this post was submitted on 06 Nov 2025
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Linux Gaming

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Should I buy an Alienware X51 r2 for 100$? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) by Dariusmiles2123@sh.itjust.works to c/linux_gaming@lemmy.world
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Hi everyone!

I have the opportunity to buy an Alienware x51 R2 from the early 2010’s for around 100$.

It would be used as a first Linux gaming pc for my 8 year old son.

I can’t know the exact specifications as the friend selling it doesn’t know them and uninstalled Windows on it so he can’t check the specs. I only know it has an i7 and was able to run some recent Call of Duty and Flught Simulator games.

I don’t know how much RAM it has (from 2 to 16gb apparently) and I know it has an Nvidia gpu but I don’t know which one. According to a website, it could be between a GTX660 and a GTX970.

What do you think? Should I give it a try or are these components not gonna be great for any Linux gaming for my son (Beam NG, Sonic All Stars Racing, games from the 2010’s, …)?

I also know old Nvdia cards have a bad reputation on Linux.

Thanks for your help

Edit: After some research and thanks to your answers, I won’t make the mistake of buying it

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[–] eldain@feddit.nl 7 points 3 weeks ago

I wouldn't. 10-15 years of age is a long time for silicon chips, it is a matter of time until some voltage regulator dies and gaming is a power intensive use that could easily overload the remaining chips. And these are the static parts, the hinges and fans could also spell trouble. Even if you can get it for free you should at least repaste the cooling and check and maybe replace the ssd. Linux... not sure if this laptop is from the igpu/gpu switching for powersavings era that spawned bumblebee and never worked really well but watch out you don't accidentally game on the igpu and you definitely need to use nvidias odd-supported legacy driver.