N00b wants a gaming laptop

i All,

I'm completely new to this stuff, but I'd like to buy an Alienware Gaming Laptop. I've messed about a bit on the site and I'm having some issues with the difference between the specifications.

The most confusing thing is the processors. I mean... what is the actual difference between these processors:

Intel® Core™ i7 740QM (1.73 Ghz, 6MB, 4C)
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 620M(2.66GHz,4MB cache)
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 840QM (1.86 Ghz, 8MB, 4C)
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 940XM (2.13 Ghz, 8MB, 4C)

What do the different numbers represent? I understand that Ghz represents CPU speed, but I don't know what the other two are. For example, why would I buy a 940XM if the 620M is faster?

Hope you'll hold the flaming and help me out!

N

 

If you're buying new, select the cheapest processor with the RGB LCD and dual 5870 CF. You can then upgrade the processor by purchasing from ebay for much cheaper price.

4C means it has 4 Cores while the 620 has only 2 (I have this one) but is clocked higher. Unless you have specific apps and games that uses the 4 cores I say you'll be okay with the 2 cores. But you can plan ahead and get the 4 cores in case future games make use of them more and more.

Your best bet is to get the cheap processor and get the 920XM on ebay for $380 and follow the guides here to match it to the 940XM specs. Much cheaper.

 

True and could void the heck out of your warranty.


I say get a i7 720 or 740 it is great for everyday apps and games.

 

Thanks guys! Thanks for the explanation of the 4C thing as well, it didn't say anywhere what that represented.

Ok, next thing... Is it worth getting dual graphics cards? I'll probably be using it for games like World of Warcraft, how much benefit do you actually see between a 1GB card and two 1GB cards?

 

Ok, I played world of warcraft on my dell 9300 witha 6800 OC and it ran full high settings with EVERYTHING. That game doesn't need much to run full requirements.

1 5870 will give you great performance on most games, the only difference is when you get like into Black Ops and the newest games it will run it fine but if you REALLY wanna max out the settings your gonna need that second one.

They say the second vid card adds about 30% relative in speed overall.


1 5870 you'd score a 14k in 3dmark06, with 2 5870s you'd run a 21k or so.

 

OK, so I'll probably leave the 2nd one then. Is it just a matter of preference between NVidia and ATI?

Other options... RAM and a SSD... not sure about these options either.

Is 4Gb of RAM enough?

I'm told that I should also prioritise a SSD?

 

If you want it purely for gaming, alot of people opt for a 620m. Its not quad core (not many current games are optimised for quad core anyhow but obviously this will change over time) but its a very fast cpu in terms of "staight line performance"

It would beat the I7 740qm for gaming performance generally, due to its higher clock speed.

I personally, went for the 840qm as it was the best of both worlds - quad core and with performance that rivals the 920 xtreme cpu in certain applications.

Unless your comfortable with opening up your "few thousands" worth of new laptop, I would avoid getting a base level cpu with upgrading later in mind - this will void your warranty and although you gan get a "cheap" 920 or 940 from ebay etc, they wont be OEM chips...they will be QS or ES which means chips used for testing purposes. Although lots of people go for 'em, they arent quite the real deal.

Things I would recommend would be the RGB LED 1920x1200 screen as a must - you cant easily upgrade that later and its a no brainer in terms of quality - the screen is amazingly better than the 1440x900 option and well worth the extra.

Also GPU - get a crossfire configuration if your after gaming performance - 5870's are working really well now thanks to Dell fixing initial driver problems.

Another thing to think about is that Alienware should be releasing a new version of the M17x within months....the R3 Revison (just a newer version) - this is likely to have better gpu options and other mods so it may pay to wait.

Just my two pennies worth....good luck and if you get an AW, you wont be disappointed.!

 

if you know what you are doing, opening and upgrading your system will NOT void your warranty. this has been discussed hundreds of times here.

 

I only said it as he said "NOOB" and not many people would be comfortbale performing open heart surgery and replacing a cpu given the title of the OP's thread.

