*OFFICIAL* M17xR3 Owner's Lounge Thread - Part 1

Welcome to the Owner's Lounge for the Alienware M17xR3!

This thread is a place to discuss your new M17xR3 and share information on your system with fellow owners.

Below are some handy links -

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http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...sandy-bridge-issue-what-does-mean-m17xr3.html

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Manuals, Teardown, Drivers, etc.

System Teardown -
*To be added once Dell adds it to their official youtube channel.

Manuals (Owners Manual and Service Manual) -
Documentation

M17xR3 Drivers straight from Support.Dell -
Drivers & Downloads
(note: drivers are not yet available yet however Dell has created the landing page for the 17xR3 downloads)

Dell Released Parts List for 17xR3 -
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/550787-m17xr3-part-number-list-reference-thread.html

Benching, Overclocking

Benchmarks Discussion
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/455435-official-m17x-benchmark-thread-part-3-a.html

Misc. Links

Order Status Discussion -
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/487300-m17x-order-status-discussion-part-3-a.html

GUI Tweaks -
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...ook-feel-after-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Bags, Backpacks, Cases & Sleeves -
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...ags-backpacks-cases-sleeves-discuss-here.html


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I will add more content as the community begins to receive their systems and create threads/how-to guides. When you receive your system, a few ideas for threads follow:

1. M17xR3 Overclocking Guide
2. M17xR3 3D Discussion & Tips Thread
3. M17xR3 Tweaks Guide

Congrats on your system purchase! Once you receive it, feel free to show it off... pictures, benchmarks, etc. Have fun!

Related Launch Media:

<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/FxwbRlxJFoQ?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0&amp;hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/FxwbRlxJFoQ?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0&amp;hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='640' height='385'></embed></object>

<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/iRM4P7SvLtM?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0&amp;hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/iRM4P7SvLtM?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0&amp;hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='640' height='385'></embed></object>

(Thanks to vikingrinn for the heads-up on the videos)

 

Opening up the owners lounge thread...

For those of you considering a purchase, be sure to see this thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/456885-aw-dell-ordering-advice-how-save.html
(not sure how easy it will be to obtain a discount since the system just launched but its worth a try)

When posting about Order Status, please use this thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/487300-m17x-order-status-discussion-part-3-a.html

Thanks!

 

Ok I'll start us off. M17X R3, basically the new 3D $1,600 special bundle with upgrade to BlueRay, 3 yr svc. EDD 2-8-2011. Brand new to the alienware family but loooooong time drooler.

 

Nice - look forward to hearing your thoughts on 3D once you receive it. Either way, 120Hz is going to be nice. Enjoy!

 

i am going to jack DANEGRCLOSE findings and claim it as my own


$1699

R3
i7 2630qm
nvidia 460m 1.5gb
FHD 1080p 120hz 3d LED
4gb DDR3
320gb 7.2krpm
Nebula Red




Click on "Customize" and go through you will see it automatically gives you the screen and video card for the $1699 price.


Alienware M17x Laptop Details | Dell

In my opion for $1699 that is a solid system even for a single gpu and i would much rather choose next day in home alienware support versus mail it into Asus and wait 3 weeks.

 

what are the supposed direct competitors to this r3? I know the Envy 17 3D is one.

I actually have the Envy 17 3D and am returning it to Fry's tomorrow. Going to wait to see if the 6970 comes available in the next couple of weeks or the revamp Envy 17 3D with Sandy Bridge includes better cooling

 

Yup, I bounced back and forth on configurations and thought about it pretty hard, and even if its gimmicky and I only use it every once in a while, its still there and I'm not 6 months down the line saying "Man it'd be cool to see this blueray in 3D, wish I had spent them extra few bucks.."

I mean come on, who here can honestly say they can't wait to see what minesweeper looks like in 3D, rotfl /sarcasm

 

LOL, good ol Faiz, nice find Mine is set for an EDD of 2/1/11 as of right now but we'll see if that happens based on what Dell does with my DPA. phas3d the Envy 3D is a competitor, I'm sure the Sager 8150 will be considered one, of course the G73JS, that's about all I can think of right now. Welcome to the club Driazen.

