m17xr3 questions

Tried using search but the search function is a POS so sorry if these have been answered.

Can you buy a 2920xm proc and upgrade it yourself since dell does not offer this upgrade? Has anyone actually done this yet and verified it works? If anyone has done this, have they had success overclocking it with the unlocked multiplier?

Has anyone with a 6970 verified that it does indeed have hybrid switchable graphics? I know the 6870 does but that doesn't guarantee the 6970 will.


Thats all I need to know for now. I got my eye an 4 or 5 laptops that I'd like to upgrade to. Just trying to figure out which way I want to go or if I should just stick with my envy 14 and wait out for ivy bridge.

 

HIDevolution.com - Specializing in customized computers, electronics, and mobile devices for gamers and professionals is the only place i know of where you can order a 2920 with the M17X R3.

Others here have ordered though them, and might be able to testify to their QOS.....

 

If HIDevolution is able to install them into the R3 that implies that the R3 has the necessary code in the BIOS to support the chip.

Also, from other threads I have been reading the 6970 definitely supports switchable graphics with the IGP. No reboot required, Fn-F7 switches between the graphics cards.

 

Additionally, a comparison between the chips shows that the Extreme version is only available in a single package design, while the 2970QM is available in two package designs Intel Side by Side

I am not sure what this means, especially if the HIDevolution group is installing them, they would have to be the same package.

The power usage is increased by 10 Watts, should be no big deal, but the brick is only 230 - 250 Watts, so if you try to overclock, you could run into power issues.

Another thing to consider, even though the BIOS may support the chip itself, there may be no facility within the BIOS to modify the multiplier, it may be fixed at the default value of 25.

It's also darned expensive!

 

You can get one from ebay, or wherever, and do it yourself. They're quite expensive. I believe the jump from the lower end Sandy Bridge CPUs to the 2920 isn't that dramatic, but I could be wrong. Might not be worth your money.

 

If hybrid means switchable via Fn+F7 or rightclicking on the desktop and going to "Configure Switchable Graphics," then yes, the 6970 DOES INDEED have it! It's like the best feature on this monster

If you want something smaller and can hardcore-game (<-- that's meant to be a verb LOLZ), you should get a 15-16" computer. I (FINALLY) had a chance to play with the E14 at Frys last week. It's nice, but the touchpad is really really bad. It's a typical modern-day HP touchpad, just to letcha know.

 

lol I know I own one duh look at my sig. I love the envy 14 and i have a logitech anywhere mx so i rarely need to use the touchpad unless its on my lap and im chillin in my bed or the couch. Got the logitech performance mouse mx for my desktop and the anywhere mx for my notebook cause the whole tracking on clear glass is so bad and my desk is glass and the table i use at the foodcourt area in my school is glass. But noow im off on a tangent. Get the darkfield mice from logitech they rule!

My whole thing is do i really need a desktop replacement notebook when if u check my sig i have crossfired desktop 6970's that max out any game at 2560x1600 rez! Do I even need a sandy bridge notebook when the envy 14 is doing everything i need it too. I guess im just a tech addict always needing the latest and greatest I'm need help im an addict!

But yea dookie i was thinking of getting 2720 + 6970 same exact config as you if I was to get an r3. I think 3d is the dumbest invention ever made and id have to be retarded to sacrifice my graphics performance and get a gtx460 jus so i can have some kiddy 3d BS that id never use plus im legally blind in my right eye doubt it would even work for me.

 

I had an Envy 14 with radiance for about two weeks. Great laptop. However, the R3 blows it away in every respect except maybe the radiance screen. Even then, the 1900x1080 screen on the R3 is pretty damn good. From my experience and the horror stories in the HP threads, their customer service leaves something to be desired. So far (knocks on wood), Dell's has been impressive.