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

Agreed. People should stop getting touchy about dumped and speculation...the forum is here to discuss and research these things, hell there are pages and pages of posts on the m18x which for all we know doesn't exist. Anyhoo. Proof or not. The R3 with it gpus at the moment don't quite do justice as the m15x with it's ati card. If the r3 is supposed to replace the m15x (yes m15x from what I've read) it will need to be on par with better GPU selection. February should shed some light on this. As for superseding the R2 it's much of a muchness cf and sli will run over the current specs on the r3 so once again it will have A better GPU. In my opinion alienware will invest in better GPU (6970m or 485) alienware notebooks are known to be most powerful in the universe I doubt they want to ruin that reputation, especially now that the clevo has shown some potential.

Optimus vs stealth? Im not sure I've never seen it before. But isn't there a function key that allows you to use intel integrated graphics just like optimums in all systems?

 

Optimus typically doesn't require a function key to switch between graphics chipsets - it's automatic based on driver configuration.

 

The excellent YouTube link above showing Dell demoing the wireless hd did show the cover with an UNlit alien head logo at the 2:30 mark.

 

Yeah and he said the wireless HD has virtually no lag, nothing compared to what Intel currently offers. According to him it will be available in February.

 

This video is great!

Anyone notice that the bottom only has 2 vent holes, as opposed to 3 in the old m17x reviewed here: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5234 ? Could this cause a problem with cooling?

 

This has been covered thoroughly already.....there is one for each heat producing element, just like the R2 and R1. There is only 1 GPU instead of 2 so you have a CPU and a GPU needing cooling = 2 holes

 

Doesn't there need to be a vent at least for cooling the RAM memory? The vid doesnt seem to show any holes but the two holes for gpu and cpu. Hmmmmmm--I wonder why the m17x reviewed on NBR had 3 big vents/3 fans? What was the center one for?

 

Sometimes what appears to be a vent is a subwoofer. I believe the original M17x had a subwoofer "vent" on the bottom of it if I remember correctly....

 

NBR's review, if you scroll down to the part where they put yellow temperature numbers on top of the photo of the underside, reads "A good cooling system is the foundation of a high performance notebook. The M17x manages heat extremely well. Its three fans draw air in primarily from the bottom but also the sides and top and send it straight out the back. Half of the bottom of the M17x is essentially a giant intake vent. This proved to be an excellent setup in our testing. The internal components remained well under their rated temperatures and the temperatures of the surface and bottom of the notebook were overall docile."

And see how the middle one is clearly a fan? http://www.notebookreview.com/shared/picture.asp?f=46239

Therefore, we'd be missing a fan in the R3???

 

That middle fan on the R1&2 is for the CPU. The left and right fans on the R1&2 are for the GPUs. Please stop comparing the R3 as they are different systems. The ram will be just fine in the R3.

Also, the R1&2 does not have a subwoofer.

 

Thank you for your insight. So if the middle is for CPU, what was the third fan for?

Also, have you closed that other thread yet ("Considering ordering/buying an R3" or something like that is what it's called)?

 

R2 has fans on the Left & Right side for each GPU and middle is for CPU
R3 1x GPU & 1x CPU

 

Third fan is for second gpu.

 

Oh yeah! Completely forgot LOLZZZZZZZ.

So the ram should be fine, eh? Man, technology sure has come a long way since my hp dv2610us (dated 2007), and my dinodesktop (dated 2006), lolz. The HP lappy gets warm where the ram's vent holes are, which is why I was worried.

 

Ram can get warm but it will be perfectly fine. I have low latency ram which runs hotter and it does just fine.

 

As to the whole issue regarding the 485s or not... I happen to have some level of knowledge of how Dell works and it's unlikely that the spec sheet is wrong. Most likely it's right but as I stated in the other thread they are holding back the card for any number of reasons. Do we know for sure why? No, but it's pretty safe to say the card will show one day.

But you are right, it's not available today, much to our consternation.

 

Fair enough sir.

 

That is what prompted me to call Dell about my existing order. According to the rep, who supposedly spoke with one of the product specialists... the Intel 3x3 Wireless card is the HD Wireless card..... I'm not convinced. I very strongly think they are wrong. It's the last gen wireless stuff from Intel.

The new stuff is the 60hz WirelessHD from SiBEAM. Google search with lots of info on it.

In any case I'm still trying to acertain if the card IS in the system now (most likely not) and if it can be added later, especially since Dell reps seem to be a bit confused on the subject.

 

Sorta related, but please clarify for me/us: Does the Wireless HD run through the WLAN wireless card? Or is it something else that it runs through (i.e. your "3x3" card, whatever that is)?

 

I have been able to access the driver files (they are dated of Jan. 19th). BTW It shows under the graphics section : Intel Integrated Graphics Sandy Bridge.
Description is : Intel HD 3000 Graphics driver for non-Switchable graphics.
And it is optional.

