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    Need advice for M14x

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by blueblood90, Jul 30, 2011.

  1. blueblood90

    blueblood90 Newbie

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    Hi everyone,

    I am considering getting an M14x laptop. I am going to be using it for light gaming, Photoshop, 3D modelling and rendering, other schoolwork, and movies.

    Any advice on what specs (processor, RAM, display, WiFi, etc) to get would be greatly appreciated!
     
    blueblood90, Jul 30, 2011
    #1
  2. ComputerMD82

    ComputerMD82 NX-74205

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    CPU: The 2630QM is perfect for most uses, anything higher really isn't worth it unless you do work that is REALLY CPU intensive. Or if you're the "gotta have it" type. Otherwise save the $$

    RAM: Get the base RAM and upgrade from Newegg, You'll get much more bang for the buck. You can sell the stock 4GB kit for $30ish, and upgrade to this for a net cost of only $40: Newegg.com - G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSQ

    Display: 1600x900 screen is a must on this laptop. The screen is the best upgrade you can get. Brighter, more pixels, means more on screen, especially since you're doing 3D work.

    Wifi: I'd say at least the 6250, if not the Killer. If you're going to be using WiFi often, it makes a difference.

    Also of note, the 3GB Nvidia card may be of some use to you since you're doing lots of 3D/image work, although the general consensus is that it's not worth the extra cash.
     
    ComputerMD82, Jul 30, 2011
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  3. ComputerMD82

    ComputerMD82 NX-74205

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    By the way, you can always upgrade the hard drive at a later date with the SSD of your choice, so ordering it with an SSD installed is optional. They use Samsung 470's, which are good drives.

    PS: Get the 900p screen! ;)
     
    ComputerMD82, Jul 30, 2011
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  4. alienwolf

    alienwolf Notebook Deity

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    Agree with ComputerMD82 I all ready ordered the same ram for New Egg. Follow his advice you can't go wrong. Great little laptop ;)
     
    alienwolf, Jul 30, 2011
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  5. blueblood90

    blueblood90 Newbie

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    I live in Canada and they don't have the 6250 WiFi card here, only the WiFi Link 1000 and the Killer. So I'm guessing I should go with the Killer then.
     
    blueblood90, Jul 30, 2011
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  6. ComputerMD82

    ComputerMD82 NX-74205

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    The Intel 1000 card may be alright if you don't use the WiFi that often, it's pretty basic. I highly recommend the Killer card :)
     
    ComputerMD82, Jul 30, 2011
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  7. /Drakk_

    /Drakk_ Notebook Consultant

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    I would not go with the 1000 card if you want to do any gaming over wifi.
     
    /Drakk_, Jul 30, 2011
    #7