M14x Pre-Order Configuration Questions... Ask HERE

Yep.

AW is very strict on discounts when a new revision line releases.

Haggling is also next to impossible for the first 2-3 months.

 

Hi all i found this site when researching the m14x and im impressed by all the information ive read
Im about to buy an alienware m14x from dell/alienware uk and would just like some thoughts on my current choice of configuration xD
Im an engineering student so will be using it for assignments and the odd 3d modelling and ofcourse gaming in my spare time!

EDIT:
Just ordered the laptop and changed a few specs and got 3 years warranty and 3 years accidental damage cover!
Heres the configuration, cant wait for it to arrive xD

Alienware M14x
Processor : Intel Core i7 Processor 2670QM (2.20Ghz, 6MB, 4C) 1
Display: 14in Widescreen High Definition + (1600x900) WLED with TrueLife 1
Camera : Integrated 3.0 Mega Pixel HD Camera 1
LCD Cover : Black WLAN
Memory : 8192MB (2x4096) 1600MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
Hard Drive : 256GB Dell Mobility Solid State Drive
Optical Drive : 8X DVD+/-RW Drive including software
Battery : Primary 8-cell 63W/HR LI-ION
Graphics : 1.5 GB NVIDIA GeForce GT555M
Sound Card : Integrated High-Definition 5.1 Performance Audio
Gaming Software : Steam Gaming forum and download application
Wireless : Europe Killer Wireless-N 1103
Operating System : English Genuine Windows 7 SP1 Home Premium (64 BIT)
Avatar : Alienhead 3D
Wallpaper : Alien Schematic Wallpaper
AlienFX Colour : Terra Green
Name Plate Engraving : Generic (Bad Times)
INFO 1 Year Next Day In-Home Service with Premium Phone Support
3 Years Next Day In-Home Service with Premium Phone Support
Standard Service - 1 year of Next Business Day coverage included with your PC
3 years Accidental Damage Protection
Logitech Wireless Mouse M505

I got a good price after talking to a dell rep and contacting him throughout the whole purchase, i got 8% student discount, 10% coupon voucher and 33% off 3 years warrenty (thats the current deal) I also saved £170 also from their current deal.
Im happy with the purchase now just cant wait for it to arrive...xD

 

Hey guys,

In the market for an M14x. Believe I have everything nailed down, just worried/curious about a couple of things:

It will be able to play most games, correct? I am by no means a hardcore gamer, I normally just play old(ish) games like the Total War series, Neverwinter Nights, Warlord's Battlecry III...I'm sure it will be able to play those, but some reviews I've read about the M14x's graphics card has made me wary that it's a piece of crap.

Also, getting interested in photo/video editing for my church. Will the M14x be able to handle/run the correct programs?

Lastly, saw some people had upgraded their wireless card to the next step up (think it's called a 2x2 something? hang on.... the '2x2 MIMO' card). Does that make a huge difference in connectivity? I don't really play any online games with the laptop, just browsing and regular stuff (e-mails, google docs). But I hate waiting for the page to load. Is it worth it?

Here are specs:

Alienware M14X - Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish 317-8440
1 Intel Core i7 2670QM 2.2GHz (3.1GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)
317-6669
1 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz
331-2069
1 Alienware M14X 150W A/C Adapter
320-2229
1 14.0 HD (720p/1366x768) WLED backlight display and 2.0 MP webcam with digital microphone array
318-0644
1 1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus technology
342-2549
1 750GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s
330-6106
1 Personalized Nameplate Trigger
331-2070
1 Custom Nameplate
313-8797
1 AlienFX Color, Terra Green
421-4816
1 Alienware Command Center Software, M14X
420-9691
1 DataSafe Local BackUp
420-9956
1 PC Restore
421-5789
1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1, English, w/Media
318-0641
1 Hinge Up WLAN - BLACK
410-0548
1 Adobe Acrobat Reader
421-1305
1 Roxio Creator Starter
318-1166
1 Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner, DVD+-RW, CD-RW
421-4817
1 Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled
430-4098
1 Intel Wireless-N WiFi Link 1000 a/g/n 1x2
421-6497
1 Alienware M14X WIDI Software
461-8389

Get this. I need Microsoft Home office, but I didn't want to buy it again (I've bought it about three times over the past few years as I upgrade my wife and mine's laptops). I contacted Dell and they said for $124 and I could get a multi license disk so I could use it multiple times. The price they were going to charge me for just one installation was $119!! $5 for multi-uses? I'll take it.

