*OFFICIAL* Alienware M17x R3/R4 Owner's Lounge Thread

No problem! Thats why we are here

Should be good great contrast + 2ms response time, 170 degree viewing angle, Great screen have fun.

From other sources I was told you can't disable the iGPU? how do you? Thanks

 

Fantastic! Let's hope & thanks!:]

 

Anytime

 

does FN + F7 work in the R4? I've seen it referenced in a few R4 threads

 

Have no idea dont have my R4 yet It was shipped on Friday in Canada, hasnt arrived yet. Will try when i get it.

 

And I'm verry happy, even though I cant unbox it right now, but do I need to do something when I open my pc for my first time? By that I'm saying do I have to make a cd restoration?

Thanks for the help

 

you could if you want to, I didn't as I prefer clean installs. Before the computer was even used, i installed a SSD and did a clean install of windows on it.

what i would do first is run a few benches lilke 3dmark11 and Vantage just to make sure that your equipment is running in the ballpark

THEN, install a game, and use the computer for what it was built for

Congrats on the new computer!

 

AlienRespawn comes installed on your beast and can get you back to factory settings very quickly and easily. I wouldn't bother doing a backup until you actually have stuff on your laptop to back up

but yeah, congrats on your laptop. Post some pics so we can see that thing in action!

 

Thanks guys!

 

Anyone professionally calibrated their R4 yet?
If so could you upload/link the .icc profile.

 

Fn+F7 on the R4 works just fine.

 

Yep, i used and 8gb usb stick and keep it stored in my Laptop bag, safe and sound, just incase i ever need it. I then went to an SSD and did another one...

Just incase

 

I have a few questions I hope someone will help. My main concern is getting a nice bright looking screen but I would also like to get the ATI card too. Is the 1080p screen without 3d the same as as the one with 3d? What would be good aftermarket ram to put in? I order one with only 6gb so as long as i van get 12gb total it would be fine. I would love any input as far as the screens go? Thanks in advance!!

 

Thanks for confirming! So R4 owners have nothing to worry about then. just go to 7970m all the time and you will be fine

 

In terms of screen, you wont notice a difference from the standard 1080p to the 3D 1080p, the refresh rate is the difference. otherwise you will get the same quality display in terms of brightness contrast etc.

 

I thought the 3D screen was brighter to compensate for the glasses.

 

Not from what I know, I will have a look now.

 

I still think the 3D Screen is a waste of money.

 

Ok its has nVidia 3D boost, which does brighten up the screen. but this only happens when the 3D is active. So normal use it is the same

 

Hello everyone!

I've been lurking since I just before I ordered my M17x R4 a couple weeks ago. The information here has been tremendously helpful. Well, it should be arriving today!

Anyway, I had a couple of questions.

I purchased it with the BluRay, 12 GB RAM and the 500 GB HDD + 64 mSATA boot drive option.

I would like to know if it is possible to buy an 8 GB RAM pack and just use one of the 4 GB sticks, (204 pin, 1600 mhz DDR 3) to upgrade.

Also, is there one more spot for a SATA 3 HDD? I would like to add a 256 SSD for Steam. If so, does it matter what SATA port I use, or are they all SATA 3?

Thanks so much in advance! I've been counting down the hours...

 

they are all SATA 3 drive bays, I recommend placing it into the 2nd drive bay.

 

So does anyone know how many nits the screens are? So does anyone think/Know if the ATI screen and the 3d Screen is the same?

 

The 3D has nvidia brightness boost, this only comes into play with the 3D active + the 3D has a faster refresh rate, otherwise they are the same.

 

So I have the Samsung gaming laptop that has a 400 Nit screen would the dell look close to as good to the samsung anyone think?

 

Could anybody shed some light on what they would do in my predicament, please?

Also, I searched for AlienRespawn on my laptop and cannot locate it.

Thanks to anyone who replies.

 

DJStarScream, try using a mouse? and call up dell support and get the front panel with touchpad replaced. It is a brand new laptop after all

 

Yea don't settle for less..just call them.

Looking for a calibrated .icc profile still...

 

Thing is... I really don't have room for a mouse in my house as its REALLY small, can't even accommodate a desk currently until (if) we move so using a mouse is out of the question; waiting for my 360 controller to be delivered (I know, the travesty).

Would you advise them replacing the part or just them sending me a replacement system? I ask this because it is BRAND new and I don't particularly like the idea of my system needing repairing straight out of the box.

This goes out to everybody, for a machine that costs almost 2 grand, would you demand a replacement for a machine that was faulty out of the box, or just let them 'repair' it?

