Few questions before I spend the big $$$ on the 17

I currently have a Macbook Pro, and have been getting really tired of "gaming" on it. I want to get a real gaming machine, but it also has to be a usable work computer. From everything I've read, Alienware 17 is it. Quiet, powerful, and all that. I'm interested in getting 780M and the 120Hz screen, but have few questions about it:

1. I understand that internal graphics are disabled completely with the 120Hz screen. While I don't really care about the battery hit, I'm more concerned that it will run warm/loud doing simple web surfing.

2. How much more heat does 780m generate over 770m? Is there a noticeable difference in how hot/loud the computer will run playing the same game between the two cards?

3. Based on answers to 1 and 2, am I basically asking for trouble getting 780m and 120Hz screen?

Thanks!

 

1. I have the 60hz panel but I disabled optimus anyways as it brings down game performance, but when surfing the web this machine is as quiet as a mouse and is cool to the touch!
2. My card hits 65-70c and the fans sound like a rush of air when under load.

The 780m from what I hear is a major upgrade from the 770m, I've been able to max out all of my games with the 780m. For performance you will not be disappointed with the Alienware 17

 

This is precisely what I did about a month ago. (MacBook Pro to AW17)

I have the 780M with the 120Hz screen. Gaming has been amazing. I play Skyrim, FarCry3, MaxPayne3, Supreme Commander, Witcher 2, Fallout: New Vegas with everything maxed (and in some cases, modded beyond max).

The AW is completely silent when performing basic tasks. Since the 780M is always on with the 120Hz screen, I only get about 2 hours with the battery. Not a problem for my usage.

A couple of notes from a recent Mac switcher:

Windows 8 is an abomination. Hideously counter-intuitive. I fight it constantly.

There is no direct replacement for iPhoto or iMovie.

Being forced to use Outlook or Windows Mail really makes me miss Apple Mail.

The AW build quality is excellent. Keyboard is a pleasure to type on. Chassis is solid with no flex.

I rolled the dice with the purchase of an Alienware (my 1st Windows laptop) and I would happily do it again.

 

1. It is not loud at all, but this will depend on the ambient temperature in the room you're in. The fans will kick on and off (as they should) when the temps increase. If it is bothersome, I recommend a re-paste, but I don't think it will bother you at all. It is pretty quiet...

2. It can generate more heat, but it doesn't. There won't be any difference in this. Once the cards exceed 65C~ the fans turn up almost all the way, and every GPU gets above that temperature, even the 765M. The 780M will actually run cooler if you lower settings compared to other cards because it has more power (lower settings = less work for the card).

3. No troubles I've experienced. It has been an amazing experience and I'm very pleased with the purchase. The 120Hz is truly amazing compared to the standard 60Hz. It is a TrueLife display as well.

 

Thanks guys, sounds like i just need to do it I've moved away from Apple starting with Surface Pro 2 replacing my iPad, and now the next big step... Still a little apprehensive about giving up the mac touchpad, but i need to retire my desktop gaming rig finally, and Alienware 17 just makes sense. And, it just looks so in your face, it will be a nice change!

 

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