Sure, it can be done, you would need to KEEP the old cpu for warranty (as if you try to claim on warranty with an ES chip installed - forget it!)

So, yep - can be done but best left alone or just buy the right chip at the outset....

 

the whole point is, opening your system and upgrading stuff inside will NOT void your warranty. period.

noob or not noob, as long as you know what you are doing (as in dont break stuff or do anything st*p*d), your warranty will not be voided, as simple as that. also, many noobs here turn out to become experts in opening and perform cooling to mods to their system, so we cant assume once a noob always a noob.

and im sure nobody will be "clever" enough to send a far superior 920/940XM QS cpu back to dell.

 

Why dont you ask for Dell's stance on this........for clarification.

 

there's no need to. like i've said, do a search first. this issue has been discussed hundreds of times here.

 

I'm sure others have mentioned before me (Havn't read prior posts, in a rush) but the 940XM is a quad core. Where the 620M is a dual core. So you'll get twice as many threads with the 940XM. The 940XM being a quadcore, can run 8 threads because the processor is can use hyper threading. Which is where two threads are run on each core. So the 940XM runs 8 threads, the 620M runs 4 threads since it has two cores.

The 940XM is basically the same as the 920XM. If you want power and speed, andwant to save some money, you can do what many of us here did. Buy the system with a 520M and then buy a 920XM ES on ebay for around $300-$400. The ES runs the same as the OEM CPU. Also being an extreme processor, it has unlocked TDP/TDC and multipliers. So you can overclock the processor. The 920XM/940XM can be overclocked to the point that they actually run twice as fast as the 840M CPU.

Dell reps have said here on the boards that opening the system will not void warranty. Particularly in threads of changing thermal paste. What was said was that if anything was damaged by the user, then that damage will not be covered under the warranty, but opening the system will not void the warranty.

 

So for clarification, does that mean that Dell wont mind if you drop an ES chip in and then try and claim on warranty for something cpu related? - i kinda thought that if you mess with the cpu, then the cpu warranty would be voided.....

Sure lots of people do it and keep the original chip to stick back in if they do something untowards and then have to calim on warranty.

If you can point me in the direction of the info that states whereby changing your cpu will be ok, then top banana....i may look into it myself.....i am only unsure as having PAID for several yrs warranty, i (and many more) wouldnt wanna lose that by if you get my drift.

Sure , we can all open our systems but how far can we go......swapping out this and that, here and there must surely void warranty as the system then becomes modified by the user and is no longer factory issue. Dell, i would imagine, would be fairly rock solid on people who open up and tinker but i could be wrong.

 

Just need to put the original back in and your set for sending it back/repairs/replacements/etc.
Anyways, AW has been known for their allowance of modding/changing out parts in their systems, surely there would be a large community backlash if dell took over and no longer offered it.

 

Fair do's - i always take the cautionary route expecially when its several thousands of cash on the line....

I just thought it was something the OP should be aware of when buying a model witha base cpu. Great if he/she can open it up without worry and drop an ES/QS chip in.

Gotta keep the original tho, i think that is a strong point for the OP to be aware of. If anything did happen, he/she would have to send it back in factory condition with factory equipment installed eh?

 

That's obvious, isn't it??

 

exactly. people really need to get their facts right/do more SEARCH before giving misleading advice here.

 

i agree with stevejones .

the OP obviously doesn't know jack about computers and you guys are telling him to swatch CPU's. that's some very stupid advice. there should be a search for common sense if you ask me.

to the Original Poster:
Buy what you can afford.
and spend the money to get the best warranty you can. these laptops sometimes have problems and you can get a new and better replacement.
RGB screen
2 5870's
6GB ram
and the best processor you can afford.

those are my suggestions. as far as the SSD you don't need it. i don't have one and its fine. getting JUST a SSD is a bad idea. they don't have a lot of space, but they are FAST. so your games will load faster, but that's all it does. well, everything will load faster.

