Not sure what GPU to pick

I know it is a pity. It is weird why Dell would instate Optimus and ATI Switchable for the Alienware M17X-R3 and ONLY Optimus on the M6600...

Then again, with the M6600 NOT having ATI Switchable has its benefits though... Like driver updates are way easier!

 

Well, I am done with the swap. Here are some picture of the nvidia card and processor bad thermal grease.








All clean (for the most part anyway):



AMD Install Done:

 

Also, the test results are in for the temp. Granted it has not broken in fully, but here we go.

Furmark burn-in:
BURN-IN SCORE: 1727 points
16974 frames, 18 FPS, 81°C (bounced between 79 and 80 quite a bit - max 81, min 49)
Resolution: 1920x1080 (FS) - AA:0 samples
FPS: min:12, max:20, avg:18 - OPTIONS: DynBkg
ATI Radeon HD 6000 Series (1002-6720)
Catalyst 12.1 - 8.93.10-111208a-130017E-ATI (12-8-2011)
core:680MHz, mem:900MHz

 

In my experience if you are using cuda enabled apps such as Premier Pro CS5+ or Photoshop CS5+ the nvidia will be a good bit faster. The ATI will do better in just about every other situation.

Optimus is also a nice feature if you spend alot of time away from an outlet. I get excellent battery life if I am only putzing around on the web, checking email, and performing other tasks that do not require the dedicated GPU power.

 

Get the Quadro. Why?
1. you get Optimus so your battery life will increase significantly in comparison to the M8900. This will allow you to travel and get 6-7 hours to use your laptop instead of 3-2 hours.
2. Cuda enabled apps like you use will work faster with the Quadro.
3. Quadro 4000m is more then anough to play COD, SC 2 and Battelfield.

 

True, but I only had the 3000, not the 4000.

 

Ohhh I understand. Well take a look in Bokeh review discussion .
If I am not mistaken there are posts of 3000M and M8900 performance benchmarks for programes like Catia, CAD and more. If you see both perform well/same in those softwares so its better to pick the M8900 which is much faster. Try to decide if battery life is more important for you then speed.

 

What is that orange/yellow thing where the gpu and cpu fans go? Is that dust filter? I dont think mine came with it.... Did you add it?

Is there a real need for a repaste? In terms of temps, mine is doing really well. I am not sure about vram temps though.

 

Its my microfiber cloth I like to keep everything as nice as possible during ownership

Honestly I haven't really seen a dramatic drop, but since I had to paste it anyway I really had no choice. Only time can tell if its beneficial.

 

does the air push through well enough? This is very interesting.. Will there be a way to show a bit more pics of this? Potentially this can same the hassle of cleaning out the vents! if you can easily replace the cloth that is..