Replacement for M17x R1

Ive had a ton of problems with my R1. Talked to dell support 6 times and got the unit serviced 5 times, always changing different parts due to different hardware problems.
This time I was on the phone with them as the motherboard was being replaced along with the two GPU's, and as soon as the parts were in we had another issue. The guy from support offered to send the unit to a lab, but I refused.

After I inquired the representative told me that getting a replacement unit is also an option. He told me he will process the request, but 30 minutes later called to say the cut-off time for their financial department is over and that he will have to call me to confirm it on money.

I wanted to know if anyone knows if R1 is still being shipped to customers as replacement, and if not then what I should expect instead? R2, R3?

 

Most likely an R3.
Good Luck buddy, hang in there.

Cheers.

 

Yeah you're most likely getting a r3. I was ordered an replacement earlier this week and it's coming in this tuesday

 

Oh, so what is the deal with the R3 as replacement for R1? I understand it is quite a different system. Does that mean I will have to negotiate with them for components?

 

Yep, it is very different as in it is a major upgrade for you. So all the parts should be fine in terms of comparing for upgrades. You can of course ask questions and see if they will upgrade certain parts for you however either way you are win win

The only real difference will be dual GPU R1 setup to the R3 which doesn't have support for Dual GPUs. No biggy though as the single GPU in the R3 will be a nice upgrade for you, especially if they give you the AMD 6970 GPU.

Cheers.

 

So I received the E-mail today with the specs of the new system. It goes like so..

Old system:
Intel® Core2 Quad Q9100 2.26GHz
6GB RAM
350GB Hard drive
Dual Geforce GTX 280M

New System:
Intel® Core? i7-2720QM Processor (2.2GHz, 1600 MHz DDR3, 6M cache)
17.3" ?43.94cm? Full HD (1920x1080) WLED LCD Panel
8GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM(2x4GB)
750GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
750GB 7200RPM 2nd Hard Drive
1GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon? HD 6870M



Now, from what I can see the system is quite an upgrade. The question is this. I understand the graphics card 6870 is a 1GB card comparable to one of the Geforce 280 that I have on my old system. Is that true? should I ask dell for a stronger card to compensate for the fact the R3 only has 1 card?
Is a single Geforce 460 stronger than a single Radeon 6870?

 

You might be hard pressed to. I mean, they are giving you a good deal of stuff on top. I just got confirmation for my R1 to R3 exchange, and while I was promised an 8GB upgrade, they said they ran out, but got me the 6970M. RAM is easier to upgrade, so in my book, with the new 2820QM, I'll live. Don't want to be too ungrateful. Especially when they are exchanging it with all new components. Plus, due to projects, I kind of need this computer rather than stall for better components.

The only "downgrade" I seem to be getting is I didn't realize they don't make the M17x with the 1920 x 1200 LCD anymore. I guess it is a compatibility issue (or market forces forcing everything to 1900 x 1080). In the end....whatever.

 

It looks like they are downgrading you in terms of the GPU performance, check here Computer Games on Laptop Graphic Cards - Notebookcheck.net Tech. And the 6870m is stronger than the 460m by a bit.

 

Press for a 6970. Being a SLI 280M rig you're coming from, should be a given.

 

Yeah. I guess I stand corrected. Won't hurt to press for it.

 

OMG guys, thank you so much for your statements and tips. Stout, Jas71,KracsNZ (By the way im in NZ as well) and reborn2003.

I really can't believe it was that easy. I have sent my rep an e-mail inquiring about the fact that my original system has a Dual 280m configuration and that I do not think the replacement should be comparable to a single of those cards. I received an answer within a few hours that the Tech team has amended the graphics card to :
2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon? HD 6970M

 

Congrats!

 

That's great! You will be very happy with that card.