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

Hey guys, long time lurker, first post.

Currently waiting on my M14x to arrive... the wait is KILLING me, lol. Hopefully I have the same luck as some of y'all did and get it before EDD.

I've already been through the stickies..anything else to keep an eye out for that's not mentioned in those?

 

I just order my Alienware M14x from Powernotebooks ! I am very excited.

1 Alienware M14X - Gaming Laptops - $1,369.00
14-inch Wide HD+ 1600x900 WLED
Soft Touch Nebula Red
Nova Yellow
Up to 21 Characters. Enter in Special Instructions text box in Shopping Cart
nVIDIA GeForce® GT 555M w/1.5GB GDDR3 - nVIDIA Optimus Switchable Graphics
Intel® Core™ i5-2430M (2.4~3.0GHz, 35W) w/3M L3 Cache - 2 Cores - 4 Threads (Supports 8GB DDR3/1333 Only)
IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU
6GB (1x2GB+1x4GB) DDR3/1333 Memory
750GB SATA II 3GB/s 7,200 RPM Hard Drive
Slot Load Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti DVDRW/CDRW Drive
Built-in Bigfoot Networks Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 - Ultimate Gaming Card
8 Cell Smart Lithium-Ion Battery
Windows 7 Home Premium - 64-Bit + Drivers & Utilities Disks
Full Range 150W Auto Switching AC Adapter
1-Year Basic Service Plan - In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis
NO Special Promotions
NO No Defective Pixel Guarantee
NO Avatars and Wallpapers
NO External USB Optical Drive
NO Bluetooth
NO Spare Battery
NO Spare AC Adapter
NO Pre-Installed Games

 

Got mine in today and I will def. be thermaling this thing next week with some Arctic Silver.

 

As far as I know, sorry no, because that Alien Head's (I believe you mean the one at the back of the LCD screen) lighting is coming from the LCD screen, so it will always be white.

 

You may want to send that back to Powernotebooks.com. They're great, but Dell has the i7 M14x for about $1150:

Alienware Core i7 2.2GHz 14" LED Laptop w/ $100 GC for $1,149 + free shipping


I hope linking to better prices is allowed!

 

Crazy, wish UK got deals like that.

 

Hey guys, so i ordered a m14x recently because of my desktop having issues with my gaming. I know this is kinda off topic... but I just need some advice... The issue is that while playing games, BF3,MW2,WOW... there are times the screen goes black or freezes for long periods of time then go back to working normally... anyone have any thoughts to why this happens??

 

my pal(alienware m14x) is coming soon

 

Hi,
I realise this type of thread has been done already but wanted to know what I should be doing/changing when I first get my m14x.

If you could post the links to that or give me tips about drivers, turbo, software to get/remove etc that would be great.

Thanks

 

Follow this link to HOW TO: Preserve AlienRespawn - stock drive to aftermarket drive / AlienRespawn Q&A, it is very important that you do this the time you first turn the laptop because it will then create the system image at that time, and to ensure that it is working, should have have any problem later with the laptop.

Second, for all OEM computer, by default drivers will be pre-install on the laptop, so you dont need to install again however there are some driver that need update such as the Video driver (Intel/NVIDIA) etc... Follow this link to Dell Driver & Download for Alienware M14x and this for the NVIDIA Driver: NVIDIA Driver Downloads, but can you tell me which version (1.5GB or 3GB) of the GT555M did you order? Because there are some known problem when installing the NVIDIA Driver for the 3GB version, solution can be found in this thread: M14x - NVIDIA 295.51 Drivers Released - Discussion, I think it is in between page 3 - 6 though I'm not sure so give it a quick skim on it.

Third follow this link to the Driver install order: HOW TO: Clean Windows 7 Install (Driver Install Order) Guide for Alienware Systems, this is mainly a guide for if you want to clean install Windows 7, but it is also handy for if want to know which driver to install/update.

 

My boyfriend bought me the M14x for Valentine's day. Can you say BEST BOYFRIEND EVAR?!

I'm on pins and needles waiting for it. As a gamer girl, I have ALWAYS dreamed of owning my very own Alienware! SQUEEEEEEE! Should be here my March 1st or so.

 

your bf must be one rich dude

 

We're not rich by any means He makes good money, but we're far from rich.

 

*sigh* i just made the plunge and now my wallet weeps hahaha. Purchased a red Alienware M14x from HIDevolution. But now i must brace the longest 3-5 weeks of my life. Gosh i can't wait, i can finally go through a day of school without having to bring a charger... or the monstrous 17" Alienware Orion backpack that accommodates my Asus G73.

Oddly enough I'll be purchasing a Belkin Sling to carry my M14x instead of going with a 14" Orion.

