3D 120HZ Matte screen for m17x R4

So I have a question about this screen. Will this be able to go into the m17x R4 if I have the correct connectors and an nvidia gpu or do I need a glossy panel? I just prefer matte panels.
This has probably been asked before, but I can't for the life of me find anything about it. Thank you in advance for any help.
And for those of you wondering, yes I am from Australia hence the Australian ebay link

 

Well there is the port on the motherboard on all R4s adjacent to the port from where the non 3D panels connect

However I couldn't make out whether this will come with the back panel for the R4, also remember once you enable the 3D option you will loose the ability to use the Optimus feature of mobile NVIDIA cards ergo the battery life will be severely compromised

 

Is there a way to buy a matte 120hz panel from dell at all? I know that there's an option for it when you build it, but I might be confusing that with the newest model.

Also, I don't plan on taking the laptop with me other than to friends houses and they all have electricity so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

 

You could try asking the sales department. 1-800-WWW-DELL.

 

I wouldn't want to try a matte one for one reason. The only 120hz panels with some sort of anti-glare ( Dell TrueLife™ LCD Screens - What is it?) is the latest AW17. And that is still a glossy finish. Although it may well work just fine the 3D may not initiate if the display ID is not recognised. I'd sure like to see someone test it though, could open up my panel options

Actually two reasons, glossy is simply better IMO for low light level gaming, and even better in 3D. No distractions from reflections and super contrast

I know that you cannot get 3D to work on any later GPU card even if it works in a later model, but don't know how it identifies the panel (some sort of bios 3D certification list?)

Using the correct cable bypasses the iGPU so it's never used.

Good luck.

 

So it's better just to buy a glossy one as I'm probably going to be using it in low light situations? Do you have a link to a place to buy one of these, preferably from an Australian seller? I'll have a look myself but if you have a link to a place where I can buy one and know it works. Also, does the 120hz work on later cards or is it just the 3D? Thanks.

 

I think so and so do others I have 'polled' (glossy screen choice) agree. It is a pain in direct sunlight or even a bright room and maybe why dell now offer a matte screen.

Can't help with a supplier I'm afraid but there is a recent thread I will look for where a few people are upgrading their M17's to 120hz. Getting the correct cable from dell seems to be the difficult part .

120hz appears to work fine in all circumstances but only GPU cards sold with the model will work in 3D. On the plus side once you have a 120hz display the iGPU is no longer used and you can fit a later card without needing to mess with the bios .

 

I've had a look around and found that the r4 uses a different 3D screen to the r3 so I'd need to find an r4 screen. I'm sure I'll be able to do that. Any help on how to get the cable? Or just good luck wishes?
So what's the best GPU to get that works in 3D? And what's the best card that runs 120hz? Will I be able to put an 880m in it if I win the lottery?

 

The safest way to get the correct cable is dell. They can be a pain sometimes looking up parts but my method is to ask them about a full upgrade (if I have any problems), once they list the parts I need I just say 'OK, I'll just take the cable (or heatsink in my case)'.

All NV cards support 120hz and for the R4 the 680m is by far the best GPU without loosing 3D - and I love the 3D so much I would never go back - if all you've seen is 3D TV or 3D films then you are in for a surprise. It's so much better it's a generational difference in gaming (IMO)- even though it was designed before the rubbish 3DTV specifications!

I haven't seen anyone use an 8xx card yet but it should be just fine - the only caveat is that for some reason the 770m has been problematic in getting it to work in earlier machines.

all the best

Edit: This post may give you some more info (or confuse - sorry) http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-17-m17x/744470-aw17-120hz-screen.html

It is about the latest model but has some useful information...

 

OK, thanks for your help. I'll try and find a 3D screen on ebay or somewhere, having some troubles at the moment, but I should be fine, I have a nack of finding stuff when everyone else I know can't. Are the 800m series cards all that much better anyways? I've seen people say that the 780m's aren't worth the upgrade over the 680m so just wondering about the 880m. I've seen one cheap chinese 3D tv so I assume it's going to be glorious.

Edit: will this cable work with the screen?

 

I wish you all the luck in the world - and please keep us updated so others looking to do this have a better idea of just what parts they need .

My favourite quote is after showing Batman AC in 3D to my console-loving nephew - 'how can you go back to 'normal' gaming after that!'. I can't .

I've seen the same as you re the later cards, the 780 is only marginally better than the 680m and the 680m overclocks very well so can quite easily match it - so I've seen from those that have tried them. The 880m is again a slight improvement over the 780 but not enough to lay out a bunch of cash - and loose 3D IMO!