Thanks for any and all help. Would really like to get this laptop soon, and hopefully it can do the video-editing stuff too!

 

@GuerreroSanto

Yes, it can play every single modern game just fine. Most of them play well at high settings too Don't be fooled by the reviews claiming the GPU is a piece of crap - those people are spreading misinformation.

The games I've played on this laptop that run at high settings:
SWTOR; SC2; Civ 5; Heroes 6; WoW; C&C Series; Battlefield Series ...and various others.

People claiming it barely handle the above games are either trolls or have done something to their system such as deleted their drivers or trying to play on the integrated GPU.

As for video editing, it's perfectly fine for it. I run Adobe products as well as Sony Vegas several times a week and it runs great.

And lastly, for your wireless card, killer is the best to get if you're far away from your network. For example, I get 3 bars at my university and my friend with killer wireless has always full bars everywhere he goes. It all depends. You can always upgrade to a better card later on I'm not sure how the upgraded intel compares to killer, though - you'd have to ask in the network/wireless forum section and someone who specializes in that field could tell you.

 

You shouldn't get the stock 1366x768 display.

The 1366x768 display limits multitasking and productivity by making things onscreen large, and it delivers very poor image quality. The 1600x900 display, on the other hand, provides a much nicer multitasking workspace, and a rather decent contrast ratio.

Hold the 1600x900 display upgrade at priority of any other upgrade. Don't take any other upgrade in exchange for the 1600x900 display upgrade, and don't skip the upgrade for budget reasons. Really the only relevant reason you should get the 1366x768 display is for eyesight-related issues with smaller text.

 

I 2nd This. You can upgrade your CPU, hard drive, blu-ray, RAM or Wifi card. The biggest PITA to swap is the LCD. So save yourself the trouble and get the 1600x900.

 

1600x900 is highly recommended as suggested above.

You get x2-3 more brightness and 30% more room.

Your new and beautiful M14X deserves the best and a 1366x768 will ruin your alienware experience.

 

Guys,

What do you all think about the following specs?

2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5-2430M Processor(2.4GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.0GHz, 3MB Cache)
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (English)
14" (35.5cm) WLED HD+ (900p) display (1600X900)
4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (2 x 2GB)
500GB/750GB/1TB 5400RPM Hard Drive – depending on price
1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology (Stealth Black)
Internal High-Definition 5.1 Performance Audio with SoundBlaster X-Fi Audio
Intel® Ultimate N WiFi Link 6205 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Technology

will this set last a few years for me? say 3years?

 

Perfectly fine, but the i7 processor will excel in games such as BF3 and Witcher 2, giving you overall better performance just FYI You may want to reconsider the CPU choice if you plan on keeping it for that long.

M14X can definitely last 3 years in the gaming world since it can play most games out now on high settings. I assume by year #3, we'll be looking at low settings in 2015 games, which will mean upgrade time for some.

 

Thanks for the advise,man but i've ordered the i5 processor.

Not sure how its gonna be for me in 3 years time as I'll be travelling often for now..after 3 years, might stay put and get a desktop

can't wait for my m14x to arrive now!

 

Hey guys, i was just about to buy an m14x, but then i remenbered that the new nvidia cards and the new intel processors are already out there. With this in mind, I started to imagine that the new alienware models must be around the corner.
I wanted to ask if anyone knows any release dates for the new alienware models and if it is worth to wait for it.

