Alienware Alpha R2 Review: Big Screen Gaming In A Little Package
Throughout all of our benchmarking and testing, we also monitored how much power the Alpha R2 consumed using a power meter. Our goal was to give you an idea as to how much power each configuration used while idling and while under a heavy workload. Please keep in mind that we were testing total system power consumption at the outlet.
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To measure the Alpha R2's idle power consumption, we booted up the system and let it sit for several minutes, ensuring that all startup tasks had fully completed. Once the system settled down, it idled at 21W. That's not the best we've seen from a mini PC, but it's certainly very good and is slightly improved over the previous generation Alpha.
After letting the Alpha R2 sit idle long enough to record an accurate measurement, we cranked the dial to 11 by loading up Prime95 and Furmark, a potentially dangerous combination if used in tandem carelessly. The two programs had the CPU and GPU running a full load. We waited until the wattage stopped climbing, which was at 146W where it held steady for an extended period of time. That's the most of any mini PC compared here, though the Alpha R2 is also one of the few running a discrete GPU.
Alpha R2 Noise Profile
When browsing the web or otherwise putting a light load on the Alpha R2, there's a constant soft whir from the fans to the keep the CPU and GPU cool. But as soon as you start taxing the system, the two blowers inside work ferociously to keep the core components from overheating. You won't hear them over the blasts of gunfire from your headphones, but if you're using speakers, the fans definitely make their presence known during quieter scenes.
