If Money wasn't an issue, which of these M17x R3 setups is more desirable?

I am torn between these two setups. Let us pretend that money is not an issue when making this decision. Basically between GTX 580M and 6990.

i7 2630
GTX 580M
120hz screen.

vs

i7 2630
6990
1080p

Rest of the specs are are standard. Let us say I do not have any particular "needs" at all. I am looking for the least problem free setup. I have been reading about optimus and how it is not very desirable. Wouldn't this be fixed with drivers that doesn't support optimus and thus making the laptop run on GTX 580M all the time? Any problems related to 6990? I have been reading about some heating concerns with the 6990. How are ATI drivers these days? On the long run, which one would be better?

Any comments about the 120hz screen? Without bringing 3D into the picture, how is the 120hz screen itself? Do games feel snappier playing on the 120hz screen?

When are the next Nvidia/ATI top GPU's coming? If ATI is going to release 7 series GPU soon, I would like to stay with GTX 580M! ATI 7 series or Nvidia 6 series coming first?

 

These chips just came out not to long ago so you may be waiting awhile for new one's. Others will have more detailed information on that subject.

Personally I dont like Optimus. AMD drivers for me only. Its much easier to switch manually. While I dont have the 6990 I have had no issues with my 6970 at all. When I had Optimus on my m14x I had issues when playing some games.

 

i7 2630
6990
1080p

but upgrade the processor to at least the 2720qm
the 580m is powerful (about ~10% more than the 6990) but for an extra 300? no thanks and 3d isnt that great yet :/ your better off with these specs. plus you'll save a couple of bucks so u can upgrade some other things, ie SSD.

 

Let me be honest and tell you straight up. I was one biggest skeptics of Alienware M17x R3 3D. One word " Awesome"

If money is not a problem, go for the 3D. The quality of the 3D simply depends on those who create the 3D content. I was astounded when the nvidia test 3D logo popped out of the screen. As for non 3D also this screen is way better and brighter. I set my brightness at the 2nd level. I like that I can run the screen at 120Hz for normal use too. Series of GPUs will keep coming...its bleeding edge. So that is something that you shouldnt take as a cue to wait unless confirmed dates are out and depending on how much you want a system now. Just ensure when you receive your system check it nicely within the first 4 days for aesthetic defects etc and also components. Dont haggle if its unsatisfactory and unreasonable. I have been watching 3D clips on You tube using mozilla firefox browser. Nvidia has tied up with them both.

The only sad thing is I dont have the speed to achieve a uninterrupted stream play. But it good man. Some video are good, some are amateurish, or botchy 3D. I have not seen a 3D movie on it yet. The files are much larger to download. It would take ages for me on 512kpbs

I feel good having the Nvidia coz of its cuda etc. it really makes a difference in photoshop processing. Battery comes up to 3hours on just browsing. The screen is still nice and viewable even with brightness totally down. You have to calibrate it once you get the machine.

Dont forget to get the Killer card. It is GOOD. I have been using Intel 6300 for 2.5 years. I see a major difference and priority in how it allots bandwidth especially with multiple browsers. I also tested out the MS virtual wifi miniport....It allows you to be a hot spot and at the same time be able to browse the internet. This card is capable for that too.

 

if money weren't an issue! I'd pick an caddy, lol jk!

seriously! still won't pick any upgrades that will not enhance my computing experience! for instance 4gigs of ram is far more than enough, but still picking 8gigs for other purpose like video editing! 16gigs is a friggin overkill unless if I wanted a mobile workstation!

GTX580m since I've experienced bad drivers from my desktop ATI! it's not a big deal though if you're planning a 6990m!

2720QM just because of the compatibility with 1600mhz ram!

SSD's are your "step to forward" thing to enhance your experience! it's what matter the most right after the GPU to me!

still won't add 3D screen as I love to keep my brain clean!

how long it took them to add the GTX560m? like 3 months? I'm not gonna wait

 

6990 and 1080p I dont think 3d screens are really that good at the moment.

 

I owned the 3D rig with GTX580M, returned it because of the throttlling issues and my only concern with the new order was about the 3D screen.
Honestly, and eventhough I did not yet fully tested it ingame - mainly some benchmarks and temperature tests after repasting - I didn't notice a difference, both screens are really good that's it ( but I'm getting a bit old so could be missing a little something once in a while ).

I have to say that the ATI system was not really stable... a few blue screens after updating H67 drivers and switching the igp in ac power resulting in crashes when trying to surf the web with IE9 .
I didn't have these at all with the Nvidia system, but as I was planning anyway to put an new ssd and switch the ram, I did a fresh win7 install and everything seems alright ...so far !

Got a 2820 instead of 2720 previously, but it is really not worth the full price (which I didn't pay ). The 2720 is the best choice.

So I would say 6990 and 1080

 

Never mind, replied to wrong topic.

 

what do you mean? I've been playing a bunch of games in 3D, and I can tell you right now it's unbelievable.

when are they going to be really good? 2020? enjoy now, you only live once.

 

In my experience, Nvidia drivers are less of a hassle than AMD and its CCC.
I would go w/ the 580m and 3D. The 3d models come without optimus, so you wouldn't have to worry about that. And the higher refresh is also a plus.

If you get the non 3D, you'll have to use mod bios to disable the annoying optimus, but its up to you.

So...download and update instantly with Nvidia, or download, fully remove, fully install, the amd drivers.

Just a thought.

(Go 580m )