So, I'll decide to have Alienware M17x for college...

I read that a lot of you have a problem with this computer. It's probably not a good idea for college, because you wouldn't want to waste your time sending it back for a repairment. I like the specification and power of this notebook, but I'm not a crazy gamer like you. I need this for a 3-D rendering project, so I think top of the line gaming graphic card would be fine with this.

If I buy this M17x then I expect that it works with me for 2+ years without the need to send it back to Dell. I personally don't like any Dell computer, but Alienware is a different company under Dell. If Alienware is actually made by Dell, then I will have no interest for it.

 

Dell and Alienware are the same company now, there's no distinction. So I guess no Alienware for you.

 

This is a GREAT Computer

Only reason I am returning mine is basicly because dell refuses to recognize issues with drivers (and because I want the 740 ).

But besides that VERY Solid and reliable machine. Warranty even covers it if you drop it and it cracks.

People say it isnt good for Uni because of low battery life + heavy + big size.

I am going to use this laptop for Uni because I can not have a desktop and will be playing SC2 occasionally. So I say go for it!

 

It really depends on who you ask whether they have problems or not. Also, Dell services the computer at your residence. You do not send it back to them.

 

I use mine for graphic design, game art and design, as well as media art and animation so I say go for it!!!!!!

 

I am thinking about getting the m15x i want to do the same things that you are doing animation, game design all that stuff, but i also want a good computer for college. Something with a good battery life and doesnt get to hot or loud. any suggestions? thx

 

Oviously on a forum like this, your going to mostly see issues, thats why most of us found this site. But it is a great computer. I had a tech come out and actually did decent work. Not great, but decent. I also sent my M17xR2 back to dell for repairs and was actually impressed. They fixed everything I asked, and didn't put a single scratch on the system. I really couldn't ask for better support.

 

keep in mind that only a small amount of Alieware owners on this forum, just because one or two laptops have a problem does not mean that all of them are going to have the same problem. It always seems like the bad always stands out more than the good.

I use my laptop for college and it does everything i ask it to do.

 

Just curious on those who use the M17x for 3D rendering, CAD and the likes. Do you have an comparative data vs laptops that have Quadro/FirePro? I'm was tempted to suggest grabbing a laptop with those video cards but I haven't ran any CAD/3D on my M17x yet.

I do, however, buy Dell Precisions for the workplace.

 

GREAT!! i have the same machine, with intel i7 940XM, ati X hd5870, ram 8giga 1333mhz and raid 0. i installed ati driver 10.10, bios A09 and Vbios. why my benchmark result in 3dmark vantage is 13200 and 3dmark06 is 20300? you have fantastic result (23000 in 3dmark06) and 19000 in vantage. How do you get such high performance and values? please tell me what do I get the same result? how do I overclock the graphics card and programs that I need to do this? await your response, even privately in my email. thanks

 

Tweaking/overclocking. Be aware that people are usually overclocking their systems as high as they can go to complete one benchmark run and these settings are usually not stable for everyday use.
You'll need tools like ThrottleStop to overclock the CPU in Turbo mode and increase the thermal power limit and a GPU overclocking tool that works for the video card. I'm not sure what works for the video cards now.

Back on topic:

If you get the next business day warranty (and I suggest to get that and complete care for four years), you will have a technician come in to repair your laptop the next business day so you won't have to send it in. Of course, if it happens to get completely broken and needs a complete replacement, you will have to send it in after your new unit arrives.
I'm not sure how the gaming cards perform in 3D rendering compared to workstation cards. But I'd guess the 5870s should be quite okay since the workstation cards are usually based on older technology.

 

thanks glzmo i download the program throttle stop but i don't understand what i need for overclock the video cards. mod driver of guru3d or which? please can you give me, privately the link for program or driver can i use for video cards overclock? (ati X hd5870) thanks thnaks thanks! i need for gpu overclocking tool!

 

college and alienware dont really come easy on the pocket so even if i think alienware is the best laptop in the world, id say buy one of those cheap orion laptops. hehehehe.

better yet, f**k college. like what i did, i just left Uni coz mr. professors think they know everything. now im a professional programmer for the government. so up yours to you all who dropped me back in college and i will say again, "success is not always the end result of participation, yes i can pass your exam with out attending your class". lol