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

M18x has aluminum chassis. M17x has plastic chassis. The aluminum chassis is one of the few things that get me into this Alienware. Too bad, when I'm finally in the market for a new laptop, they changed M17x's build to plastic. It's still okay, but not that impressive. The weight is much lowered which is a good thing, though.

 

Start Here my friend: MWO: Game

 

The build quality is good. It looks amazing but there are a couple minor trim issues and some parts of the keyboard are uneven. Still very happy. The 120hz screen is amazing for games. maxed out settings on battlefield 3 is very impressive. cannot run max settings on 3D though but still the 3d is pretty cool. definetly recommend the 3D screen and the 680m. although battery life when not plugged in is about 2 hours since 120hz screen not compatible with Optimus, still this baby is usually plugged in anyways.

 

Yeah, the fact that it's a plastic chassis is a downer for me, I'd rather have the Aluminum chassis.

Thanks for the info guys.

The 120Hz screen is what is keeping me on the fence with either the M17x or m18x. I could always get an external 120Hz Monitor, but they're pretty expensive. I'm assuming the M18x with dual GPU's is more "future proof," per say, as it has dual GPU's (for new games two or three years from now). Although, I'm still uncertain...

Thanks for the feedback, it's appreciated.

 

If I were you I would take in consideration the size and weight of the M18x and M17x. It's already very difficult to find a backpack that fits M17x and still have some space left. I can't imagine how hard it is to find a backpack for M18x. Sometimes I have to carry my laptop for school project or fly back home visitting my parents so M18x is a no go. That's the main reason I go with M17x. Good for portability while still powerful .

 

Will check it out tomorrow and give it another try! I've been preoccupying myself past week or so with a refresh of my audio setup in the car, alongside cleaning up the trunk prepping for my suspension setup coming home soon.

I would have definitely took a m18x if give the chance. But now that you mention it. I paid $35 for a bag for my l702x and m17x, it fits SUPER snug already enough as it is.... i'm sure a m18x bag (granted that it's more rare, not the fact that they're bigger) would probably be in the $50-80 ranges.

 

First things first, the 3D is by far the best 3D technology I have ever seen in my life. Even if you don't use it, you just might someday, it's really amazing.. so nice to at least have the option.

As for the 120Hz screen. Yes wow it's awesome, in general the screen is very bright. As for gaming, a ton of games easily go 100fps +

Playing MW3, CS:GO, and 10 other games at over 120fps on 120Hz has been blowing my mind I highly suggest it if it fits your budget

Build quality. Of course the M18x has an aluminium chassis, but I don't think thats such a big deal... it's definitely not a worthy tradeoff for me when you can have a smaller and lighter laptop, with insane 3D and 120Hz... and a single 680M can already max out anything and the build quality of the M17x is absolutely incredible, to say the least

I was in the exact same situation haha I thought hmm SLI vs. 120Hz + 3D

In my opinion the m17x is way more worth it. It can max out all current games no problem.. Skyrim, GTA4, Crysis, Metro 2033, Battlefield 3...

Pros:
- Lighter
- Smaller in all dimensions
- 3D + 120Hz

I don't think the M18x has any advantages except for SLIGHTLY more futureproofing. SLI doesn't "double" your fps, so its less value for performance. In the next few years, my M17x will play everything... If I must, for some huge titles like Battlefield 4... I'll just turn antialiasing off or shadows to High from Ultra... I can't even tell the difference between 1920x1080 and 1600x900

So I HIGHLY suggest going for the m17x with 120Hz screen, you'll be glad you did

My battery life was estimated at 3 and a half hours... that's with no settings tweaked other than power options put to Power Saving.

 

Been loving mine. I rarely use the 3D, but when I do, it is amazing.It was also in my budget, which i couldn't say for the M18x 680m SLI...

 

GT overclocking is for your Intel graphics I believe. The reason why it is unavailable is probably because you have the 3D and that disables the use of integrated graphics.

 

Sure thing; might pick it up over Thanksgiving or Christmas.

 

Or if you have 7970M and you disable Enduro. It also disables the GT overclocking. Mine is blurred out because I only run on 7970M .

 

thanks for helping me

but in intel XTU there is an option to overclock my intel gpu
no use though, its disabled in the bios, cant use it anyway

 

Come Friday I will be a proud owner of a m17x r4. Just hope I get a good first out if the box experience.

 

I'm sure you will, mine flew 30 000 kilometers / 18 750 miles, and it was still a great first out of box experience enjoy!


Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

Ok if anyone could help me your awesome there seems to be something wrong with my Bluetooth as I have checked the bios and it us enabled but its not showing up in windows idk what to do other than reinstall windows and I really don't want to do that

Sent From My Rooted E3D

 

Hey guys,
I have m17x r4 with the basic Intel wifi/BT card. What do you think about Killer Wireless-N 1202 WiFi / Bluetooth card? It worth buying or not really?

 

What kind of FPS do you get with the 120Hz screen, 680M, on BF3?

