M14x Pre-Order Configuration Questions... Ask HERE

I had a quick look at the US Dell site and it appears to be true there as well. Processor options are the i5 2430M, i7 2670QM, i7 2760QM, and i7 2860QM. And the screen is only the 900p option.

 

I was looking at the US site myself.

I meant, perhaps only Dell UK still offers the older options.

 

I'm getting my m14x replaced with a new one since this one has had a bunch of problems. The rep told me that if they don't have the same config I have they will give me an update for free Hopefully I get a better processor and display

 

wow, I just ordered mine like 5-6 days ago, I feel jipped now. Should I call Dell and ask for that processor and a discount for the screen upgrade?

 

I rebuilt mine on their website just now and it came up as the exact same price (both with the 900p screen) so I think its included in the new price, therefore the mandatory 900p isn't free, its included in the price, thats why the base model went from 1099 to 1199$

 

Ohhh haha, didnt notice that, should I just keep the 2630qm or ask for the 2670qm?

 

Thats the question I ask myself today...

I'm not computer wiz here but for me, the hassle of canceling my order, and having them rebuild another one with the 2670qm, and increasing the wait time.... doesn't seem worth it.

But i personally don't know how well the 2670qm is, and if its new to the market it or not.

 

Looks like the i7 2670qm launched in September, 4Q'11. Here's the info

Intel® Core? i7-2670QM Processor (6M Cache, 2.20 GHz)

 

Gentlemen (and Ladies),

Question, i'm still waiting on my second M14X to arrive, the first and original was sent back, now my question is, Alienware no longer offers the 2630qm, rather its replacement 2670qm, should I contact alienware and have them build me one with the 2670qm?

I know that my replacement won't have it unless I personally call them and ask them since I sent it back before the 2670qm was even an option. Is it worth it? It wouldn't cost me a thing except time...

 

Hello everyone!

I was recently the proud owner of an old pre-Dell aquisition M17, unfortunatly a tragic problem with my video cards has convinced me it is time to upgrade...

Now I'll apologize in advance, I'm sure tons of people have posted this same config asking for opinions on it, but would you all mind giving it one more quick look over for me?

I'm keeping my config standard except for these few upgrades, what are your thoughts? :

Processor - Intel® Core™ i7 2670QM 2.2GHz
Wireless Card - Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO for Gaming & Video
LCD - 14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight

Price - $1,326.92

I'd love to upgrade the RAM, and I'd love an SSD (although not for the Dell price), but I figured I'd leave those out in the interest of keeping the unit price down. Am I missing anything? Is the wireless card upgrade really worth it?

Thanks in advance!

 

Definitely upgrade the wireless card. Apparently the basic Intel 1000 card is absolutely horrible. I just ordered a high-end machine off the outlet and it had the 1000 in it. Before I've even received it I've already ordered an Intel 6250 to replace it. Either of the upgrades to the 1000 (like the Killer you have selected) is necessary.

 

So I ordered the MSI GX780-011US but got emailed back saying it was Out of Stock/Discontinued. So the only option left that I can find is Aienware 14x for colored backlit keyboard. My teenaged sister asked me to pick a laptop for her, she knows nothing of laptops except she wants the keyboard colored like mine lol. She plays the sims 3, does facebook, youtube and music... nothing too heavy. So I'm wondering at the base configuration, what I should upgrade for her if anything that would allow her to plays sims 3 fully maxed out with no issues?

 

I am looking to order an M14x real soon. However, I can not find where to upgrade my screen to 900p. It only offers the 720p. I started a new order and the option appeared now.

Also, do they offer better pricing towards the end of the month (Black Friday)? I want to make sure I get the best price on one.

Is it worth the upgrade price to jump to the 2760 vs. the 2670?

I will be playing games like Guildwars 2 and Diablo 3 on it when they release. Other than that, usual laptop use.

Thanks

Ben

 

What country, USA?

Go here: Alienware M14x Gamer Laptop Details | Dell
and when you get it, upgrade to the 1600x900 display. The option is available.

