Alienware 17, choice between $1680 and $2400

Hallo people of the forum =)

I have a decision to make regarding 2 deals that i found and no one i talked to knew anything about alienware so i figured maybe i can post this here and get some opinions. So here is what i found:


Deal 1: Alienware 17 for $2400

CPU 4th Generation (Haswell) Intel Core i7-4910MQ
Display 17.3" WLED Full HD (1080p/1920x1080) (NO 3D)
Memory 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz
Graphics 8GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 880M GDDR5
Hard Drive 2 x 1TB HDD + 80GB mSATA SSD
Optical 8X Blu-Ray Combo (Blu-ray ROM + DVD+/- RW)


Deal 2: Alienware 17 for $1680

CPU 4th Generation (Haswell) Intel Core i7-4710MQ
Display 17.3" Truelife Full HD WLED anti-glare display (HAS 3D!!!)
Memory 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz
Graphics 8GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M GDDR5
Hard Drive 1TB SATA hard drive + 80G mSATA
Optical 8X Blu-Ray Combo (Blu-ray ROM + DVD+/- RW)


So which one would you guys think is the better deal??? Also as far as i can tell, it is possible to upgrade the display to 120HZ 3D later but i am trying to compare the rest of the specs so any input on this is much appreciated! What would you guys get??? Is it worth paying the extra $800???

Thanks in advance.
Sam.

 

I guess if you go with the cheaper one, later you will definitely want to upgrade the GPU and CPU, than you will want more memory; I guess the 3D is a good upgrade as well. But unfortunately, later if you want to upgrade the CPU and GPU, probably the 800 will not justify. If you could get some discount on the more expensive model, or go with a less performance CPU (4800-4810) and decrease the price drastically, it is a better choice for future proof.

4910MQ vs 4710MQ = not much difference unless you use any program that requires CPU usage (for gaming, there will be hardly any difference; unless you play a lot Flight Simulator X);

880M vs 860M = huge difference and it is worth the upgrade. Later if you do the upgrade, it will cost you even more especially if you want to upgrade the CPU as well.

16GB vs 8GB = not much difference to worry about unless you do a lot of virtual work on your machine. But everyone wants to upgrade or add more memory to be 'cool'. Even if you upgrade your system's memory later, it will not cost you much. Memory has become quite affordable for everyone.

I hope this satisfies your question and you will have the right decision made. Best of luck!

 

No brainer IMO. The 880m has got an awful reputation for failing AND the 3D/120hz is just stunning. An upgrade later is quite a bit of work and requires parts from different sources. Much better to start with than and hope the the new generation of GPU's just around the corner will be compatible

The 880m has plummeted in price - they can't get rid of them. This was a $1000.00 item at release Nvidia GeForce GTX 880M 8GB DDR5 for CLEVO alienware upgrademonkey | eBay

 

You are right about the GPU MickyD1234; but if you buy a powerful machine as this, I prefer to go all the way with the upgrades. Knowing that there are issues with this GPU, I would wait few months more and get the next generation.

 

Thanks for the reply guys =) both systems are unchangeable, cant add or take things away.. And i didn't know that newer GPU versions are coming out soon! this changes things for me now!!! I also didn't know the 880 had issues... I might be better off waiting then to get the newest GPU when it comes out!

Thanks again =)

 

For sure man,but I do like to promote the 3D and putting it in aftermarket is quite a job - hence the thread sticky.

I've held back on advising people to go for the 120hz panel assuming that just because it looks fantastic to me, someone else may not even notice. Over time I have had nothing but very positive feedback, and wondering around in your favourite open-world game in 3D has me completely hooked

 

Yeah that's the price you pay for instant delivery - I would expect any reseller caught with 880m machines in stock will be virtually giving them away. So there is the potential for a great deal, but now is not the time - hopefully in the next 4 to 6 weeks...

 

Sounds good, i will definitely be looking for 120HZ deals then since i hear so many good things about it, even if i wait for the next release, i still will make sure to buy the 120HZ!

 

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

I'm sure you'll love it. 3D is not for on-line gaming but super high refresh rates DO help even if the card cannot max it - so I am told. On-line gaming is not my thing

I'm about ready to replace mine but currently it runs just about everything maxed out!

 

You won't regret getting the 3D version of our 17's. It's a great add-on.