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    M17xR3 First Impression

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011.

  1. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Click on the pics for larger view....

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Internal Pics:
    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Notebook Cooler:
    [​IMG]


    Videos:
    <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TvN2xg-9s2M?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TvN2xg-9s2M?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='640' height="385"></embed></object>

    <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qJQbuwTv7hg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qJQbuwTv7hg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='480' height="385"></embed></object>

    <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VhN29d1gUIw?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VhN29d1gUIw?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='640' height="385"></embed></object>

    <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PUQewwr6PAc?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PUQewwr6PAc?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='640' height="385"></embed></object>


    Specs:
    Intel Core i7 2720QM 2.2GHz (3.3GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
    1.5GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 460M
    Kingston HyperX 8GB DDR3 1600 (KHX1600C9S3K2/4GX)
    OCZ 200GB Vertex Limited Edition
    Momentus® Thin 7200RPM, 3Gb/s 320GB Hard Drive
    17.3-inch WideFHD 1920x1080 120Hz WLED w/ NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle
    Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader
    Intel® Centrino® Ultimate-N 6300

    Notes of Interest:
    * There is no fancy leather bound manual like with the R1/R2.
    * BIOS OC settings are NOT grayed-out even with the non-extreme proc
    * Default SATA controller in the bios is RAID and not AHCI. Even with one hard drive.
    * If you ordered only one hard drive you will get the second bracket and interposer to install a second hard drive.
    * The interposer is different than the one that came with the R1/R2.
    * Screen quality equals the M15x.
    * Noise levels equals the M15x.
    * Build quality equals the original M17. Has that rubbery coating that's a bit of a fingerprint magnet.
    * USB 3.0 drivers are not on the resource DVD.
    * The resource DVD doesn't pick up your hardware correctly so you need to display all the drivers and select the ones you need.
    * 3D seems cool, comes with active 3D glasses that charge via USB.
    * You get a nice green fiber cloth and case for the glasses.
    * The power plug does not slip out easily like it does on the M15x.
    * By default the screen is set at 60hz. You need to go through the Windows Display Settings to change it to 120hz. You cannot do it through the Nvisia control panel.

    Overclocking:
    Screen shot shows bus increased to 102Mhz and Memory @ 1600 7-7-7-20.
    The memory setting was accomplished by explicitly setting the frequency to 1600 (800x2) and selecting XMP memory profile 1.
    Another point of interest is when I went back to disable overclocking the settings didn't revert back. I had to manually revert them.
    [​IMG]

    Interesting tidbit about the memory. I'm using the model KHX1600C9S3K2/4GX and as you can see if you use profile 1 you get 1333@CAS7. In the bios of the M17x you can explicitly set the memory bus at 1600 and use profile 1 for CAS 7. It doesn't switch you back to 1333.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #1
  2. inap

    inap .........................

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    does sniffing the laptop make 3d look better?
     
    inap, Jan 25, 2011
    #2
  3. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Absolutely, you get a nice high from it.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #3
  4. inap

    inap .........................

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    now thats something i would pay for. hahaha

    can't wait for more pics and a more in depth review.
    congrats on the new lappy. also can you take a photo of the r3 vs M15x to see the size difference.
     
    inap, Jan 25, 2011
    #4
  5. CptXabaras

    CptXabaras Overclocked, Overvolted, Liquid Cooled

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    No, but it is scientifically dimostrated that the plastic smell will give you some 100 points more vantage points and the rubberish finish a awesomness factor of +10

    On a serious note, i'll be following this thread for further details on the system.

    Thank you!
     
    CptXabaras, Jan 25, 2011
    #5
  6. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    LOL - ok, on that note, lets refrain from that 'reference' - forum rules. On a more serious note, if others who take delivery today also notice this, be sure to post about it. If something funky is going on with that, I'm sure Chris-M will want to see some feedback.
     
    BatBoy, Jan 25, 2011
    #6
  7. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Smell? First review I know that covers smell lol Looking forward to more info

    Imagine how many more Vantage points you'd get from Nebula Red, and on top of that, slap a NOS sticker on the system!
     
