First Things, First

Hi All,

My new M17x R4 is due to arrive next week. This will be my first Alienware. Would like to know what are the things you do first when you get your new machine.

Things to do when you get your new Alienware:
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Is it a certain software you install (or uninstall)?
A set of accessories you order to go with it?

I am new to this forum and this is my first post

Cheers,
AB

 

Hi, Welcome to NBR!

Congrats on your purchase, what display/video did you go for?

I've had 2 and both were pretty much free of 'foisterware'. No macafee, no office trial, , but they do appear from time to time.

Play some games on the existing video driver before looking to update it, just let win-update do it's stuff and you should be good to go.

A wireless mouse (too many to choose from) and a good set of headphones are all I need. I got the corsair vengance 1500 and they have a great sound (IMO) and support Dolby Headphone which is a neat effect

Enjoy

 

Yup, just like Micky said, Alienwares come with remarkably little bloatware or unwanted programs. Whenever I get a new laptop I install an ssd with a fresh install of Windows and AW drivers, then download chrome, Microsoft Security Essentials, Steam, MSI Afterburner, and then I'm ready to go. Enjoy the new laptop, these are awesome machines!

 

Install Origin and Battlefield 3, grab a beer. Profit.
Try not to drool on the keyboard

In all seriousness, first thing I always do is all windows updates, then download 3DMark Vantage or 3DMark 11. Run a benchmark, compare some scores here on the forum with your system. Just to make sure something is not horribly wrong, you will likely see this in a crap score.

After this, install some temperature monitoring software (HWiNFO), so you can see what the idle and load temperatures are. Just to make sure the cooling is working as it should.

After this I really restate what I stated above, go game and start enjoying it!

 

Hi MickyD1234,

Thank you so much for the reply and warm welcome.

I have gone for the WideFHD (1920 x 1080) WLED LCD display.

I have had a look at the Corsair Vengeance and it does look good. At just over £64 it appears to be a worthy investment. I will certainly consider this headset. Thanks for the tip!

Thanks once again. Appreciate your comments.


Cheers!

 

You're very welcome

I missed one word in my question , I meant to say video CARD. Just interested in what people are going for. I'm an NV fan through and through for some years but AMD do give more bang for the buck, if a little trickier to work with

 

Hi failwheeldrive,

Good to know that Alienware is free from the usual bloatware that Dell laptops come with.

With respect to security, would you recommend any Anti-virus software that has the least amount of interference with the normal processing/gaming?

I am not familiar with MSI Afterburner, though.

Thanks for the feedback.

Hi jiggymf,

Thanks for the tip about running the benchmark test(s). I would have skipped this.

While we are at the topic of heating - I am considering either of the following two laptop coolers:
1) Coolermaster U3
2) Lavolta portable folding table

I understand they serve a slightly different purpose. However, I will be short on storage space for a few months. Therefore, the Lavolta portable table will be helpful. Would you have anything to say about this?

Hi MickyD1234,

I have gone for the standard graphics: 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675M. The GTX 680M (I have read that the difference in performance is huge) was a bit too expensive for me. Dell wanted £250 more for it.
I don't really know why I did not consider AMD. An oversight on my part, of course.

 

I don't profess to be an expert on antivirus software, but I use Microsoft Security Essentials+Windows Firewall (Windows Firewall is automatically turned on when you install MSE) because I've read that they're extremely light on system resources and do a good job of keeping your pc protected. MSI Afterburner is a GPU monitoring/overclocking tool that I find really handy. You can use it to monitor framerates, gpu temperature, gpu utilization, and clock rates. HWINFO64 is also a good monitoring program that has a litany of useful system info, including cpu/memory/gpu monitoring. GPU-Z is another good lightweight monitoring tool for the gpu. It's a good idea to monitor temps when you first get the laptop to make sure the cooling system is doing its job, especially during gaming. If you have any interest in overclocking, then you'll definitely need one or more of these programs

 

Hi, As you can see I have that card and am very pleased with it

As for AMD, it's IMO that you do have to work harder with driver releases, and the premium price on NV shows in the speed that new drivers get released, for when new games come out. Can't say for AMD as I'm not fussed until I hear of a 'killer' card from them

I use MSI Afterburner to monitor on-screen my GPU temps and clocks. Nvidia inspector for OC'ing the NV card as I can get to all the clock 'P' states - 3D/2D/Power throttle.

I have the cash for a 680 upgrade ready but I'm still getting great gaming so I need a killer game to hit and push this one too far Dell want over £1K to upgrade it and keep warranty (I have to put back the original to get support )

If you want to see everything then, as said, HWInfo will give you a ton of data

Edit: I use the free zonealarm firewall. I like to build my own list of what can 'talk' on my connection , and it's pretty simple. MS for AV.

