Alienware Aurora R14 vs Alienware Aurora R12
When it comes to high-performance gaming desktops, Alienware has long been a trusted name. In this comparison, we’ll pit the Alienware Aurora R14 against its predecessor, the Aurora R12, to help you decide which powerhouse is right for your gaming needs. Both offer impressive specifications and cutting-edge technology, but there are some key differences that could sway your decision.
Main Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Alienware Aurora R14 | Alienware Aurora R12 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 5900 (4.7 GHz) | Intel Core i7-11700F (2.5 GHz) |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 3466MHz | 16GB DDR4 3200MHz |
| Storage | 1TB SSD + 2TB HDD | 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 10GB GDDR6X | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8GB GDDR6X |
| Weight | 36.4 pounds | 39.7 pounds |
| Dimensions | 23.2 x 8.86 x 20.1 inches | 17 x 8.77 x 18.96 inches |
Processor Comparison
| Feature | Alienware Aurora R14 | Alienware Aurora R12 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Model | Ryzen 9 5900 | Core i7-11700F |
| Clock Speed | 4.7 GHz | 2.5 GHz |
| Cores | 12 | 8 |
RAM Comparison
| Feature | Alienware Aurora R14 | Alienware Aurora R12 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 32GB | 16GB |
| Speed | 3466MHz | 3200MHz |
| Type | DDR4 | DDR4 |
Storage Comparison
| Feature | Alienware Aurora R14 | Alienware Aurora R12 |
|---|---|---|
| SSD Capacity | 1TB | 512GB |
| HDD Capacity | 2TB | 1TB |
| HDD Speed | 7200 RPM | Not specified |
Graphics Comparison
| Feature | Alienware Aurora R14 | Alienware Aurora R12 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
| VRAM | 10GB GDDR6X | 8GB GDDR6X |
Body Comparison
| Feature | Alienware Aurora R14 | Alienware Aurora R12 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 36.4 pounds | 39.7 pounds |
| Dimensions | 23.2 x 8.86 x 20.1 inches | 17 x 8.77 x 18.96 inches |
| Color | Dark Side | Lunar Light White |
Comms & Sensors
| Feature | Alienware Aurora R14 | Alienware Aurora R12 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Not specified | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Not specified |
| USB Ports | 4 USB 2.0, 7 USB 3.0 | Not specified |
Benchmarks and Gaming Capabilities
| Game | Alienware Aurora R14 | Alienware Aurora R12 |
|---|---|---|
| PUBG | Excellent (140+ FPS at 1440p) | Very Good (100+ FPS at 1440p) |
| GTA 5 | Excellent (120+ FPS at 1440p) | Very Good (90+ FPS at 1440p) |
| Call of Duty | Excellent (150+ FPS at 1440p) | Very Good (110+ FPS at 1440p) |
| Tekken 8 | Excellent (60+ FPS at 4K) | Very Good (60 FPS at 1440p) |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Excellent (80+ FPS at 1440p) | Good (60+ FPS at 1440p) |
Alienware Aurora R14 vs Alienware Aurora R12 Comparison Description
The Alienware Aurora R14 and R12 are both powerful gaming desktops, but they cater to different segments of the market. The R14, with its AMD Ryzen 9 5900 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, is clearly positioned as the more powerful option. It offers superior performance across the board, from processing power to graphics capabilities.
The R14’s 32GB of faster RAM and larger storage capacity (1TB SSD + 2TB HDD) provide a significant advantage for users who run memory-intensive applications or need ample space for their game library. The R12, while still a capable machine with its Intel Core i7-11700F and RTX 3060 Ti, is more suited for gamers who don’t need the absolute highest performance and are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
In terms of design, the R14 is slightly larger but lighter than the R12. Both feature Alienware’s signature aesthetic, with the R14 in a sleek “Dark Side” color and the R12 in “Lunar Light White”. The R12 has the advantage of Wi-Fi 6 support, which isn’t specified for the R14, potentially offering better wireless connectivity.
Comparison Features
- Processor: R14 offers more cores and higher clock speed
- Graphics: R14’s RTX 3080 outperforms R12’s RTX 3060 Ti
- Memory: R14 has double the RAM capacity and faster speed
- Storage: R14 provides more SSD and HDD space
- Cooling: R14 features liquid cooling for better thermal performance
- Connectivity: R12 specifies Wi-Fi 6 support
- Power Supply: R12 comes with a 1000W PSU, suitable for upgrades
Comparison Rating & Review
Alienware Aurora R14: 9/10 – An exceptional gaming powerhouse with top-tier components, suitable for hardcore gamers and content creators who demand the best performance.
Alienware Aurora R12: 8/10 – A solid high-performance gaming PC that offers great value for those who want a balance between power and price.
Comparison FAQs
Q: Which Alienware Aurora model is better for 4K gaming?
A: The Alienware Aurora R14 with its RTX 3080 is better equipped for 4K gaming, offering higher frame rates and better overall performance.
Q: Can I upgrade the components in these Alienware desktops?
A: Yes, both models allow for component upgrades, but the R12’s 1000W PSU may offer more headroom for future GPU upgrades.
Q: Is the price difference between the R14 and R12 justified?
A: For users who need the extra performance, especially for tasks like 4K gaming or content creation, the R14’s price premium is justified. For 1080p or 1440p gaming, the R12 offers excellent value.
Q: Which model is better for streaming?
A: The Alienware Aurora R14, with its 12-core processor and more powerful GPU, is better suited for gaming and streaming simultaneously.
Q: Do these models support VR gaming?
A: Yes, both the R14 and R12 are VR-ready, but the R14 will provide a smoother VR experience due to its more powerful components.