The processor upgrade may affect some games, but a lot of games will be bottlenecked by the GPU (GT 555M) before they're bottlenecked by the CPU.

 

Thanks Edit, the first time I tried to configure a machine, it never gave me the option, after I closed the page, and opened a new one, I tried to configure from the beginning, and the option for 900p appeared.

Now, I see there is no discounts or anything right now, but there was a couple days ago. What are the chances that they will have some kind of discount price soon? I would like to save a couple hundred if I can!

Thanks,

Ben

 

Hello everyone.

Time has come for my pre Dell M15x to be exchanged. GPU died definitely and its not worth buying new. So I'm thinking of buying m14x. One question.

Does the laptop have HDMI or any other port for external screen?
Also isn't GPU temperature problem with this model? I had big issues with 9800GTX in my previous alienware and would like to avoid getting new GPU each year if possible.

Thanks

 

Hi everyone, I'm hoping to get some advice here, because I need to get a laptop quickly.
My last one was stolen, so I'm hoping to replace it with the M14x.
I'm going to game a lot, so I'd prefer something a little more portable.

First off, I'm wondering if Alienware will have a sale for black friday.

The settings I'm thinking of are:

Intel® Core™ i7 2670QM 2.2GHz (Any reason to get a better one?)
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Advanced-N WiFi Link 6250 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Technology with WiMax

4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz edit
1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus (Pointless to get the 3.0 GB, right?)
750GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s
14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
WIRELESSHD OR MOBILE BROADBAND None

Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Internal Bluetooth 3.0

Now, I plan to upgrade the memory with this

Newegg.com - Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 HyperX Plug n Play Laptop Memory Model KHX1600C9S3P1K2/8G

but would the 1866 hyperx be worth the extra $40? It was mentioned that there was a slight difference, but it was never mentioned by how much.

Also, is the killer wireless upgrade worth it? What exactly is the difference?

Would the 3.0gb NVIDIA be better for CAD programs? I've had issues with it before, and I'd like to avoid it if I can.

I'm considering the anti glare screen protector. Does anybody have any experience with it?

Thanks for any help guys

 

I am having the problem as SinDreamer. I am wondering whether it is worhtwhile to ugrade two things from basic set up:

1. 1.5GB Video Card V 3.00GB
2. RAM 4GB V 8GB

I am thinking 3 years warranty is more important than having the updgrades and keeping the costs down.

Any thoughts from experienced users?

 

1. Nope. Almost literally no difference.
2. Not for what they charge. Generally you don't need to worry too much about getting more than 4GB, and if you do need more, then it's cheaper to upgrade it yourself, not on the config page.

But make sure you get the 1600x900 display. Do not buy the Alienware M14x with the default-option 1366x768 display. The screen is the most important upgrade because it makes the most difference. The higher resolution (more multitasking space) and higher quality (most 1366x768 screens are junk) affect everything you do.

 

Thany you edit1754.

Is it important to get the 3 years warranty on the machine or they are very reliable machines?

It is $200 for 2 years and $299 for 3 years in Australia.

The standard screen in Australia is 1600x900 anyway.

Another question can you output 1920x1080 on a monitor of those specs using HDMI output or is it limited to 1600x900?

 

Ditto on the warranty question...is it necessary in that do components normally fail within 3-4 years? Interestingly enough, on the Canada website the 3 year and 4 year warranties are the same price at $294. Is that normal?

For those who keep track, what would be considered a good deal/time to buy the M14x in Canada? Right now it looks like a standard $100 off.

Thanks for any help in advance!

 

I use my M14x primarily for business. I am a software developer so application load times, file load times, compilation speed etc. are all issues for me. I got the 2720QM and it definitely was not a waste of money. There is no one size fits all. Lets try to tone it down a bit shall we?

 

Hey everyone,
well im going to order an Alienware M14x but I still have ALOT of questions
-PRICE DOESN'T MATTER-

1) i5 or i7? Ive played games like WoW, CS, SWTOR

2)4gb ddr3 or 6?

