Alienware M17x R4 Pre-Order Configuration Questions... Ask HERE

My m17x r3 came with one. Don't see a reason why they would change it .

 

Yes, my R4 came with both an OS disc and a Resources disc. No worries.

 

Right on! That was all the info I needed all day. +Rep

 

can i add 2 samsung 830 256 GB for raid 0 and able to have 1 TB With 7200 RPM and CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB after place the order ? just wondering.


PROCESSOR 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3720QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.6GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)

MEMORY 6GB DDR3 at 1600MHz (2DIMMS)

HARD DRIVE 500GB 7,200 RPM SATA 3Gb/s

2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 680M

LCD PANEL 17.3-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 120Hz NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle is this worth buying ?

INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)

 

If you have an internal optical drive, you can only have 2 hard drives. You can buy a hard drive caddy. You can add the RAM without any problem. It'll probably be the easiest thing to upgrade.

If you're talking about the Seagate 1TB HDD then I don't think the drive will fit. It's 15mm thick as opposed to the usual 9.5mm thickness.

Here's the link for the hard drive caddy if you're interested.

OBHD Caddy replace 12.7 Slot-Loading Optical,9.5 SATA-SATA [OBHD-SATA-SATA-NF] - $42.00 : NewmodeUS, Hard Drive Caddys for Notebooks

 

You've got 4 places for a Drive. The Esata port that is for an SSD, usually used for a small caching ssd but can be for any size. Two standard drive spaces, and the DVD drive.
So, with a hd and dvd already installed you could add one ssd in the esata port and another on the empty one. You have the choice of RAID the two ssd's for a single drive (but will be slightly slower as the esata port is sata2) or you could put a small ssd in the esata port and 'accelerate' the HD along with a large SSD in the empty socket.

Install windows onto the large SSD and have an accelerated HD is one option to consider.

 

Maybe I am misunderstanding what you are saying, but an eSATA port is for an external drive. There is an mSATA slot, but it isn't the standard 2.5" SSD form factor. It's a little rectangular card that plugs into a slot, sort of like RAM. If you have an optical drive, there is only space for (2) 2.5" drives.

 

This is correct. I think MickyD meant to say mSATA, rather than eSATA.

If you want a third 2.5" drive you can put the optical drive into an enclosure. Personally, I still use discs, so I won't be doing that.

 

Yup, I confused my sata's I meant msata. It's too small for a mechanical drive but there are ssd's available that fit. It's where dell put the caching ssd's. The msata port is designed for laptops to use small SSD's and save space. I've seen one guy here that put in 3 ssd's and raid 0 then for a single large drive. Sorry for the confusion...

 

I wanted to know if it's true that none of the sales reps can apply a coupon code once the order has been placed without cancelling and re-doing the order?

 

Probably not. I decided to add the 3d package to my order. I will have to cancel the order to add it. They can't just add it, which makes things more difficult as I have to call bank to up my limit on card, and they have to have manager approve the change. So waiting until Monday.

 

Need some solid advice here, done enough research so I don't need the obvious sort of advice.

M17x R4 vs. M18x R2

I've found that a single 680m can pretty much max out all of today's games... but what about Crysis 3, what about Battlefield 4, the next Elder Scrolls..
I see all these videos with mobile SLI setups maxing out 16x AF, 4x MSAA, HBAO, and everything on Ultra with over 60fps.

The benefits of the m17x R4 are the 120hz screen and 3D Vision. Let's say after the purchase I don't use 3D that much, and we'll only consider the 120hz screen. I've read that it can be a great improvement over 60hz especially in fast paced games such as CS:S or CoD, but I feel like I might have a biased view on this due to all my research. (and I don't know if its overkill)

If the 60Hz is enough, and having dual 680m's for future proofing... is it worth not having the 120hz + 3D (and a bit more portability). This has been a huge dilemma for me and I don't want to make the wrong decision /:

Please somebody give me in depth solid advice on this, would really appreciate it

 

thanks all you guys for so much info. i am going with 6 GB Ram later on add 16 GB of Corsair. how fast is 750GB 7,200 RPM + 32GB mSATA Caching SSD ? if not i just go with 1 tb of ssd raid 0.

 

1TB of SSD is definitely faster.

The mSATA cache is designed to make things you use often work faster, but the rest is at about 7,200rpm. So boot times will speed up, and you will open your internet browser faster after a couple times.

But seriously if you have to choose between 1TB of SSD.... and a 750GB HDD... and you have the money for the SSD's, I don't know why you're even thinking about it.

