M17x R3 RELAUNCHED! (w/460M/6870M/6970M)

9.6lbs according to my scale.

 

Here's a suggestion for you military folks: Customize your order on the AAFES site and get the price. Then call the EPP folks at Dell and tell them what the price was and if they can match it. I did this and my AAFES quote was $3103.20. I then spoke to the EPP guy and he came back to me with $2976.13 (that's with tax, the actual system cost was $2837.04).

Build:
2820QM
16 GB RAM
1.5TB Raid 0
6970M
WideFHD 1920x1080
N6300
Vista Home Prem
4 year advanced warranty

 

1) Everything I've read says the noise is not loud when not gaming, and when gaming you'll either be wearing headphones or have the volume up so you won't notice it.

2) I've got nothing here.

3) I've read that some people note a lot of flex, some people note there isn't much unless you really press hard in a certain direction. If it is something that really really bugs you, there are ways to fix it. I'm getting an M17x R3, and it doesn't worry me at all. I don't count on the keyboard to structurally support anything vital, so if it flexes a bit...doesn't matter.

 

After talking to my good friend and finding out his wife already ordered two R3's for a good deal from EPP, I got the saleslady's info and talked

225-05361 Alienware M17x Soft-Touch, Stealth Black
317-61141 Intel Core i7 2720QM 2.2GHz (3.3GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
317-61161 MOD,DIMM,4GB,1333MHZ,DDR3,2X2G
331-13471 Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
320-19331 17.3-inch WideFHD1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
320-19391 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6970M
342-22181 320GB 7,200RPM SATA-II HDD
313-87921 AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
421-46551 Alienware Command Center Software, M17X
421-14001 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
420-96911 DataSafe Local BackUp
420-99561 Vista PC Restore
421-00921 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
410-18831 Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 Multi-Language
318-03951 Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
421-45411 Roxio Creator Starter,No Media
318-04241 Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
430-40201 Intel Advanced N + WiMAX 6250 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Technology
990-46531 Accidental Damage Service, 4 Years

$2365.64 before tax.

The trick for my friends and I was to do DPA. The saleslady said it gave her more power to adjust the price. I just purchased an Intel x25 128gb SSD for the R2 I had, but now think I should return that and just get a 6gb SSD towards the end of the month for the R3.

Good luck to all and see you on my R3 soon enough

 

So with the 60hz screen is Optimus enabled for the AMD card? Is there similar IGP switching with either of the ATI cards?
I guess what I'm asking is, if I don't care about 3D which card gives me the best battery life?

 

Keep in mind when you buy through AAFES, some of that goes to the MWR (Morale, Welfare, Recreation) fund than helps troops around the world at military bases...so I don't mind the little bit of difference.

Not to mention I hate haggling LOL...

 

3) The only person that i recall having a lot of flex is Mandrake, and apparently Dell forgot to put the metal plate over the ram, for support. But I did hear that the R3 has a little flex, only noticeable if you really try to flex the keyboard.

 

Envy u guys.
WHY 6970m is still not available in Canada's web?!

 

Question: I found a discount for the m17x for 20% and it registered but was not applied.

The code is 5TK?LC9VJ5F$33 and I got it off http://www.retailmenot.com/view/alienware.com

I read the details but I can't find the reason, can some one else please try it and explain whats wrong?

The configuration I tried it with was:

PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ i7 2820QM 2.3GHz (3.4GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
MEMORY 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (2DIMMS)
VIDEO CARD 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 6970M
HARD DRIVE 320GB 7,200RPM HDD
LCD PANEL 17.3-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
WIRELESS CARD Intel® Ultimate N WiFi Link 6300 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO Technology edit
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
SYSTEM COLOR Alienware M17x, Soft Touch Stealth Black

 

6970 will have switchable. It might have the automatic switching though. Either way you'll be happy, cuz you can set it to manual if you like. I personally like the idea of manual, cuz I don't want the GPU running if I don't really need it. I kinda wish there was a button though for simplicity's sake, kinda like the WLAN switch that we all have.

 

Optimus is an Nvidia thing, but, if I understand correctly, AMD has something just like it. I don't know much about it, but I think (hope) it's automatic like Optimus.

 

Sorry if this is a bit late cloudfire, but I'll do my best.

1) The reviews put the full load m17x r3 at not quite loud, but definitely audible. However, as already mentioned, wearing headphones or gaming will cancel it out, and if you are doing graphics stuff, then it wouldnt even be that bad.

2) Last I checked, no official news or even leakings of the new m15x. Many people have guessed that the m17x r3 is the new m15x and the "unconfirmed m18/19x" is the m17x r2 sucessor.

3) I believe that was Mandrake, he had a plate under his keyboard missing. Other people have reported little/no flex, unless you're literally trying to poke a hole in the keyboard, then you might see some.

I do not own one, so this is based on other people's reviews and online reviews.

 

I noticed on the Sagers, if you configure them with the Intel 6300 you lose bluetooth (BT is on the wifi card). Is that the case here with Alienware?

 

No way. Many ppl including me have 6300 and certainly no one would sacrifice BT for it

 

I have BT with a factory installed 6300 so no its not true, must just be Clevo/Sager.

 

Perfect. I think I'll go Alienware over Sager.

