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

Hi, would you mind telling the specs and price you finally agreed upon???

 

my configration
3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3630QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.3GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (2DIMMS)
750G hdd + 32g msata cashing memory
2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 680M
17.3-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 120Hz NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle
Slot-Loading 8x SuperMulti Drive (DVD±R/RW)
killer wirless network
Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish

i used the black friday 200$ off any alainware order 2000$ or above , then haggled my way for another 200$ and the total price was 2584$ with tax , before tax it was about 2415$ ..i think its a good price but am new at this anyone els think its a good price or not good ..???

 

So any updates on 670mx and 675mx?

 

Hello NBR, what do you think of these specs:

1 Alienware M17x : Standard Base
1 Processor : 3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3630QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.4GHz w/ Turbo Boost
2.0)
1 Display : 17.3" WideFHD (1920 x 1080) WLED LCD
1 Camera : Integrated Skype HD Certified FullHD Camera with dual digital microphones
1 LCD Back Cover : Soft Touch - Stealth Black
1 Memory : 6144MB (1x2048 + 1x4096) 1600MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
1 Hard Drive : 500GB 7,200rpm SATA 3Gb/s HDD
1 Optical Drive : DVD+/-RW (Read/Write)
1 Danish 220V AC Adapter Power Cord
1 Power Supply : Alienware 240W AC Adapter
1 Battery : Primary 9-cell 93W/HR LI-ION
1 Graphics : 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 7970M
1 Sound Card : Creative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro Software
1 Wireless : Killer Wireless-N 1103
1 Keyboard : Internal Danish Qwerty Keyboard
There is also a 1-year accident insurance (I have no idea what the right term is in english, but I think it makes sense)

The price for this system is 2262 U$, which I think is pretty high compared to what some of you guys are paying. However, the base price here for GTX660 and 900p LCD is 2192 U$ so I suppose the discount is decent. Dell offered a 10 % discount by default and I talked to a sales rep who gave a further 5 % on the whole. Compared to ordering via the website without any discount the price would have been 2472 U$. I have until tomorrow to give my final answer. Anything you think I should change? I will probably stuff in more RAM and an SSD down the line, those things are ridiculously overpriced from Dell. The Killer wireless card is only a 15 $ upgrade.

 

1. Is it insane to buy the laptop from hidevolution if i'm living in UK, it is cheaper to buy the hardware in US but i pay the duty/import tax... anyone knows how much it can be? (do i need a transformer or is there a switch for dual-voltage?)

2. is the 'Integrated' WirelessHD Transmitter something they are trying to sell as an addon or is actually integrated in the m17r4?

 

Just wanna ask, which is the better deal between the two:

A. Brand New
1.DELL ALIENWARE M17XR4 LAPTOP
Intel Core i7-3820QM Processor(2.7GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.7GHz,8MB Cache)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
1TB 5400RPM Hard Drive +1TB 5400RPM 2nd Hard Drive
32GB mSATA MiniCard(Caching)
16GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM(4x4GB)
8X DVD+/-RW Drive with DVD+R double layer write capability
Integrated Digital 7.1 Surround Audio Support
2GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 675M
Integrated 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet NIc
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2230 With Bluetooth 4.0
Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish
17.3""(43.94 cm) 120Hz WideFHD(1920x1080) WLED LCD
FullHD Camera with dual digital microphones
Alienhead 3D / AlienFX AQUA
9-cell Primary Battery
1 Year Warranty
SGD 2,500 / USD 2,052

B. Used ( Bought on May 2012 )
-Nebula Red
-3rd Gen Intel Core i7-3610QM Ivy Bridge
-Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
-2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD7970M
- 17.3 inch 1920x1080 LED LCD
- 6GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM
-500GB 7,200RPM SATA 3Gb/s drive
-Slot load Dual Layer DVD Burner
-85Whr 9-Cell Lithium Ion Battery
-Bluetooth 4.0


I am quite sold on the brand new even though it has a weaker card. I like because of the 120hz refresh rate which will be helpful for me on playing CS:GO,
But also, I am having second thoughts because of the powerful hd7970m.

Any advices?
I don't have any laptops nor desktops at all, if ever, this will be my first.

