Help with a few choices

Looking at getting a m17x r3

I'm based in the UK.

I plan on buying it as a low a spec as possible and upgrade the parts over time/as the laptop seems to need them.

I dont seem to be able to find blueray drives so i added that, I want the 1080p screen so added that.

Processor, I went for the 2630QM, Is there any thing that would stop me upgrading this in the future?

GPU, is the 6990 worth £160 or $260 more than the 560m? or will the 560m be fine for say a year n then i can put the money towards the better card out at the time. My gaming needs are not that heavy.

Ram, i have just got the basic 4gb can upgrade that simply.

hdd, again easy upgrade.

Wifi, i want to be able to do the wireless streaming to my tv, do any of the cards support it?

Any advice/links is much appreciated!

 

Blue Ray is ok, you can find external BluRay Drives that connect to the laptop.
1080 screen is a good pickup.

Your fine with the 2630QM Processor. the forums have plenty of how to's on upgrading your proc.

For your GPU, you will be fine with the 6970. there is no major differences that i can tell between the 6970 and the 6990.

Opt for the Bigfoot Killer Wireless and the Vizio Wireless HD transmitter.

Keep the RAM and HD as low as possible since they jack their prices on those.

thats my honest opinion.

 

Thank you!

i dont have a option for 6970, only 560, 580 and 6990

We dont seem to have the option to purchase a vizio transmitter either. Looking at their website it seems id need to have the transmitter plugged into my laptop all the time? i wanted to avoid any extra devices plugged into my laptop.

 

the 6990 is a fairbit better and a fair bit cheaper as the 580, but close if not simular performance. although 6990 means no 3d screen if u wanted 3d.

basicly the 560 will perform decently enough for a fair while unless ur realy a i demand max gfx settings person then the 6990 be a better pick.

If your not realy sure on the cards just search for benchmarks on the cards on google ( make sure u look for the mobile ones as a mobile 560 isnt the same as the desktop one ). And see if they perform well enough for u.

Its recommended that u just buy ram and hdd somewhere else as dell are alot pricier on upgrades.

the cpu will perform well enough but again u can check some benchmarks, i got the one up as i got a good deal on it.

even at basic options the alienware m17x is already a beast, cpu and gpu wise their bit more of a pain to upgrade later on. the 6990 is a good value for money card tho.

 

I have had a few searches but sometimes there ain't nothing like a good forum opinion lol

I have upgraded gpu/cpus in the past so not to worried about putting some effort in later down the line.

I have also found the info i need for the Intel wireless stream (widi)


Going to call dell later and see if i can get a better price as im getting 2 laptops at once!

 

since you don't have the option for the 6970, go with the 6990. personally i don't think the 3d graphics card are going to be worth it. especially using portable as a factor you would have to watch a movie in public with the 3d glasses.

The vizio transmitter is internal on the laptop. but its a shame if you don't have that option. its no sweat to worry about.
PS if i have been any help feel free to up my rep

 

Make sure you check out the how to save £££ on the main alienware page on this forum. Steve is saving people small fortunes.