Could it be as easy as installing this driver to enable integrated graphics for 3D versions? Or is the motheboard or chipset different for 3D versions (which I doubt much).

Any thought as for the reasons why integrated graphics are disabled/not detected and prevent optimus from being usable in 3D equipped versions?

 

"3x3 card" refers to the Intel 6300 3x3 MIMO card which means it has 3 transmitting and 3 receiving antennas with a bandwidth limitation of 450mb/s.

That card also has Intels built in wireless streaming technology called Widi or WirelessHD. Its been mentioned in various places that, in the R3, it uses a separate card, but its also been mentioned that you can use the 6300 in the R3 for WirelessHD. At this point, nobody knows the right answer and its all speculation right now until somebody gets there hands on an R3 and tests it out.

From a technological standpoint, theres no reason that the ability wouldn't be fully functioning if you upgraded to the 6300 wireless card. Its as simple as drivers and possibly having a separate antenna. That being said, maybe Alienware determined that, with the 6300, there was a noticeable amount of lag and they are waiting on a dedicated card from Intel that they will be implementing for a mostly lag-free environment that allows for gaming over Widi. This is all purely speculation on my part, but I believe it to be a realistic possibility.

I think its mainly because 3D requires such a high amount of video processing power that the HD3000 wouldn't be able to power it, therefore rendering Optimus useless unless you turn the 3D ability off. Considering Dell and Alienware try to sell their computers as simple enough that anyone can use them, I'd assume they wouldn't want to have the average consumer with dealing with juggling having Optimus on or off and turning 3D on or off to get more or less battery life, that kinda thing. I could be completely wrong, but thats the only idea I can come up with as to why they wouldn't allow you to have Optimus working on the 3D capable laptops. I would assume that Nvidia could simply write a line of code in their drivers that disables Optimus automatically if 3D is enabled (since anyone who uses a 3D capable R3 will probably have to turn 3D on and off for various reasons anyways), but who knows...

 

Alienware R3 wont use intel wireless technology (maybe it will but it's the weaker wireless option)

Here is official info from the company that is working on R3 wirelessHD tech with dell to support wirelessHD http://www.sibeam.com/pdf/SiBEAM_CES 2011.pdf

They say Dell wanted it only for R3 not R1/R2 so there you go, it's a chip so if you want it gotta wait for it
That's why in the preview video Dell said the technology is not available yet for R3 but will be available at march or end of feb

Dell: The Dell Alienware Gaming Laptop, famous for its high video quality and fluid animation, will feature SiBEAM’s 60GHz-based WirelessHD chipsets. Powered by SiBEAM’s chipsets, the Alienware M17x R3 will effortlessly transfer wireless high definition video to the HDTV for an enhanced gaming experience.

Here is a video showing wirelessHD kit and how it works, intel technology called wireless Display not wireless HD like m17x R3
WirelessHD is sibeam technology http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VFuTJtC6Ac&feature=player_embedded

 

@Astrogiblet

Thank you for your helpful commentary Sounds reasonable for them to just use the 6300 WLAN card for WIDI/WirelessHD, right? Why bother making/selling another card, besides $ for the actual "upgrade" (aka button click on the order page), lolz.

Also, with regard to Nvidia's 3D vision: Why exclude Optimus/ability-to-use the igp, if we're not gonna be using 3D for EVERYTHING we do? Makes no sense at all!

EDIT: @HSN21, Thank you for your post! I guess WIDI/WirelessHD will be available as either an upgrade/existing feature in units shipped after March 2011, eh? Man, more speculation to come as to whether it's hardware we can buy to add-in, or if it'd be another option we can click on through the alienware order page...

 

My reason for skepticism is that dell actually had made GDDR5 4870s and had engineering tests with them (verified by zFactor who is good friends with a few of the engineers and a very reputable member) but pulled it at the last minute and only sent out GDDR3 versions. That was quite the disappointment for us. Nevermind the website and all the order confirmations saying that they had GDDR5 as well when the shipping units did not. So the spec sheet, unfortunately, could be quite wrong.

Some speculated it was due to thermals but I think it was simply that a 4870 with GDDR5 and the 256-bit bus would be amazingly powerful for a notebook graphics card. Like, GTX 485m level of power (but a year and a half ago).

 

It's a chip, It also can send 3D Signal wirelessly which intel chips can not do at all (dell in the video review said R3 will be able to stream wireless 3D signals)
It says here 3D will be supported in sibeam wireless HD http://www.sibeam.com/pdf/SiBEAM_CES 2011.pdf

If R3 wanted to use intel wireless tech it's already available and you can get it why would they say it's not available yet? you can add intel cpu/6300 wireless chip and that's all what you need for intel wireless tech.