 

I'm guessing it won't be around until Fall '12, but that's just a guess.

No one knows the exact release dates yet.

If you need something now or soon, get the R1

 

so currently i own this:
M15x - Black - i5 540M - ATI 5850 - 4GB memory - 500GB HDD - 1080p WLED


and I'm thinking of moving with the times (its almost 2 years old now! ) and picking up a M14x

however i dont want to spend a fortune - i dont game as much as i used to! but i do want to notice the difference.

i5 Processor 2430M or i7 Processor 2670QM - for £100 will i notice that difference? - compared to the increase from my current i5 540M?

GFX card almost has to be:
3GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT555M

Memory, well I've got 4 now, so i guess i should take 8?
8192MB (2x4GB) 1600MHz DDR3 Dual Channel

HD, there is no other option (i thought there was a solid state 256? but its not showing it to me.
750GB (7,200rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive

Screen:
14.0" (36 cm) Widescreen High Definition + (1600x900) WLED

is that going to give me a platform that I'm going to notice the difference? all told it costs about £1,200 with a few extras, so I'd like to see quite an improvement!
Entry level M14x is nearly £900 so its not much more than that.

Am I going to notice the difference?

 

The 3GB is pointless.

 

555m is about 10% slower than 5850m but Sandy Bridge quad core processor is much faster, so you'll notice the difference since you don't game as much as you say.

Take 4GB RAM option and buy 8GB separately, it's cheaper (depends on how much the price increase is by picking the 8GB option over 4GB.)

Go with 1.5GB GT 555m, performance increase is barely noticeable and it adds the unnecessary price.

Buy a SSD separately and fit it yourself, it's much cheaper.

Everything else seems fine.

Check Dell's deals page, and with the coupon, you can get a M14x with all these for £900ish.

edit; configured the M14x from Dell's deals page, everything on stock except for the screen and wireless card comes in at £890.08 with 10% off coupon code and that's without the extended warranty or anything, so even with that it still comes in at under £1000.

 

As you have a laptop right now and just upgrading it would be wise to wait m14x r2.

 

Looks like R2 is out now in the UK anyway - option for dual HD's plus a blu Ray optical - GT 650m 2Gig or 1Gig - standard of 6Gig of DDR3 1600MhZ.

Sort of hoping my 14x fails again so i can get a refund now and get the new one

 

Hello m14x owners, I need some advice on what configuration to get. should I go for a middle ground configuration or all out? also is the 500 gb 7200 hdd + 64 msata boot drive worth it or should i stick w/ a regular 750 gb hdd? also is the 2gb 650m worth it or just stick w a 1 gb version?

This is the my first choice:
PROCESSOR 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2670QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.1GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit edit
MEMORY 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz edit
HARD DRIVE 500GB 7,200 RPM Storage + 64GB mSATA Boot Drive edit
VIDEO CARD 1 GB DDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 650M with Optimus™ edit
WIRELESS CARDS Intel® Advanced-N WiFi Link 6250 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Technology with WiMax and Bluetooth 4.0 edit
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE Slot Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) edit
WIRELESS HD None edit
My Software & Accessories
COLOR Nebula Red with Soft Touch Finish edit
PERSONALIZED PLATE Personalized Plate (spooncurve) edit
ALIENFX COLOR Mars Red edit
WALLPAPER Alienhead Chrome Red edit
PRE-INSTALLED SOFTWARE Steam and Portal™ Factory Installed edit
My Accessories
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 1 Year Advanced Plan edit
SECURITY SOFTWARE No Anti-Virus Software Select