 

Depends, do you just want it to do decent cooling, or do you also want it to look bad@ss ? ^^

I personally have the Notepal U3 which cools anything upto 19", and isn't to expensive.
However, if it would be sold here (Netherlands), I would definitely give the Coolermaster SF-19 a try, basically just caus seems to cool great and it looks like the Zerg Mothership, and i'm just a sucker for that kind of stuff

There's quite some difference though concerning the cooling pads, some cool better then others, there should be some threads about that on this forum.
I can certainly recommend usage of a laptop cooler though, whatever brand you take. Every degree of heat you can take away, is money well spent

I would, very strongly, try to call Dell and see if you can still change it for a HD 7970m.
As I see it on the site, it's actually cheaper then the GTX 675M. Performance wise, it is a MUCH stronger card and makes all the difference. The top dogs currently are the 7970m, and the GTX 680m, where the latter is slightly faster in most benches. But the 7970m by far is the best bang for buck. It's really a no brainer to choose between the GTX 675m or a HD 7970m, I don't understand that the Alienware rep you might have spoken about your config did not advise this to you.

You don't buy systems in this price range every day, so you should try to make is as optimal as you can within your budget.

 

Just checked out that SF19, ( CoolerMaster Strike Force CF 19 - YouTube) very pretty, although a bit loud at fill blast. It's got me, now to see if I can find one, my Tragus lap-pad is perfect for what I use it for but...

Cooler Master CM Storm SF-19 - Notebook fan with 4 ports USB hub - grey, black: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories A little more expensive than pocket money but still...

 

That cooler pad is like a match made in Heaven if you put an m17x or m18x on it.

If you find one at a good price in Europe/UK, let me know, F5-ing ebay for months now, tempted to import one and get raped by taxes, but have been able to restrain myself so far ^^

 

Coolermaster are saying 'discontinued' CM Storm SF-19 Strike Force (USB 3.0) - Cooler Master

They might not be around long

 

ebay it is...

 

LOL. The only thing that stopped me is that it requires a power adaptor for the fans . Understandable if I wanted more than 5 USB 3.0 ports but no more trailing leads is number 1 for me :rolleyes :, I move it around a lot.

 

Thank you failwheeldrive for the info on overclocking tools. I am currently using MSE on my Studio XPS and quite happy with it.

 

Question. i recently purchased this oen for my m17xr2 (liked the fact that is was slim)... but now that i saw this monster sized one... I as wondering, does mine do actually any difference? or did i waste my money. Please let me know cause i still can return it. here is a link

NotePal X-Slim - Cooler Master X-Slim

 

MickyD1234 - Glad to know that you are happy with the GTX 675M. Also, point noted about the overclocking tools and firewall. Do you also use an anti-virus on top of it?

jiggymf - Agree with you on the looks part. I have heard/read good things about the U3 and as you have rightly pointed out, it also fits the budget. Do the fans light up the base on the U3 in the dark?

My system has been "In Production" for a couple of days now. So, I guess I have missed the boat

 

The Zonealarm comes with free AV but I've never used it. The MSE is good enough and you know if anything bad hits they will be all over it (with such a huge userbase!)

For an order change, you'd have to just cancel it and start a new one, they do not do changes after in-prod. If I was you I'd be begging the £250 from somewhere as a 680 is very expensive aftermarket. But as confessed, I prefer NV all the way (and a big fan of the 3D)

 

Thanks MickyD1234. Reckon I will stick with the 675M and see how it goes...

 

I also agree, i would REALLy try to change order for 6970. it is huge dfference.
One thing you can try (its possible but not 100%) is call your dell rep, tell him you would rather have the 6970. If they can change, awesome.. if not, then ask him if they can jsut charge you the difference, and they can send a tech to install the new one and return the old one. I mean, if you are buying a new gaming rig, try to future proof it for a while

 

Though it's not the fastest around anymore, but let's not act like the 675m is a card,. You'll notice that Alienware owners in general consider everything lower then the current highest end GPU to be 'slow', just because we're all spoiled brats .

Having that said, the 675m is still a GREAT card, which will last you a while, and outruns most other cards and laptops and a majority of desktops

But i'm gonna be honest, if it was me, i'd cancel that order straight away and order the system with an HD 7970m (due to budget, else consider also GTX 680m). It's cheaper, and faster (really faster, not just a bit, it's galaxies in front of the 675m). It might mean you will have to wait for your system a bit longer, as you'll have to go through the whole process again, but you will regret not doing it otherwise, I guarantee you.
And, for the love of god, it's even CHEAPER then the 675m... ^^

You don't know me, and I don't know you. But if you ever want to take someone's word on something, now's the time.

 

jiggymf - Hmm. Looks like I should have come here before placing the order
I have done some Google search (don't know how I missed it in the first place). Will call them up tomorrow morning and see how it goes... Can't wait for it any longer, but, it is better to wait than get a slower card for more money - no brainer.

Thanks a ton for the advice! Fingers crossed they would agree to amend the order without me having to cancel it.

Will call them tomorrow and see what options come my way.

 

OK. So, I cannot amend or cancel an order once it enters the "In Production" stage. The only option I have is to return it within 7 days and pay Dell a "collection fee". Not very impressed. However, I do realize that it was my mistake.

 

You serious?? That doesn't sound very customer friendly if you ask me...

