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Core specs and gaming performance
This model uses an Intel Core Ultra 9 285 with 20 cores, 76 MB total cache, and boost clocks up to 5.6 GHz, giving very strong single‑core and multi‑core performance for gaming and demanding workloads. Graphics are handled by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 16 GB GDDR7, Alienware’s current top‑tier option in this line, positioned above the previous RTX 4080‑class builds in raw capability. In independent reviews, an Ultra 9 285 + RTX 5080 setup with 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD is reported as “enough for 1440p and some 4K gaming at respectable frame rates,” even if the uplift over an RTX 4080 system is modest in some titles.
The system ships with 32 GB DDR5‑5200 in dual‑channel (2×16 GB), which is more than sufficient for modern games, streaming, and heavy multitasking. Storage is a 1 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, giving very fast boot and load times; the platform also exposes two M.2 slots supporting up to 8 TB total SSD storage plus a 3.5″ bay and caddy if you want to add a hard drive later.
Cooling, power and chassis
CPU cooling is handled by a 240 mm liquid cooler, which helps keep the Ultra 9’s boost clocks high under sustained gaming or rendering while reducing fan noise compared with small air coolers. Power is supplied by a 1000 W 80+ Platinum rated PSU, giving excellent efficiency and plenty of headroom for the RTX 5080 and future expansions. The ACT1250 variant comes with a clear side panel in Alienware’s Legend 3 design, emphasizing airflow improvements and lower acoustics while showing off the internals and RGB lighting controllable via Alienware Command Center.
Connectivity and expandability
Networking is modern: configurations with this CPU/GPU combo include 2.5 GbE LAN plus Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4, so you get high‑bandwidth wired and wireless options suitable for competitive gaming, streaming, and large downloads. Rear I/O covers USB‑A, USB‑C, audio, Ethernet, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs from the RTX 5080, plus digital audio such as SPDIF on some boards, giving ample connectivity for multiple monitors and peripherals. Internally, the spare M.2 slots and 3.5″ bay make it straightforward to add more storage without replacing the existing 1 TB SSD.
Who this Aurora ACT1250 is for
This configuration targets users who want top‑tier prebuilt performance rather than budget value: high‑refresh 1440p or mixed 1440p/4K gaming, VR, and simultaneous streaming are all well within scope. It is also well‑suited to workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking thanks to the Ultra 9 285’s core count, 32 GB DDR5 and fast NVMe storage. If your use case is mostly 1080p esports, this is overkill; but if you want a long‑lived, quiet, showcase desktop with strong performance and minimal tinkering, this ACT1250 spec is one of Alienware’s most capable current Aurora builds