 

Have you tried paring with a device? My BT doesn't show up till I try pair.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

I have but then again idk if Bluetooth on my phone works I'll have to try later thanks for the help

Sent From My Rooted E3D

 

Okay let us know

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

What the Killer card will do for you is allow you to set application priorities. For example... I tether through my smartphone. On a good hour, my bandwidth is 5mbps, but during the day it's much slower. I usually have a torrent client open at most times. On a regular card, all programs vie for the same pool of bandwidth. With Killer, I can set my uTorrent to a low priority of 4 my browser to 1. This way, I can still browse the web and not experience such tremendous slowdowns during times of lower data speeds. For gaming, the games are set to a high priority to prevent lag and improve performance.

 

So, it is very useful if I have slower/limited internet connection, right?

 

Bluetooth doesn't even show in device manager I have no idea how to fix that and I can't find anything as well I know for a fact that its enabled in the bios guess I will have to reinstall windows

Sent From My Rooted E3D

 

Anyone know?

 

Wait! Do you have the standard intel wireless card ?

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

yes why do you ask?

 

The Bluetooth Ian built into the wireless card. Go onto Intel's website, go to support and drivers, they offer a service that will scan ur PC for drivers etc. Use that, it will tell you what needs updating or installation etc.
I hope that can help.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

Will check tonight and post tomorrow.

 

Yes. Right now, for instance, my downloading is using up most of my bandwidth, but I'm not noticing much of a lag in IE9 while I'm browsing. It has priority. So, I could watch a vid online and not have to pause uTorrent.

 

Omg I should of got the killer wireless card

Sent From My Rooted E3D

 

Got my killer card aftermarket for $59.99 from amazon.

Bigfoot Networks KillerN-1103 Notebook Wireless Card

 

Thank you. If someone else knows now, please let me know!

 

I just received my m17x this evening. I am disappointed. The power supply is beat up with scratches all over. It looked like a mad cat had its way with it. The laptop itself was in decent shape except the left front LED light was much dimmer than the right. The right LED is much closer to the mesh. There's some light leakage as well in the front chases seam from the left LED.
I've not checked the display for dead pixels yet as I intend to return it.

 

Please talk to one of the rep in this forum. I'm pretty sure they make you happy .

 

For an Alienware, it should have been right the first time.

 

Oh well, I don't mean to say good for AW nor Dell but there is always chance of errors in everything . Isn't that why we have the AW rep running around here? I'm terribly sorry to hear that you will have to return your M17x but I personally think you should wait to hear from AW reps before deciding to return it.

 

If the LEDs in front would have been equal brightness and no light leakage I'd have probably kept it. The LEDs are not in the same position behind the mesh screen. Maybe I'll get get a Sony instead.

 

This is why I make unboxing videos regardless of whether or not I feel the need to post it on Youtube. They can be used as evidence and/or insurance to support your claim for a system replacement, not repairs. They will of course offer to repair your system for you, which in return may very well make things worse than they are now - it's up to you to decide whether or not you're willing to take that chance. I suggest returning it immediately, skipping all of the chat about getting it fixed. Tell them you want a complete refund or a replacement system, and be done with it. I too agree with you on the fact that a system of such value should be flawless upon arrival, unless of course it is damaged in transport, in which case you can't exactly blame Alienware.

Good luck, bro.

 

Thanks everyone. I do intend on getting a full refund

I am not sure if they are still giving out hats but mine didn't come with one. There was no owner's manual either.
This was a very disappointing experience. Alienware QC has sure changed.

 

The m17x r4 does not come with a hat. Re: the rest of things... it's quite obvious that your system is a complete mistake and needs to be returned for a replacement ASAP.

 

The hat and the nice padded sticker (fits a phone great!) was dropped from the R4 . More cost cutting...

 

Sad to see the sticker and hat discontinued.
I declined to get a replacement system sent because I know the replacement systems are refurbished and not new. I had a video card go out on an Inspiron and the rep said the replacement was new and It certainly wasn't. (There were dings in the bottom) I really wanted to like this system but the LEDs make the alienware what it is.

 

Anyone know?

 

Am I not understanding you correctly? Did you not just receive a supposedly brand new machine?

Of course, the replacement should not be a refurbished setup. You didn't purchase a refurb, so should never be given one during your initial return period.

 

I purchased this computer new. When you opt for a replacement they send you a refurbished computer. The rep said the replacement would be new however I did not want to risk it.

 

What's there to risk? This isn't a replacement system because something happened 6mths down the road and the warranty is being used. This is a purchase that was sent to you broken. It's usually returned for a refund and repurchased new. To send a refub in this stage is to have overcharged you by hundreds of dollars and would be quite the scam and maybe even not legal.

 

It's what they do though and safer to return and order a new one.

 

I don't think it is what they do. See your previous post...

 

I do not trust the rep. They say new but you can't count on it being new.

 

Shame you'll never know. I've dealt with dell for laptops for a few years and there is a sure fie way you know if your getting a refurb or a replacement. For a refurb the guy will read you out the specs and you agree them before they send it. If all the parts are the same or better you don't get to change it. For a replacement the call will be transferred to a sales agent who will build the replacement for order, to agreed specs. For some reason they always seem to prefer to just refund and ask you to reorder if it's within the return period.

This was in the US and UK and other countries may do it diferently