Alienware Graphics Amplifier - I want to know all about it!

I really liked the idea of external graphics! I want a gaming laptop and I was trying to go for GTX 980M SLi until I saw this amplifier! I have a desktop GTX 980 videocard that clocks extremely well. I first assumed only Alienware 13 and 14 can use this Amplified, but then I noticed there is an option to select it for Alienware 17! Is that accurate? Can Alienware 17 use this amplifier?

I saw a comparison of GTX 780 on a desktop PC and with amplifier and there was 15-20% performance drop when GTX 780 was used with the amplifier, but it was on Alienware 13, which AFAIK, has a CPU much slower than 4710MQ, which Alienware 17 has. I know there is some limit from the PCIe also.

Some questions:
- Does the Amplifier come with its own PSU?
- How big is the box? Can it fit non-reference videocards? I have MSI GeForce GTX 980 Gaming 4G that is slightly bigger than the reference one... is it likely to fit???
- Does the Amplifier come with 120W/240W switch? I will buy in US (120W), but may move to Europe (240W).
- Does the Amplifier desktop card usage suffer from increased input lag or some other lag?
- Do Alienware 17 laptops use Optimus and/or is Optimus used with the Amplifier?

 

These are official details on the graphics amplifier:
http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sn...note_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=1&~ck=dellSearch

 

Just be aware it's still early days on it and there have been some driver issues. These should get ironed out but it's still early adoption.

 

I have just ordered one with my 17r2, I will let you know how it performs with my 780ti once I get it. It's a really cool concept in it's own way and I have pretty big hopes for it.

 

It accepts 350W or lower cards, as of the size... It's better to have a matching card. Also, Alienware 17 laptops use Optimus, but if the amplifier is connected it will take control.
The amplifier is designed to work perfectly with the machine, it shouldn't suffer any lag.

 

The amplifier still has problems with NVIDIA cards.. If you get an AMD one, actually, AMD drivers work of the bat and you don't have to get special modified ones like you have to do for NVIDIA cards...

 

ironic. usually its the other way around.

 

Nah. NVidia always has problems. It's the way of things.

 

Can you turn off Optimus on the 15/17R2? If you've got the Amplifier connected can you disable optimus, output through the card in the external case?

I'm done with Optimus (and of course Enduro). Yeah, most games launch, but most complex games go from near 100% stability to crashing way too often for comfort. If this uses Optimus that can't be disabled and can't use standard drivers on the GPU in the enclosure, that's a complete deal killer.

*Sigh*, my Alienware M17x-R4 lets you toggle off Optimus and just use the real GPU. Zero issues since I did so (and frankly a Geforce is better even just for video playback...)