ordered m14x i5

just put in an order for a m14x with i5 processor from the outlet using a 20% coupon.
here are the specs:
-- Alienware M14x Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Unit Price: $1,049.00
Quantity: 1
-- Alienware M14x
-- 8X DVD +/- RW Drive
-- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
-- 14.0 inch HD (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
-- Service Software
-- Certified Refurbished
-- Software
-- Documentation
-- Information
-- Software
-- 8 Cell Primary Battery
-- Processor Label
-- Power Cord
-- Documentation
-- Shipping Material
-- 3 GB DDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M
-- Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish
-- Wave Systems Software
-- 750 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
-- AlienFX Color, Mars Red
-- 150W AC Adapter
-- Information
-- Service Software
-- 6 GB DDR3 Memory (1X2G/1X4G), 1333MHz
-- Software
-- Information
-- Sound Blaster X-Fi MB Panzer software version 1.2
-- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Operating System DVD
-- Information
-- Processor: Intel Core i5-2410M processor (2.30 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz)
-- Image Restore Software
-- Intel Wireless-N WiFi Link 1000 a/g/n 1x2

total came out to $897 with tax

was this a good deal to hop on or did i pull the trigger too soon?

will i regret not getting an i7?

how long of a lifespan will i get out of the m14x?

any concerns that i should be aware of from a certified refurbished system?

estimated delivery date is for 1/16/2012. so excited!
thanks for your time

 

I would have gotten an i7, but you will be fine. As for lifespan, it depends what you want. Gaming, 2-3 years MAX, for general use, 6-7 I would guess.

 

1. You won't regret getting an i5. Some people actually regret getting an i7 because it runs hotter and drains battery life faster. If you need an i7, like if its your main computer or need more power, then yeah. But by no means is the i5 a slow processor. i7 just sounds better, but both processors are great. You will benefit with better battery life and lower heat. Won't see a difference gaming wise. I don't even use the full quad core power of my i7.

2. 2-4 years at the max it should last. Laptops don't really last as long as desktops. Cant upgrade a lot of it as well. But what you paid for it, its a good deal.

3. Actually, in my opinion, the refurbs should be better quality than the newer systems. I think that because the techs would spend more time verifying that it works, more so than one thats just off the assembly line. And they still have warranty.

 

I have the i5 and comparing to the i7 users on this forum I havent seen any difference at all. It even run Skyrim better

Enjoy it man ! And a sick price you got !

 

Hi, I also got an i5. may i ask what are the temps youre getting when playing skyrim and also you're settings? *sorry for being off topic

but with regards with i7 to i5's. Most of what i read is that there isn't a great difference in performance but a major difference in temps while gaming(reason why i got i5)

 

I feel more at ease now with my decision for pulling the trigger which was kind of impulsive yet an opportunity I couldn't miss.

What I will be generally using this machine will be always being on the go with it either having a heavy duty gaming session or spending hours grinding playing poker online. I hope to make this machine last because it will be my main machine and the HP I'm using now was great but just too basic for my taste along with the inability to play current games.

I have been reading some heating problems that people have with the i7 and now knowing that the i5 runs considerably cooler is exactly what I was looking for. My first laptop I purchased was the asus W3J and at the time had great power for the size but the heating issues eventually lead to its death after 4 years.

the wait for this machine is going to kill me

 

No sorrys needed man!

Im playing everything maxed with exept the shadows on high. The FXAA on and aa at 2 samples while af is at 4 samples.

My GPU is overlocked to 715 and 975.

My CPU temps stay around 70C and my max temp is usually around 78-80.
My GPU stay around 68C - 70C.

Hope this helps

IM playing at 768p and I dont have a laptop cooler. Sometimes ill play in my 1080p monitor so I simply switch the shadows to medium (it's been the major FPS effect for me)

 

Thanks for the info! i see you are also OCing the gpu. btw what drivers are you using at what version of bios?

I think the m14x would suffice for the most recent gaming titles, it could be a different story in 1-2 years though. it wont need the dedicated gpu for poker. I think it's also the right size and weight for a true laptop unless you're skinny as bones. i5 also gives a little more battery life, also consider upgrading to an ssd but do your research before you buy one(SATA 2 is the safe choice as far as i know).

 

my m14x just shipped out of dell and estimated date of 1/13/12 this friday !!

 

Im just using the latest driver offered on the dell website which is the 285.xx (I dont remember it precisely)
I havent updated my bios tho ( is it something I should be doing ? )

It's the best portable laptop! I meen, 15.6 inch can sometimes get a bit big. Im a student so I use for classes and stuff and its a charm to bring. You wont be the guy standing out with a huge laptop. I can also get an easy 5 hour battery which is just awsome.

Ive been playing Skyrim with awsome settings. Space marine all maxed, Duke Nukem all maxed (got it for 4.99 the campaing is ... ok lol ). Metro 2033 i've been playing on high settings. all with over 40 fps of course. Im probly gonne replay Star Trek online again when it goes free (no time for mmo when at university but if its free sure ! ) cant wait to see the graphics maxed used to play it on medium settings !

thanks again!