 

Better card will be better I think, the HD7970M will be better option, the faster the processors doesnt make a huge difference even the basic one is enough for any game at the moment, the GPU will bottleneck most likely.

 

I believe you will be liable for VAT at the least. I got hit for this for a new video card that included the invoice in the package . Sometimes a reseller will declare a lesser value on the shipping (not legal!) but be aware that if there is a shipping issue the shipper will only reimburse the declared value. I have seen this happen to one person here.

The power adaptor is universal and works on 110-240V but you will need a plug adaptor or a different lead.

The wirelessHD is an addon not actually integrated, it's a US standard and UK TV's and equipment do not have this technology, you could purchase a third party receiver device (wayyy expensive) but will be US standard (NTSC) so may not work on UK TV's either.

I'd also want to know how they warranty. Is it the dell one that is transferred to you? When does it run from (if they purchase from Dell and resell you could loose some warranty time , don't know.)?

All I'll say is that my 675m plays all the latest games fine (just got FC3 and it's great!) even though it is less powerful than the AMD, AND I think the 3D is great. Along with less issues with drivers, and NO optimus was my decision factors

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

I just ordered this I was hoping to get it in time for the holidays, but the delivery date is set to january 3 I hope it gets here before the R5 comes out..

 

Spoiler

What is the price on the Used? That will make quite a bit difference here.

If the only advantage of the brand new is the 3D screen then I think it's your call. Some people think 3D is a must, some just don't.

And why would you need the 3820QM anyway?

Price wise, the brand new is pretty tempted. 2TB HDD + 32mSata plus a 3820QM and 3D screen only for $2k ? LOL

 

Well... the second one is a lot better. 7970M and not a 5400rpm hard drive -.- + 6GB RAM is totally enough, but upgrade it cheap and easy after.

If they're roughly the same price, and you don't care so much about future proofing... and you'll only play stuff like CS:GO.. then I don't see a problem with taking the 675M, personally I LOVE LOVE LOVE the 3D Vision.. it's insane.. and just knowing the screen is 120Hz is great

But the 7970M is seriously much more powerful, like... it's a beast

So do you wan't a super powerful GPU, or 120Hz? depends on the games you play

 

its 2,300 SGD = 1,888 USD

Anyway, I bought the gtx675m, I'm not really fond of the 3D thing, what I am after is the 120hz refresh rate.
Also, I figured that this will be my first laptop so I think it's better if it's brand new.

I just hope the shipment would not damage it.

 

If you can get the used 7970M for less than $1400 then it would make sense to go with the Used. If there is only $200 difference then the brand new is the best call, not because it's brand new, but because it has a tons of extras compared to the used.

 

Yeah the 120Hz was it for me otherwise woulda gotten M18x maybe

But honestly, it is 10 times better than the best 3D technology I have ever seen in my life Not like I use it too much, but wow its incredible for some games and movies

 

Yep, 3D all the way! Love playing Max Payne 3 and FIFA 13 in all their 3D glory!

 

I just ordered a Alienware M17x R4 with 6 megs of memory. Do you think that is enough for gamming and video editing or should I order more?
Also were and what speed memory should I get if I want to up-grade ?

 

I think it's good enough. If not, just get another 4Gb stick with similar speed and replace it with the 2Gb stick inside . It's the cheapest way.

Generally, it's 8 or 16Gb @ 1600Mhz.

 

For gaming 4gb should be enough, 8gb would be nice and 16gb a bit overkill.

However the M17x R4 supports up to 32gb at 1600mhz.

 

I'll be travelling with this massive monster soon & wonder if anyone has suggestions? I've considered the alienware orion messenger but i read many negative reviews of it being weak. I've checked the Victorinox Architecture 3.0 Big Ben (53x37x24cm), Porsche Design Roadster (34x45x22.5cm), Bric's Life Laptop-Backpack but they could be just too small. Is Everki Titan Backpack for 18.4 inch Laptop the only alternative? I think it'd prefer leather.

 

The Orion Backpack has lasted me over 18months, in constant use. Still as good as new.

If you want something a little less, geeky, for want of a better word, there's the Astro Scout bag, which looks quite nice.

