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    120hz worth 500 dollars?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Altuno, Jul 31, 2011.

  1. Altuno

    Altuno Notebook Consultant

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    I'm having a hard time deciding whether I want to include the 120hz screen in my bundle of power. I hear 120hz is noticeably better when playing games. As well as this, I will be able to enjoy 3D goodness, which I hear is just a gimmick.

    In order to do all of this, I have to switch the 6990m to the 580m, and change the screen to the 120hz. The difference is $500. Keep in mind, I almost always, if not 100% of the time, use my laptop screen as the only screen. No external monitor.

    Is it worth it?
     
  2. Stormbreaker

    Stormbreaker Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well, even at the very basic level without 3D, right from you start you get a brighter screen with a higher refresh rate. Then of course you have the 3D aspect. I've read tonnes of 3D vision reviews, a 95% of them have said it greatly enhances the gaming experience. Very few have said it's gimmicky (and those were back in 2009 when the technology was newly available from nVidia). So yes, I'd say that it is worth it. When I get my m17x I'll be replaying all my old games just to see them in 3D.
     
  3. james_2k

    james_2k Notebook Evangelist

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    people who have never used 3d think its a gimmick
     
  4. Altuno

    Altuno Notebook Consultant

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    I have used 3D once, at a friends house, they had the 3D Bundle all set up, and when playing Crysis on max settings, you could really play as well as in 2D. Is this usually the case?
     
  5. james_2k

    james_2k Notebook Evangelist

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  6. Altuno

    Altuno Notebook Consultant

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    I assume with a game such as Crysis, on a single graphics card, medium settings, if not low settings would need to be used to get the FPS needed for smooth 3D gameplay, that kind of kills the experience doesn't it?
     
  7. james_2k

    james_2k Notebook Evangelist

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    find benchmarks, half the fps. you will know.


    im getting the 3d 580 setup because even with a 460 it was great
     
  8. DeeX

    DeeX THz

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    3D is quite killer! Its better served with the 580m!
    Something to think about though... It costs over $1100 to upgrade and kit out the 3D later. Its almost worth it just for the 120Hz screen in my opinion. Not many LCDs are 120Hz even ones for desktops.

    One last other thing to think about regarding 120Hz... There are many games that will defo push above the 60FPS vsync cap most are used to with modern LCDs. So games running in vsync will also see increased visual framerates when using a 120Hz LCD in non 3D situations. (gasps for air)

    Anyways, hope this helps. Ima soooo grab me a 580m now :D
     
  9. Altuno

    Altuno Notebook Consultant

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    But the M17x isn't powerful enough to get 60fps in demanding games at their highest settings, even without AA and the like. Getting a 120hz screen wont really be utilized at all unless the fps is 60+? When using 3D, if the FPS is cut in half, much lower settings must be used to even play at 60fps.
     
  10. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

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    If Nvidia ever going to fix the toooo dark glasses I'm considering it.

    In a movie it just doesnt look right.
     
  11. james_2k

    james_2k Notebook Evangelist

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    have you used one?? its not all about the most demanding games.. and i think you will find the 580 can push over 60 quite a lot in 2d
     
  12. flanders

    flanders Notebook Consultant

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    I went for the 120hz just for the screen. 3d is gravy. Replacing a screen isn't a simple maneuver and IMO when it comes to resale time, 120hz will sell all the time over a 60hz unit now that the gpu can be upgraded.
     
  13. FUALL

    FUALL Notebook Geek

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    you made the right decision. also, when you try video taping your screen, you wont see the horizontal flickering lines with the 120hz
     
  14. Altuno

    Altuno Notebook Consultant

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    I would love to be able to buy the 120hz screen with a 6990m installed.