 

Darn...i wish i had seen that $1699 deal when i ordered mine last night. I just added in the 460m and paid $1549 for the stock on everything else.

Oh well, as my first alienware, im sure ill be happy with this machine regardless!

 

Nice systems you guys. I'm excited to see how this big guy does in real world apps.

 

Call Dell and ask them to cancel your order and re-order it with the discount, they will do it, others have in another thread.

 

And if you do it in the morning your order shouldn't be set back more than a day or two if that, depending on how my order goes between now and the middle of next week I may do the same.

 

R3
i7 2630QM
4gb ddr3
WLED 3D display/bundle
Nvidia 460m
320gb hdd

Ship date: 2/3/11...EDD 2/4/11

 

Congrats HaZa_X, did you snag the $1699 deal too?

 

Thanks, yeah I did, I canceled my order I placed on 1/11, which was a whole fiasco in itself!

 

Sorry, but how did you get that deal???@?#?$? I thought the special is $1699 and that is WITHOUT BluRay.... The Bluray option is $150 more, so...how did you do it please?

KJ

 

Hello.

I'm new to the AW threads. I'm usually in the HP/Acer/Asus threads.

Anyhoo, the m17x r3 is looking really good, if it truly[/I] does have Optimus/switchable gpu capability. That's what I've been searching for for the longest time in a gaming notebook. For a while, I was debating the HP Envy 14, but I quickly got disinterested when I saw the gaming performance, especially with SC2 as that's all I would play on it besides emulators.

I'd like to know, is the best way to get a good deal is to call them directly and order? Has anyone confirmed that the number posted in that other thread actually get you to a U.S. sales person?

Also, @Batboy, is there any way you could regularly post coupon codes for Dell/AW on the first page of this thread?

Thanks!!

 

the R3 sure is cheap over in the States.
base model here cost $3699SGD. but for that, you get,

Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64bit (English)
Intel® Core™ i7-2720QM Processor (2.2GHz, 1600 MHz DDR3, 6M cache)
McAfee(R) Security Center - 15 Months Version
17.3" Full HD (1920x1080) WLED LCD Panel
8GB Dual Channel 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (2 X 4GB)
750GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
8X DVD + /-RW Drive with DVD + R double layer write capability
1GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 6870M
9-cell Primary Battery
Intel® WiFi Link 6300 (802.11a/g/n) Half Mini-card
Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Internal mini-card

 

calling in helps. i was able to get nearly $300 bucks off my system.

 

Please re-post in this section of NBR - this type of question belongs there.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/what-notebook-should-i-buy/

Thanks.

 

First, Welcome to the Alienware side of NBR.

Take a look at page 52 of the mobile manual (linked to in post#1 under Manuals). On page 52 it states ( see attached image) that the M17xR3 uses Optimus. the documentation states it is not compatible on systems which support 3DVision. My guess would be that when using 3DVision, the driver is going to automatically kick into the discrete GPU and not permit you to the use of the Intel GPU.

On your second question, always call and order with a rep. See the tips in this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/456885-aw-dell-ordering-advice-how-save.html

Finally, posting of coupons is limited to public coupons only. Although you did not ask specifically about Dell's EPP program, I want to cover that again - forum rules do not allow the posting of EPP coupons or discussion on how to order using EPP when not an actual member of the program. As for a listing of coupons, see the below link. I doubt we will see any for some time which apply just for the 17xR3 but you can keep checking.

http://www.notebookreview.com/dellCoupon.asp

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Try calling and be prepared to actually order.

You'd be amazed at what a little nice talk and haggling can do with a Sales Rep - be it Dell or any other manufacturer. Of course as I and many others have mentioned before - don't expect a large over the phone discount or some amazing coupon to suddenly surface. The system just launched...

