Potential Alienware M17x Purchaser

I'm looking for a new gaming laptop the m17x looks very appealing to me, although the price tag makes me jump a little when I see it. Anyways the main point of this was to ask what the best customization's were to be I'm trying to get as close to $1500 as possible. I heard that the 7970m is way better than the 675m, yet the 675m cost $50 more? I also heard that the 3630qm would bottleneck the 7970m is this true? Any input welcome!!

 

Hi. Well, the money should be spent on the display first, then the GPU since it's cheaper to get the best GPU in the build rather than later.

CPU bottleneck only happens (AFAIK) with AMD gpu's as they off load physics to the CPU so a lower CPU can go with a higher GPU if NV. Personally I'd go for the 675 over the 7970 just because I see so many driver issues here but YMMV, they are supposed to be getting better. My 675 handles everything atm with only small compromises in the latest games and I'm still happy enough with it not to go for a 680 - even though I put the money aside a while ago!

Save money on the disk, it's easy and cheaper to upgrade to an SSD when you have the cash. All you loose is the staggeringly fast load times, and if you're used to HDD's then it's no real pain.

HTH!

 

The 7970m is definitely the way to go. It's incredibly nice to crank up those visual settings and still get butter smooth framerates. I am very glad I bought an M17X with the 7970m.

Staying close to $1500 is a bit tricky with Alienware, unless you want to buy used. Alienware is the most expensive gaming laptop manufacturer out there. If you scout Ebay you can find a slightly used M17X that might fit your needs. I purchased mine used for $1600 and it would have cost over $2400 had I assembled it new.

Good luck with your search.

 

I got mine new for $1200 + $300~ for 3 year warranty. See specs in my signature. You have to find a good rep that will take care of you. I am still waiting for mine to come in though!

 

I'm currently replacing the top panel of an M17X R3 that was shattered. I'll likely be selling it after that if you're interested let me know.
I currently have a couple video options it came with the 6870M, I have a 6990M I'm planning to put into it or I can sell it without a videocard if you're planning on upgrading to the 7970M anyways.