2nd choice:
PROCESSOR 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2670QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.1GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit edit
MEMORY 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz edit
HARD DRIVE 500GB 7,200 RPM Storage + 64GB mSATA Boot Drive edit
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE Slot Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) edit
WIRELESS HD None edit
My Software & Accessories
COLOR Nebula Red with Soft Touch Finish edit
PERSONALIZED PLATE Personalized Plate (spooncurve) edit
ALIENFX COLOR Mars Red edit
WALLPAPER Alienhead Chrome Red edit
PRE-INSTALLED SOFTWARE Steam and Portal™ Factory Installed edit
My Accessories
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 1 Year Advanced Plan edit
SECURITY SOFTWARE No Anti-Virus Software Selected edit
ALSO INCLUDED WITH YOUR SYSTEM
Alienware M14X R2 Alienware M14X R2
Keyboard English Keyboard
Documentation Alienware Documentation
Shipping Material Shipping Material
Additional Software Additional Software
Primary Battery 63WHr 8-Cell Primary Battery
VIDEO CARD 2 GB DDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 650M with Optimus™
LCD PANEL 14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
SOUND OPTIONS Creative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro Software
WIRELESS CARDS Intel® Advanced-N WiFi Link 6250 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Technology with WiMax and Bluetooth 4.0
AUTOMATIC UPDATES Alienware M14X 150W A/C Adapter
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW Adobe Acrobat X Reader

 

I don't know why, but my brain saw "The 3GB is pantyless."

 

I've decided to get my son an Alienware laptop as a graduation gift so he can use it at college next year. He'll be pursuing an engineering degree. At first I was going to get him a MacBook Pro, but I think he'll be better served with an Alienware MX14 since he enjoys playing PC games with his friends. Lately, he's been playing Guild Wars 2, but he also enjoys WOW and Batman. Unfortunately, I know nothing about PCs so I have no idea what to order. Here are my options:

CPU: 2.0, 2.2, or 2.5 GHz i7 Processor (2630QM, 2670QM, or 2860QM)
HD: 500GB 7200 RPM or 1 TB 5400 RPM
Graphics: NVIDIA GT 555M 1.5 or 3.0 GB
RAM: 4, 6, or 8 GB

My gut reaction was to order the best of each category, but being unfamiliar with Alienware there may be some options that are better than others or some components that are problematic. Please help me decide what to purchase. Thanks!

 

@RavenManiac

The M14x R2 is out now. The only thing you need to wait for is the Ivybridge(IB) processor(Intel's next generation ix-3xxx series).

Make sure to select the higher 1600x900 screen resolution. This is important as there is a drastic improvement in screen quality over the default screen resolution.

You will need to look at the lowest quad core IB processor for games like WOW, GW2, etc that are CPU intensive. Anything over this is a waste as it would give very little performance advantage and there is excess heat generated that you will need to avoid.

The latest GT650m is at least 50-75% better than the last generation GT555m. The new GPUs are built on the new Kepler architecture that offer greater performance per watt. You don't need more than the 1GB GT650M as the extra VRAM is useful only when you run 3D games or a multi-monitor setup which means a lot more texture/image data has to be stored/processed.

Don't make any RAM upgrades on the Dell website. Do the upgrades yourself. This will save you a ton of money. Pick up a pack of 8GB(2x4GB) 1600 RAM from any of the well known manufacturers like GSkill, Kingston, Corsair, etc on websites like Newegg, Amazon, etc. They will not cost you more than $45-$50. You don't need more than 8GB of RAM for gaming or any other tasks you have mentioned.

If you have an idea of how much HDD space your son is likely to use, you might want to go in for an SSD like the Samsung 830 (considered one of the best on the market right now) or an Intel 330 from Newegg, Amazon, etc. Please read the reviews before you decide. A 256GB SSD from Samsung is about $330 and a 180GB Intel 330 SSD is about $210. These will drastically improve the user experience (faster boot and shutdown times, quick responses to input, etc). If you need more space, going for a hybrid drive like the Seagate Momentus XT with a SSD cache would be a better option. The 7200rpm drives are faster than the 5400rpm drives. I believe the R2 aso supports the msata SSD. That is also a nice option to consider.