 

Well first off I have been looking at Alienware for quite a long time now. (can not wait to order, and be an owner) I almost bought the M15X and then saw this.
What I am Ordering Next week is

Intel® Core™ i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (4DIMMS)
17.3-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 120Hz WLED w/3D Bundle
1.5GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 460M
256GB Solid State Drive
Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Intel® Ultimate N WiFi Link 6300 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO Technology

Should I lower the Memory to get a better CPU?

Thanks for feedback

 

I would - memory is cheaper aftermarket

Check NewEgg or one of the other online stores or a brick and mortar store in your area.

 

Anyone know where the 3rd and 4th ram slots are? i could only spot two on the bottom.

Would i have to remove the keyboard and top cover to get to the empty ram slots?

EDIT: found it. have to remove the keyboard and a few other things to gain access. involves removing a few ribbons.

 

I (was required to) canceled my order with the ATI card and non-3D, 1080 screen to get the "free" 3d screen when upgrading to the Nvidia card.

For $50 more I am getting the Nvidia 460m and the 120HZ 3d ready screen and kit but my EDD went from 2/4/11 to 2/10/11. I have next day shipping too.

Everything else is base except for the highest end network card added.

 

Someone posted a link to Newegg memory early on in the link that Batboy closed last night regarding the 17x R3. It was G. Skill 4gig X 2 for $89. I will repost that link later today if you want it as I saved it for my later upgrade.

It is nice to see that the 2630 chip bests the previous gen. extreme Icore 7 chips per the graphs depicted on the net.

 

I'm interested to see how the WLED screen looks and if there's any input lag on the HDMI in. Really wanted to see a 485M option and RGBLED before I buy.

 

Can you PM me with the contact of the sales rep and which config you got?

I'll buy 2 of those: Newegg.com - OCZ 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Laptop Memory Model OCZ3M13334G

 

Nothing too exciting...



I'll end up transferring some pieces from my M15x over to this like my Intel 6300, SSD and memory.

 

Thanks for the links, yeah what a difference. I will be upgrading the CPU (max) and leaving the Mem at 4Gig. I might not wait till next week and order tonight!

I will call tonight and If I can get the free screen with ati card I am ordering, wish me luck!

 

Congrats Mandrake! Been a while since I've seen you with anything new since the M15x. Be nice to see what kind of benches you're able to pull down on that. I didn't notice, do you know your EDD?

 

OK just wanted to say thank you, been following the boards here for quite sometime and never posted until today. I just got off the phone and estimated ship date is 9 Feb 2011

Intel® Core™ i7 2820QM 2.3GHz (3.4GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)
4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (2DIMMS)
256GB Solid State Drive
1.5GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 460M
Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
17.3-inch WideFHD 1920x1080 120Hz WLED w/ NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle
Alienware M17x, Soft Touch Stealth Black
Intel® Ultimate N WiFi Link 6300 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO Technology

I will be getting 8gig mem as advised
I did get the deal when upgrading to the ATI

 

I'm thinking of buying one with 4GB of Ram and upgrade to 8GB. Can i buy any 4GB DDR3 ram, or do i need to buy 8GB of the same brand?

 

Doesn't have to be the same brand, just needs to be the same CAS and speed settings. For instance if the ram you get in it is CAS 7 1333mhz, just needs to be CAS 7 1333mhz. Congrats on the order Dothaax.

 

From what I understand it comes with 2 X 2, so I will be replacing with 4 X 4 same
Not sure if I can do 4 x 4 x 4 x 4
or if 2x2x2x2 is possible

 

I don't see why you couldn't do 2x2x2x2 but I can't guarantee it.

 

Check the links above. Can add 8gb of that G. skill from Newegg in the two left over slots next to your current 4gb.

2x2x4x4

 

Unless I'm wrong that would eliminate it running in dual channel mode, you probably wouldn't notice a difference but there is a bit of a difference.

 

2-9....I'll have to do something about that when I get some time.