Hopefully lady luck will accompany me and i won't have to pay any tax or custom fees.

 

My M14x had a EDD of 3/1...

IT CAME THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY!

I lurve it

 

I just finished my first session on The Witcher 2.. Wooow.. Look amazing on this little beast that is the m14x!!!

 

Welcome to both of you guys, glad to have you on NBR.

 

I've had my M14X for a little over a week so far. It's unlike any other laptop I've owned. Everyday when I open the lid, turn it on and see those beautiful blue/purple lights turn on it makes me so happy. I have a great appreciation for it and I don't think that will go away anytime soon.

With my Sager, I have no appreciation for it due to the design being so atrocious. Sure it's more powerful, but I just can't stand the design (looks like a 300$ laptop).

I like the M14X so much that I'll most likely be a lifetime AW customer.

I've been using it primarily for electronic music production (D&B/UK House) & DJ'ing and its been a perfect fit.

I've owned:
G53; G73-3DE; GX740; NP8130; HP dv6; K53TA; Studio 17 and several other machines and I've been the happiest with the M14X (2nd place G53 but it got stolen 1yr+ ago).

 

That's pretty surprising that you think the 8130 is ugly, it's just very plain, and that's one of the best parts about it, if the m14x had a better screen I'd be all over it, but now I am in limbo..

 

Yep. The only thing I miss from the Sager screen is the max brightness (the resolution doesn't bother me @ 1600x900 vs 1920x1080).

The M14X's screen is about 2 notches below Sager's max brightness if I place them side by side.

I guess you could attribute the Sager's plain look to being more anti-theft. Alienwares tend to scream out "steal me!"

 

Hi guys, just curious if anyone has had any experience or opinions on what a used M14x should roughly sell for? I'm trying to sell mine, it's only 2 months old.

Specs are:
i7 2670QM
6GB 1600mhz Ram
750GB
1.5GB GT555m
900p Screen

Price configured from Dell $1454 without tax. What should I expect to get and what's the minimum you would take? Opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

I've seen refurbs with coupons that are of the same configuration go for $900-1100. Try looking up the refurb page and base your selling price from there.

 

I am looking for a m14x to buy too, if you have a number on your head just pm me please.

 

Hi Thornox, I'd definitely be up for selling it. However on Monday a flickering pixel appeared so I had to send it to Dell for repair. It should be back next week. If you are still interested let me know and we can talk $, if not no worries. BTW it will still have roughly 10 months on the warranty. Thanks!

 

I am sad to hear that mate, but hopefuly Dell will solve the issue. I actually need to find a laptop fast because of my courses in the university, but you never know how things go, so just give me a call and tell me when your M14x js ready to rock.

 

Hey everyone! I just like to say hi and that I am a new owner of an m14x! I don't want to copy paste the entire store but I posted about it here to my m18x brothers.


http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...18x-owners-lounge-thread-264.html#post8357394

 

Hello, I live in New Zealand and am most likely going to purchase this laptop for college which I am attending this fall in the US. Unfortunately I am going to have to wait until August when I Arrive to order the M14x. (This saves me $1000 NZD by purchasing it in the US ). I like an opinion on a few things...

1. When will the M14x line be refreshed with Ivy bridge processors?

2. How big of an issue is the Heat on this laptop?

Cheers

 

1. I guess they will arrive by Q3 or Q4 this year, you can read this thread for more info & Discussion: New M17x R4, M14X R2 and M18X R2 are coming - Speculation thread.

2. About the heat, it is a big issue for most M14x because of the cooling design which the M14x has only one air vent, the CPU temp will jump to around +85C (in game), and will be at 50~65 on idle, I recommend you using a cooler to counter this or if you feeling you're confident enough, then you can try repaste the thermal compound, which is will help reduce the heat significantly, and turning off the Turbo Boost (Found in the BIOS) will also help.

 

Thanks, hopefully the ivybridge and (fingers crossed) improved ventilation m14x r2 will be out somewhat close to August.

 

i got my alienware m14x laptop. So far so good

 

Costco - Alienware M14x Laptop Intel® Core i7-2630QM 2GHz Illuminated Keyboard 1.5GB NVIDIA Graphics

Seems good compared to the exact same spec priced out on Alienware's site. What do you guys think?

 

About same price configured new from Dell. I'd say nothing special. Actually probably cheaper from Dell because there's typically $50-$100 coupons off Alienwares.

