M18xR2 Pre-Order Configuration Questions... Ask HERE

Thanks for your comments. Really appreciated.

The 3740QM will cost around £140 more adding ~8% to the total cost. The question I keep asking myself is whether I will get that back in terms of performance and (for the lack of a better term) 8% more future-proof.

But as you state - buying it will set aside any doubts.

 

remember it's a one-off purchase. it will be a setup capable of serving you for, at the very minimum, the next 2 years, playing nearly every upcoming title at maximum settings. the question I ask myself is: how much would the extra cost translate to over a whole year? to clarify this: 140/365 days = 38c every day. if you have a steady source of income, this is an easier question to answer. if you, like me, are a student with some financial limits, then maybe that 140 sterling would be put to better use on an extended warranty. it all boils down to whether you would rather save some money for use on other things, or live with the ever-recurring question "what-if"... yes, the processor is upgradeable, but it's a rather tedious process for the non-experienced and you wouldn't be able to return the laptop under normal warranty terms unless you put back in the original processor first

last year, I went for the Dell XPS in my sig instead of going for an Asus G73, since I wanted to save around 150 euro. worst decision ever, which is why I ended up selling my XPS and buying an M18x R2

 

Thanks for your comments.

I bought the system with the i7-3740QM.

Since it's coming with a standard 750GB HDD I now need to decide what to do for storage. I already have a 128GB Crucial M4. Will I be able to copy over the files from the HDD to my SSD?

I would much rather boot windows from that and use the HDD for storage. Another thought was to buy either a larger sized SSD or a Momentus XT Hybrid.

I will also purchase either 8GB or 16GB of memory. Should I buy 1600MHz or 1866MHz? I'm not entirely sure if the CPU supports it.

Many thanks :thumbsup:

 

I'm looking to order an M18x R2. I'm going with the dual GTX 680m SLI option. However, this option is not allowing me to select the 512MB SSD drive option. But selecting dual HD 7970m Crossfire does allow the SSD option. Any idea why this is? Thanks!

 

yes you will be able to copy the HDD contents on to the SSD. however, do be aware that SSDs usually come in smaller sizes, so double-check first that you have enough space on the SSD. if I were you, I'd simply backup my HDD on to an external one, install the OS on the SSD, and from the back up pick which programs you want on the SSD (programs which you often use). leave everything else on the HDD. it's a longer method but simpler. if you want to transfer everything, just create a system image and copy it onto the SSD

CPU supports higher levels of RAM than that, so 1866MHz shouldn't be a problem at all. pretty sure the Kingston hyperx CL10/11 or similar sticks will do the trick for you

@ Rambler - why not buy an aftermarket SSD drive? would shave off a couple of hundred bucks for sure

 

I didn't really want to deal with the issues of reinstalling the OS, drivers, etc. Does Dell provide a recovery disk that could make setting up a new SSD easy?

 

I thinks buying your SSD from Dell is smart for a few reasons, including those you mentioned. Unless your going to save a great deal of money, it makes sense to purchase a new system exactly how you want it configured and have everything covered under the warranty. Unless something has changed recently, you will get a Windows installation DVD and you will have Alien Respawn to create USB and DVD/BD recovery media. As a best practice, you should only use the DVD to set up a new Windows installation on an SSD. Cloning or recovering a Windows installation originally set up for an ordinary HDD will almost always result in some degree of performance degradation. In some cases misalignment will occur and performance will be severely degraded. Installing Windows from scratch to SSD allows the installation to be optimized for proper performance. Once you have done the clean install to SSD, you can clone that installation and make images for disaster recovery. Here's a thread with more detail on that subject... the opening post is full of good technical info.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...llation-questions-troubleshooting-thread.html

I think the problem you are running into on the hardware configuration options is a web site programming error. I would order from Rev or Rachid here in the forum, or call and work out a deal on the configuration you want and not worry about what the web configuration tool allows. You'll get a better deal working with someone on the system purchase. Below are a couple of links for you.