3)720p screen or 900p screen? does it make a difference?

4)Upgrade wireless or nah?

5)upgrading speakers worth it? yes i will use them, not fond of earphones

Some detailed replys would be much appreciated :] thanks everyone

 

1) The i7 can help with some CPU-intensive games (e.g. Starcraft 2, GTA IV, Achron) but #3 comes first.

2) Don't pay to upgrade to 6GB if the cost is more than $20. You can upgrade it yourself.

3) The 1600x900 screen is the most important upgrade and is the one upgrade you must select if you're going to buy the M14x. You shouldn't consider buying the M14x without this upgrade. The 1366x768 screen makes things onscreen really big and it has bad image quality. It's a tragedy that the M14x is even available with a 1366x768 screen.

5) Doubt it. I think it's just a software thing that's not really necessary.

 

Thinking of ordering this laptop.

Do I get the i5 or i7?

Main games would be League of Legends, L4D series, SC2, Diablo 3, TF2, F2P games from steam, SWTOR. But I also have a gaming desktop so this more of a bonus to internet and music usage on the go.

 

yeah pick up the i7

 

It might be worth it for CPU-intensive games such as Starcraft 2. But as I mentioned in a post above, just make sure you prioritize the 1600x900 upgrade first.

 

Hi all, first time post here!


I've spent many a year claiming that Alienware is a massively overpriced brand with no other intentions than ripping off it's consumers (And i think they do when it comes to desktops) until my friend bought a M14x earlier this year and the overall build quality, sound quality and performance blew me away for such a small laptop so i'm not about to buy one for when i want to do some gaming on the move without having to bring around my gaming desktop.

Thing is, i'm not going to be ordering it until January and i just wanted to get some opinions on if you think it would be worth waiting until the Ivy-bridge CPU's are out and if there is a possible upgrade to the GT555 coming any time soon. Dell/Alienware seem to be quite tight lipped when it comes to finding out about an R2 and i don't really want to buy a £1300 laptop for it to be obsolete within a few weeks after me purchasing it. I've heard it's unlikely the next m14x will have a newer GPU just going for a better CPU.

So I ask you, would it be worth me ordering one the first week of January or do you think i'll be cutting it a bit close. I'm quite impatient and i really would buy it now but with Xmas next month i can't afford to do it.

Thanks in advance for any help i get.

I did post this in the owners lounge but had no luck there, sorry for posting again here.


Tapatalking

 

so... I´m looking up at this:
Intel® Core™ i7 2670QM 2.2GHz (3.1GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache) edit
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English edit
Intel® Wireless-N WiFi Link 1000 a/g/n 1x2 edit
4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz edit
1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology edit
500GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s edit
LCD PANEL 14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight edit

What do ya say?
Do I really need the wireless upgrade?
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE 8x SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Slot Load Optical Drive edit
SOUND OPTIONS Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio edit

 

It is a nobrainer to get warranty extension. specially since you are investing big amount ( atelast i did) in this beast, you gotta make sure your investment is safe for 2-3 years more. electronic components have no fixed lifespan. they might work for years without failing. and they can fail on the first day you use it. its better to be safe then sorry, because replacement parts are gonna hurt you more later on.plus with accidental cover and extended warranty, you can still sell your laptop after a year at a larger price cuz it still caries warranty. I see all the merits and none of the demerits ( apart form the extra cost which isnt that hefty IMO)

 

Hey I just wanted to post here letting everyone who is waiting for shipping. I ordered mine on Black Friday and they had the estimated delivery date set at dec 11th. But they finished it in 4 days and it got to my house on the 1st.

I was worried when I saw the date all the way out at the 11th because I had ordered the 2 day shipping for $15 extra. Just don't pay attention to dells estimated date and wait for them to finish building it.

 

The one thing to keep in mind is that, if you replace any hardware components and have any issues with your computer. When they do the remote diagnosis, and if they believe anything changed could be causing the issue they will want you to put all the original components back in. Also, same goes for an operating system if you change the operating system (IE. to windows professional) they will also ask you to restore it the original before they will work on it.

