Need advice on the M17X

I was planning to buy the 3D bundle. Here's a few questions:

1. Processors. Is it worth it to upgrade from the 2630QM to the 2720QM?
(Difference between 6MB Cache and 8MB Cache? I'm referring to the last one not the first/second one)

2. Was planning to buy 8GB. Is it worth it or should I stick with 4 GB of RAM?

 

1. the i7 2720QM is a more intelligent purchase (it supports faster ram-not really noticeable in real life unlike the 2630QM max supported is 1333Mhz)

Here are some more differences:

- i7-2720qm has support for WiDI diplay – the i7-2630qm doe has none.

- The i7-2720qm has support for the Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) while the i7-2630qm has none.

- The i7-2720qm supports Intel My WiFi Technology which i7-2630qm does not.

- The i7-2720qm has been listed with support for 4G WiMAX Wireless Technology

2. you can get the 4Gb of RAM and upgrade afterwards, you'll save some money that way.

 

I second this..also for the ram upgrade, refer to this thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/559613-best-aftermarket-ram-m17x-r3.html

Dont upgrade it through Dell. You will get it cheaper outside.

 

Another quick question:

I was planning to buy the 3D version (of course) and my main game of choice would be Crysis 2. Any trouble with playing that?

 

The 460m is kind of a weak card compared to the 6970, but you will have to edit some settings. It will definitely be playable though. So, don't worry.

 

460m runs crysis 2 at gamer settings just fine.

 

It does, however in 3D the framerate will be cut in half.

 

How weak of a card is it compared to the 6970? Will the 6970 run Crysis 2 at 60 fps?

I also don't understand the deal with the RAM. How much of a performance increase is it from the 4GB to the 8GB? Can anyone give me an explanation?

 

The 6970 will definitely give you a noticeable amount of frames in crysis 2. If you don't want 3D and do want to play games like that, then I highly suggest the 6970. And some people say they can hit the 4gb ram capacity so they get 8gigs. I got 8 just to be on the safe side.

 

Thanks for the information...

I'm confused about the Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) for the i7-2720qm.

But let's just say I wanted to get 3D. Does 3D work on every single game if it is turned on or just for games that support it? Was asking a Dell rep on live chat and he only said for games that support it but wouldn't that be a very little amount of games then?

 

I think it is only for games that support it. However, a lot actually do.

 

Do you know what type/brand is the Dell ram is?

 

From my understanding it supports all games BUT some play better than most (Nvidia has a list) and go with the 2820 btw and 10gb of ram. Lets do it right the first time and as someone pointed out PLEASE GET IT THIRD PARTY and save some cash

 

Here's that list from Nvidia and they classified the games according to 3D quality one receives Game with NVIDIA 3D Vision

 

I actually don't know as I've never owned a Dell/alienware system. I'm sure someone else could enlighten you.

 

But it says you have an M17x R3...lol.

I probably will just get the 3D and the second level processor along with 8GB of RAM and also 750GB hard drive. Too expensive to get the SSD.

Does 4GB have a different amount of slots then 8GB? It says something about DIMM or something like that. (2 DIMMs for 4GB and 4DIMMS for 8GB)

 

Haha. I will probably get it this week.