Alienware Sales Assistance Thread, Redux

AW/DELL Ordering Advice - How to save $$$

 

Mr. Fox, I purchased my m18x with a 500gb hard drive, but plan on using a 128gb crucial m4 ssd as my primary drive. Should I create an alien respawn usb prior to doing a clean windows install on the ssd?

 

Definetly. You should always have a back up of your factory image, just incase you ever need to get back to that "out of box" state. I strongly recommend creating recovery media ASAP and then stashing it away for safe keeping. You can do that via AlienRespawn that's preloaded on your machine. You will either need an 8gb USB or a couple of DVD's (rewritable ones do not work for this procedure, so don't use 'em).

 

Got it, thanks!

 

Exactly my thoughts. I definately want warranty coverage on the entire setup purchased from Dell.

Thanks! :thumbsup:

 

Thanks for this information. I have a 128GB Crucial M4 and will do the above :thumbsup:

 

Do you know how accurate the ship dates usually are? I placed the order for my m18x on Nov 26th and it's still in production. The estimated ship date is Dec. 6th.

 

They can often ship faster than estimated. It depends on your configuration and availability of components for your build. Sometimes parts can delay shipment, especially if they are a very high demand or limited availability component. There have been times that NVIDIA (580M and 680M) graphics cards and Extreme CPU demand far exceeded the availability of stock. This seems to be more frequent when a new product is released and everyone is trying the buy the baddest computer on the block.

 

I ordered mine on the 23rd and is also in production and says on the email it will be delivered on the 11th or sooner...

BUT!!

I also know and heard on the news the last month there is a strike going on at the ship yards where over seas products are being shipped into and that it is bottle-necked, so I wouldn't be surprised if our systems get caught up in this delay...I hope they don't but I wouldn't be surprised as a lot of companies are affected by this strike...

Maybe a Dell rep has info on this?

 

Well i was going through my quote that I had back in May of this year and noticed something I had in my original configuration. (my budget got slashed until 2013 since due to some other hardware must haves so I get to order on the first). Since I will be using the 18X as a desktop replacement and I have to take my Laptop home everyday that I am on call for work (every other month) I wanted to minimize the hassle of setting up each morning Dell had suggested a Universal USB 3.0 Super Speed Dual Video Docking Station ( Dell Part # A5576955 ). Has anyone used this and if you have is it worth the $189.99 they charge for it? I will be running 3 Dell Ultra Sharp U2412M 24" Monitors. I really wish that Dell would provide a docking station for this laptop. And the the system will have dual AMD video cards and I will be running all three screens at there highest supported resolutions.

 

By "all three" does that mean the built-in LCD plus 2 external displays, or not the built-in LCD, 3 external displays?

This thread may be of interest to you: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/575323-m18x-multiple-monitors.html

 

I meant Three 24 inch monitors I want all three to be the same size.

 

i did go through that long thread it was confusing and I did not see the Targus 3.0 mentioned.

 

I was providing the link to that thread for multi-monitor insight rather than the Targus 3.0. Some user have found it challenging to get 3 monitors functioning seamlessly for gaming, and that is why I shared the link.

Here is another one... http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...ia-surround-3-monitors-680m-sli-can-done.html

It seems that this works fine for normal Windows utilization, but it does not work for gaming in video surround mode. If you do not plan to use a triple-display for gaming, then it seems that it does not matter.

 

Thank you I will check it out. I will not be using this system for gaming.

 

I called customer service up yesterday and he said that due to the holiday season and demand, there *might* be some delays. Hopefully our m18x's ship within the next 2 days so we get them on time!

 

According to Andrew@Dell, there are problems with the current drivers that prevent the Dell-provided SSD from working correctly with the dual GTX 680m SLI option.

Can anyone clarify or verify this? I'm pretty sure I've seen people order this configuration on here.

 

Never heard of that before... maybe this was something they recently discovered. Indeed, others have ordered that configuration. I have not heard anyone here complainint of an issue, but given that you were provided a very succinct explanation why they will not sell it that way, I do not doubt the accuracy of it. In that case, I would just skip the Dell SSD, get the cheapest HDD they offer, go with the 680M SLI option and buy your own SSD drives. It would have been nice to have the Dell SSD drives, but if they have an issue with them it is good that they discovered it. They seem to have a thing for putting modded proprietary firmware on the drives for reasons I cannot explain. They do this to their Samsung SSD drives and their Seagate Momentus HDDs as well. Perhaps they should stop doing that, start using ordinary firmware, and maybe this sort of thing would not happen.