 

Same here...except my delivery date was the 13th instead and it got to my house on the 1st as well.

 

too bad one can't remove the orion bag from the m14x configuration. That will really be a sweet deal. Trust me I dont need a bag that reads "please steal me"

 

Are you saying that they gave you the orion bag with your deal for free?

 

well in the config it shows it's 99.99 and then they give you a 174 discount for choosing the config. I tried to have the rep remove it, but they werent able to. end

 

wish i could have gotten that sweet deal...i wasnt offered anything for free...lol wanna sell it to me?

 

I might just give it to my son. He can use it for his laptop.

But if you do want let it get here first, also PM so I can let you know when it does arrive.

 

ok mrblur thanks will do....

 

Not really a pre-config question but didnt know where else to go with my question.

Currently I have the Asus G73SW-BST6 i7 2630 8GB GTX460(1GB) 1600x900 17"

Considering returning it to BestBuy and picking up the following.

Alienware - Laptop / Intel® Core™ i7 Processor / 14" Display - Stealth Black - BBY-97WKN

So I know I will lose the 1600x900 and the screen size processors are about a wash slight edge to the AW, and 2GB less RAM, smaller HDD. None of those are really deal breakers for me.

My main concern is how does the 555m stack up against the 460m especially when outputting to external monitor at 1080p?

 

Hey guys!

Im getting an m14x and was looking around the internet for the perfect price/model and i think i found a stellar deal!

Bestbuy:
Alienware - M14X Laptop / Intel® Core™ i7 Processor / 14" Display / 8GB Memory / 750GB Hard Drive - Stealth Black/ 3gb VRAM

$1,370-express shipping

Alienware.com:

Same exact specs as listed above yet its priced at

$1,630-express shipping

I cannot believe that you save this much money, just thought i would share the news!

 

Ehh, what screen?

 

Online, you have to use the right coupons and look at all the different base systems to get the best deal on the specs you desire....

See my thread here about getting the 256GB SSD for just $80.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m14x/634226-256gb-upgrade-just-30-wow.html

 

Hi,
Im looking at getting a m14 but wanted your opinion on what are the most vital upgrades for my budget. I have 1400 to spend so what would you upgrade and why? eg 100 for better cpu and....


Thanks

 

Hi just signed up here after finding this helpful community yesterday!
I'm thinking of getting an alien ware m14x if you had not already guessed!
and wanted to run past what I'm getting for how much to see if its good or not.
The tech specs are as follows :

Alienware M14x Red WLAN edit
PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 2670QM (2.20Ghz, 6MB, 4C) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM English Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 BIT) edit
GRAPHICS CARD 1.5GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT555M edit
BASE Alienware M14x : 1.5 Base Red edit
MEMORY 4096MB (2x2GB) 1600MHz DDR3 Dual Channel edit
HARD DRIVE 500GB (7,200rpm) SATA Hard Drive edit
LCD 14.0" (36 cm) Widescreen High Definition + (1600x900) WLED with TrueLife edit
OPTICAL DRIVE 8X DVD+/-RW Drive including software edit
WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY Intel® Wireless LAN 6205 2x2 (802.11a/b/g/n) Card - European edit
PRIMARY BATTERY Primary 8-cell 63W/HR LI-ION​

I can get myself this for £1010.63 (delivery £1030.62) using a 15% off voucher, then add on the 10% cash back later on it will work out around £909.57. Personally I'm happy with this but wanted to run it past your more experience self s.
Oh and another question if you know it, does anyone know what the January sales are like for alien ware? if they have them or not?

 

Hey all. First post

Could anybody review what I am gonna buy in the next couple of days and see if it's good enough for the likes of skyrim.

