M17x Recommended Graphics card?

Hey all, I am new to this forum, and to forums in general...

I have been looking into getting an Alienware laptop for a few weeks now, i have been doing extensive research. I had my mind set on the M14 model, however, upon reading posts and learning that the M17 is more upgradeable, I have decided to go for an M17.

I am online configuring my custom build settings to see what options I have when building this laptop.

So.... my question is, which graphics card is best to pick?
Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M a good choice? I play videogames everyday, especially rpgs and rts games.

I tried searching this forum for this question as I'm sure it has been discussed, but i was unable to find it.

Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

 

Hi!
If you're looking for the top-notch graphics card, that would be an "hard decision" between the Nvidia GTX 580m and the ATI 6990m.

The GTX580 tends to perform a bit better after what'ive read, so if you're looking for the best - Get the GTX580. (In my opinion)
- Not only because the GTX580 tends to give out better benchmark results, but also because Nvidia make drivers that actually WORK properly..

Edit: That is if you remove the Nvidia Optimus-function, guides etc. can be found on the forum.

- Scott.

 

You should really get the top end graphics card, the 580m or 6990m. It is very expensive to upgrade later, so much so that it is almost certainly cheaper to get the card new with the machine. Plus, if you get it with the machine it is covered under warranty. If you play games everyday then you definitely want the best card.

I think the 580m has a 7 day delay right now, so you might want to get the 6990m. The 580m also has throttling issues, which are being fixed/can be overcome, but you need to be aware of it. The 580m is a tad faster, and has better drives, but has issues. The 6990m has no throttles, somewhat worse drivers, and maybe a little bit slower.

 

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, but what does "throttling" mean? I'm learning the linog as fast as I can I promise. And thanks to your speedy replies!

 

It means that at certain temperatures the graphics card has its speed reduced without you being able to control it.

The 580m has 2 throttles. At 63c (which you WILL hit gaming) it slows down by 30%. You can fix this throttle easily with a guide on this forum. At 77c the graphics card basically shuts down, which will make games unplayable. This one is not currently fixable, but we have been working with a Dell rep to get it fixed, and he has assured us that it will be fixed.

The 6990m has no throttle, you can use it as hard as you want and it will go all the way to the thermal cutoff, which is the point that it turns off to avoid melting, around 100c.

The short version is the 6990m is a tiny bit slower, but it just works, you play games and it always runs full speed no issues and no fiddling. Out of the box it will be good to go.

The 580m will require you to tweak it a bit to avoid the 63c throttle, and currently can still hit the 77c throttle. With luck it will be fixed so the 77c is removed. However, just be aware the 580m requires a bit more tweaking to get it working full speed, but then it is a tiny bit faster.

If you want a machine that just works, that you don't need to mess with, I would get the 6990m. Dell may come through and fix the 580m throttling, but they may not, and then the card requires tweaking and fiddling to keep it running full speed.

 

Throttling is a term used to describe "reduction in performance to lower temperature of the component" from an component to lower thermal release, so that it can become cooler. (ALso results in worse performance).


By more technical words, i would say it like this;
All electrical components emmit heat when electricity is transfered through them, wherse components that run on higher / larger ammounts of electricity, will emmit even more heat.

Laptops are not the ideal cooling-cabinet for electric components, and components such as the Graphics card (in this case the GTX580) will, - once it reach an certain temperature, start to reduce its operating frequenzies so that the temperature of the card will drop, stopping it from causing damage on itself or other components in the system. (Well, that is the theoretical reason why throttling was invented. Back in the days, the system would just shut down if it reaches 100-110 c*)

Now - In this case, nor the GTX580 or 6990M is the problem here, the problem here is the fact that the programmed themperature-top (peak-temperature) that is set by the designers of the system is so low, that the system will throttle on temperatures that are really low. (63C* i think, and then there is a second reduction when reaching 77C*).


So by other words, throttling means that the GPU lowers its core, memory and shader-frequenzies to chill the card down, resulting in of course worse performance, but then again, allows the card not to become too hot.

The issue here is that the temperature set for the throttling to begin is too low - But, this peak can be removed by you, and then you will have an perfectly performing graphics card.


Hope this helps,
- Scott.

 

wow even i didnt know what throttling was, but was embarrassed to ask! Thanks Yoda and Scott.

 

Wow, thanks to both of you guys for clearing that up for me. I gave you both good rep I think I will go with the 6990M. Thank you so much for the good advice. here is the configuration of what is in my cart. What do you think?



Software & Services
PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ i7 2670QM 2.2GHz (3.1GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit edit
MEMORY 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (2DIMMS) edit
VIDEO CARD 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6990M edit
HARD DRIVE 750GB 7,200RPM HDD edit
LCD PANEL 17.3-inch WideHD+ 1600 x 900 60Hz WLED edit
WIRELESS CARD Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 edit
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE 8X Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)


The price is 1824.00 before taxes. I plan on getting aftermarket RAM and alienware mouse hopefully.

Do you know if haggling is still an efficient way to save?
And I will look for coupons online also.
Thanks for all your help!

 

If i recall right, Alienware still have 15% off if you order over $2499
I would have opt for a 2760 CPU and get the 1900x1080 screen. unless you would be constantly connected to an external monitor

Edit : Alienware changed their discounts 5% off if over $1899, 10% off if over $2299, and 15% of over $2699

 

If you play a lot of games you might want to go with the upgrade to the 1920 X 1080 screen, it's well worth the $150 and you'll regret it later if you don't.

I don't think upgrading the processor for .2Mhz is really cost effective but with the discounts at the higher price points, it might be worth it to add the memory, blu-ray, 1080 screen and upgrade to the top of the line processor.......probably end up spending about $300 - $400 more but getting close to $800 or so in extra performance.

