The new M17xR3 will be Alienware's first 3D-capable Laptop - Discuss here

At this point I'm just hoping for good news on Monday when I wake up and check Dell's AW page...

 

Wouldn't it be great if the configurator says:

(o)Dual AMD 6970M Crossfire 2GB

 

And...1920x1200 RGB LED

 

I prefer 120hz than rgb Led.....

 

P67 is a dual GPU chipset. You'll get your Crossfire/SLI.

edit: or do I have it backwards?

 

what about sata 6gb? SSD's already saturate sata II. the notebook will become obsolete very fast.

 

You've got it right. Just they haven't made any mention of dual GPU yet.

 

Just read this.... Alienware outs its first first 3D gaming laptop - the M17x R3 - Pocket-lint from what i can see of the images of the R3, (shown in red on this article), looks like its a bit "plastic-fantastic" and certainly, if that pic is anything to go on.....the base is different to the lid...eg Nebula Red lid + black base frame??????

Saving on money???? - maybe some is aluminum and some is plastic....one thing, i certainly prefer the "all-over" paint job on mine (RED) and IF ANY part of that casing IS plastic, its a NO NO for me for sure......huge turn-off....

EDIT....just found this http://www.techtree.com/India/News/..._3D_XPS_Alienware_Laptops/551-114086-893.html so it looks as if the base IS RED also, (if you want it like that) and it doesnt "look" to me that the shell is aluminum like the R2's but images are deceiving....

No mention of sli/xfire gpu's yet....all i could find is that 460m (for the 3d version obviously) and choice of AMD 6870 or 6970 single gpu.

 

Also a choice for non gamers are ACER/ASUS/HP etc.
We're used to AW as it was.we want it to stay like that!

Probably because a lot complained about the weight of it but hey it looks sexy and when Al vs plastic = plastic wins (in shocks)?

 

Ah, I'll be buying it and passing this M17xR1 on to my son. I won't miss the crossfire and I was going to move on to ASUS. Now I can have my nebula red, a fast processor and 3d too.

 

As a fully loaded r2 owner, I was extremely bitter about the released specs about the R3. After sleeping it off for the night, I actually realized that the R3 isn't as much of a downgrade as I thought but actually an upgrade. I'm not trying to make a claim to fame or start sourcing everything for 100% accuracy but this is just what I had on the top of my mind:

Obvious Pros:
-Cheaper (I think)
-Thinner/Lighter (I think)
-Faster Processor
-More memory
-More options (USB 3.0, ect.)

Now here are options which people think are a downgrade but actually aren’t:

-No more 1200p but now 1080p (maybe)
No offense but if you can't even really see a difference anyway, I'd rather get the performance gains of having to process less pixels (230,400 to be exact) then some super wide viewing. The screen size is still 17"....plus everything is 1080p today anyway.

-no more RGB LED (maybe) but now a 120hz:
As the owner of both a Alienware 120hz screen and a m17x rgb led screen, the last time I checked, 120hz is godly for gaming. Your games will look better from the lack blurring while you move rather than the added brightness/colors from the RGB screen

-Only 1 GPU (maybe) but now better power management:
The current m17x has power issues (mine does) with using dual GPUs and your system starts to throttle back because your system is asking for more power than your power supply can provide so you aren't even getting the full benefits of 2 GPUs anyway. Plus for some people, extended battery life is a benefit.

-No more sli/xfire (maybe) but now a better single GPU:
Lets face it, most games besides the few benchmarkers cream over are single threaded and only use 1 GPU. Even if sli/xfire works, it hardly even uses the 2nd card to even half of its potential and sometimes provides more problems than performance gains. I would say more games will see better performance gains over a single 2gb 6970 over two 1gb 5870's.

So with that in mind, I think I’ll get a R3. Of course just like everyone else, I'd rather keep the RGB LED screen and the dual GPUs

 

I think i'll stay with my system for a long while.. i'm more than satisfied with it.