M14x
I7 - 2670qm - 2.2ghz (£100 extra)
Base 3.0 (free)
Graphics 3gb nvidia
Memory 4096 (1600mhz)
LCD 1600-900
Killer wireless card

Thanks in advance

Also just a warning, on the uk site it's adding more money onto the total than what it's supposed to add. Dell have said they are aware of it but it's not been sorted for a few days now. Not sure about the other models, just know about the m14x

 

When you say it's adding on for no reason, are you sure its not being added when you click on the "base 3.0 " option, because it goes up when you click that ( it says free but its actually adding the 3gb gfx mem on instead) sure its not that?

 

The Best Buy M14x may have a lot of upgrades for cheaper than selecting them on Alienware.com, but they miss the most important upgrade: the 1600x900 screen.

There's a tremendous difference between the 1366x768 screen and the 1600x900 screen. Aside from the fact that the higher resolution lets you fit more onscreen, there's a big difference in quality too. The default screen is quite poor quality (saw one at a Dell kiosk). Contrast is very low, and the image is griddy. I've never seen the 1600x900 screen in person, but it looks to be much better than the 1366x768 based on the fact that it has an actual measured 500:1 contrast (source: notebookcheck) and general reviews scattered about NBR.

Buy from Alienware.com, and get in one of the two configurations:
- Base model + 1600x900 LCD (+ other small upgrades if you need them*)
- Base model + 1600x900 LCD and i7-2670QM CPU (+ other small upgrades if you need them*)

*e.g. Bluetooth, WiFi card upgrades, etc.

Other upgrades aren't really necessary.
- The 3GB GT 555M (upgrade from 1.5GB) makes negligible difference for gaming. Most games won't even use the full 1.5GB on a laptop GPU of this level.
- Don't get a CPU higher than an i7-2670QM unless you need the VT-d/AES instructions for specific applications.
- Most games are GPU-bottlenecked and the i5 will be more than enough. Certain games (mainly RTS) will benefit from a faster CPU, but they will still be able to run on a slower CPU, and the screen will still make more of an overall difference throughout all your usage of the computer.
- The memory is cheap to upgrade yourself. Upgrade it yourself if you're going to. Though usually 4GB is enough. It's around $40 to upgrade to 8GB if you buy a kit.

 

When I talked to them via the online chat, he did say that is was free. Didn't mention the 3.0 graphics card.

 

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if you can help me with some advice.
Im about to order a new M14x with the following specifications:


System Color Alienware M14X - Soft Touch Stealth Black
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Processor Intel® Core™ i7 2670QM 2.2GHz (3.1GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)
Memory 6GB DDR3 at 1600MHz
A/C Adapter Alienware M14X 150W A/C Adapter
Display Panel 14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
Video Card 1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology
Hard Drive 750GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s
AlienFX Quasar Blue
Hinge Up Hinge Up WLAN -BLACK
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW Adobe Acrobat X Reader
Optical Drive 8x SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Slot Load Optical Drive
Audio Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Wireless Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO for Gaming & Video
Security Software McAfee SecurityCenter, 15-Months
Hardware Support Services 1 Year Basic Service Plan
Misc 5 3 Months Sympatico Performance Internet Included (ON&QC)
WirelessHD None
Bluetooth Internal Bluetooth 3.0
Nameplate Standard Nameplate



The price is around 1600 WITH TAX. I will call for a better deal from the reps but can you guys please answer a few questions in the meantime? Thanks in advance.

THIS IS NOT FOR ME. ITS FOR MY COUSIN


1) Is there anything I should change? Or Should I wait for a M14x R2 ?


2) I am planning on buying an SSD, which one is better NEW CRUCIAL M4 512GB 2.5" SSD 6Gb/s SOLID STATE DRIVE .... OR ....Kingston HyperX 240GB 2.5" SATA3 (6Gb/s) SSD (besides the space lol)

3) I am also planning on upgrading the ram, can you please link which one i should get and from where?

4) Also the Intel® Core™ i5 2430M 2.4GHz (3.0GHz with Turbo Boost, 3MB Cache), is a cheaper option! IS there anything
wrong if he goes with this? Will this decrease performance in any way?

Thanks for the help fellas.

Regards,
Gogeta