*OFFICIAL* M14x Owner's Lounge Thread - READ BEFORE POSTING

I recently bought my alienware m14x, red one, was so excited, I must say I'm incredibly dissatisfied pointed. I am very dissatisfied. In comparison to an old samsung r505 laptop I had, the alienware is worse. It constantly freezes and audio goes funny for the second or two it freezes, it's ridiculous. it does this about 2-3 times every few minutes.

 

Hi trying to decide between an m14x and an Asus g53sw-a1. Reviews for both are pretty positive so I was wondering how many people on this forum are having trouble with their m14x's? Thanks!

 

No problems with mine, at least none that aren't my doing/ignorance.

If you can't/won't fiddle with a PC, get a Mac I say!

 

Looks like you got a lemon. Contact Dell.

 

Hi V, thanks for the response! Its just hard to choose between these two lapy's they both have good features, and when configured the way i want the price is like $5 difference. Thanks again!

 

I'd prefer the M14x over the Asus. You'll get better support from Dell, it looks better (IMHO), and it has a smaller form factor.

 

Is there a difference in screen quality between the 720p and 900p? are they both 45% gamut?

 

Hi zjacobss, from what I've heard the 900p screen is better. And, you don't have to scroll as much on web pages etc. You should check out anandtech's review at anandtech.com!

 

Hey guys, i've ordered my M14x and it's currently on its way. Will post about first impressions etc soon. Very excited

 

Just ordered my M14x from the outlet, should arrive on 10/27. I traded in my Asus G73JH-A1 for it because I was having far too many issues with the G73 trackpad... plus the size and weight were just too much. I'm a programmer so I like to be able to be unplugged on the couch and get decent battery life and then be able to plug in and game. The M14x seems like the perfect option for me.

Here are my specs; I know most of the options are highly overrated, but it ended up only being about $150 more than basic outlet configurations after the 25% off coupon and I got several hundred dollars worth of upgrades:

Alienware M14x (Red)
-- 8X DVD +/- RW Drive
-- Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module
-- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
-- 14.0 inch HD (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
-- Certified Refurbished
-- Internal 60GHz WirelessHD Transmitter
-- Processor: Intel Core i7 2820QM 2.3GHz (3.4GHz w/Turbo Boost, 8MB Cache)
-- 3.0 GB DDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus technology
-- 750 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
-- Sound Blaster X-Fi MB Panzer software version 1.2
-- 8 GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1600MHz (2X4G)
-- Intel Wireless-N WiFi Link 1000 a/g/n 1x2 (already bought an Intel 6250 to replace)
-- Alienware M14X: 1 Yr Ltd Warranty, Basic Service after Remote Diagnosis + CompleteCare (will update before it expires)

FINAL Price (Tax+Shipping): $1157.35

Obviously, I see the problems with heat and noise; given that I have a 2820QM, is there anything I can do with the extra capability to lower temps? Perhaps underclocking it a bit will help?

 

Hi brazzle, I don't think you can under clock the 2820qm. But you could try a notebook cooler if the m14x gets too hot. HTH!

 

I got my m14x today. I have not yet tried it. But, i noticed that the nameplate is wrong (spelling mistake in my name). How can i get a new one ?

 

Thats easy.

CHANGE YOUR NAME!

 

The 900p screen in the M14x is currently one of the best quality 14" 1600x900 screens available right now. It's the only one I've heard of (besides the old Envy 14 Radiance display) that has a decent contrast ratio (in the 500 to 1 range according to notebookcheck). The gamut is still low, but low contrast generally kills image quality more than low gamut does.

I highly doubt this is true for the 1366x768 screen. The 1366x768 screen probably has a junky 100-200 to 1 contrast ratio.

Rule of thumb: Always get the 1600x900 screen when buying the M14x, because it makes more of a difference than any other upgrade.

 

Just email Dell's order support. I ordered a machine on the outlet and emailed them the next day and told them I knew the machine wouldn't have a customized nameplate and asked them if I could get one. I got an email back a few hours later that they had submitted an order for one and I'd receive it within 2 weeks (EDIT: free of charge)

 

Hey guys. I am seeing a few mentions here and there about heat coming off the left side of the keyboard and palm rest. However, I didn't notice a thread dedicated to the issue. We have alerted quality engineering, and the issue is under preliminary investigation. Do you all think this issue is prevalent enough to start a thread dedicated to palm rest heat so we can get a handle on the scope of affected users?

 

The form i have to fill, asks for a customer number/ order number. I did not order the laptop myself, so i have only the service tag. Can somebody give me the email adress of dell order support ?