Is there any bench yet of the 2Gb 6970 vs dual hd 5870?

edit: and anyway i would wait at least 6 month from release before buying an R-3

Experience Docet

 

Maybe they are going to keep the R2 and the R3 alive at the same time. The R3 for the 3D fanboys and the R2 for the serious gaming. Maybe they'll start selling the GTX 470m + SLI and the 6XXX series in the R2 as well.

Because if this laptop really doesn't support CF or SLI, then AW must have not thought it out when they were designing it. Based on the cooling that I can see from the pictures, it doesn't look robust enough to support CF or SLI with an i7 . . . . but then again the laptop is physically big enough to house it.

I think we will have to wait until it's on AW's page. I'd still be quite surprised if CF/SLI was not an option - afterall how do you account for the crazy 3D mark scores and how did notebookcheck get this benchie even if the numbers are a bit screwy.

AMD Radeon HD 6970M Crossfire - Notebookcheck.net Tech

 

I still think that the only real reason to swap in an R2 with decent spec (or sell it) for an R3 would be IF the R3 will support dual gpu's....other than that, Dell can keep it for the time being...im stickin' with the R2 for sure....(unless I win an R3 in some competition, which would of course , be nice! )

 

Feeling even better about my recent purchase of the R2 now.

 

Such a shame that it seems like the end of a dying breed of superb high powered gaming laptops.....looks like Dell has decided to "steer" AW in the direction of a "multimedia" system....totally destroying the brand in the process.....if you said "i own an AW" to someone , they would KNOW you have the dogs testicles in gaming laptops...pretty soon, you will say "i got an AW" to someone and they will reply "yeah, so what.....my Asus/sony/any other crap does just the same.....".....sad times.....

 

Y'know, I was going to support this post, but with the exception of the part highlighted in bold. However, that same part kinda' throws the entire argument out the window for me because the claim is so flat out wrong. Minimising the benefits of dual GPU configurations, and just how many games they've shown improvement in by almost a 100% margin, is false. No offence, but I am inclined to believe that you've hardly played any decent games with a proper driver that's allowed you to take advantage of Xfire or SLi.

A 2GB memory configuration will only allow you to hold higher texture data, and perhaps, a mild increase in tolerance for higher resolutions; nothing more than that. The real merit of the 6 series ATi will be the over all efficiency and speed of the unified shaders. Sure, this GPU is an improvement, but it won't magically double the performance of the hardware, either. I'm with Joker on this one; as a single GPU solution, it will offer a decent gain versus older single GPUs, sure -- it won't hold to crossfire or SLi solutions, which have been shown to increase performance by a decent margin in a majority of games released in the last 2-4 year window. The general list of games that predate that period don't even justify the need for this 'ultra faztorz' present hardware; you might as well just get a go 7900 GTX (mobile) for overkill performance in most of those titles.

As for the bit about having a faster CPU. Well, sure it's an upgrade. Too bad that most games are GPU bound and we know this for a fact. In fact, this is a more accurate generalisation of what modern games benefit from than your view of multi-GPU solutions (that very few support crossfire or SLi). On that note, CPU speed is important to R1 and R2 users, not because games require the CPU, but rather, because DUAL GPU configurations scale better with faster CPU output.

 

+1 Kade,
Reminded me that purchasing my m17x was a great decision.

 

Seconded.....

 

4th....
While gaming, its always about GPU rather than CPU...
@Seyumi
To make it more clear..
With single 2 GB 6970 is like 1 Person working in 2000 sq feet area for a job..
With double 5870s, its like 2 Person working in their own 1000 sq feet area for the same job..
Now little arithmetic..

 

Well, honestly, if there's no SLI/CF option in R3, I'd recommend looking at business grade laptops. Personally, I wish to see a hybrid business+gaming laptop with the best of two worlds+SLI/CF. Not gonna happen though...

 

The leaked pics showed a 6x series card and 20,155 score. Is it even possible a single card with the new cpus scored higher?

 

20K doesn't seem right.
Something is fishy.