 

Thanks for all the advice. Since i am a student and paying out of pocket, I don't have a limitless budget... That being said, I will upgrade to the monitor that you recommended. However, I just don't have the money for blu-ray and the top of the line processor

Anybody have an update on haggling?

 

See this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/456885-aw-dell-ordering-advice-how-save.html

feel free to discuss there

 

Fairly good setup, only thing i would change is the screen to an 1080p (you will regret NOT buying an 1080p screen if you're buying such a powerfull GPU), aswell as buying 4gbs of ram in addition from another webpage. (cheaper to upgrade the ram yourself) aswell as considering an smaller harddrive (i.e 500gb?) and get an SSD for OS+apps+games. (SSD is also cheaper to upgrade yourself.)

The processor upgrade of 0.2 ghz more for that price is questionable, if you have leftover cash, you might aswell buy the more expensive one, or stay with the cheaper one... (My opinion).

If you're not into watching BLU-Ray movies, then don't get an BLU-Ray writer, you're never going to use it for ANYTHING else than watching blu-ray movies. (And who the hell pays for an Blu-ray disc in stores these days..?)


Good luck,
- Scott.

 

blueray isnt that necessary unless u plan to use your laptop as an entertainment media.

stick to the 2670 processor is just fine. Its enough for most uses. paying 150$ for .2 extra isnt worth it.

 

You are a student, so be sure to use the EPP line. Get the laptop setup in your cart, with the screen you should be over $1899 so you should get 5% off automatically. Then apply this coupon: BHW1L0MX0D?MCX $50 more off.

Now that you have your computer just as you want it in your cart with all the discounts applied call up the EPP sales line, tell them you want the computer in your cart, and ask them to beat the current price. EPP will probably give you another chunk of money off the lowest price you already had, maybe push for extra warranty or free overnight shipping if you want it, and bam your done.

 

I don't know the coupon code but you can google it, it's good for $50 off, it's found on the Dell website.

If you configure a system, save it in your cart, then chat with the sales folks using live chat, you can possibly get more discounts. In addition, it will show you how much your discount is worth.

I would suggest building an M17 with the top processor, upgraded memory, blu-ray and a 6990m, apply the coupon for the $50 off, save it in your cart, then contact them using chat or the phone and see how far down they come on it. If they don't get it down where you want it, have them remove the upgraded items for you and you'll still retain the $50 coupon and any other discounts that your final price total entitles you to.

Won't cost you anything but a little time and you could end up with a lot more computer for your money.

I worked on them for 2 weeks after almost buying a 580m equipped M17 before I found out about the throttling issue. When all was said and done I got the upgraded screen, processor (though it's not top of the line), 8GB of the 1600 memory, blu-ray and the 6990 for $2036.83 shipped to my door.


Edit: The coupon code Yoda listed for the $50 off looks familiar and I think that's the one I was thinking of.........do NOT build your computer using EPP as that route will not allow you to use the coupon, trust me I tried.......you build it using the normal route, then get your EPP ID code in chat (I'm with the military but I'm sure your code is different) and that is good for an additional 2% off.......at least it was for me out here.

 

Yea, you basically did the same thing I am recommending. Always get your config and discounts set on the regular site, then call in to EPP to get them to beat the price (which they have to do, EPP is guaranteed lowest price). If you just call into EPP and do the whole thing through them they likely won't honor the normal promotions, so they won't give the 5% off or the $50 coupon, but if those are already applied in your cart they will honor them and still give you even more.

 

Whats EPP? :/

 

Employee Purchase Program I believe is what it stands for............but it appears to include all groups that Dell gives a discount to, Militart, Student etc....

 

would it only include students of US if im ordering from US?

 

That I don't know, all you can do is ask, worst case they say no and you are no worse off than you are now.

 

very true indeed.

 

To All:

Thank you for your speedy responses and great advice! I have upgraded to a 1080p screed and i have applied the coupon in my cart. However, i don't see anywhere that the 5% for being a student has come off... How can I make that come off?

 

It is not 5% for being a student, it is a current promotion. Build your laptop through this link: Alienware Deals and it should be automatic.

When you call into EPP you should still get ANOTHER discount for being a student. In the end you should get $50 off, 5% off, and a student discount (normally 2% off).

 

@Yoda

Oh okay I gotcha. I will use that link. Also, I will get more off hopefully from haggling.

You guys know of any lenient reps i can contact?

 

All the EPP reps are good, they are all from an American call center and have lots of discount power.

Just for something to shoot for, I ordered a bit over a month ago and got a little over 20% off my total price just in one conversation on the EPP line. Now that 20% wasn't additional, it was overall, and I started with nice discounts just like you, but yea, if you try you can get some nice discounts. The biggest ones come from extra warranty, they just threw in an additional year of complete care worth like $150 on mine, after I already had a really nice discount.

 

That's great, I followed your link and you were right once again, the 5% came off automatically. It's about 99 dollars in savings. I'm hoping to find a coupon that's a little better than just 50 dollars off, and I would love to be able to haggle for even more savings and hopefully a free alienware mouse Would you mind posting the EPP number? Thanks alot!

 

For US based EPP Members

Quote:
For new purchases, product inquiries, or to change an existing order (Sales representatives are available daily between 8am and 9pm CT). 1-800-695-8133

 

Let us know how you make out SlitGoblin - I'm interested to see how much more you get off after speaking to the sales rep.

 

I will for sure, I am planning on ordering in about 2 to 3 weeks, as soon as I have ordered I will post here.