R2 or R3?

So I'm looking for a new gaming laptop (the ol' Gateway is getting a bit long in the tooth) and I'm trying to decide whether to go for a used/outlet R2 or get an R3.

Things that are important to me:

Graphics performance (leaning towards the xfire 5870s, unless the R3s will get something similar or better in performance)

Screen real estate (prefer 1200p to 1080p)

From the above I think I lean towards an R2, but if I get an R2 now will I regret it in a few months as the R3s mature? Does Sandy Bridge give a huge boost in performance over what the R2 has and what are the chances of a 1200p screen and dual video cards in the R3?

HELP ME DECIDE ;(

 

Hi Andyroo,
The R2 and R3 are two very different systems in terms of use and options. The R2 is compatible with two video cards while the R3 is only compatible with one (and can't be upgraded to two). The R2 is built of a heavier material than the R3, and you'll definitely notice when you carry it arround. However, this may be toward your advantage in durability. The R2 won't have as current a chipset as the R3, but you may not notice a difference in speed depending on your use. The R2 touch controls are more sensitive than those on the R3 (button like), and you may prefer using them.

If your determining factors are dual cards and screen resolution, I would recommend the R2 as it seems to fit your use.

Thanks,
Gabe

 

The threads are here dude..read em and figure out what is best for you. This thread will be locked cuz its like the billionth time this has been asked.

 

In terms of CPU, if you are okay with paying for the upgrade to an i7-920/940XM, I say go with the r2; 940xm will outperform non-xm sandy bridge CPUs (if you overclock), and the 2920XM isn't available on the r3 yet.

r3 will (supposedly) have option to config with 6970M which, according to notebookcheck, is +/-10% of xfire 5970 performance - plus no issues with xfire profiles/optimization (I don't use xfire so I don't really know what I'm talking about here - just repeating what I've read many times).

1200p vs. 1080p
-I believe both are 1920x, so only get +vertical "screen real estate" (16:10 vs. 16:9)
-1080p can also be 3D, which users claim is surprisingly good/not gimmicky
-1080p 3D = 120Hz. Enable vsync and you'll see smoother game play if 61fps+

 

Here's what I've learned from reading a million different threads:

If you can't wait, the R2 is an awesome machine, but you're probably going to want to either purchase one of the higher end processors outright, or buy one online a bit later and swap it in to get the best CPU Performance. You're also going to want the dual Radeon 5870 video cards to get the best video performance. In the end (at least with prices as they are now) you'll probably spend more money than if you were to wait and go with an R3 when they become available.

The R3 processors are generally better than those available in the R2. The GPUs available at launch were not as good as Xfire 5870s, but supposedly the 6970M will be available, and has comparable performance (as stated above) for less than the cost of dual cards. The R2 screen is supposed to be totally awesome, but the R3's screen isn't bad either. The R2 full metal chassis and build quality is awesome...but heavy!

My opinion: If you want it now, and don't mind spending a bit more, you won't be disappointed by the R2. But, if you can wait a bit till the R3 launches again, you can probably get something just as good for less money.

 

With the price of an R2 on the Dell outlet, as well as how inexpensive the upgrades are on eBay, Newegg, etc., you'd be nuts not to get an R2. That being said, we aren't supposed to perpetuate pissing contests between these two laptops anymore. The R3 is newer, but the R2 is still the most powerful.

 

What an Awesome Dilema is all I have to say, picking between these 2 just tells you how far we've come along.

 

Depends on who you ask and what YOU ultimeately want.

I would suggest you wait at least till they go back on sale and see if the 6970 gpu upgrade is available.

 

I wont add the the 'Vs.' discussion, but if you can wait once the R3 relaunches Dell might put out more outlet coupons for used R2s if your interested in that (or even lower the new prices a bit). Right now im sure they are selling a good amount of R2s because the R3 isnt available.

 

At this point the topic is fine. Just trying to help a fellow member figure out what their needs would best be served by.

However if the topic even gets mildly out of hand I will end it and as per the sticky hand out infractions/bans as needed.

So long as everyone keeps it civil and is just helping the OP I have no problem with the thread.
If BatBoy or Chaz tell me differently i'll come back and let you all know, and lock the thread. But for now its ok (just please dont make me regret this )

K_M

 

The R3 has significantly better processor performance at a lower cost.
The R3 will supposedly be re-released with a 6970M; in most games, this matches (or lags slightly behind) Crossfire 5870Ms, but will be cheaper and more efficient.
Getting a 1200p screen in the R3 will not be possible. It'll only fit 1080p screens. Furthermore, the R2 has the RGBLED screen, which is superior to the R3's screen (although the R3's screen is still good in its own right).