 

well, the others could be advising the op to upgrade cpu later on, but im very clear with my advice, which is opening your system will NOT void your warranty. that's it. if you look at what stevejones is advising on thread #7 #11 and i quote

steviejones133, "I would avoid getting a base level cpu with upgrading later in mind - this will void your warranty and although you gan get a "cheap" 920 or 940 from ebay etc, they wont be OEM chips"

even after i tried to tell him/her otherwise, he/she still insist..

steviejones133, "Why dont you ask for Dell's stance on this........for clarification"

that's not accurate advice now is it? how will you void your warranty by upgraing your cpu/opening your system? you could say he is noob, fine, but cant we be sure he will always be a noob further down the road, can we? many noobs here turn into experts thanks to this forum. all we can do is give accurate advice based on facts and the rest is up to the user to decide. and for the record, this has been clarified hundreds of times here in this forum.

as far as SSD is concerned, SSD is by far the single BIGGEST most significant upgrade you could get. there's no need for me to elaborate just how important SSD is, everything is just far snappier. if you know about computer stuff, you'll know what im talking about. the only thing i would say against buying extremely expensive SSD is, M17xR2 will not be able to squeeze every drop of juice out of your investment. get something mid range or decent, and it will still be 10X (if not more) faster than a regular hard drive. for more info, head on to the SSD sticky thread.

 

If you insist on slating me for acting in the best interests of the OP, then fine.

The title of the thread CLEARLY states he/she is a noob and, contrary to what you say, giving someone advice that they should or could open up their lappy and remove/swap out the cpu is advice best left to someone with more experience i feel.

Sure, it can be done - my apologies if i was unlcear on the warranty issues addressed with swapping out OEM's for other chips.

Some people would take this advice and go out, buy an ES off Ebay etc - stick it in, sell the OEM (because your all so stingy that you dont wanna pay the price for a better OEM chip in the first place) and then be left up the creek for warranty.

All i have done here is to look out for the interests of someone who claims to be a noob - if you wanna tell him/her to start stripping down and replacing major components right away, you OBVIOUSLY are not reading the thread correctly.

The BEST advice here would be to tell the OP to get the best chip they can in the first place (due to noob-ness) and NOT to start telling them to buy the cheapest option and start throwing crap off ebay into it.

END OF STORY.

 

as far as SSD is concerned, SSD is by far the single BIGGEST most significant upgrade you could get. there's no need for me to elaborate just how important SSD is, everything is just far snappier. if you know about computer stuff, you'll know what im talking about. the only thing i would say against buying extremely expensive SSD is, M17xR2 will not be able to squeeze every drop of juice out of your investment. get something mid range or decent, and it will still be 10X (if not more) faster than a regular hard drive. for more info, head on to the SSD sticky thread.[/QUOTE]

See - you obviously havent read that he/she is a noob.....

If they knew about computer stuff, they wouldnt be hear asking for advice on what cpu to get let alone the benefits of SSD or having you tell them to swap out cpu's

Read FIRST is always a good option in my book.

 

There's a difference between stingy and recognising alternatives that cost less for the SAME results.

No need to say eBay is crap. The CPUs from laptopmonkey/shirley are just as good as anything OEM. Don't hate just because people don't like to be ripped off. Whether he is a noob or not has nothing to do with the quality of the said items from eBay. For the price you have to pay on an OEM upgrade from 740qm to 840qm you can get a 920xm from eBay and still have your 740qm for warranty purposes.

 

reading obviously isn't something u do best.

the only thing I kept stressing in this thread is that opening your system, or changing your cpu will not void your warranty. I never gave any advice to the op to go and get a cpu from ebay or whatsoever. all I did is correcting your inaccurate advice, which you are only just aware of after several people agreed with what I said. I'm guessing I should classify u as a noob as well now for not being aware of how the warranty works.

please read before making inaccurate comments or giving wrong advice which is what you do best anyway.

and FYI, I paid Dell for a full OEM 940xm cpu so don't lecture about being stingy. not everyone can afford a very expensive cpu, and even if they can, it's their own freedom to choose who to buy it from. giving advice that ebay extreme cpu buyers are stingy and the cpu are unreliable is again inaccurate and wrong advice. no surprise there...many of our high rep members here buy their extreme cpu from ebay.