 

I think you might be getting way into the details of every little spec. I am no expert whatsoever on any of these subjects but I do have some questions for you:

1. What is your price limit? ($1000 extra for 2 680m's)
Also m17's has a 15% off deal right now with your specs for the m17, dont think m18 has any. You are look at around 2200-2400 for your spcs for the m17. m18 you will be look at a price of 3100+ no discounts.is $700-$900 worth the "extra" future proofing/best gaming experience ever?

2. Will you be bringing your laptop with you a lot?
3. Will you really be playing in 3-D a lot?
4. Do you want a beastly gaming laptop that kills everything in its path and will be super future proof, or do you want a still really strong laptop that will still be future proof and is portable.

If I were you, I would go with the m17 cause it is the most revised laptop by alienware. Also you will still have the 680m and a 120 hz screen for cheaper. Unless you definitely need a future proof laptop and a larger screen and dont care much about price nor portability then go with the m18.
Other things to look at:
-Macro Keys
-Number of Hard drives


This maybe a bit biased, cause I just got a m17 with your help btw. Thanks man, just trying to help you like you helped me.

 

This I can give my experience with! I was in the same dilemma about 6 months ago - price was not a factor. I have built a sli (quad) desktop so I knew what it would do - basically better fps in games supported, but not by 2x, but a big advantage in physx heavy games by dedicating one gpu to that. And I just liked the idea of having it on a laptop
So I got the M18x with dual 580's. What put me off was the noise - with both fans blasting at high as soon as I started gaming - yeah, headphones were a must but with other people coming into the room asking what all the noise was - it could be heard in other rooms Then there was 3D - or rather not. I thought I could use my 3D TV or an external monitor but my monitor was not up to the job and on the TV, although I have a pretty good one (panasonic TX L37DT) the drop to 24 fps (3D TV standard) was just too much. Quality at 1920x1080 was fine and no shadows or other 'weirdness', it looked great but when turning fast it was disorientating with a lag along with shearing.

I only had it a couple of days so no real hardcore testing, I just decided to try out the M17x 120hz. So I sent it back and got one. A few problems (hardware issues) resolved by a replacement, but as it can play all the games at just about max settings I am very happy . I tend to ignore all the FPS numbers and see how it plays. No complaints yet. As soon as the 680 settles down that will be my next UG.

I love the 3D so that is a big factor for me YMMV.

 

1. Well my price limit is pretty high, and I am ordering from Hidevolution not Alienware because I live in the Middle East. The only thing I need to reduce on the M18x is the processor to a 3720QM, otherwise the same specs (m18x would be $400 more). Except 3D of course.
2. Nope not really. I will use it mostly at home, and if I were to ever bring it with me it would be to a friends house where it would go on a desk anyways. The weight is not the most important part though.
3. That I have no idea because I've never tried. Thus if I end up not using it, I would be exchanging a second 680m just for a 120hz screen. I'd like to know how big of an improvement 120hz is in fast paced games, like am I just expecting it to be big and I would be perfectly fine with 60hz.

Even if I get the dual 680m's, the max I would see on the screen would be 60hz (60fps)... But I would be able to play every single game maxed out with mods at above 60fps and future proof.
But with the m17x I could see 120 frames on CoD and other games like that, and 3D. But I see all these videos with the m18x maxing out every single thing on Battlefield 3 and Crysis 2 and playing at above 80fps and that really hits the spot + yes it has macro keys, a bigger screen

Decisions, Decisions... I appreciate you trying to help me out

Yeah well apparently the 580m's had a lot of issues with heat, throttling, and noise.. and the 680m's should be a significant improvement over that. And the PhysX, also thought about that... the m18x could play every single game on ultra everything, with texture mods etc, and PhysX... always at above 60fps. But then on games that the single 680m can run at above 60fps, I'd be losing the advantage of 120hz /:

How good is 3D is exactly? thanks for the reply

 

From what you've just said, sounds like you'll be better off with a desktop

Also, future proof for how long? Dual 680m's isn't going to be future proof for long. A year? Maybe a little bit more?

 

Desktop nooo way. This is practically a portable desktop.

And you gotta be kidding... Dual 680m's future proof for a year?
You still see dual 6970m's maxing out today's games.. It would definitely run games for a good couple years.

 

My bad then, assumed that things could change in the future in regards to gaming As long as you're not going to upgrade to the next best card once it's out, then I guess dual 680m's would work for you.

Did you cancel the M17x? Or still deciding between the two?