The R3 is also 3D compatible, but possibly not with the 6970M. People have said that the 3D effects are actually good, but they'll definitely overwhelm nVidia's 460M at higher detail levels/resolution + 3D. If 3D works with the 6970M, you'll have good performance but nevertheless 3D will cut framerates in half.

The R3 also has a few smaller benefits. It's got 4 RAM slots, significantly longer battery life, it's thinner and lighter, and it'll use less power. The outer casing isn't metal however, unlike the R2 (although there is a metal chassis inside the R3), and the media buttons aren't as good. Oh, and the R3 has a HDMI in port, which can either be vastly useful or useless depending on your situation.


Basically put, I'd personally go with an R3 when it's re-released, unless the screen quality makes a massive difference to you. You might be able to get a cheaper R2, but I still think the R3's benefits outweigh it.

At the same time, if portability and battery aren't a concern for you, if you don't care about 3D, and if the price is right, the R2 will offer exactly what you want, and with a better screen and construction.

 

Ha ha! Yes Sir, we'll keep it civil.

 

I guess here is my take then:

Fact: SB offers better performance for the dollar. The integrated GPU on the CPU die is great for doing almost anything (besides heavy gaming) and is super fast.
Fact: SB Vs i7 920xm won't see any performance difference in games. If you are gaming then don't worry about the processor.
Opinion: A newer and "almost as fast" GPU is better than 2 older crossfire GPU's put together. While CF 5870 is currently faster, who knows what that means down the road.
Fact: The R2 has a better case and cooling design.
Fact: The R3 supports 3D, HDMI in and USB 3.0 right out of the box.
Fact: RGB 1900 by 1200 is the best screen and is only available on the R2 as of now.
Fact: People think that they will take their AW's to class or all over the place but they usually just sit. Why? They are freaking heavy. The R3 isn't that mobile either but way more mobile than the R2. But Big, heavy and well cooled is a good thing for the pure power/gamer/guy/gal.
Fact: The R2 at the dell outlet offers amazing performance for the dollar.
Speculation: Besides the SB fiasco, if you go R3 you are basically beta testing a brand new product. I bought the m15x R1 when it first came out and I spent countless hours on the phone with AW flashing new bios, monitoring throttling and then having to get a new case due to "hinge cracking." The R2 is already a worked out system that is damn near bulletproof.
Speculation2: With the new bios that TheWhiz and others have done MAY allow for additional GPUs to work with the R2. CF 6970's and 920xm i7 processor is gaming overkill sweetness.

For me, I don't care about features, I care about gaming and power. For 2k I got a loaded R2 with the max processor 920xm, RGB screen and 5870 CF. That could not be replicated with the R3 most likely for 2k after taxes. To get similar gaming performance users will have to spend about 2500 to 3000k after taxes and warranty IMO. If you want pure gaming go R2. If you like gaming but want newer and better technology Go R3. Both are very powerful machines.

 

TheWhiz is also currently working on an r3 version of bios project. So the ability to overclock the new SB processors is quite possible, putting it on par or higher than the older extreme processors.
The 6970m is a little worse than 5870CF, but with right bios and overclocking, might be able to match it. Plus you won't suffer from any CF issues.
Downside-maybe no 3d with 6970m, or at best it will be a pain in the but (AMD's fault), and the485m(speculation only) if offered, would cost a fortune for 5% over 6970.

R2 is currently superior performance hands down, but the R3 isn't far behind and could easily catch up. It really comes down to you, if you want RGB awesomeness screen and dont mind an older system, R2. If you want the newest and brightest, and dont mind a lil dip in gaming fps, R3.

Personally its all up to you, I would go to a store and test them out.

 

1. You can already OC the CPU with Dell/InsydeH20's BIOS
2. If you bclk OC a sandy bridge CPU, you also OC everything it controls including; memory controller, PCI, HD Graphics, etc...
3. Any hardware controlled by CPU can/will most likely fail if pushing OC past "5%-7%" according to everyone that has tried OCing their non k-series sandy bridge CPUs.

