Alienware M18x system specs

[scotteee]

Hey Guys,

This started out as me wanting something to do my business work on while at home and just having my gaming/benching computer in sig for gaming and benching

But as always i get carried away clicking every option under the sun, spend an hour on the dell website and then end up at this system. Got a little distracted from the "business" laptop route :P.

Just after some advise on specs, i'm out of the loop when it comes to laptops, never have really been into them, i just know i like good specs and high speed,

Question is this just an outright waste of money for the specs?, actually wait everything i do is, the question i should ask is this worth the money they're asking or am i better off going another brand?

My main reasoning behind the higher spec is if i'm benching or kill my other computer for what ever reason (tends to happen often) i would like the laptop to be able to plug into my dell 3008wfp and play most of my games reasonably ok, from TF2 to BF3



Thanks in advance

Scotty

[hippyhippy]

Thats an expensive backup rig. My only problem with laptops is they get too hot for gaming. I run an m17xr2. Other than that it will depreciate really fast.

[2SHY]

I read in an Anandtech review of the M18xR1 that the SLI/Crossfire X graphics options are not worth as is the upgraded CPU. The base will do what you want unless you want to buy the high end laptop. Further savings could be had by installing your own SSD.

[scotteee]

Originally Posted by hippyhippy

Thats an expensive backup rig. My only problem with laptops is they get too hot for gaming. I run an m17xr2. Other than that it will depreciate really fast.

The more reading i do, i hear this also, is it a huge issue?

Originally Posted by 2SHY

I read in an Anandtech review of the M18xR1 that the SLI/Crossfire X graphics options are not worth as is the upgraded CPU. The base will do what you want unless you want to buy the high end laptop. Further savings could be had by installing your own SSD.

So go a base model and upgrade the ssd myself? this would be the smarter idea as from my reading even the base model will do a pretty good job, those cpus are 6 core arent they same as my 3930k?

[2SHY]

Originally Posted by scotteee

So go a base model and upgrade the ssd myself? this would be the smarter idea as from my reading even the base model will do a pretty good job, those cpus are 6 core arent they same as my 3930k?

Just a higher clock speed is all the difference really.

[SmolderinCorpse]

Wow 5 grand. Think its really worth that much?

I just bought myself a nice laptop under 2.5 grand from LBO

Specs listed:

Horize P150EM Clevo Notebook
Intel Ivy Bridge Processor : Intel Ivy
Bridge i7-3610QM
Graphics Card : AMD 7970M
Memory : 16GB 1600Mhz RAM
Hard Disk 1 :750GB 7200rpm
mSATA Drive : OCZ Nocti 60GB SSD 280/260 Mbs Read/Write
Optical Drive or Conversion : Bluray Reader / DVD Burner Combo
Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
Wireless Card : Standard Wireless Card + Bluetooth,
LCD Display : Standard 1920x1080 Matte Display
Warranty : 3 Year
Additional Battery : Extra 8 Cell Battery,

Total Price for P150EM $2,383.95

If you want a total beast which is the same size and similar (If not better) specs as the Alienware than you're looking at this:

Horize P170EM Clevo Gaming Laptop
Intel Ivy Bridge Processor : Intel Ivy Bridge i7-3720QM 2.6-3.6Ghz
Graphics Card : nVidia Geforce GTX680M with 4GB GDDR5
Memory : 32GB 1600Mhz RAM
Hard Disk 1 : 750GB 7200rpm
mSATA Drive : OCZ Nocti 60GB SSD 280/260 Mbs Read/Write
Hard Disk 2 : 750GB 7200rpm
Optical Drive or Conversion : Bluray Burner
Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
Wireless Card : Standard Wireless Card + Bluetooth
LCD Display : Standard 1920x1080 Matte Display
Warranty : 3 Year RTB Warranty + 90 Day 100% Pixel Guarantee

Total Price for P170EM $3,790.00

Which still doesn't even come close to 5,850 Dollars.

To be completely honest with you... Alienware seem completely overpriced.

Go with these guy, they offer some of the best service in Australia. http://www.logicalblueone.com.au/sto...gaming-laptops

[hippyhippy]

Originally Posted by scotteee

The more reading i do, i hear this also, is it a huge issue?



So go a base model and upgrade the ssd myself? this would be the smarter idea as from my reading even the base model will do a pretty good job, those cpus are 6 core arent they same as my 3930k?

Yeah i think its an issue... heat is a big problem.. the fans get very loud... the machine slows down... if the battery cant support the system, the system slows down and shutsdown, this happens with my laptop and i have dual 5870's. Its a very big problem if you're trying push the system to the limit.

if you're really just wanting to play on your monitor.. just get a backup rig imho.

i use a laptop cause i live in a 1br apartment.. not alot of space... and i dont play real intensive game.. ie diablo 3.

[Frenchpom]

I second getting a Clevo 150/P170 from LBO or Affordable laptops. Excellent laptops with very impressive spec's for a decent price.

Hell I bought a Clevo P150HMA from Affordable laptops 6 months ago, cost $1700 including delivery. Spec's:

i7 2630
ATI 6990M
16 gig RAM
750gig 7200 RPM HDD
95% gamut HD Matte screen (gorgeous)
3 year warranty

The laptop is essentially a desktop replacement. Although I need it for my frequent work travel, nice having such a powerful 15" laptop when away. At home it stays plugged in to my external k/b, mouse, speakers and monitor. Runs very well, all games on HD with High settings, never has a hiccup. Heat from it is very good as well, never gets that hot. All up, very happy.

Alienware make solid, well built laptops that come with a decent warranty, but they are well overpriced in Australia.

Have a look at the Clevo options, what I have for $1700 will be more than enough for you considering you want a laptop that can stand in for gaming if you break you desktop!

[Dan N]

Scotttee is a filthy rich bastard

[Asteroid]

That is absurd. Buy a $700 Vostro or L Thinkpad for work duties. If you want to game or perform heavy CAD/CAM work use a desktop.

[scotteee]

Originally Posted by Asteroid

That is absurd. Buy a $700 Vostro or L Thinkpad for work duties. If you want to game or perform heavy CAD/CAM work use a desktop.

Your right it is way out of the ballpark in terms of bang for buck, i tend to get a bit carried away with these things, i've decided to leave it for a few days then come back to it when i'm ready to make a choice in the meantime i just purchased my first boat!! so more exciting things to do now, like catch fish :P work? whats work?

[knowskillz]

but you can't overclock boats.... or can you??

[scotteee]

Originally Posted by knowskillz

but you can't overclock boats.... or can you??

well i guess you can work the motor and bling it up :P

[emberjelly]

Originally Posted by scotteee

Your right it is way out of the ballpark in terms of bang for buck, i tend to get a bit carried away with these things, i've decided to leave it for a few days then come back to it when i'm ready to make a choice in the meantime i just purchased my first boat!! so more exciting things to do now, like catch fish :P work? whats work?

Lol wow you are a filthy rich bastard

[scotteee]

Originally Posted by emberjelly

Lol wow you are a filthy rich bastard

Just working hard mate to try n set things up Got to love Western Australia for that, alot of work to be had in construction industry.

I'm about to pull the trigger on the Alienware lappy, i just love the look of it and so does the missus, so looks like thatll be it