 

Hi guys (and gals),

been a member of these forums for a while I think (soon find out after I've posted this). Was previously an XPS m1530 owner (bought it 3+yrs ago) and was really happy with that laptop as it stood the test of time.

I've recently received my M14 (thursday) and totally happy so far. Specs are :

Item
Description
Base
Alienware M14x : 3.0 Base Black
Memory
8192MB (2x4GB) 1600MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
Keyboard
Internal UK/Irish Qwerty Keyboard
Video Card
3GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT555M
Hard Drive
750GB (7,200rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive
Operating System
English Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 BIT)
Optical Devices
8X DVD+/-RW Drive including software
Sound
Integrated High-Definition 5.1 Performance Audio
Wireless Networking
Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 - EUR
Cables
UK 220V Power Cord
Shipping Documents
Ship Accessory : English Docs
Gedis Bundle Reference
N08W1401
Standard Warranty
1 year Next Business Day Hardware Support included with your PC
Enhanced Service Packs
1Yr Collect & Returns Warranty – No upgrade selected
Order Information
Alienware M14X MLK Order - UK
Primary Battery
Primary 8-cell 63W/HR LI-ION
Carrying Cases
No Carrying Case
Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 2670QM (2.20Ghz, 6MB, 4C)
Dell System Media Kit
Resource DVD : Alienware M14x
Camera
Integrated 3.0 Mega Pixel HD Camera
Color Choice
Alienware M14x Black WLAN
Avatar
Alienhead 3D
AutoMatic Updates
AutoMatic updates - On
Wallpapers
Alienware 3D Wallpaper
TimeZone
(GMT + 01.00) Vienna, Amsterdam, Berlin, Stockholm
AlienFx Colour
Mars Red
Accidental Damage Support
No Accidental Damage Protection
Pre Installed Software
Steam® Client and Portal™ Game - Factory Installed
Eve Online - Factory Installed
LCD
14.1" (36 cm) Widescreen High Definition + (1600x900) WLED with TrueLife
Hidden NamePlate Engraving
Generic Name Plate Engraving
Protect your new PC
No Antivirus Software
Power Supply
MOD,ADPT,AC,DLTA,150W,3P,WW

Yeah, I went for the 3GB GfX card (sucker)! Only installed one game so far which is guild wars. been more of a console gamer over the last couple of years. I like my RPGs so looking for some suggestions.


EDIT: Heck - 3 posts in 3+yrs - that's bad!! sorry....

 

Could you investigate this http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m14x/594168-mic-problems.html ?

 

The reply I got came from: [email protected]

But in the email chain it showed my original email was sent to: [email protected]

 

Very new owner here, but I haven't seen or heard of this issue on here or in my own experience. What seems to be the problem?

 

How are people doing with SC2 on this thing? It's really all I play.

 

I only played for a few minutes, but running at 1600x900 on High it was running great. I think there's some real benchmarks out there from people.

 

It will run SC2 on ultra no problem

 

That issue is under investigation. We have root cause determined. Due to the nature of the problem, I can't share exactly what the root cause is. Sorry for the mystery. I am keeping tabs on the issue and will post to that thread as things develop. Thanks for the heads up.

There seems to be a heavier than normal volume of comments in social media that mention "heat" and "touchpad" together. I dug through a bunch of them in context, and it seems some are reporting what sounds like an issue with skin temps being a little high- nothing to do with the touchpad. However, the volume of comments is not really that high, but compared to other issue comments, it's up toward the top. In general, we don't have a lot of problems with this platform, so anything with more than a few mentions pops up on the line graph. I'm just trying to determine if we have a real issue with skin temps or not.

Any help is appreciated.

 

The mic issues have been resolved. See this post for info.

 

Hello, I just got my new Alienware M14x like a week ago. I was wondering whether I should upgrade to BIOS A05; my laptop's using A04 BIOS at the moment. I don't really mind the fan's loudness but yeah I was wondering if it's worth it.

 

If i just ordered my m14x on the 1st of this month do you think my machine will be effected? I will check of course, but want to be aware of it, so i can look out for any issues.

 

Hey, dell-bill_b

does this affect european, german in particular, users too?

I just got my m14x last month, but i havent experienced those issues yet, do they come with every m14x or just with the usa/canadian ones, since your only referring to them?

 

Hey guys!

I have a question: How do I game at full power without being plugged into the wall?

I configured the Power Management options in Alien Fusion to run at Max Performance when on battery power, but I still only get 14fps in Skyrim. Then I plug into my wall jack and get 50fps. What gives?

