M18x R1: Upgrade or Buy a Used Alienware 18?

It's more of a general question for everybody.

OT: I've been having issues with the forum as well.

EDIT: I think my question wasn't clear. I was asking if the CPU upgrades are usually bought used or new.

 

Often used and often new, it depends on your budget.

CPUs are very durable and you shouldn't have problems with used CPU. Bying used GPU is more dangerous as it may have been overlcocked and overvolted hard.

My i7-2920XM ES was new one.

 

Nobody I know paid teh full 1000 for the 2920XM. You can definitely buy used 2920XM, Intel makes solid chips and are very very reliable. I would look to see if you can purchase a used 2920XM from a corporate off lease part out seller on ebay, as those 2920XM were probably never pushed as if they were in Clevo or Alienware system. I purchased my 2920XM in such a fashion for 160$ and it is a MONSTER, 4.4Ghz all 4 cores, no voltage added.

 

4.4 temp?

 

I'm not sure how to check for those specific eBay users. I'm in the process of sorting my budget right now. I'm hoping I can do all the necessary changes before August rolls in.

 

Low 80s typically, around 80-82

 

Low 80s typically, around 80-82

 

tried to push any higher?

 

Also, are there any other options for a display change? Kinda bummed now that I've finally accepted that I have dead pixels. I was trying to open the LCD before, but the screws were too tight.

 

You will likely destroy your panel trying to get the plexiglass to separate from the LCD/frame. Cheaper and easier to change the entire display assembly.

 

So, anyway... I'm nearing a deal with buying a used AW 18.

I posted a price check thread, but I didn't see that there was a minimum of 100 posts required.

CPU: 4930MX
GPU: GTX 780M SLI
RAM: 32 GB
Storage: 1 TB Samsung 840 EVO
Year Bought: 2014

A few more background information:
- He says bought it brand new.
- Used it mostly for playing WoW.
- He says he never OC'd or opened the laptop.

I'm still waiting on pictures and other specs from him though.

What's a fair value for this unit? He's asking around 1600 USD (well, 2100 CAD).

 

$1300 would be a good deal.

 

Do you think that his price is too much?

It's one reason why I haven't settled on the price since I don't have all the details yet.

 

$1600 is too much.

$1100 - $1300 is worth the purchase.

You could even get a decent specs aw 18 with dual 970m for around $1300 on ebay , less lower CPU.

 

I see. I'll note that. Is there any other way that his price could be justified? I mean, given with what I know with his specs at the moment.

Wow, AW 18 970M SLI for that price?!

 

Yeah. Don't rush to buy old tech. for $1600 , you can get current tech. Just wait a bit.

 

Thanks. I'm not really in a rush right now. I just wanted to know if my estimates are right (I was thinking of paying around 1800 CAD/1380 USD). It seems like I'm a little bit generous with my estimate.

 

Still amazes me how little these Aliens hold their value. If that is a 780m SLI setup which obviously it should be, he probably paid 4k for it 2 years ago. It's still capable of handling most games maxed or close to it. The 970m SLI prices you mentioned is even crazier. If they are in really good shape and you just want it for gaming, I would jump all over it.

I look at it like this, what type of gaming laptop can I currently buy for 1500? Let's say I can get an Asus with a single 980m for 1500 or an AW 18 with 780m SLI. Performance should be similar between the two machines so then it boils down to would you rather the build quality, the 18 inch screen, and the upgradeability the AW 18 offers. If yes, then it is still a no brainer at that price to go for an 18. If not, you can buy any 17" with a 980m or wait to see when new machines are released.

Having said that, it looks like for 1500-2000. You can get 970m or 980m SLI as was mentioned. I would seriously consider doing that, if the AW18 is what you want. But man, it is amazing how fast these things lose value. 6 months ago, the 980m SLI's were selling for 4k.

Oh, by the way. You should also look for the refurbished ones as well. Most of these are in very good condition.

 

As for the refurbished ones, I'm not quite sure where to look for them apart from eBay.

 

EBay is the place at this point.

 

There is one on eBay right now for $1100 in excellent condition with specs:

I7 4800MQ
Dual 780m
12GB Ram
250gb SSD
64gb SSD
750gb HDD

As I mentioned earlier. Don't rush. There are even better price than the one I just mentioned above. Lol

$1300 should be your max spending for a really really good system.

You can get almost the same setup also for around $1K ... Lol

 

Thanks for the pricing. I know better now, and yes, I'm not rushing.