Alienware's gaming-oriented desktop PCs in the Area-51 lineup have undergone the second update in less than a week. Right after having introduced Nvidia's GeForce 9800 GX2 graphics card, the boutique PC builder added the Intel QX9770 Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processor.

The QX9770 quad-core processor is built on the new 45-nanometer micro-architecture and is currently world's most powerful processor commercially available. The chip features improved thermal management and increased energy efficiency, which would result in even more silent gaming and multimedia experiences.

"Alienware is about empowering our customers by providing the highest performing, most versatile computers possible," says Marc Diana, product marketing manager for Alienware. "Incorporating the Intel QX9770 processor into our award-winning Area-51 desktop is just one more example of how Alienware is at the forefront of cutting-edge PC technology."

Targeted at high-end desktop computer users and hardcore gamers, the Area-51 lineup is the most robust gaming platform to wear the Alienware brand. The chip comes with an 1600 MHz front side bus and full support for the DDR3 memory clocked at 2000 MHz. The processor works flawlessly with motherboards built on Nvidia's nForce790i chipset and delivers cutting edge computing performance for the most resource-intensive applications.

Intel's QX9770 quad-core processor comes with 12 MB of L2 cache and is expected to be the last high-end addition to the Yorkfield family, immediately followed by the upcoming Nehalem chips, slated for mass availability later this year.

However, don't expect to get the new quad-core powerhorse for free. The new processor is available as an option and will squeeze another $1,160 off your wallet. The Area-51 gaming desktop PCs can be purchased for a starting price of $1,399, but full-options configurations sell for more than $7700.