 

Exactly, I think your conundrum is greater now that the 680 is showing it's colors.
What I can say that is as long as I can see around 45 fps in a game then it is perfect and any faster is not visible. For smooth 3d I need around 25-30 (but that is each eye alternately so it seems to work great).

I think the 3D is the only way to game now. Most of the latest titles work perfectly, even MP3, in which you had to turn off shadows because of a depth problem, was fixed in the last patch! I got a second set of glasses to show it off and so far everyone has said it looks great and 'how can you go back to 'normal' gaming!'. It adds a level of realism to the games I play. Older games are more hit-and-miss, having to tweak them for the best effect. I'm off now for a session in Portal 2. An older game but it has the most perfect 3d and in a platform puzzler is just the best .

 

Nope I haven't ordered it yet. If all goes well I should be able to order it in a few days. But yeah the only thing better about the m18x is the SLI... So I'm probably gonna stick to the m17x

It can run every game including Metro 2033 just fine, and honestly in games like battlefield 3 if you turn down settings from Ultra to Medium.. you really can't see a difference, so it's future proof enough and I can always buy the next 780m or whatever and 3D will be nice undoubtedly

I know I would regret not being able to try the 3D if I were to not choose it. The single card can play every game maxed out just fine, and even 3D... so that with the 120hz screen and more portability is the right choice I think.

Could you please give me your opinion and describe the 120hz screen in every day use, and while gaming in non-3D. Since it refreshes the screen twice as often as 60Hz, it is apparently meant to be very smooth, reduce blur...
and even on lower fps such as 60 or below it's meant to make it appear more smooth than it would on 60Hz, because the frames are refreshed twice as often (creating the illusion of more smoothness)

What are your thoughts on that?

 

Hey Leo,

I shot you a PM in regards to the M17x R4 vs M18x R2. I hope it helps a bit!

In my opinion, the decision comes down to whichever system draws you in most. Stick with your gut feeling on this one, and pick the one that attracts you.

 

My wife didn't like my plans of going yet another $200+ over budget on what she sees as yet another man toy in my collection of toys. So I had to reconfigure a bit to get the 3D vision package.

First off I wish to mention I do not plan on getting my hands dirty. I do not wish to open up and replace parts if I don't have to. I won't be going crazy OC'ing everything, will be staying stock for most part.

I decided to downgrade processor and memory.
Saving $75 to drop 2gb of memory was an easy decision.
Downgrading processor was a tough one, but in my original budget, it did not allow for this upgrade, and only upgraded for 5/10/15% promotion. I would love the upgrade, but it was never in my plans until recently.

When I started leaning towards Alienware , and even when looking Sager, the 680m and HD were my only planned upgrades for my budget. Dell had a different promotion at that time that had 8gb ram, 1080p monitor, 680m and killer already configured. I called up to get HD to the hybrid as it wasn't offered. (Unfortunately my money wasn't there yet, and I later went for an M18x deal on amazon that fell through.) That config came out to about what this 15% promotion puts my total at.

So by doing the new configuration, I'm gaining the 120hz 3D vision package and Blu ray while giving up 2gb ram. I thought that was a fair trade.

 

Sure. In 'normal' use it is very clear and crisp - easily the best display I have used in *many* years of PC usage. I only had the M18x for a few days so it is difficult to compare but I'd say this one is slightly better.
As for appearing smother I'm not sure that theory pans out - if it's true that the human eye cannot see frame rates above around 40 then it's all down to the rate the vid card updates the screen image (when moving). If the game plays above 60fps then it would be smoother when 'moving' quickly. One thing that should be true is less eye strain. I remember going to a 90hz display and windows was definitely better. Just looked crisper and easier on the eyes. Screens with a lot of white background is where I could see it.
Good luck with your choice, I'm sure your love either but the 3D does need checking out before you dismiss it as 'not for you'

 

i have ordered a m17xR4 with gtx 680m, may i have a question that are there any issues with gtx 680 such as: throttling, noise.....thanks you vrey much

 

As far as we know... No.

Nvidia has fixed a lot of issues with the 580m now that they use the Kepler architecture, lower power consumption, and GPU boost feature. As far as I know the 680m produces less heat than it's predecessor, and with new things does not have any problems with Throttling or noise, as the fans don't need to cool it so much.

