Questions about the M17x r3

So i have decided that i am going to get the M17x r3 but i have a couple of concerns and questions. Currently the setup i am thinking about getting is as follows:

Software & Services
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
Intel® Core™ i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (2DIMMS)
2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 6970M
320GB 7,200RPM HDD
17.3-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
Wireless 802.11 g/n
Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Alienware M17x, Soft Touch Stealth Black
My Software & Accessories
Steam and Portal™ Factory Installed
Quasar Blue
Personalize
1 Year Basic Plan
Also Includes
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
Automatic Updates: On
Standard Nameplate

I figure that the processor is decent and that it will perform in any game that i need it to. Instead of upgrading the cpu i went for the 6970 so that my gpu wont hold me back for game performance. I am going to add 4gb of ram aftermarket. I want to be able to play pretty much everything (Crysis 2, BFBC2, COD, SC2, WOW) at full resolution at high or ultra settings.

My questions and concerns:

1.Will the processor hold me back paired with the 6970 in intensive games like crysis or BFBC2?

2.I am going to purchase an aftermarket drive to add to the system and I want to know if i should go with a 100-120 GB ssd or add another aftermarket 320 7200 rpm and set up the drives in raid0?

3.If the ssd is the better option then i wanted to know if alienware provides the windows 7 install cd so i can do a clean install.

4.I don't want to spend the money on the extra warranty, but do you think i will really need it past the first year?

 

1) those games listed are more gpu intensive. For games like starcraft 2 and mafia II, a stronger cpu would help. I would advise getting the 2720qm anyways, it is more future proof, and you have support for 1600 ram, along with the best cost/performance ratio compared to 2820qm.

2) Buy an ssd, and install it along with the biggest HDD you can (750gb currently). Install os on ssd with clean install, games too and applications you use frequently. For HDD, use as mass media storage.

3) I believe so

4) Well, I would at least go with advanced so if you accidentally drop it or anything, you're covered. Also, laptops are more likely to break later on, not in their first year. Really, it is up to you.

 

If you can afford it, go with this guy's advice. You should be fine with the 2630 though for SC2. I find that the gpu fan turns on wayyyyy before the cpu fan comes on while in EXTREME settings.