 

LOL, and the experience of owning 30 different AW's comes in handy As soon as Dell gets my friggin DPA figured out I'm gonna have to do the same

 

Nice to see you coming back around to the Alienware section. I know you were spending a lot of time in the photography section (nice pics btw). Although you always said you'd be around when SB arrived.

 

I'd thought I'd first put in the two 4gb sticks in addition to the two 2gb and then remove the 2gb and put the 4gb in their place to compare when it comes.

 

Yeah, the aftermarket ram will be a bit better anyways, and at $89 2x4gb sticks is a dang good deal.

 

$83 dollars for 2x4gb SDIMM ones sounds good.
so, as I am in a huuuge time crunch and need the laptop asap, do you guys think it's a good deal to order one with gtx 460 and a $225 discount and if a 485m or 6970 comes out later than 21 days after delivery - just buy it alone n get it inside? i mean will that be possible at all?
im posting in this thread only because i want to get a background opinion from those people who already made a purchase, perhaps, there are those with same thinking as me?
thanks

 

I'll go for this 4gb for $39, it's a better deal: Newegg.com - OCZ 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Laptop Memory Model OCZ3M13334G

I'm still thinking if i'll get just more 2 sticks and get to 12gb or 4 sticks to 16gb.

 

Thanks for the link! I was teetering on whether or not to buy one but couldn't resist with the $225 discount. Interestingly I could not find the same deal just by navigating the website.

Anyhow, this will be my first Alienware and this is my first post as well! Looking forward to getting my new toy and contributing to this forum.

BTW here's my order. Great deal for just under 2K:

Quantity Item Number Description Unit Price

1 225-0536 Alienware M17x Soft-Touch, Stealth Black $1999.00
1 317-6114 Intel Core i7 2720QM 2.2GHz (3.3GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
1 317-6116 MOD,DIMM,4GB,1333MHZ,DDR3,2X2G
1 331-1347 Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
1 320-1932 17.3-inch WideFHD 1920x1080 120Hz WLED w/ NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle
1 320-1938 1.5GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 460M
1 342-2218 320GB 7,200RPM SATA-II HDD
1 331-1350 Custom Nameplate
1 330-6106 Personalized Nameplate Trigger
1 313-8792 AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
1 421-4655 Alienware Command Center Software, M17X
1 421-1400 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
1 420-9691 DataSafe Local BackUp
1 420-9956 Vista PC Restore
1 421-0092 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 410-1883 Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 Multi-Language
1 318-0396 Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
1 421-4541 Roxio Creator Starter,No Media
1 421-4550 Power DVD 9.6, 3D
1 318-0424 Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
1 430-4019 Wireless 802.11 g/n
1 330-6348 Automatic Updates: On
1 410-9452 McAfee Platinum, 30 Day, MUI
1 939-0320 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty, Initial Year
1 939-0340 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis, Initial Year
1 950-3337 1 Year Limited Warranty
1 950-9797 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
1 421-1721 Soft Contracts Service Hardware Agreement for Alienware
1 994-3730 Warranty Support, Initial Year
1 330-0171 S and P Drop-in-Box Marcom forDHS Notebooks
1 421-1360 Steam and Portal Factory Installed $0.00
1 330-5090 Thank You for Purchasing AlienWare $0.00
1 600-0002 State Environmental Fee for display 15 inches, less than 35 inches $8.00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sign up to receive an email when your order ships.



Sub-Total : $1999.00
Shipping : $0.00
Tax : $184.90
Order Total : $2191.90

 

I'm thinking the exact same thing as you Le0, the 6970 is pretty much slated the 485m is hopeful. If within 21 days they release it I would just call and tell them you'll just return your machine if they can't offer the card to you at upgrade price, almost guaranteed they will.

 

Guys, there is a mini-review of the m17x r3 with 6890M here. Still no benchmarks, but I guess it will have soon.

 

Nice find, the machine looks awesome in those pics. nice and sexy.

6970M hmm.

 

I believe this setup would not run in dual channel mode. You might be better off with 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 which should run the dual channel mode.