Considering an M14x-R2 - opinions on impact of R2 issues

I've been reading through a number of these threads under the M14x forum - and most seem to revolve around significant performance/heating issues. I thought these had been worked out with the M14x-R2, but it doesn't sound like it, unless the old adage that only the complaints get posted - for this with an M14x-R2, do you in general feel good about it, or are the issues significantly affecting your use to the point you would have gotten something else if you had it to do over again?

 

No heat issues here with my M14x R2! I find the M14x R2 to be have the best size/performance ratio as compared to my two other Alienware laptops (M11x R2 and M17x R3). No regrets here at all with my M14x R2.

 

I was skeptical like you before I decided to finally order the M14x. It's pretty scary reading about all these horror stories people had experienced with their laptop. But I think that a lot of people come here for help instead of posting how awesome this laptop is. That's why it seems like there's a bunch of problems with the M14x. Anyway I haven't had any problems with my M14x, it's a great laptop and I think you should get one

 

Thank you both for your input - I definitely appreciate it. With Dell possibly going private and AW's future in question I'm having to decide on waiting or pulling the trigger before it might be too late. This input definitely helps!

 

No heating issues here. I would recommend this machine. I love mine. it's the perfect size.

 

I just got my M14x R2 this week and it runs like a dream, the only possible issues you may have is the fan noise on max. [Which isn't an issue for me because it means I'm intense gaming with speakers that supersede the sound.] and the battery life. Which is great, but I have a feeling the stock power saver option isn't the optimal. [Can someone recommend me a good power plan for max battery life on it?]

 

I went and bought an Asus G46VW and returned my M14x because of the horrible issue's with Dell's customer support service. If you do go with the M14x, I hope you dont run into any issues like I did and I hope you receive a perfect laptop.

Good Luck!

 

If you like super jet engine hairdryer fan noise when gaming or benchmarking with a very low color gamut wash out screen that shows vertical marks and even some scratches when closing the lid and a machine that weighs heavy 6.5lbs, then m14x r2 is for you.

 

First I'm gonna say that most gaming laptops that I've had the opportunity to play with also do the same thing. Gaming machines put off a lot of heat, and the high fan RPM is needed to keep temps down.

You must have the 720p panel then? I agree that one is pretty terrible. The 900p screen is pretty nice though. The "scratches" you are referring to can easily be prevented by placing a microfiber cloth between the keyboard and screen. Works great and also gives you a cloth to wipe the screen down with.

6.5lbs is nothing. Trying carrying around a 10lb full size gaming laptop and then you can complain.

 

I haven't had any issues with mine, the heat levels were low before I repasted it. There is a lot of thermal overhead on the m14x, especially if you repaste it. Mine doesn't even feel hot to the touch, anywhere but in front of the vent. In a world of Macbook Pros and XPS machines that get to 100C and throttle it's great to have a decently cooled notebook.

 

I haven't had any heating issues and got mine when they first came out. I definitely think it's a case of people only posting when something's wrong . I was actually really impressed with the M14x R2's cooling system.

 

I had the m14x. It was a nice little machine but know that it isn't very powerful at all. For its size yes but compared to other bigger laptops no. So don't expect to max out crisis 3 bf 3 or 4 ect. And love it for what it is.

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

 

To be fair, the reason the Macbook Pro hits 100c and throttles is because Apple's fan management is stupid. When you run an intense application, the laptop shouldn't wait until it's near the thermal threshold to turn the fan above 2,000 RPM. There are multiple programs you can get, for free, that let you manually control the fan speed - turning my mid 2012 MBP to 4,000 RPM right before launching a game fixes the problem entirely.

 

I'd say, of all the Alienware models, the M14x will have another revision (R3). I'd wait another 2-3 months before purchasing one, I'm sure the R3 will have some great improvements over the R2.

Hell, I may even purchase an R3 - this M18x isn't as portable as I had hoped. Then my M18x will have a little bro.

 

my m14x r2 has been satisfactory. i don't care too much about the temps or benchmarks anymore as i'm kinda beyond that

my only pet peeve is the weight. it is a 14-inch laptop but it weighs as much as most 15-inch laptop.

(for example, lenovo y480, a 14-incher, is one full pound lighter than m14x r2...)

it would be okay if the extra weight is put into better structure and rigidity but that's not exactly the case either.

(thinkpads has roll-cage structure that protects major innards against accidental drops but m14x doesn't
seem to have such drop-proof structure. it's just heavy for almost no reason...)

it's not a deal breaker for me but if u need light laptop, m14x is certainly not for you.

 

Thanks again to all the input - even the naysayers

With the current sales going on I have decided to move on an M14x-R2 - owning four AW systems (including a last gen Area-51 not in my sig) I am familiar with them and honestly have had no issues that I wouldn't call routine (in two cases bearings for fans went bad, and one GPU in my M17x-R2 gave up the ghost). In each case the support, if a little slow, has still been overall good. I'll definitely update with my impressions and experiences with the system - after all what are forums there for but to share knowledge right :thumbsup:

Due to get the M14x around the 26th - but you know how that goes - thanks again!

 

Would you consider selling your M11x R2 since you love your m14x so much