ran Metro Exodus 15 times on its RTX 2080 configuration and reported a 55.6 fps average. In that test, the CPU averaged 53.2 °C and the GPU 76.3 °C. These results are tied to the reviewers’ particular systems and test conditions; an R8 with a different graphics card, processor, or cooling setup should not be assumed to match them. The underlying reviews are Tom’s Guide’s Aurora R8 testing and Tom’s Hardware’s Aurora R8 testing.
Can you upgrade the Aurora R8?
Yes. Tool-free access is the R8’s clearest practical strength. Pull the side-panel release lever, then swing the hinged power supply out of the way to reach the graphics card, memory, and drives. This arrangement makes common component access easier than on many tightly packed desktops, though it does not make every internal part equally accessible; Tom’s Hardware notes that a few components are difficult to reach.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Legend perfected: Modern design with a matte basalt black finish in an optimized chassis with customizable AlienFX lighting zones, including the striking stadium lighting.
- Game changing graphics: Step into the future of gaming and creation with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics, powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture.
- Marathon gaming unlocked: This high-performance technology ensures clean energy is consistently available, unleashing the top-level power of Intel Core Ultra 7 265F processor as you game, livestream, and multi-task for hours on end.
- Total command: Alienware Command Center software allows you to create and edit AlienFX lighting across the ecosystem, choose and monitor your performance mode across distinct power states, and create custom gaming profiles for your whole library.
- Dell Services: 1 Year Onsite Service provides support when and where you need it. Dell will come to your home, office, or location of choice, if an issue covered by Limited Hardware Warranty cannot be resolved remotely.
The front connections reported by Tom’s Guide include three USB 3.1 Type-A ports and one USB-C port. The rear panel provides additional USB connections, Ethernet, optical audio, and coaxial audio connections. Confirm the ports on the specific unit before purchase, particularly if a listing uses stock photos or does not show its rear panel. See Tom’s Guide’s review for its port and access descriptions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before buying a used Aurora R8
Because the R8 is a family of older configurations, a fair comparison starts with the parts and the system’s condition—not its original retail price or RTX branding alone. Ask the seller for the exact specification and clear photos, then check:
Rank #4
- Legend perfected: Modern design with a matte "basalt black" finish in an optimized chassis with customizable AlienFX lighting zones, including the striking stadium lighting.
- Game changing graphics: Step into the future of gaming and creation with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060Ti graphics, powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture.
- Marathon gaming unlocked: This high-performance technology ensures clean energy is consistently available, unleashing the top-level power of Intel Core Ultra processor 7 265F as you game, livestream, and multi-task for hours on end.
- Total command: Alienware Command Center software allows you to create and edit AlienFX lighting across the ecosystem, choose and monitor your performance mode across distinct power states, and create custom gaming profiles for your whole library.
- Dell Services: 1 Year Onsite Service provides support when and where you need it. Dell will come to your home, office, or location of choice, if an issue covered by Limited Hardware Warranty cannot be resolved remotely.
- GPU and CPU: Verify the precise graphics card and processor. RTX 2060, RTX 2070, and RTX 2080-class machines are not interchangeable in performance.
- Memory and storage: Confirm installed RAM and whether storage includes an SSD, a hard drive, or both; capacity and type differed even among reviewed systems.
- Power supply and fit: Confirm PSU wattage and the physical clearance available for any intended replacement graphics card. The model name alone does not establish either detail.
- Cooling and noise: Ask about fan behavior under load and listen for unusual noise if possible. Tom’s Hardware called the system bulky, and Tom’s Guide cautioned that fans can become loud.
- Access and condition: Check that the release lever, side panel, and hinged power-supply assembly work, and inspect for dust, damage, or signs of poor maintenance.
- Total cost: Compare the asking price with the exact components and factor in any needed repairs or upgrades. Historical launch prices are not a reliable measure of today’s used-market value.
A used Aurora R8 is most compelling when it has a clearly identified, suitable GPU and CPU, is in sound condition, and costs less than a newer alternative that meets the same needs. If a listing omits key specifications or the machine’s condition is uncertain, the model name is not enough to make the purchase a safe bet.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Legend perfected: Modern design with a matte "basalt black" finish in an optimized chassis with customizable AlienFX lighting zones, including the striking stadium lighting.
- Game changing graphics: Step into the future of gaming and creation with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics, powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture.
- Marathon gaming unlocked: This high-performance technology ensures clean energy is consistently available, unleashing the top-level power of Intel Core Ultra 9 processor as you game, livestream, and multi-task for hours on end.
- 240mm heat exchanger: The 240mm heat exchanger, available on the optional CPU liquid cooling, heightens thermal resistance, ensuring temperatures stay consistently low during longer gaming sessions.
- Total command: Alienware Command Center software allows you to create and edit AlienFX lighting across the ecosystem, choose and monitor your performance mode across distinct power states, and create custom gaming profiles for your whole library.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