 

Thanks for your response. I was actually looking at the refurbished systems to save a little money, which is why my specs may not have been up to date. Is the previous generation acceptable? Also, can the GT555M be upgraded later?

 

R1 is more than acceptable. It can handle every single modern game I've thrown at it on high/maxed settings. Currently playing BF3 on high-ultra with low shadows and I have zero lag/frame drops and that's quite a demanding game.

Unfortunately you cannot upgrade the GPU on the M14X.

 

So, what configuration did you go with?

Also,
1. Is a faster processor always better?
2. What about graphics card RAM?
3. Do all MX14 processors have a Turbo Mode?
4. What is Turbo Mode and why is it important?

 

1. Games such as BF3 favours quad core, so yes, unless you don't play high-demanding games.
2. Don't bother upgrading the graphics, it's a cash-grab.
2-1. Ram is overpriced with Dell, do it after-market; easy to install (4GB = gaming; 6GB = music production; 8GB+ = heavy adobe/3D/maya)
3. i5 and i7, yes.
4. It increases your clock speeds during high-loads. You can also disable it to reduce your temperatures. I have mine disabled since I don't find that I need it.

Remember to upgrade to the 900p display - the most important upgrade in the M14X.

 

Thanks Voodooi. Just out of curiosity, is Dell offering any deals on the new MX14?

 

If you want to purchase refurbished, which can save you a significant amount of money, follow the Dell Outlet US Twitter Feed. Coupons generally range from 10-25% and are released about once a month for Alienwares.

If you're purchasing new, then haggling with a rep over the phone is your best option rather than ordering online.

Good luck

 

is there any need to upgrade any part of the alienware m14x to improve preformance? i heard that all i should upgrade is the display, is that right?

 

Display is #1 and a must.

CPU is up to you. Top games such as BF3 favours an i7.

Everything else leave at stock (GPU; RAM; HD).

 

but will there be any diffrence between the 2gb gpu and the 1gb gpu?

 

There's 0 difference in gaming performance.

The only reason to get the 2GB is if you're going to hook up your laptop to dual monitors.

Otherwise, it's a cash-grab.

 

Okay, based on all of the helpful advice I received on this forum, I am considering purchasing an MX14 R2 instead of the refurbished R1. I do have a few questions though.

1. Which wireless option should I go with?
2. If I don't get the Blu-Ray drive can I upgrade later or is the Blu-Ray functionality built into the motherboard?
3. Can I add the wireless HD at a later time or is that a PITA to add?
4. How can I get the best deal on a new R2 system? Should I wait for a Dell sale or can I haggle with a Dell rep?
5. If you advised me to haggle, what's the best (percentage wise) discount I can expect?

Thanks!

Oops! I spoke too soon. My wife is putting the brakes on the new system because of the price. She thinks the refurbished R1 is fine for my son's needs.

1. Is the R2 worth the extra $400 it'll cost over a refurbished R1?
2. What advantages does the R2 have over the R1?
3. Is buying a NEW MX11a viable option?

Thanks.

 

1. Your son will surely appreciate the graphics.
2. It's a 2012 tech.
3. I do not know.

 

If the 400$ is hard on your budget than believe me R1 can satisfy your son too. Just make your wife and son happy at the same time. The only advantage of the R2 is really the gpu and it is not worth the 400$tag. With 400$ you can buy a 580gtx. I have the R1, so can tell you about my gaming experiences. What are the games that your son going to play? At the moment I am playing SWTOR, GTAIV, WOW, PAYDAY, Men of WAR without making any sacrifices on the visual candy EXCEPT the shadows. (Shadow are not important for me, the gains are too small for the extra gpu they use.) In short, dont let your son to be sad, R1 is a great laptop, they are identical from outside anyways and 400$ is NOT worth the performance difference. (I bought from dell outlet too, refurbished ones are great, just like new, just be sure to dont buy scratch&dent ones by accident)

 

Okay, I pulled the trigger. It looks like he won't be joining the ranks of the M14x owners, but he will be an Alienware owner.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...rder-configuration-questions-ask-here-19.html

 

To be honest first read my above comment. Secondly the performance difference with R1 and R2 M14xs are not that dramatical but the difference between M14x and M11x is dramatical in my point of view. You will have a much lower cpu, gpu and most importantly real screen estate. Even sometimes I wish my M14x was 15 inch screen size while working in Office +Web for school. M11x would drive me crazy.

