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    Updating my M17x R2 -- where should I focus?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Tor Kallon, Jul 17, 2012.

  1. Tor Kallon

    Tor Kallon Newbie

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    I have an M17x R2 that I purchased in August 2010. I had the same annoying 5870 crossfire graphics issues as many, but once that was resolved this rig has run EVE, SC2, Civ V, and WOT at max graphics with acceptable frame-rates and I've been happy.

    I've recently gotten into a broader range of games that all seem a bit more demanding. Battlefield 3 only runs consistently over 30fps on low settings, for example. Tribes: Ascend needs to have graphics turned down to medium.

    I use this machine as a DTR b/c I don't have the space for a gaming desktop, and I won't be able to change that for a year or more. I'm happy to put some money into the machine *if* it'll make a real difference and get me to the point where I can run the current generation of games on high settings at a good FPS.

    I've already upgraded the hard drive to a 512gb Crucial M4.

    Current setup is:
    • 820QM cpu
    • dual 5870 CrossFire
    • 2x 4GB DDR3
    • latest official Dell-blessed video bios and driver (8.763.0.0)
    • latest ATI Catalyst CAP (from 6/28/12)
    • 1920x1200 WideUXGA screen
    • Intel Ultimate N-WiFi Link 6300 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO

    Thanks in advance.
     
    Tor Kallon, Jul 17, 2012
    #1
  2. flingin

    flingin M17x R2 Mafia

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    flingin, Jul 17, 2012
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  3. thehunterooo

    thehunterooo Notebook Consultant

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    +1, 920xm and the 7970m are great upgrades for the money.
     
    thehunterooo, Jul 17, 2012
    #3
  4. The0ne

    The0ne Notebook Consultant

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    This is what I get when I search. Where can I procure a 7970m card in the US?
     
    The0ne, Jul 18, 2012
    #4
  5. aldam

    aldam Notebook Evangelist

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    It's your biggest mistake. Dell drivers are old.
    I had the same config as you (820qm and 5870m cf)
    I played bf3 mp medium settings without any drops below 55 fps.

    Look at this

    BFBC2 (intro)
    Drivers: 11.10 + CAP4

    Code: 
    Min, Max, Avg
55, 158, 100.044

    Dell drivers

    Code: 
    Min, Max, Avg
30, 124, 79
    My advice
    oc your gpu and cpu and buy ssd. And install the newest amd drivers. That's all.
     
    aldam, Jul 18, 2012
    #5
  6. Tor Kallon

    Tor Kallon Newbie

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    I already have the SSD, so that's done.

    I hear you on the drivers. That's a huge difference. Can someone point me to a thread/post that talks about how to best do that? Poking around I see all sorts of references to BSODs and people bricking their graphics cards as a result of messing with non-Dell drivers.

    What's a good price for the 920xm and 7970m respectively?

    What about putting an 680M in the R2? Is that a possibility?
     
    Tor Kallon, Jul 18, 2012
    #6