 

Well first off, after careful examination I am positive that the USB ports on the left side are USB 3. Put that one to rest.

It is not "impossible" that they may support both the RGBLED and the 120hz and let folks choose. That would be the smartest option, since a great many folks made the choice on M17x based on that rgbled screen. So don't call it out of the picture yet till we see specs.

Expresscard is gone because the bandwidth on USB 3 is as high as the lastest expresscard. Thus there is no need and they save space.

Also note that the port between the HDMI and the USB may well be mini displayport. It might be Firewire but I don't think so. Mini displayport makes a ton of sense for the space saving environment of a laptop and you don't lose any ability in going with it. In fact that probably means it's version 1.2 of displayport if that is true, because that is the version that incorporates the "mini" into the official spec.

Giving high end 100W single GPU's is not a bad thing. But killing off SLI and CF as "options" would be a bad thing. Let's hope you can do both, to make everyone happy. 470M SLI would be easy in the given power envelope and 485M SLI might be possible at the limit. So we'll have to see specs before casting the vote.

I also take it back, there IS a SPDIF port. See it in the close ups. Nice addition I think.

Card port is MMC SD and MSPro capable for anyone who cares on that topic

On the right I "think" you have 2 USB 2 and a combo ESATA USB 2 port, which would make total of 5 USB, 2 3.0 and 3 2.0. Nice.



From what I'm seeing IF they manage to offer something higher than 460M in SLI and RGBLED as an option, I'm in for buying one.

 

I know I count for one but I ha no clue what rgb was... I probably wouldn't have cared if 19x1200 came lit by a mag-light flashlight I would have selected it.

 

So January 10th is the US release date or worldwide? I would expect huge overpricing for Alienware systems in Australia as usual

 

I know many of you are not happy with the apparent loss of dual GPUs. I myself am wondering about this. In the end, it is what it is. That being said, I want to remind those that are unhappy that there are many who are interested in the M17xR3. Its fine to post that you dont like it and are not interested in it however repeated negative comments do not contribute to the thread and will not be permitted.

Off topic posts will be removed - stick to the topic and post in a constructive and non-disruptive manner.

Questions on this need to be sent via PM directly to a moderator - do not post in response to this.

Reopening thread...

 

A more angular design.

i think the thinness factor is a bit deceptive since you can clearly see there is more material underneath. And the whole thing looks more plastic than the R2. This type a design is employed a lot on asus and sager notebooks. not a big fan of it myself.

I like the mesh design of the back on the R2 a lot better, it was a simple elegant solution to the problem. I hope they kept the mesh on the bottom as that aids cooling greatly. the chrome also seem like a strange choice and pops out of no where. the whole laptop is more tasteful without it i think

sorry if someone posted these pics before

 

^^Going by the above photos, you can tell this notebook is definitely made to compete against the Asus G73 and other similar class notebooks. However, the thinner form factor will be appealing to a lot more buyers. Anyone want to take bets on the weight? I'll guess at between 8.5-9 lbs with the default battery. Build I'm guessing is a magnesium/plastic composite. And yeah, those chrome accents just look....weird. I'll be a detractor and say that I do like the lid, it's one thing I asked Alienware about a year ago and they said it would eventually come to the M17x and it finally has. It's more stylish than the current one though not as understated if you're into that subtle look.

 

what do you think of the vent design? on the one hand its not as coherent as the R2 when compared to the speakers in the front. I suppose they had to re proportion it because the back is thinner now. However the wide spacing of the holes should facilitate good ventilation, and the overall width seems sufficient. looks to be the same width as the CPU cooler on the R2.

the touch sensitive buttons remind me of design i've seen on other notebooks. Would be nicer if they were more like the keyboard but no big deal.

I hope the touch pad is multitouch and have the option to be turned off.

 

I can't imagine clevo being the only maker that will use the 470/480/485M. It seems like too much trouble on nvidia's part to not have more partners. That's why I have a hard time believing 460 is the highest they will offer. Hell, 460 sly barely beats 485. If not m17x, maybe a m18x?