EDIT: actually reading a guide right now about squeezing a few hundred (like 200 if lucky) mhz out of locked sandy bridge cpus, but it's still not much.
edit2: well, according to this article, I stand corrected

Going to try what I can from the guide and report back. I guess this deserves its own thread,



sorry for hijacking!

 

out of interest where are people getting the 6970m scores as being equal or a bit less than the 5870 xfires? the stuff i found indicates a single 5870 isnt much slower than a single 6970m?

 

I havent seen a 6970 review in a laptop equipped like an R2. The reviews that I've read are mostly in the Eurocomm with the desktop I7, so you cant make a good comparison. The 6970 should be about 40% faster than a 5870.

 

"Fact: SB Vs i7 920xm won't see any performance difference in games. If you are gaming then don't worry about the processor."

Not a fact. The gen 2 i7's will have faster clock speeds. More cores dont always lead to more fps, but higher clocks speeds typically do.
(-:

Dont want to get into speculation so we'll just use the facts of the R3 that is tangible NOW.
The current R2 maxed out is a better performing system than the current maxed out R3. I think current R3 owners can validate this statement.

 

Don't forget SATA III will be a big performance boost when paired with a new SandForce SSD such as the OCZ Vertex 3 which is coming in the next 2 weeks. 500MB/s+ read write.

 

I wouldn't use OCZ sandforce drives on an r3.
...well, I AM using one, but wouldn't recommend it to anyone; unless you enjoy hardware that;

1. randomly rolls back 12-48 hours (ie - loses all data)
2. crashes windows if you install/use IRST with a 2nd drive every time the slave is accessed with HM67 chipset. Yes, the r3's chipset.
3. is advertised at a speed the new 25nm NAND can NOT achieve. This includes vertex 3: OCZ are shipping reviewers drives with 32(34?)nm NAND. Production models will be 25nm.
4. is advertised as formatted capacity x, when you're really getting formatted capacity y (much lower)


I can go on...

 

I'm in the same boat, my rep just offered me $400 off in addition to the current EPP discounts on a R2, which brings the total discount to almost $800... I'm torn between biting the bullet on the R2 or waiting for the R3 to come back, and even waiting for the rumored "m18x"...

 

For 800 dollars off you just about cant go wrong with the R2... thats a crazy good price!

What were the specs?

 

the difference in FPS between 2.0ghz and 2.2 really isn't very tangible though. Most games (are GPU bound) at the 1900 by 1200 resolution. If we are talking 1024 x 768 then maybe 5FPS difference. At high resolution and AA...maybe 1 or 2. Countless articles show minimal/nonexistent differences between even more discrepancy between processors..AMD/Intel etc.

 

Yeah, it's pretty tempting! I'm just a sucker for the "latest and greatest". The specs are pretty decent, no extreme processor, but everything else is pretty top notch.

Specs:

Space Black - Anodized Aluminum
Intel Core i7 740QM Quad Core Processor
8GB Dual Channel Memory
17-inch WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 RGB LED
Dual 1024 MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 with ATI CrossFireX technology
640GB 7,200RPM SATA-II HDD
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader
Intel Ultimate N WiFi Link 6300
3 Year Limited Warranty
Accidental Damage Service, 3 Years

All for $2.748.74

 

$2,748? Your from the US right with no tax in your state? That seems little high to me with a 740qm + crossfire. Was the 3 year accidental service a lot or something? I dunno maybe its just me but I expected lower with ~$800 off...

BTW dont let them get $350 out of you for going from 4gb to 8gb of RAM, that price is seriously ridiculous. You can pick of a set of 2x 4g for less than half the price and easily install. You can save $$ on the HD too if you pick the base one and just add a second in later for storage.

Just changing these 2 options to the 'Base' knocks the price down to $3,073 (-$800ish if this was still honored?) = $2,273.

Either way if you don't care about saving more money thats cool, but the $350 for 4g more RAM is a robbery.

 

The accidental damage warranty was close to $400, but there is no getting around that. As for the RAM and HDD, the way they have the discounts set up, if I downgrade to 4gb of ram and the 320gb hard drive, the price only goes down to $2685, so basically for $63 I'm getting an extra 4gb of ram and 180gb of hard drive space, can't beat that. Still on the fence though.

 

Ahh I see, I guess you might as well then. Just making sure they werent raking you over the coals on the RAM. Still a pretty good price.