 

I believe it's across regions, but not every single unit is affected. If you are not experiencing the issues now, you should be fine.

 

I had mine for 2 months before it nuked,died completely and the tech said after opening my case it was starting to melt.And bill gamba has an I5 big difference,10watt cpu drop,not to mention other things hes done to keep heat at bay.I wish mine still ran it would burn you.No bs.

 

I think I had my issues crossed up when I replied to gamba. If so, sorry gamba. I was referring to the mic issues when I replied, because that is what I thought you were asking about. (My last post on the thread was about the mic.)

As far as thermal issues go, same applies. The issue would be seen in all regions. Let me get with you in PM again about the current state of your box, yankee.

 

Bill I am in no way contadicting your effort I applaud it,but there is a definite heat issue and theres another thread this am where while gaming the guys laptop shut down and his temps were sky high.There is a definite heat issue.It took dell years and thousands of issues to admit to the xps 1710-20&30 series,I can't wait that long.Thanks again Bill I truly appreciate your help.

 

No worries. We're not having a conflict. We're becoming new friends.
We'll see what's up and go from there. I should have something of substance to say besides my babbling-on here today by Monday or Tuesday.

 

Thanks Bill,I appreciate the help and I emailed you for what its worth I just want to play some games,Thanks Bill.

 

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.

 

Just received my on 11/22 and am really liking it so far. I used to have the m15x, and boy what a difference. So much lighter and compact, and very quiet. My fans only come on when gaming, and it stays cool imo, at least compared to the m15x, which would scorch my legs if I tried to game with it on my lap.

Not much more I can say that hasn't been said already, but I hope to contribute to the m14x forum as much as I can

 

Just Ordered due 13/12/11 slightly more portable then my m18x

 

she's a beauty , I fell like I can spend hours in the alienware FX controls endless options, Questions for the users with the killer wireless what applications should I set to priority??? Internet explorer was set to level 1(the highest priority) but I since swithced to Firefox, good idea? should I set Firefox to level 1??? anyways I'm installing some steam games as we speak, and going to install BF3 later.

Another question anyone use dell stage I declined to install in, is it helpful,thanks

 

dont u think red is cooler and more aggressive.......thats how i show off in front of chicks (mine is red)...........hahahaa

 

na i got stealth black, kinda regretting that, I should have chose the red because my color gets a lot of fingerprints, I imagine the red color would mask the fingerprints more efficiently than black.

 

The color gamut is around 45% I think which is VERY low (almost at the very bottom of most lists for laptops).

Is there any possibility of upgrading the screen on my M14x in the future?

 

Yes, it is a series question. Because I am concerned that the GT 555m graphics card is already struggling with some modern games (like Witcher 2).

Fallout 4 will probably be released in two years (guessing). So that is the time frame we are looking at.

Also, will the laptop run games 1 year from now or will it be completely worthless?

And yes, that is also a serious question.

 

I'm hoping since we can currently run most new games at high/Ultra settings, in a year we should be able to run them at medium/high.

Hoping.

 

Hi Guys,

Just received my M14x and loving it. My MBP is now definitely going on ebay. Just waiting for my Samsung 830 SSD to arrive so will enjoy the few days of just generally getting use to the new machine and trying stuff out before starting again.

Btw..has anyone found a good deal for a 2nd power brick?? I dont really want to pay Dell £95 for a spare but might have to for home and work.

 

Congrats, im sure you can get a third party one on ebay for around 30. It would be third party, and it should work, but personally, I'd pay the premium for one from dell because its guaranteed to work and not mess up your alienware. Just my opinion.

 

Where did you get your SSD from? The only place I found them at a reasonable price was dabs.com. I ordered mine this morning on standard delivery (free) but it's been dispatched already

 

Hi, I have been a gamer for quite some time. I bought a new pc around the time Counter-Strike Source, and Battlefield 2 were new games. My current system configuration is:

3.0GHZ P4
2GB OCZ PC3200
ATI X850XT
24"

I have not experienced gaming on a rig other than my old pc, which I'm currently typing this on. My question is what kind of difference am I going to experience with the M14X laptop? What kind of performance increase are we talking here? And will my mind be thoroughly blown?

 

My desktop, which I still use, has the same specs as yours, except my GPU is a Radeon 9600.

Let me reassure you: Your mind will be blown. I'm still picking pieces of mine off the walls of my living room, after 3 month of M14x ownership.

I loaded Oblivion on Ultra settings and I soiled my pants.

It was a revelation of biblical proportions. Why O why didn't I do this before!?

Advice: Before turning on your M14x for the first time, be prepared. Wear a helmet and a good diaper.