 

More testing will be need to be done but initial benchmarks reveal the 6970M will have the same performance as the 485M if not more. Atleast when it comes to 3dmarks2006. http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Nvidia-Geforce-GTX-485M-graphics-card.43872.0.html

So if ATI provides a card that costs less and use less power then there would be little point in offering a 485M at this point in time.

The biggest advantage nividia has is the 3d thing. but im not sure if the ATI cards support it as well. CUDA is not much of an advantage now since quicksync from sandy bridge offers better performance.

What i would really like to know is will the M17x R3 offer switchable graphics. this is not mentioned anywhere. would be a shame if it didnt since the option would would allow us to turn the GPU off and give more Wattage to the CPU for overclocking.

 

Ive just been looking at the pic posted last page again.....

Ok, so....where are the vents for the gpu's on the sides like the R2???? - surely, lack of these will impact somewhere along the line? - I also prefer the rear design of the vents on the R2 with the mesh....the whole rear view of the R3 looks quite "unattractive" (to me at least).

Is there any word to confirm if the exterior IS plastic or not - I think the solid aluminum lid and case of the R2 is one of the very unusual design features of the M17x and to have done away with it, I think , is a huge backwards step.

Im also wondering where the IR receiver is?.....or if there is one at all.....not a biggie, mind you.

 

My new name for the M17x-R3: M17x-Lite. If it proves to be a single GPU system, it doesn't deserve the R3 moniker IMO. Whaddya think?

 

I, personally, would change the "L" outta Lite for a "Sh"......but lets hang fire I guess until its on the website to see how it can be configured....I suppose, until then, its a bit of specualtion on "will it, wont it" - BUT , as it stands at the moment, it certainly is NOT the revision that I was expecting. Its a complete let-down.

If its plastic, I wouldnt touch it with a bargepole...like you said before, its as if Dell have wanted to target Asus G73 with this revision...would have been better off by making the AW stand out even more as an enthusiast system.

This is what I dont understand. Dell accquired AW and said it would utilise it as it was (a high end enthusiast notebook) but as time drifts on by, it is more obvious that that isnt the case any longer. While it may offer good gaming performance with a single 6970, it will be a backwards step in terms of performance of sli/xfire....

I think Dell forgot that AW is supposedly "All Powerful" in terms of gaming performance. I understand the business logistics behind turning a somewhat "small" niche market into a better selling "mass appeal" market, but at what cost? - sacrificing ones thoroughbred is NOT the best way to go about it.

 

I read somewhere those vents were actually for speakers. they seems a bit restrictive to be air vents. and i dont believe theGPU heatsinks are facing the back.

To be honest dell probably did their research and realized more people want a single GPU 17inch laptop that is a bit lighter and thinner. I mean dell is a business and they will do whatever make more money for them. I think the R3 will sell very well at the price.

but i agree. I think Dell can easily make the R2 with Sandy bridge and 6970 and call it something else while the r3 becomes the budget line. Heck its barely more expensive than the XPS 17

 

I dont think the side vents on the R2 are speaker related....there are 2 speakers at the front and a sub underneath....gpu's are cooled via the fans underneath and air expelled via the rear vents...as is the cpu.

I think the side grill/vent on the R2 is purely to allow more air to cool the gpu's.....thats my logical thinking anyhow....and as we dont see them on the R3, strikes me as odd...if they are gpu related....

 

could be.

This could be wishful thinking but it would be really cool if they took the space for the second GPU and made the CPU heatsink twice as big. This could mean we can overclock the XM CPUs and still get decent temperature.

That would be my ultimate workstation.

 

I'm suprised no one has brought up this comment from tom's hardware

"The one unfortunate thing is that the machine would get hot enough running Crysis 2 that the temperature control would kick in and it would throttle the chips, leading to noticeable slowdown. If you plan to be gaming on this 10lbs gaming laptop, then you're going to need some kind of laptop cooler."