    DR650SE, Jan 25, 2011
    #7
  8. HSN21

    HSN21 Notebook Deity

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    M17X R3 looks really good :)
     
    HSN21, Jan 25, 2011
    #8
  9. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Nothing is grayed out in the BIOS!.....but I don't know if any of it works yet. ;)
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #9
  10. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Integrated Graphics=Not Detected.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #10
  11. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    drake, when you have time, can you please re-post your specs? Thanks!
     
    BatBoy, Jan 25, 2011
    #11
  12. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    If someone is sensitive to that kind of stuff I can see them complaining about the smell.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #12
  13. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Sure, I'll put it in the original post.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #13
  14. Astrogiblet

    Astrogiblet Notebook Evangelist

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    Astrogiblet, Jan 25, 2011
    #14
  15. Speedy Gonzalez

    Speedy Gonzalez Xtreme Notebook Speeder!

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    Is definitely a thiner design than the R2 looks good Mandrake everybody waiting for you ;)
     
    Speedy Gonzalez, Jan 25, 2011
    #15
  16. Joebarchuck

    Joebarchuck Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well the thing about smell might be a bigger issue than some think that is if the smell stays for a while which is an unknown for now.
     
    Joebarchuck, Jan 25, 2011
    #16
  17. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Once it's out of the box it's ok. You need to put your nose to it to smell it. But when you initially open the box it's very noticeable.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #17
  18. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Exactly and thats why I think its a good idea if others notice it, be sure to post.
     
    BatBoy, Jan 25, 2011
    #18
  19. CUELLARM

    CUELLARM Notebook Consultant

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    Can you post a pic of the underbelly, I'd like to see if the fan vents are the same as the R2, thanks.
     
    CUELLARM, Jan 25, 2011
    #19
  20. Joebarchuck

    Joebarchuck Notebook Virtuoso

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    It would be great if these questions could be summarized in your post but you should remove the quotation and maybe if Batboy can move this list below Drake's first post so it becomes the second post of that thread. That would be awesome.
     
    Joebarchuck, Jan 25, 2011
    #20
  21. Astrogiblet

    Astrogiblet Notebook Evangelist

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    Not sure he can do that without deleting prior posts.

    Only thing I ask is that Batboy doesn't change it in such a way that I can't edit it and put answers in.
     
    Astrogiblet, Jan 25, 2011
    #21
  22. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    The 3D stuff is really cool. I thought it would be gimmicky but I like it.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #22
  23. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Very cool - nice to hear the 3D is not 'gimmicky'.

    Guys, concerning that question list, Astro - make a thread and then you can gather info from others and update. Title it as a 'FAQ - Initial Impressions/Observations' or something along those lines.

    Thanks.
     
    BatBoy, Jan 25, 2011
    #23
  24. miahsoul

    miahsoul Notebook Deity

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    Is there any lid flex or structural flex? Does it feel like metal when knock on it?

    copypasta from other thread. :O

    Also, what is the new quick access touchpanel like, is it different in material, easier to use?
     
    miahsoul, Jan 25, 2011
    #24
  25. Joebarchuck

    Joebarchuck Notebook Virtuoso

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    Coming from you it makes me feel better about the 3D thing which I also saw as gimmicky. I guess I was wrong then.

    Thanks a lot for the time you put into answering our questions, it makes the purchase decision easier. Heck Dell should give you a commission... :D :D
     
    Joebarchuck, Jan 25, 2011
    #25
  26. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Interesting that 120hz wasn't available through the nvidia control panel until I set it in Windows first.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #26
  27. Joebarchuck

    Joebarchuck Notebook Virtuoso

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    Ok thanks.
     
    Joebarchuck, Jan 25, 2011
    #27
  28. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Yes, keyboard and lid flex.