There is a new generation of NV cards in the wings and mooted for late this year which all the enthusiasts are waiting on

 

OK then, so I'll start saving for a 680m then. So is this cable the correct one? Still looking at info about the screens, but I'll post any info I find about it. It seem as though the screen in the newest AW17 is the same as the m17x r4. I'll be having a look around for more info and post as I find more.

 

Looks like this screen should work for the m17x r4 and the newest AW17 as they use the same screen. You need all the cables and such but the majority of them are easy to come by

Edit: This IR Emiter is the same one used on both models by the looks of it.

 

Sure looks perfect to me - and saying that is is for a 3D R4 doesn't come much better than that!

The emitter board may be something else you need to track down as I've only see it as part of the dell panel assembly. Give that supplier a shout, they should know.

The newest AW panel cannot be the same since they advertise a new feature for the 3D panel - Trulife, which is getting good reviews. The screen is still glossy. Dell TrueLife™ LCD Screens - What is it?



Edit: I had a look at that panel and it says all the right things, again ask the seller, they may know exactly what you need as it's sold as a direct replacement for an existing 120hz model?

 

So the cable is the right one by the looks of it. The screen seems to be the right one too as it says nothing about the trulife thing on the laptopscreens site. I posted a link to the IR board in my edited post before. I think that's everything that's needed.

 

Just to add to your worries (sorry ), I did notice when building a 3D model on the dell site the lid was a separate part number from the 'normal' panel. Made me think the thickness could be an issue? But on the plus side - nobody has reported physical problems .

Unfortunately I've only seen one upgrade that appears to be working fine in 3D - he's waiting for the glasses but so far all tests say it is working. As soon as he posts an update (or I find it) I'll let you know. Most 120hz upgraders are only interested in the refresh rate and it is so much better they never even get any glasses to try it .

 

I assume I'll watch like 4 movies and play like 1 game in 3D and never use it again I'm mostly wanting to get 120hz but 3D would be great

 

haha we're both quick on the draw!!

Yes, it looks to me like you have already sourced all the parts! Now my 'guinea pig', to see

 

Just have to save up and also wait for my laptop to arrive. Don't have money as I recently bought one for around $1000 so it's a great price.

Edit: Also, I hate import charges. Had to pay almost $200 just to get it here as it's from the US and I live in Australia. I wonder if someone from the US bought it and shipped it to me if I'd have to worry about import charges, I assume yes but not sure about the whole thing.

 

That's what most people say but honestly if you can get it to work there are a whole bunch of excelent games that do 3D just perfect.

I only got this one originally knowing the benefits of a 120hz panel. The 3D was just a gimick and I'd take a look - well I could not be more surprised, it realy does add a new 'dimension' and I'm not alone in thinking so. I kept quiet about it in case it was just my eyes liking it but I've seen quite a few owners enjoying it as much as me.

My favourite use is to play through a game without the 3D - since two hours is as long as you want to be tricking your eyes without a break - I never get any discomfort, I just want to look after my eyes! Then when the game is open world go back in in 3D - gives a game double playing time.

For games like the portal series (highly recommended) it actually makes the game more fun to play, 3D puzzles in 3D is great .

 

No import charges if you already own the item and is therefore 'used' and shipped as personal property (I can only speak for the US and the UK but I would expect similar AU customs rules - time for more research .

If there is a bill of sale in it and it's inspected you could even be into a fine as well as the duty ? I've had ebay purchases opened up in the UK and had to pay the duty to the postman to get my item .

Just take care of the warranty (if it has one) transfer, I hear good things about the AU support

 

Just read back and saw the emitter link. You sure wasn't boasting when you said you find stuff others have difficulty with - bet you get a LOT of friends asking for help :thumbsup:

 

I really do. Mostly from my little brother, who got me to build his desktop. He has a top of the line computer which cost him ~$1000. So, if I was to get someone I know in the US to get the laptop would I have to pay import charges? Because I haven't fully committed to buying it yet and if I could save $200 that would be enough for the screen and such.

Edit: Looks like it only has import charges if it's over $1000. I'll contact the seller and ask if he can do it for less than $1000aud because he's selling it for $1025aud.

 

Cool, see PM re a new purchase from the US.

Got to say +rep for nailing all the components quicker than I could reply

 

Replied to you PM. Thanks for the rep Gave you some earlier on

 

FYI Dell - International Laptop Warranty Contact Information | Dell