+ To keep a refurbished model more than 15 mins, after you arrive to last screen where you see how much to pay etc. you can click to customize my computer again to start the 15 mins from beginning, just a small tip

 

Crap. Maybe I should cancel the M11x R3 and order a M14x R1.

 

I just cancelled my M11x R3 order with Dell. I need to put some more thought into this. Man, Macs seem a lot easier to me.

 

What is your price range, so I can be more helpful?

Tbh you did the right thing by canceling M11x, even Dell now cancelled the production of M11x because its performance for its bulky size is not comparable. With Ivy Bridge new integrated gpu will give close performance. So ultra thin ultrabooks will give same performance and will be much portable. M14x on the other hand still provides screen real estate and performance while remaining fairly portable.

 

1. Not worth the 400$ difference. R1 is able to handle all games at high settings.
2. Better GPU; slightly increased battery life; better temperatures.
3. Yes and no. If you travel extensively, it might. M14X has much more power.

Overall, a refurbished R1 will satisfy his every needs. If you plan to keep it over a year, make sure to upgrade the warranty as the cost increases if you want to upgrade down the road.

You'll want to make sure it has a 900p resolution screen. CPU is up to you, but games such as BF3 favours an i7.

Leave RAM/HD as is. Dell over-charges and if need be, you can easily upgrade either in the future.

1.5GB/3GB GPU doesn't make a difference - you get the same results in games.

 

I will be purchasing an m14x r2 very soon and had a couple of questions.

1) Is there major difference between the i5 3210M and i7 3610QM in terms of gaming?
2) Is there a noticable difference between the 720p and 900p screen?
3) Would 1GB GT 650M be strong enough to play a game smoothly, and possible on a 1080p external monitor?
4) Nebula Red or Stealth Black?

Thanks. The reason I ask is because I really want to keep the cost as low as possible

 

1) I would buy the i5 if its only gaming, i7 if its needed in other applications.
2)900p is a must for me, the only thing in alienware pricing scheme which worths the money.
3)1gb 650m is enough no need for 2gb, no gain at all at those screen resolutions.
4)Color is totally personal but I prefer black as it looks more professional so if you go to a serious place you reduce the amount of strange looks (you get some because of aw uniqueness anyways)

 

I'm trying to stay right around $1K US.

 

1) I know the R1 was limited by the GPU since some people say the 650m GT is twice powerful as the 555m GT was I don't know if it's still the case, if you have the money to affort it go with the i7 because it's ivy bridge, if you don't have enough money wait them to release the i5 ivy bridge.
2) Yes for sure the resolution, 720p is 1366x768, 900p is 1600x900 so 900p is much better.
3) Yes 1GB is strong enough to play games smoothly 2GB wont change anything even on 1080p monitor, it'll only make a difference on really high resolution or multi monitors.
4) Black.

 

Hi guys, a noob question.

What is the differencE b/w a 32gb msata cache ssd and a 64gb msata boot drive?

Would appreciate if anyone can answer. Thanks

 

Dude create your own thread stop posting this on every topic. Thanks. (and at least before copy paste remove the "E" on differencE)

 

Im sorry, just trying to find out before i place my order.

 

Ah, okay.

Still possible to get a 1600x900 screen for around 1k.

Should be your only priority upgrade. Leave everything else as-is.

 

Actually you shouldnt create your own thread for this, this is the pre-confg questions thread so it should be the correct place

 

So why did the single 256 SSD option disappear from the M14XR2. It was there for a day or two, now you can only get a Raid or 512 SSD?