 

Good evening guys! Just became the proud papa of an M17x earlier today. Quick question- They gave me an est ship date of January 10th 2013. I've never ordered from Dell/Alienware before. Whats the chances i get it earlier than that?

 

Not very likely.

 

Depends on part stock, but you can always check if there are any updates on your order.

How to check the status of my order, part replacement, or depot status?

 

Its already in production per the site. Hopefully that's a good sign! Would really like to see it by Christmas

 

Hi Guys ,
Pretty new here been lurking a few weeks researching
i've speced an M17x r4 and wanted to check thoughts

PROCESSOR 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3740QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.7GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM English Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 BIT) edit
GRAPHICS CARD 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 680M edit
MEMORY 6144MB (1x2GB + 1x4GB) 1600MHz DDR3 Dual Channel edit
HARD DRIVE 500GB 7,200 RPM + 32GB mSATA Caching SSD edit
LCD 17.3" WideFHD (1920 x 1080) WLED LCD edit
COLOUR CHOICE Alienware M17x Stealth Black edit
OPTICAL DRIVE DVD+/-RW (Read/Write) edit
WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO with Bluetooth 4.0 edit
PRIMARY BATTERY Primary 9 cell Li-Ion Default Base Battery edit
SECURITY SOFTWARE Anti Virus Not Included edit
SERVICES AND SUPPORT 1 yr Next Day In-Home Hardware Support edit
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE PROTECTION No Accidental Damage Protection

Is the 680m really worth the extra cash as reading up on the 7970m there doesnt seem to be much between them ??

Thanks !
Garry

 

I just ordered a Alienware M17 R4 laptop from Dell and now I am having second thoughts
About the AMD 7970 video card I ordered with it. I have been reading all about it in different forums
And there seems to be a problem with it. I hear about blue screens, low fps in games and driver issues.
I also hear about AMD and Enduro problems with the 7970. Should i call Dell up and change my video card to a Nvidia 675
or wait for my laptop and hope I dont have any problems with the 7970 video card ?

 

Personally if I pull the trigger on the M17x I'm getting it with a GTX 680. If nothing else, the drivers are better.

For what it's worth, my understanding is you can disable Enduro on the M17x (not all systems with Enduro/Optimus though, but you can toggle Enduro and Optimus on and off and reboot and be using just the GPU without Intel's video.

 

The 680M is definitely worth it. But honestly the 7970M is a beast and from what I've seen is that it's gotten some great drivers and performance improvements lately, however so has the 680M (nvidia always has the better drivers).

But basically they are equal. If you wanna save a couple hundred bucks and you're going for the 60Hz screen anyways, you won't be disappointed in the 7970M.. But the Nvidia control panel, reliability (even tho I'm sending mine in for repair now xD for a GPU fault), and drivers are awesome.. and the 680M is undoubtedly a better card and Nvidia is better than AMD... But since you're getting 60Hz screen, if you just want performance... choosing the 7970m would simply save you some cash.

I'll find you and kill you if you pick the 675M over the 7970M... nuff said. The only thing anyone should switch their 7970M to, is the 680M... and that's not even necessary unless you want 120Hz 3D.

 

I was having the same thoughts when I ordered mine back in September. 7970 is still getting solid reviews from a performance standpoint but the track record of the Nvida drivers and especially the Optimus functionality working well for many people swayed me to pick the 680m. I did the 60Hz screen, sorta wish now I would have done the 3D screen but I play way more with the PC connected to my LCD TV then I do on the laptop panel. My experience with the 680m has been awesome although I don't think the 7970 is a bad choice either This was my first Alienware purchase and decided to go for it, I don't regret it!

 

I'm planning to replace my second hard drive (500GB 7,200RPM) with the Samsung 840 500GB SSD. Would it be worth it if I just went with the 840 and not the 840 Pro?

I will be pairing it with my primary hard drive which is a Samsung 830 128GB.

 

All I can say is that if you are RAID'ing the drives it will run at the slower drive speed, so if the pro is faster it will be wasted (but probably not noticeable in use)...

 

So is it better to just get the Samsung 830 512GB if I was planning to raid?

 

A 128gb 830 would be best if you want to create a RAID. If you create the RAID with a 128Gb and a 512Gb it will just use 128Gb from the bigger one as well, the rest of the space would not be used, which would be a waste.