From the PDF


Note : Intel wireless tech can not play bluray/dvd/etc DRM issues and you definitely can not play games with it due the lag, the video shown by dell there was no lag i can notice so you can play wireless with WirelessHD but not intel wireless display

It's simple really R3 is using this technology 100000%

 

See my post in this thread as I believe it may answer your question - the other thread should probably be redirected here or to the review thread since I doubt I'm going to get the word out enough that the Optimus related discussion based on that review thread is taking place there and not here - need to compress things, everyone is posting the same in multiple threads. Tomorrow will be forum clean house day.

Anyway, here you go...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-r3-gtx-460m-3d-wled-optimus.html#post7086671

 

I know I should just sit back and relax while waiting for delivery, but I do enjoy keeping a little bit of hope for enhanced battery life.

Thanks for showing the other thread

 

He said "February or March".

 

Intels Widi and Sibeams WirelessHD is the EXACT same technology.

WirelessHD - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

However, it appears my speculation of Alienware going with a dedicated card for less lag/better HD and gaming support may be correct. It looks like, from that PDF that HSN21 posted, Alienware decided a dedicated card that was specifically designed for Widi/WirelessHD was the better option and will be what is implemented in February/March. It makes sense really, it just seems like a bad idea to be using the same card for processing Wifi signal while gaming and Widi at the same time.. Seems like a recipe for disaster.

 

Just got an email from Dell that first of two r3's shipped and edd is tomorrow.

 

nice, sooner than me :\

I will have to swap out drives, install ram, 6300 card and all that on day one...

 

That is fantastic, we all eagerly await your unboxing.

 

Lemme know how easy it is to install the 6300 card? I am considering doing it too.

 

Can you link where you got the 6300 card from that's not dell?

 

You can buy them a lot of places for $30-40: ebay, amazon, etc.

 

Newegg.com - Intel Ultimate N 633ANHMW Mini PCI Express Ultimate N 633ANHMW Wireless Adapter Up to 450Mbps Wireless Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, WPA, WPA2

That's what I have. According to Intel's website this is the 6300. If it doesn't work with my 17 will put it in a friend's M15X.

 

The picture states it's a 6300 so you could always complain to Newegg if it's not.

 

FYI....Don't know if it was already mentioned but AAFES through Dell have the M17x R3 for 30% off! (and no taxes so it's almost like 40% off!!!) until the 27 if I recall.

Soooo tempted to buy one (family member is in the military).

Configuration I'm looking at is base model, upgraded to FHD,750GB HDD,Wimax and GT460M. Total is $1350 (no taxes).

Too bad I just got a XPS 15. I've never owned a Alienware lappy before.....is 17" too big to carry arround and use on your laps?

If yes that will help to make me resist not to buy it

 

roommate bought yesterday g73jh with q740 gtx 460 640 gb 6gb ram, 17.3 is same as aw m17x. looks very big. big enough to enjoy the damn screen! love the size. definitely.
p.s. if u can get something that is worth 1900 for 1300 - dont think of it for a moment... but i suggest u took some better conf.

 

I am excited, people are going to start receiving their M17X R3 in the next few days. We might finally have a good review on that PC after all.

 

Eagerly is an understatement!

Yea can't wait to see some real legit reviews so we can stop the speculation and have answers.

Keep in mind if anyone comes up with any questions for the post linked in my Signature, let me know so I can add them to the list. Hopefully we'll be getting all our answers soon!

 

i came up with one. we 100% need a list of all decent 3D - ENABLED games! i know only street fighter 4 so far. add this to list



p.s.
If someone is first to receive his AW m17xr3!!! please do a vid of unboxing it share the love

 

Game with NVIDIA 3D Vision

Answered

 

So whats the difference between "Nvidia 3D Vision Ready", and "Excellent"?

I'm assuming "3D Vision Ready" means it has 3D support built in and "Excellent" means you have to force 3D through drivers and it just works out great?

 

Also, owners of hp envy 17 3d can download tridef 3d for free. Enables 3d for sizeable library of games including mass effect 2, crysis, nfs undercover (those that i've tried) and more. I believe there's the purchaseable version for non-envy lappys too.

List of supported games

But, honestly, i wasn't too impressed (returning my envy anyway, waiting for 2/9 for r3 delivery)

 

IMO, my M15x isn't all too big but the main problem is that the battery sticks out and it feels heavier because there's less surface area to dissipate the weight because of the battery, but otherwise 9 pounds is fine. BTW, the M17xR3 is around the size of the M15x and the battery doesn't stick out.

 

That is my understanding of it.

 

waht was your orginal EDD? im trying to figure out of dell is running early on shipping out the r3 or not.....

 

2/10/11 both ordered same time and identical configuration. But only one shipped today.

 

To me? No. I am a rather large fellow though.

I used my M17x when I had it for school every day when I had it.