Dell's 3D Laptops: Yes, They Can Play Crysis 2

and this is with only a GTX 460 inside?? Wonder what a 6970 will be like..

 

The ThinkPwnd w700ds.

10lbs. according to Tom's Hardware. Might still be a metal shell, just not aluminum.

Cost is the most likely answer why. The early prices coming out of the Clevo resellers suggest you can almost buy two HD6970M for the cost of a single GTX 485M.

Should've said, "at what profit." The market share for consumers that buy ideals is an even tinier niche than the share that buys high-end dual-GPU boutique laptops.

Dell opened up Alienware to a lot more potential buyers when they dropped costs with the M17x R1 compared to the m17x, and they'll gain a lot more potential buyers again with the R3. Dell will lose a few of you to Clevo but their account books won't miss you.

 

It's been mentioned in other threads and it's a point everyone should be concerned about.

 

Yeah saw that but it could be they were just guessing the weight. It most likely won't be aluminum but more like the M11x build (magnesium alloy + plastic).

Unfortunately that is the cold hard reality of the mass marketplace. Dell could easily afford to create a single SKU (e.g. M18x) that gives us everything we want while creating M17x-Lite for the masses and they'd have every market cornered. I don't know which genius at round rock decided not to opt for this idea. Clevo is surviving just fine with high end configurations so obviously the niche market isn't so niche.

 

Agreed, Joker. Which is why my next notebook will be whatever is the most powerful, weather it's an Alienware or not. Alienware lost my allegiance when Dell bought them.

 

Clevo is surviving just fine but they're relative small time. Dell is the third largest PC vendor in the world trying to get first, with ASUS not far behind.

Clevo doesn't keep their business afloat selling just the x7200. They know the profit value of their very popular single GPU gaming notebooks, and they've also got plenty of other mainstream notebooks that you don't really hear people hoot and holler about but are definitely getting sold.

 

I see this move by Dell as appealing to those of us who want 3D gaming laptops and won't miss the top of the line laptop. I am using an M17x R1 right now which my son seriously wants. He'll obviously get it since I'll be buying the new M17x R3. I don't need the top of the line and I was considering the Asus G73 3D, but now I'll stick with Alienware. I love 3d gaming.

 

Perhaps Dell was watching the Asus g73 sales with envy. Perhaps ASus was on track to introduce 3d and Dell felt like stealing the thunder with 3d introduction at a cost similar to the Asus. I am going to hope further down the road they bring in the sli or Xfire.

Can it be safe to assume because of nvidias 3d technology we can expect a 470 down the line?

I have never seen 3G gaming. This requires glasses right?

 

No, 3 G gaming just requires a mobile wireless carrier.


There's 3 D gaming with glasses and without. Alienware is doing the one with.

 

Yes, 3D gaming requires glasses but they will come with the M17x R3 just as they do with the Asus G73.

 

Anyone get more facts before it goes up on Dells website monday?

 

Cooling would be a serious problem. It might be an indicator that they got rid of the mesh on the bottom, which was a BIG strongpoint of the R2/R1.

If they get rid of SLI why not just go with the HP models? I don't think they would strategically get rid of SLI in the notebook factor. Single GPU's are for the XPS series and the M6600. With no differentiation aside from a few lights, you'd watch the M17x die off slowly over a year or two. But the comment above indicates the "chipS" throttled which might mean the GPU's are dual in configuration.

The cooling better not stink - people game on these machines for hours at a time. So maybe AW/Dell is tweaking the cooling system. That may be why only 460M's are listed available at this point if the cooling is poor.

I was ready to buy this model, but we'll have to see now. Some of this news is not good at all.

Current list of issues:

SLI and CF capable?
RGBLED as an option?
Cooling as good as before?
How ugly are the chrome accents? (someone mentioned this)
Multitouch touchpad? (someone mentioned this as a want)
Alum vs Magnesium vs Plastic shell?
Weight?