    No metal, feels like plastic.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #28
  29. miahsoul

    miahsoul Notebook Deity

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    Are you able to turn on optimus when in 60Hz mode?
     
    miahsoul, Jan 25, 2011
    #29
  30. dave-p

    dave-p Notebook Deity

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    Time for some benchmarks :)
     
    dave-p, Jan 25, 2011
    #30
  31. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    The palm rest reminds me of the old M17 lid with the skull cap. Very similar.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #31
  32. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Nope, that's how it is by default. I'll keep playing but I have my doubts.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #32
  33. DaneGRClose

    DaneGRClose Notebook Virtuoso

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    Have you by chance tried the FN+F7 Drake? There was a question on it in the other thread, and while I doubt it will do anything, it may be worth a shot.
     
    DaneGRClose, Jan 25, 2011
    #33
  34. amosingh

    amosingh Notebook Consultant

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    does it come with the black soft case the protector sleeve thing
     
    amosingh, Jan 25, 2011
    #34
  35. vikingrinn

    vikingrinn Notebook Evangelist

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    vikingrinn, Jan 25, 2011
    #35
  36. Astrogiblet

    Astrogiblet Notebook Evangelist

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    Thank you for the opportunity to make a FAQ! I created it here.

    For now it is a very rough design. I'll gather answers to fill it up, then after a little while when we get most of our answers, I'll go through and clean it all up/make it look great and easy to read.

    Please let me know if you want me to make any changes to it for the time being until I can get a finalized, better version up.
     
    Astrogiblet, Jan 25, 2011
    #36
  37. goonshow

    goonshow Notebook Guru

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    what do you mean? what about it is cool? any specifics?
     
    goonshow, Jan 25, 2011
    #37
  38. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    It actually comes up with a message saying "This does not do anything". lol
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #38
  39. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    yes, same as all the new generation Alienware's.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #39
  40. DaneGRClose

    DaneGRClose Notebook Virtuoso

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    LOL what a joke basically a dummy key. Knowing Alienware it was probably $75 of the price of our computers to put it there and add programming to make it say "This does not do anything" to top it off lol.
     
    DaneGRClose, Jan 25, 2011
    #40
  41. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    OMG. Are you serious? Can you please post a screenshot of that?
     
    BatBoy, Jan 25, 2011
    #41
  42. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    After you set it up it shows you screen shots of 3D games. I've never played 3D games and it looked really good. Lot's of depth to it.
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #42
  43. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    [​IMG]

    Going to do a quick photoshoot with both systems then switch hard drives.


    hmmm...screen shot didn't work.....hold a sec

    [​IMG]
     
    Mandrake, Jan 25, 2011
    #43
  44. DaneGRClose

    DaneGRClose Notebook Virtuoso

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    UM I guess Dell doesn't want the screenshot out, I see a jpg symbol and nothing else.
     
    DaneGRClose, Jan 25, 2011
    #44
  45. Texasrho83

    Texasrho83 Notebook Consultant

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    Mandrake, maybe you should start up a video conference and give everyone the link lol this thread's going to surpass the others soon...
     
    Texasrho83, Jan 25, 2011
    #45
  46. Joebarchuck

    Joebarchuck Notebook Virtuoso

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    That's awesome. On the M17X R4 it will actually tell you with a sexy voice...
     
    Joebarchuck, Jan 25, 2011
    #46
  47. Irrational23

    Irrational23 Notebook Consultant

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    use adobe's screen share... its free
     
    Irrational23, Jan 25, 2011
    #47
  48. johnnobts

    johnnobts Notebook Deity

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    I know everyone is hitting you up with questions and you have to upgrade your unit, but if you have time later can you download the arcsoft totalmedia theatre 5 demo and test the 3d with NVIDIA? It ran great with my Envy 17 3D. If not I will test it out and post my results tomorrow.
     
    johnnobts, Jan 25, 2011
    #48
  49. HSN21

    HSN21 Notebook Deity

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    Yep no optimus i like how it says "switch graphic card"
     
    HSN21, Jan 25, 2011
    #49
  50. faiz23

    faiz23 Macbook FTW

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    How bout a durability test

    on another note can you run a quick cinebench 11 test on CPU and some other benchmarks that would be a good indicator of CPU strength for prolonged period of time like Wprime or vantage cpu test with physx off.
     
    faiz23, Jan 25, 2011
    #50
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