R2 replaced with R3 - Fair?

this. sounds like they've perfectly fit your needs (nicely upgraded even! ) with this replacement unit then!

 

Then, unless you want the LATEST technology + large RGB screen + alum chassis, I see no point waiting for a M18x. Your R3 will perform those games nicely. You wont gain anything from dual GPUs. Plus, its gonna be very large and heavy. Mobility + battery life were big factors that made me choose R3.

And what are you gonna do while waiting for the M18x? It took me almost 2 months just to buy a m17x (R2 then R3) and I still remember checking Dell website/NBR everyday waiting for the R3. LOL. Too much time consuming.

 

What do you mean by "default" frequency? 2820QM is able to "hold" 2.7 GHz forever in Quad core turbo. They tested it at anandtech. Can even go higher but that depends on the cooling system of the notebook because the thermal envelope plays a role here. It never goes back to base frequency, aka 2.3 GHz.

Leo-: I am not responding to your childish insults. Try speaking objectively, then we may have a conversation. You revealed yourself with all the insults and the way you "protect" 920XM. I am not going to use my energy on people like you. Goodbye

 

This is misinformation. There's a point to multiple GPUs, or those guys out there with bottomless pockets wouldn't be running quad SLI setups, etc. However, he has stated that he's not a hardcore gamer. He probably doesn't need a multi-GPU solution.

 

I'd be disappointed with the upgrade personally. You're loosing the ability to have crossfire and it seems that the modding community is soon to release bios support for the 6970 in the M17x. Maybe you're not interested, but I quite like the idea of having a pair of those instead of one.

 

I'm assuming you're referring to this quote:

They used Cinebench as a test bed and afaik did not subject the cpu to a longer torture test to verify whether or not it stays at 2.7 GHz. Also note that they mentioned ambient temperatures because that plays a big role in how TB 2.0 functions, so 2.7 GHz is not a given at all. Unfortunately I don't have a 2820qm coming my way but the 2630qm testing should yield some real answers about SB. It's too bad Jarred didn't test his hypothesis.

 

@ cloudfire, leo, and however else is arguing...

Just cool it. The r2 and r3 are different markets, period. r3 is the asus g-series killer (sorta) and that's its purpose. r2 is at the end of its lifetime, but it's still a dual gpu powerhouse.

Enough bickering about 2820qm and 920/40xm. Yes the 920xm throttlestop will beat the 2820qm. Sandy bridge has advantages of its own that make up what throttlestop boosts the 920xm to. Plus the heat issues, etc. already covered. No need to beat a dead horse. Plus most games benefit 10x from gpu, not cpu (well except GTAIV and Starcraft 2).

Quality-yes it's a preference thing, but aluminum is probably going to be tougher than plastic/magnesium.

Anyways, I would recommend the guy to get his money back, and then buy an r3. That way he would get the same system and have dough left over to put towards an ssd or hyperx ram. If he's not a hardcore gamer, than dual gpus really arent that necessary. Plus, the 18x is probably going to be getting into the price range of a maxed desktop... but just my 2 cents. I'm a new noob to all this so my word isn't worth much

 

LOL. I was talking about his particular need. Please re-read the whole statement.

 

I disagree with this. He bought an unlocked CPU, and he should get an unlocked CPU.

The lack of the RGBLED is also a huge downgrade.

See if you can get Dell to agree to give you an M18x when it comes out, and make sure they give you an unlocked CPU. You payed for it the first time around, and the replacement should have one too.

 

Yes that one + some members in Asus forum that tested 2630 out and it was performing like stated from anandtech and intel: You have base frequency, then you have turbo within TDP which supposedly is up to 2.7GHz, and 2.7-3.1GHz (2820QM) which is dynamic and higher than TDP. How long that lasts depends on the cooling and a timer. I remember some anandtech guy confirming that in the comment field of the article as well. I could be wrong though.

If you think about that if 2820QM can withhold 2.7 GHz plus it is around 15% faster than Clarksfield clock for clock you can understand its power. But i am really looking forward to see your test of them together to draw a final conclusion because we have none so far

 

If I were you I would be pissed off because 1. you paid for 920xm cpu = should get the same cpu chip. 2 RGB LED 1920x1200 3. Dual gpu cards and 4. the built quality. I know you're not a gamer but at least get the same amount of value for your R2. Basically get a refund if you can or have Dell put you on the waiting list for the m18x. That's just my opinion.

 

I just want to make a quick point before this thread gets closed because of the R2 vs R3 discussion that has started to get a bit out of hand.

I don't think Dell intended the R3 to replace the R2 as we saw when they left the R2 available for order as a "classic". However, I would never have recommend anyone buy a R2 once the R3 came out because it became obvious that Dell was only keeping it around to clear out inventory and to appease those who are adamant about getting dual GPU and remaining RGBLED screen.

At this point, it is quite clear that a M18x is coming out within the next few months. It started appearing in on the Dell website so it is no longer speculation - it is just a matter of time. For this reason, let's stop the arguing. The R2 and R3 are too close in performance to argue about.

However, I also think it is time to stop "recommending" people buy R2 from ebay/outlets stores because I think anyone buying an R2 at this point will have great regret when the M18x is out with the dual GPU. At least with the R3 the value will hold a bit longer. Granted if you get a R2 for <$1000 all the power to you. But, anything close to a R3 is too much IMO.

 

That would be why I advised him to petition for the full refund and then buy an r3. RGBLED > WLED obviously, which would also be refunded in my previous statement. And dell isn't going to confirm him about an 18x, yet alone commit to giving him one, especially if there is a huge pricetag jump somewhere in there. Like he said earlier, just get the full refund and either buy an r3 or wait for the 18x if he doesnt need a notebook for a couple months

 

this is EXACTLY what i said if you read the whole conversation, not grab a bite of it

 

I did not factor in the price you paid when making my approval of the replacement, that is a very valid concern and one Dell should appreciate. I would get them to either give a full refund or send you a check for the difference.

 

That seems to be the consensus since I posted the money thing. I'm glad I followed up.

Has anyone ever heard of Dell doing something like refunding the difference? I've heard of plenty of full refunds.

 

So, I just hunted down my original invoice and after factoring out shipping +tax...

Argh! I did the math wrong, I was off by about half.

The difference is actually about $800 between the machines. Still, nothing to sneeze at.

 

Sounds like that adds up to a 256gb SSD and some Ram sticks

 

This will be your best chance at regaining that money/value

 

This discussion has gotten too heated to ignore so I'm closing the thread. As our Alienware forum regulars know, we banned R2 vs. R3 discussion due to all the arguing. Too much back and forth jabs and so forth.

Thanks for understanding.