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    M17xR3 - 60 Hz Display vs. 120 Hz Display

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by TostitoBandito, Jun 14, 2011.

  1. TostitoBandito

    TostitoBandito Notebook Evangelist

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    Hello.

    I am probably going to be purchasing an R3 in the next month or so and was looking for input on the difference between the 60 Hz and 120 Hz displays that are available for it. I do photoshop-type work so display quality is probably the most important thing for me. I've heard that the 120 Hz panel is brighter and looks a little better than the 60 Hz panel, but wanted to solicit some more input.

    Granted, I still want a fast GPU, but if the 120 Hz panel is clearly superior I'll have to bite the bullet and go with the slower Nvidia 460M (unless a new card comes out very soon).

    Also, another question for people more experienced with Alienware than I. Does their chassis design typically allow for the upgrading of GPU's with newer repalcements within the same family. Eg. a 560M or 485M comes out and I want to replace my 460M, will it fit in the chassis? I know I've been able to do this to some extent in the past with Dell XPS's, but I don't have any experience with Alienware.

    Thanks!
     
  2. CleanSweep

    CleanSweep Notebook Geek

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    I would wait for the 560m if you really want a 3D screen. I have the 6970m and it is great for games. Seeing as the 460m is a lot slower than the 6970m, I don't know how people play games on it! In your situation I would get the 60hz and 6970m, but it really isn't that clear-cut.
     
  3. TostitoBandito

    TostitoBandito Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't really care that much about 3D, I've just heard and read that the 120Hz panel has better overall specs than the 60Hz panel. I'm just trying to get the best dispaly possible and wanted to see if maybe someone has experience with both versions.

    Agreed on the 560M though. They need to release that, now. Then this wouldn't be an issue for me since I wouldn't lose nearly as much GPU power to get the 120 HZ display.
     
  4. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    Is there any chance that we could purchase the 120hz panel separate?
     
  5. pp_ph

    pp_ph Notebook Consultant

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    Even if you can , it might not run with the 6970M.
     
  6. TostitoBandito

    TostitoBandito Notebook Evangelist

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    My understanding is that only the Nvidia 3D enabled cards (like the 460M) will power a 120 Hz display, and that neither of the two AMD options will (which is why it doesn't let you select them).