 

I am from India and im gonna get my m14x in 3 weeks time.It was adream since my 8th grade to get one but circumstances forced me to get a cheaper one.
Now i am finishing 12th grade this 26th and am due for a laptop on 27th.
my config is
Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM processor 2.00 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz
4GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM (2 x 2GB)
500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M
Intel® Ultimate N WiFi Link 6205 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Technology
14" (35.5cm) WLED HD+ (900p) display
Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Internal mini-card

Guys,I need to know what to do once I recieve it (like drivers,etc)
Thanks in advance...

 

my little beast is running fine... except when i play batman arkham city, it lags a little bit during cut scenes... any suggestions? i disabled turbo boost and i have a cooling pad too...

 

watch your temps to see if this is a throttle problem or a performance one related? Than we can give a more specific answer.

 

Hi I've been considering buying the m14x since it first came out. In the beginning reviewers said it ran really hot has that been fixed with bios updates? Also, has anybody delt with hidevolution.com to get their m14x? I was wondering how their customer service is since they have more options than dell. Thanks!

 

Hey guys, while looking around at Dell's outlet for m14x. I noticed that there are models with 500G HDD and 750HDD. From the current brand new offering, i am under the impression that models with 750G HDD is newer than ones with 500HDD. Is this more or less correct? And so does that mean i should try to get ones with 750 G HDD if possible?

 

@technoboy
- The laptop getting hot depends on the user. I always recommend thermal paste (IC24) which HIDevolution can do for you as well since you're considering them. They're a very good/reliable company.

@pita
Everyone has a 21 day return policy, so there's no older or newer M14X's sitting at the outlet. If a laptop sits at a warehouse, the parts do not wear out A sealed/boxed laptop that sits in a warehouse for 3 months versus a sealed/boxed laptop that sits there for 1 month will have the same life expectancy. The only difference it may have is a different version of BIOS and older drivers, which can easily be updated within 10-15 minutes.

Hard drive capacity depends on you. I personally prefer a 750GB since I like to have room for everything (movies, games, music, music production software, etc.).

 

Hi Voodooi, thanks for the info. I just asked about hidevolution because I have never heard of them and couldn't find any testimonials from their customers on their site. Thanks again!

 

Thanks Voodoo, you have been very helpful around here. I ultimately decided on Precision M4600. With comparable price and performance, I feel Precision packs much more values, particularly the 3 yr warranty. I am hearing small business has much better quality CS, and I also need the 3 yr warranty so I can transfer it abroad. I will certainly miss the form factor and the wow factor from the alienware though.

 

I hear ya. Personally, I'd have a really hard time switching from AW to any other brand because the keyboard alone is just too good.

You can't go wrong on the Precision's 3 year next-business day warranty, though.

 

Got an M14x on Christmas and have been loving it ^_^. Customer support wasn't exactly a joy ride though. I put my specs in my sig

 

So I called Dell outlet and got a m14x Black, 2860QM, 8gigs 1600MHZ, Killer card, 1600x900 screen, GT555 3gig, blue tooth, 750gig hard drive,...drum role.......$910.00 shipped to my door. When she said the price after a little talking I said i'll take it.....

 

What an amazing deal. One of the best I've ever seen for an M14X @ the outlet.

Someone scored an M11XR3 i5 for 700$ not too long ago.

Both of you are very, very lucky

 

can you deal one for me? ill pay a bit of fees on the helps

 

All I did was call the outlet and told them I wanted a m14x with so and so parts, I was really really nice and asked her how her day was and then she came back with the m14x with all the top of the line stuff, and I asked for a 15% off of that an she said cool here is the total, do you want it and I said hell ya.....I do know they have alot of them at the moment.

 

gratz on the new system dude, and crazy deal

 

Hey guys I am happy to report that I joined your ranks with my little monster.

i7-2670
8gb Ram
256gb SSD
3gb GT555m
1600x900 HD+screen
Big Foot Killer Network
------------------------------
For 1189$ from the dell outlet

This thing is crazy fast, considering its my first experience with a SSD.
OC'ed to 700/1400/1000 to get a bump in Fps with out any problems.

 

Took the plunge and bought a 3 month old used M14x and after upgrading a few things, I'm so happy with it.

Alienware M14x | i7-2630QM | Nvidia 1.5 GB GT 555M | AData Low Voltage 8GB DDR3 1600 Mhz | 900P WLED | 120 GB SanDisk Ultra SSD + 500GB Seagate (OEM Drive)

I was very worried about some of the bad stuff people had to say about the laptop, but so far everything has been solid and gaming performance has been solid, not world beater but on par with my old laptop's gtx 260m. Not a desktop replacement, but i don't want it to be.


Quick question, once I transfer ownership to myself can I extend the warranty which still has like 8-9 months left on it?

 

Yes. A call to sales gets the additional warranty, I believe.

Ownership transfer here.