 

I've settled on the $2099 configuration found at the Alienware site. I think I've narrowed my drive choices to 2x500Gb raid0 OR 750Gb w/64Gb caching SSD. Research indicate raid0 offers little performance gain. Will the caching HDD offer better gaming and/or better OS booting?

I'm concerned about dead or bright pixels and they are part of the reason I returned an Ibuypower cz17. Are Alienware laptops reliably free of dead or bright pixels?

 

Forget the hard drives.... you can change that later. You must make sure you get either the amd 7970m or the gtx680m. And a 1920x1080p screen. Then worry about the other bits later since they're easy to replace and the hard drive doesn't have much effect on gaming, since the base 500gb is 7200rpm and has pretty fast read speeds.

Dead pixels, don't think it has an issue, haven't seen anybody complain about those on here.

Again, I repeat... Make sure you pick the 7970m or the gtx680m. They're both as powerful as each other, Nvidia tend to make better drivers though, but the 7970m performs better in bf3, crysis 3 (beta release), skyrim etc...

 

Hi

very close to what im thinking tbh, want this as a replacment to my gaming desktop - got an overclocked i5 atm

I do web design but i can do that on any laptop this is for gaming - likes of wow and GW2

Thanks in advance

 

I'm planning on getting an AW m17x with the following specs:

3rd Gen Intel Core i7-3630QM(6MB Cache, up to 3.4GHz w/ Turbo Boost.20) (Quad core as per what the alienware order page says)
12GB RAM (2x 2GB, 2 x 4GB) Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz
750 GB 7200 RPM SATA 3 GB/s
2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 7970M

These two i can't change. (As I need them)
2 year warranty/accidental damage service
MS Office Home and Business 2010

One thing i need to make room for is an lcd panel capable of supporting a 1920x1080 res, so i can use my widescreen monitor and the laptop togther without it looking weird on the widescreen monitor.

Any suggestions on what i can change, or comments?

 

Hello? Anyone alive out there?

 

one thing for sure is to upgrade the RAM and HDD yourself, so that will save you more than enough. Its very easy and much cheaper. Also make sure to get the 1080p screen, its a must.

 

Thanks! Any other advice from anyone?

 

Please don't bump your thread more than once in 24 hours.

HaloGod pointed out nearly everything, there isn't much you can upgrade that won't cost an arm and a leg. I believe 750 GB HDD is now the stock option and there isn't a way to opt out/smaller drive. I would definitely upgrade the warranty further, warranty extensions after the initial purchase is WAY more expensive than buying it up front. Also the 1080p LCD is highly recommended.

 

How to contact a dealer ?

 

Weird question, I had an M15x that I spilled a drink on and killed. I was lucky enough to have a computer damage rider on my homeowners insurance that paid to replace it with a similar M17x since the M15x is no longer made. All great, getting a better computer for $50 (deductible and a $100 coupon).

Now, the weird bit. When I got the M15x it came with a hat, mousepad, and owners manual in a nice hard cover book with CD sleeves for recovery disks in it. Watching the "unpacking" videos on YouTube, it appears you don't get those with the M17x R4. Is that right? Is there a way to get those? I really liked those, especially the book and its CD sleeves.

 

You don't get them with the M17x, only a mousepad. Could possibly get them on ebay I guess?

 

Boo! I think Dell went cheapo.

Now, next question, I received an email 2 days ago saying my computer had shipped, but when I log into Dell's website it shows the computer is still in production - is this normal?

 

Errrr, once you have some tracking details then you should know, my order status updated before I got an email for me, so it depends I guess. Should be fine though I assume.

 

Nvrmnd, I called them to ask and apparently the system generated the email, but the computer is still "in the final stages of production" said the lady from India who could barely understand English. I hate that part about having to deal with Dell.

the automated line told me that "your order shipped on January 11th" two days from now. lol

 

You should get tracking details when its about to be shipped/shipped, the shipping label for my laptop was printed about a day before it was in the hands of UPS haha.

 

Is it possible to order the M17xR4 without an OS? I'm looking for anywhere to shave a few bucks off and i can get the OS free from my school.

 

Don't think you can, you can always get discount codes etc online then talk to a rep for even more discount.