 

Is all good chiefs!

 

Being a noob shouldn't limit someone to stay as one forever. There is a reason why he's here asking you and I. And with the wealth of knowledge in these forums from you guys, I'm new here myself but have over 25 years of PC experience, I'm sure we can "guide" and "advise" any "noob" in a better direction. He's not alone, he shouldn't be.

That's my take on it

 

This is obviously blowing out of proportion

 

Thanks for the help everyone - I very much appreciate everyone looking out for my best interests!

I'll let you all know what I order and I might become a regular here so I can prepare for a possible upgrade. I may have over-exaggerated how n00bish I am, I *used* to build PCs years ago, but everything has changed so much since then that I don't really recognise the jargon any more.

Once again, thanks all!

 

Well, i may have got a few things about warranty incorrect....i wasnt saying that ALL stuff of Ebay is rubbish, merely stating that there is a reason that it is ALOT cheaper.....you have to realise that when buying and maybe the OP wouldnt have known that......although an ES will perform LIKE an OEM, there is a reason that it is soooo much cheaper eh?

My take on the OP was that if he/she didnt know the difference between a 620m and a 940xm to start with, then the last thing they should be being told is to consider replacing a cpu as its not a straightforward thing to do - tearing down (although some people do it with their eyes closed) is not a beginners task.

Yes, people do gain experience and dont remain novices but given the original post, this was my take on things.

Sorry if anyone got the "hump" over it. We are all trying to help out so lets not shoot each other to bits here ey?

 

I wouldn't worry about SSD unless you have a lot money. They give faster boot up times, but you won't notice a difference in games. Plus, you could always buy regular harddrive like the Seagate Momentus XT which gives SSD performance for a good price.

I also recommend searching through the Dell Outlet, if you want a cheap laptop. Especially since the R3 is supposed to come out, you might see some really cheap prices.

I got my R1 right when the R2 came out and it only cost me 1300 dollars with shipping.

 

It is correct that you won't see an increase in game frames per second, but if you play games with alot of loading maps (like I do) you will see a significant improvement in loading times. I hate waiting, and my SSD has helped me there

 

loading is just one aspect of improvement you will defiantely notice with SSD, your system is also whole lot snappier than before. ever encountered times when your mouse or pc just froze for a few seconds when u start something or load some heavy programs, or just opening more than 10 webpages at once? well SSD will surely improve on those areas. everything is just smooth on my laptop now. my first R2 unit came with a hard drive, and even with 940XM cpu, those occasional lags were still there. when i got my second R2 with SSD, the difference is just night and day (no exaggeration, literally that noticable)

 

OP- Unfortunately the worst part of being NOOB is getting bad advice. But by getting the big picture and getting multiple opinions/advice is how you UN-NOOB yourself. Good luck and I hope you have a great experience. (-:

He said he's a NOOB not a tard. Do not demean others for offering advice. Just because its over your head doesn't mean it's over everyone else's head.
Taking advice from forums can be risky, but make sure you educate yourself and the rewards can be great!

 

If the OP is in the UK and would consider a SSD upgrade, then I would also say that this is by far the easiest and best way to get a noticeable performance increase for the outlay.

SSD prices are coming down all the time, if anyone is in the UK and is interested in a SSD, may wanna have a look at this one:

Technology Delivered | Ebuyer.com

Its not massive, but by putting your OS on it, your system will fly......and like others do, use a mechanical drive for storage that doesnt need blistering hot speed access.

Another cheaper option would be a Seagate Momentus XT hybrid drive - not as good as 100% SSD but the gains are there to be had over traditional mechanical hard drives.