 

Thought so. I've returned a couple of them in those circumstances (not happy) but no 10% restocking fee or postage as there was always something wrong with them.

Try it out for a couple of days and see how it goes. Any problem you call in with within the time limit you ask for a refund. They should also arrange the courier. It used to be 14 days but it appears dell have gone with local laws now (7 days under EU law for distance selling)

 

Remember these are built-to-order in China . Once the order hits the factory no changes. It has to come out, or at least that is what I was told, before cancelling.

 

Well it's simple, with the EU law for distance selling, the second you get your system home you can return it, and they are not allowed to charge you anything for it (no restocking free or postage, or any other fee). It's a shame they can't change your order, they know they will get it back eventually if you really want to.

 

Weird. I'm sure I read they can charge a restocking fee if it it just a 'change of mind'. ?? They tried on me and I just told them about the 'problem' it had and he dropped it.

 

I would say its a case of wanting money off you because they will have to take a hit when it goes on one of the outlet sites .

 

Gents,

Assuming I cancel/return the order and re-order - which graphics card would you recommend considering the following fact:

I was getting a 'deal' with the 675M (this is why the option of AMD Radeon HD 7970m did not come up when I was configuring the system online). If I do go for any other graphics card I need to add:
- £220 for the 680M or
- £160 for the 7970m (plus I get additional 8GB RAM).


Thanks for your help!

 

The 680 gets my vote on performance AND drivers, but I do prefer NV always

 

Thanks MickyD1234!
And I am assuming you will stick to your choice considering the extra 8GB RAM that comes with the 7970m?

 

Yup! Memory is dirt cheap these days and any more than 6gb RAM on a gaming rig is wasted .

TBH the deal you had was very good, I just always want the fastest video and the 680 was not available when I got this one

The 7970 has a lot of fans (no, not physical ) but I do see more driver issues here . The latest NV drivers have installed (using the upgrade option!) without issue for me

Have you used either AMD or NV before? That often makes a difference, what you're more familiar with

 

Agreed. I have NV on my current laptop. Have never used AMD, though. Thanks again for the feedback. I am going to place another order soon...

 

Cool, good luck.

FYI, just updated my video drivers via geoforce experience System Requirements for NVIDIA GeForce Experience | GeForce not even a restart and all my settings retained . neat new add-on, shows where settings affect specific games on a lot of them - I like this

 

+1

Would agree with MickyD the 680M is a great card, I paid a similar price for mine (on offer) at the time. No major driver issues compared to AMD/ATI ones.

 

Thanks both.
I have spoken to Dell (regarding the graphics upgrade) and they haven't come back to me with a confirmation. Will keep you posted.

 

What specs you get in the end anyways? Get anything written in a email or at least something recorded, no use over the phone just incase they change their offer or decide not to honour it at least in writing it can't be disputed .

Thats what I had to do for my machine, even after all my discount codes etc expired the price I was given was redeemable as it was in a quote anyways.

 

Hi DDDenniZZZ,

This is what I am getting:

Alienware M17x Nebula Red
3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3740QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.7GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
English Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 BIT)
2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 680M
Alienware M17x Base
8192MB (2x4GB) 1600MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
128GB mSATA Boot Drive + 500GB 7,200rpm SATA 3Gb/s
17.3" WideFHD (1920 x 1080) WLED LCD
BluRay Combo (Blu-ray read only, DVD, CD read & write)
Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO with Bluetooth 4.0
1 yr Next Day In-Home Hardware Support
Internal UK/Irish Qwerty Keyboard
UK 2M 250V Power Cord
Southern Europe Documentation (EN, SPA, POL, GRE)
N00W7M05
Placemats (Eng, Gre, Pol, Ara, Rus)
Alienware M17x Order
Integrated Skype HD Certified FullHD Camera with dual digital microphones
Alienware M17x Resource DVD
240W AC Adaptor
Steam® Factory Installed and Steam Extra Content
Skype for Windows
Creative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro Software
(GMT + 00.00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Yes, I am communicating with them through e-mail. The good thing, so far, is that Dell do seem willing to amend the order. However, I haven't heard from them since yesterday morning. So, this might change.

 

Looks like a smart spec to me, as long as the price is decent, otherwise it could be cheaper speccing an altogether new order.

An old quote I know, but this is the spec and price I got mine for attached.

View attachment 91783


View attachment 91784

 

£1376.11 is an awesome price for that spec. I am getting mine for £1,815.83 which does sound like a lot.

OK. I have an update from Dell. They were not able to cancel the order as it has now been shipped! They have asked me to reject delivery and then place another order.

 

Do you think I am getting a good price for the spec?

 

Looks alright to me, but I'm not 100% sure on the upgrade prices, is the 1800 for your new build right?

Might as well look around and see what a completely new offer would be like, theres a rep in the forum somewhere, unless you got the price from him maybe?

 

Thanks for the feedback.
This is for the new build (with 680M instead of 675M). This offer is directly from Dell. I am trying to get in touch with the rep on the forum.