Personally I'm getting IC Diamond thermal compound installed on my CPU + GPU so temperatures should never be a problem

 

The key is consistency. The human brain is very good at filling in missing information, and when people say we can't perceive rates above 40 or 60 or whatever, it's a little bit of a misconception. Remember, films are shot at only 24fps, and that looks perfectly smooth to us because it stays at a constant 24fps. If it were to spike up to 60fps, no matter how briefly, and then drop back down to 24fps, we would notice. The rate at which our brain was expecting to receive information would have changed. Some people say that watching a film shot at 60fps feels like watching a soap opera and is not as visibly enjoyable. Video games are different, and generally, the higher the better, but more important than that is consistency.

 

If only I could side by side test a 60Hz m18x and a 120hz m17x on Battlefield 3 or CoD....

Sudden drops in frame rate yes are extremely noticeable... But I wonder how a consistent 120fps would look on a 120hz screen, it just sounds like it must be amazing.. unfortunately some people don't even see a difference /:

 

Hi guys I'm new to forum and hopefully an m17r4 owner by the of the day. Just wated to run this quote by you and see what you thought
M17r4/ base model. Added amd radeon hd7970 m 12gig ram and the one year damage warranty. $1509.60 5%gift card and 2 day shipping
Also is the blueray a necessary upgrade? I had to get rid of it to afford the better vid card. Any other suggestions are welcome Thanks for ur time.

 

Yeah, some people swear it's night and day. I've never gamed on a 120hz monitor, so I don't know. My monitor is a pretty old 1680x1050 60hz monitor that is due to be replaced soon, and I can't figure out if I want to go 120hz or 60hz IPS. One additional benefit of 120hz is the possibility of eliminating input lag from v-sync. Honestly, I'm not even sure what that really is or if I would notice it.

 

12gigs ram .. NO NO NO ... Buy it from a retailer like newegg.com and install it yourself
make sure your screen is the 1080p screen (the second option -- 1920 X 1080)

 

Ok how about this quot dell outlet new in box
Mod Number Mod Description
V6NP6
Base Assembly
N971H
125V Power Cord
K972H
210W/240W switchable Slim 3P A/C Adapter
JY598
AlienFX Color, Mars Red
TG4MT
64BIT Operating System
05TRG
Alienware M17x R4
99V3X
Processor: Intel Core 3rd Generation i7-3610QM Processor (2.3GHz up to 3.3GHz,6MB Cache,w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
FYMGW
16 GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4X4GB)
FPXXF
500 GB SATA II Hard Drive (7200 RPM) (2nd Drive)
XJG4G
500 GB SATA II Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
K68JV
Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
3RJH8
2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 7970M
D1MN3
Intel Centrino Wireless 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth
92KF8
Shipping Material
VR332
Documentation
W5N8X
Placemat
W753G
Information
W3HMK
Label
V9KPP
Processor Label
YJF57
Information
19R99
Information
6V639
Service Software
WGXV5
Dell WebCam Central
NW96J
Adobe Acrobat 9.0 Reader
JHR2Y
Software
WF2X0
Service Software
M3T3T
Software
JY638
Alienware AVATAR 6
M239M
Software
XM544
Image Restore Software
8FHFY
Software
KP779
Software
4WYVT
Software
RDHHP
17.3-inch WideFHD1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
2J4FR
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
W61D4
Nebula Red with Soft Touch Finish
CJGVX
9 Cell Battery
CMNR4
McAfee Security Center, 30 Day
G71MJ
English keyboard
Alienware M17x R4 : 1 Year Basic Plan (In-Home Service after Remote D
Alienware M17x R4 : 1 Year Basic Plan (In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis) (Included in Price)
Subtotal: $1,431.20
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Tax: $118.92
Total Price w/Discounts: $1,550.12

 

W00T ... how where what ... lol $1550 ?? get one for me too ... PS:- Get a SSD for the second drive. rest all is just amazing .. but how did u get such an amazing discounts .. i was planning to buy one in a day or so myself

 

Makes sense to me, but, I just got a hi-res (expensive as hell) 3d-TV and hooked it up to the miniport. Works great @ 1920x1080 but in3d the frame rate is locked at 24fps and is awful when moving fast. It is disorientating - even with the tv having all sorts of (200hz) smoothing technology, maybe it is that that is getting in the way?

 

can some one tell me that can i awail the XBOX 360 scheme along with the alienware m17x discount of 5% and HAGGLE discounts from the reps .

 

I think that is the 'shearing' you see when the game fps exceeds the monitor's capability. I have seen it in some older games where I need to turn on v-sync to lock down the frame rate max. It is a sort of jagged diagonal line across the display when moving fast.