 

I'd demand a replacement machine and be bitter about the time it would take them to replace it.

 

The m17x = 400nit so there the same

 

Any links to a good ram to buy.......would like to get between 12 and 16 gb?

 

Newegg.com - G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSQ

That's what I would get. Just make sure you actually need that much. 8GB is more than enough for most people.

 

Thanks that makes me feel better lol

 

Seeing how it is a brand new machine, i'd get them to replace it.

 

Corsair Laptop Memory Upgrades for laptop and notebook computers

No problem

 

Will I be able to get to the ram easy? How many slots are there?

 

you've got 4 slots...2 on the back only require a few screws to get the back panel off. The front 2 ram slots takes a bit more work, you need to take the keyboard out, but that's just a few more screws

 

Well thank you for your input guys. It's frustrating as I spent a lot of moolah on this beast which is, quite frankly, neutered. I've been wanting an Alienware since I was about 10 (now 22) so you can imagine how my excitement became disappointment.

How would you go about getting them to replace it? Would you ask them for compensation (in the form of increasing the RAM for free or a backpack or something else - not like I could get an M18x R2 crossfireX hehe) due to the inconvenience? Especially if I am kept waiting for a new rig with potential shortages on the 7970m, in particular?

I tried attempting to wedge the button out myself (accidental damage recovery) but it was to no avail - the button is tight/sunk on both sides only responsive when pressing hard directly in the centre. Whereas the right clicker is responsive no matter where on the button you press.

 

I would demand they fix it, and then express your frustration at the nature of the problem, the length of the delay, etc.

Can't really coach you on what to say, because (a) that'd be less effective and (b) it wouldn't be honest, but I think you can put together a pretty persuasive case that they should do something to fix their mistake.

 

Oh yeah, I would never be dishonest at all (pride myself on it to a fault). I would be much more forgiving of a component failure (such as the GPU) as it would be much more out of their hands. But a manufacturing fault for something simple really has annoyed me. I'm glad that the both of you believe that I am within my right to demand a replacement machine due to it being a sub-par build from out of the box.

 

Dipping my toe into my new laptop home. Expected delivery 6/5. Scraped together enough discounts/coupons. Hello All!

Alienware M17X R4 with Soft Touch - Direct
3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3610QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.3GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz
17.3-inch WideFHD1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 7970M
750GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s (already have an SSD)
Custom Nameplate
Personalized Nameplate Trigger
AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1, English, w/Media
Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish
Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW) (will replace with Blu-Ray Burner)
Creative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro Software
Intel 2230 Wireless-N
Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
90WHr 9-Cell Primary Battery
2 Year Limited Warranty
Accidental Damage Service, 2 Years
Alienhead Chrome Blue

Looking forward to this monster 7970m and plan on making performance videos. Till June then

 

Nice system!! and welcome to the alienware club

 

Well, you're certainly entitled to a brand new machine, not this one repaired. Big upgrades for free are another thing. I'd definitely try for something, but not expect. One guy here got an mSATA drive and RAM for a faulty system. So, definitely ask nicely and see what ya can get.

Also, make sure they send the new one before you have to return this one, just so you have something to play with (even if crippled...)

 

EDIT: Just kidding. Found it. Perhaps I searched too early, before the product was even released haha.

 

Does anyone know if the heatsink for the gtx 460m is compatible with the 6990m or the 580m? thanks

 

Yes it is but you will need to reposition thermal pads to fit the card layout.

 

I think this will be good for you:
http://www.notebookcheck.com/uploads/tx_nbc2/Monitor_12.05.2012_1.icc
It's from their R4 review.

 

Make sure you peal the black tape off the top of the heat sink or you will run into issues with the gpu die not getting good contact with the heatsink leading to very high temps.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2 using Tapatalk 2

 

Well I can give you my experience yesterday. After 4 months of pain I got onto them about another problem. Once he started a fault finding session I just said 'isn't it about time you gave up and replaced it?' He said he'd check and came back with an offer of replacement or refund. I went for a replacement as I do love this machine when it works. Just got the specs and they have upgraded me to the 3820QM and thrown in a Killer-wireless (not sure it's an upgrade), along with a restart on the warranty. Great service, shame about the build quality...

Now to start prepping my move to the R4

 

It's more than likely they kept the ram dual channeled and used 2 x 4gb + 2 x 2gb to make your 12gb. If you're buying an 8gb lack, you'll just need to replace both 2gb sticks. If you're lucky they'll be in slots 1 & 2 and not 3 & 4 under the keyboard.