 

Perfect.

 

IIRC, Sagers only have one slot for either the wifi or bluetooth card. That is why there is a combo card, the intel 6230 with Bluetooth and wifi.

 

My question: would there be a functional advantage to having a 120Hz display over the 60Hz for 2D tasks?

I'm a trader, and am building tick by tick charts on data streams. In a fast market, data can get so fast as to overload the exchange systems -- but that is rare.

Would/could 120Hz somehow build these charts/matrices faster? I just don't know enough to know, but I do buy systems to trade with that do well in gaming. (I'm considering a M6600 as well)

 

Thank you for the reply
Yes you are correct, Mandrake was his name. Puh very relieving that the notebook doesn`t have that kind of flex because it was BAD
I wouldn`t mind a little noise when gaming, but what i am a little curious about is how it is when doing light tasks like browsing the internet, writing and stuff like that. 6970M is 75-100W and it will for shure produce a lot of heat, but is there any sort of system that downclocks the GPU while doing light tasks and have AMD anything like Optimus? I hear people saying they have heard about some rumour saying that AMD do have, but does it really excist?

Thanks again

 

Most GPUs have a system that has two sets of clocks

3D clocks and 2D Clocks
2D Clocks the fan SHOULD be barely noticeable (For the GPU) and 3D clocks is meant for gaming, where it kicks up to compete with the heat

Not sure about optimus but I'm pretty sure it has a switch that can either be manual or automatic.. Not sure how it works, all I know is it saves loads of battery

 

once i get the money to buy mine, i think i will get the 3d bundle simply because it has the 120hz screen... and u dont have to use the 3d just to get the 120 hz! i wonder though if u can still get the 120hz if u switch out GPU's

 

Does the HDMI-in port support 3D PS3 games on the 120Hz panel?

 

Hopefully you could answer these questions when you get your precious baby in late march. You lucky bast**d

 

No sorry been tested

 

ATI Hybrid Graphics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Go down to PowerXpress:

There's also a chart showing what the GPU does when you plug in the power supply and unplug it.

This should apply to the 6970M, Dell was offering it on the European website before it was removed because of the Sandy Bridge incident.

 

Very true, Huuy.

It should be noted that the 6870 can only be switched manually (in the r3).

 

I noticed this:

from the looks of it only the 690's are only supported for PowerXpress, or i could be reading that wrong, or whoever posted that forgot to leave out the 680's.

 

That would make sense.
Also coincides with laptopmag saying the switch is automatic.

I guess we'll see when someone gets theirs shipped. Thanks for the info.

 

Does any1 know if you can, for example: Open Skype and call a buddy. Then plug in your Xbox 360 / Ps3 and play that through the HDMI-in and still be able to talk with your Skype buddy? or do you disconnect from the laptop and only the Xbox is usable?

Always wondered, didn't see any1 ask this yet. Sorry if it was answered already.

 

Good question, I would also like to know. But from what I've seen and heard the Xbox 360 just uses the screen. You can press Function-"something" and it will switch between HDMI-IN and the desktop screen.

 

Pretty sure skype would still work without having to switch to it. It just uses the display and that is why the laptop has to be on to get the 360/ps3 working.

 

May not work because sound get routed to the sound from hdmi in.

 

True, however one may be able to mess with settings to get the sound from the desktop. Just have to wait and see or get someone else to test it with an R3. I dont really care either way though.

 

I got it...

 

Err, so it can only use IGP while on battery and not when it is plugged in? Or could it only work when forcing it manually?

 

Hm, I'd like to know this as well. Cuz it'd be great for temperatures to be able to use the IGP even when plugged in (like when I might want to use it on my lap in bed).

 

Probably not, Powerplay most likely comes into effect which downclocks the GPU

 

i want a lunar color option dammit

 

if select a SSD say 250gb in the Dell custom menu can I then request they fit a drive in the other empty bay or just buy and fit one myself - will this effect warranty ??

 

What you should do, Geoffxx, is leave the hdd at base 320 and upgrade both aftermarket from newegg or similar place. Dell overcharges on SSD's.

 

I hate that you always have to order two drives in notebooks to get the second drive slate mechanism thingee.

 

If you're talking about the HDD caddy, it comes with it even if you just get one drive. If not the give them a call.

 

+1 Thank you!!! I had to reorder, but it was worth it for me. I actually ended up with an EDD end of March instead of my old middle of April, though I don't put much stock in the EDD.

 

Anyone know if they're accepting orders for UK delivery over the phone? Doesnt seem to be on the UK site yet...

 

Still not the same as using IGP...

 

3D or not 3D that is the question, wish they would introduce the 485m then it would be easy to choose and hurry up UK why the big delay ????

 

They are actually. At least they are doing it for me.

 

With my aafes discount I can upgrade to the 256 SSD for a little over $450. When I looked on newegg it seems there SSD's were priced similarly, and some quite a bit higher.

 

I still say wait for the new ssd coming out this month to take advatage of the speed of your sata. The ssd Dell are selling is good drive but not the new one that are much faster and improved. Like Intel and Vertex.

http://newsroom.intel.com/community...es-featuring-super-fast-6gbps-sata-throughput


Up to you though if you think it's worth it. I think it really is.