 

What input are you using on the TV itself? It doesn't have a display port does it? If you are using HDMI, the HDMI standard will only support 3D at 1080p 24Hz (24fps). I have a 3D projector at home and am stuck with this limitation as well. If you are using Nvidia 3D Vision (3DTV Play), you will have to change your resolution to 720p if you want above 24fps. You can use software from Tridef that will let you do Side-by-Side format 3D at 1080p above 24Hz but it's not true 1080p resolution as it is only using half of the screen for each eye (it does look good though).

 

[SUB][/SUB]

It's already built so can't change anything call dell outlet before you buy. So I should pull trigger?

 

i guess yes ... I would go for this any day .. its just too good to resist at $1550.. Btw is it a refurb ?

 

No no, I'm very familiar with screen tearing. Some people say they experience input lag with v-sync enabled, but I'm not sure I've ever seen what it is they are talking about.

As for your other question, looks like reechings is more experienced on the subject.

 

The rep said its brand new in box. So idk why it's on sale I'm guessing canceled order?

 

get it done with then .. just remember to check some unboxing videos so you know what you gonna get exactly when it comes ... !

 

yeah, I'm using hdmi so I assumed that i would be tied to the standard. I was just hoping it would look good. It is going through 3dtv play as when I go to the 3d config in the driver it shows that where I normally see 'alienware 3d vision notebook' on the internal display. Shame the tv does not have a dvi port. I'm sure that would have given me what I need.
I don't know if 3dtv play is using side-by-side or some other 'standard' so that could be the cause of the degradation.

And thanks for the tip on a change to 720p. I'll give that a try tomorrow. Who knows, it might look really good

Thanks, me neither then, sounds like a delay those hard-core on-line FPS players complain about??

 

I think 3DTV play uses "frame-packed" like a 3D blu-ray. If you want to keep it simple and keep using 3DTV play and not pay for the Tridef option, I would recommend the 720p option. I play Max Payne 3 in 3D like that and it looks amazing. You also get the added bonus of being able to turn on every bit of eye candy with no worries about your GPU being able to handle it (at least that has been my experience). I like having Tridef as well because some games work better with it and vice versa.

 

Yeah, that's what I gather. I do play BF3, though, so I dunno.

 

Screen tearing doesn't really bother me, I play at around 125 fps on CoD4 with a 60Hz screen.. I believe having higher fps is better for hit detection etc.
But the 120Hz vsync would be pretty nice IMO..

I don't think you should worry about input lag. As far as I know I think that only affects HDTVs that use interpolating to simulate 120Hz or above.. because whenever that interpolated black screen comes your input doesn't really take place right that millisecond.

I don't think there's anything to worry about, all benefits. Screen visually displaying 120fps on screen sounds awesome... and apparently even if a game runs at 40fps, it should make it smoother as it refreshes each frame on screen 3 times instead of 1/2 on a 60hz monitor. And yes the lower input delay can't be bad either.

And whoever complains about quality TN vs. IPS is bullting, probably because they couldn't afford the 120Hz. You will not distinguish any difference.. the 1080p 120hz Alienware screen is definitely beautiful.

 

Thanks. I did notice that my temps are way down when using the TV so I can see that fully cranking it up is an option. So far every game except metro 2033 is already playable at max, all I reduce is AA, which is difficult to see anyway but nice to add back.

I don't mind paying for tridef if it gives me another option so as soon as the 'new toy' syndrome eases off i'll give it a try - I understand they do a demo/trial version.

MP3 eh, looks like I have my 720 test for tomorrow lined up. +rep.

Edit:
Well I turned the tv down to 720 from 1080 and got 60hz instead of 24hz in 3d. Worked great. I can't see any drop in quality, maybe a little aliasing but I'm playing with the settings to balance it all out. MP3 plays around 30fps-50fps in 3D with most settings at max. Only turning up ambient occlusion with high anistropic filtering cripples it during outside scenes but all-in-all a success
Thanks again!

 

EDIT: Ignore below

By 720, you mean playing at 720p resolution on your TV right?

Is that because the maximum your TV supports is 720p instead of 1080p.. Or what you doing?

EDIT: just saw the earlier posts xD saw this and I thought hmm maybe my TV only supports 720p, and I could easily crank up all settings to max on every game on it haha...

But I do wonder if on an HDTV or 3D you could even tell the difference much between 720p and 1080p

 

/
Does anyone here use their M17x R4 with Dell's U3011? What cables do you need for it and does it run at 2560 x 1600 from the laptop?