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    (Dell) Best personalization under $2000 for M17x R3?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by skw4712, Aug 14, 2011.

  1. skw4712

    skw4712 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I want a high-quality M17x that is able to run Crysis 2 on high to max setting.

    This is what I'm thinking of:
    1. Intel® Core™ i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache) OR 2720 QM?
    2. 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (4DIMMS)
    3. VIDEO CARD!! HELP!!!!! 6970M looks good, but 6990M or 580 M?? I don't know what's how much better than the others.
    4. 1.5 TB Raid 0 (2x 750GB 7,200RPM)
    5. 1920 x 1080 WLED. How much big a difference is it compared to 1600 x 900?

    The price comes out $2084 (slightly over 2000, which is fine), I can switch or take out 2720 QM and and 1600 x 900 if 2720 QM makes a lot of difference in gaming.
     
    skw4712, Aug 14, 2011
    #1
  2. panzer06

    panzer06 His Imperial Majesty

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    I haven't found the 6990 to be that much better than the 6970. Perhaps a future driver release will improve that. I like 1080p so I would also get the upgrade (helps resale down the line as well). I would like to play with the 580 and the 3D screen but it's just too much money.

    As for hard drives and ram, get the smallest you can from dell. These are two upgrades that are easy to do and cost must less own your own after the laptop arrives.

    Cheers,
     
    panzer06, Aug 14, 2011
    #2
  3. TostitoBandito

    TostitoBandito Notebook Evangelist

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    The config in my sig, minus the SSD and HyperX RAM, was $2000 shipped (including tax and a 3 year warranty). I then spent another $300 or so on the SSD and memory. I am happy with it.
     
    TostitoBandito, Aug 14, 2011
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  4. qohelet

    qohelet Senior Member

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    Opt for 4gb of ram and 320 hdd. Upgrade the cpu to 2720 if you can. get the 6990m. its the best gpu at a reasonable price.

    you can upgrade your ram and hdd later at newegg which will cost a lot cheaper than getting them upfront from dell. Good luck!
     
    qohelet, Aug 14, 2011
    #4
  5. james_2k

    james_2k Notebook Evangelist

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    but the best gpu at an unreasonable price is the 580! :D
     
    james_2k, Aug 14, 2011
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  6. TostitoBandito

    TostitoBandito Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't think anyone will argue with that :)
     
    TostitoBandito, Aug 14, 2011
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  7. jwolf7722

    jwolf7722 Notebook Deity

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    No need to upgrade Ram or HDD at all. Both can be upgraded by anyone (upgraded both easily on my system).
    If you need the extra space get the 1920X1080. I like the higher resolution so thats the first thing I look at. You cant really upgrade the screen easily or cheaply so choose wisely. Everything else can be upgraded in due time. I know nothing about the 6990M but the 6970M is still a beast.
     
    jwolf7722, Aug 14, 2011
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  8. Toledano

    Toledano Notebook Evangelist

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    Deeeeng :)
     
    Toledano, Aug 14, 2011
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  9. Na8331

    Na8331 Notebook Consultant

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    is that with a discount? That config in your sig is easily 2500+
     
    Na8331, Aug 14, 2011
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  10. TostitoBandito

    TostitoBandito Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes, the rep I talked to on the EPP line got me a 25% discount.
     
    TostitoBandito, Aug 14, 2011
    #10