 

Just checked my email and from Dell; There is a delay is your shipment and your new date is the 14th (3 extra days) no explanation why...

That shipyard strike is now over so lets hope things get back in order...

 

Yeah it's strange, as there's no problem configuring the same setup with Dell's 256GB SSD drive. I also just found out that if you select the 256GB SSD first, and then change it to the 512GB model then there's no issue with configuration warnings. Maybe it is just a programming error on the site?

 

Damn that sucks. Well at least it's only 3 days...

 

Curious if any of you guys that have ordered recently have a sales rep you liked and gave you a good deal that you could PM me their info? I'm in the US. I've tried going through Andrew@dell and have had absolutely no luck getting in touch with a rep in the last 8 days. I've tried calling reps like the sales thread states and online chat with sales reps, and they won't offer anything better than the same deal I can get through the online builder. I really wanted to get one before x-mas but at this rate I might end up going with another company all together. Thanks in advance guys, this forum has been great.

 

Good news!!

Laptop was shipped on Saturday 8th and will be here on Wednesday 12th

 

So does the single GTX 680M version have optimus work well?

What is the battery life with just the IGP?

 

according to reviews, the battery life on IGP is nigh over 4 hours, which is great for an 18" monster.

 

There is indeed an issue with this configuration at the moment and Dell has blocked purchase of the 680m & SSD until issue is resolved. See below:-

Alienware M18x compatibility question - Alienware Forum - Alienware Club - Dell Community

 

Curious if this affects people who are getting their own SSD. I was going to order the M18 tonight with the dual 680's but ordered a SSD from Amazon and planned to install it myself. It would be disappointing if it doesn't work. Surely someone around here has 680's and SSD here, right?

 

Hmmmm......very interesting - especially as Chris has responded with a Dell stance on sales of 680m enabled machines with SSD's.....I wonder what it could be because there are many users out there who have that combination and I haven't seen anyone reporting anything untoward.

 

Mr. Fox mentioned that it could be because Dell is putting certain firmware onto their SSDs. Why this is he has no idea. Maybe Dell doesn't want their SSDs used in other configurations perhaps? I have no idea, but this is something Dell needs to get resolved quickly.

 

It may very well be related to this. I am glad I ordered a week before this started, ha ha.

 

Yes, I ordered my system today and couldnt get a freakin SSD. So can I buy my own SSD's and install them in RAID0 and it will work fine? I jope its just dell putting proprietary crap on their drive. Should I go ahead and buy the 3 ssd's and raid0 them? if I raid 0 3 ssd's. will I get sata3 performance since one will be running on the sata2 port? Also, what are some super fast SSD's but also are at least 500Gb?

 

I would not advise putting 3 drives (wether it be HDD or SSD) in a Raid0 array on an M18x because the Raid will only perform at Sata II 3gbps speeds, as you mentioned, because of the middle drive port Sata operation speed.

Just gonna pour out my thoughts on the SSD compatibility thing:

Well, as a halt has been put on ordering certain combo's with SSD's, my money is on something not being compatible at a software/firmware level between those two components. Obviously, configuring a machine with AMD cards does NOT throw up a compatibility alert - this means it is specific to Nvidia 680m & Dell SSD's. (noted that no compatibility alert arises when configured with HDD/mSata SSD so that narrows it down to issues with Dell's own traditional SSD's - namely the Samsung PM830 - which has been shipping out with new machines (at least they are what I got and I presume Dell still ship with these when SSD's are ordered).

Although Win 8 is not on the configuration page, there was never an issue with SSD's and 680m before - I'm thinking that maybe that Dell "in-house" testing with Windows 8 has *maybe* thrown up errors between Windows 8 and Nvidia 680m/Dell SSD combinations......we all know that there has not been an issue before for anyone purchasing that GPU/SSD combination before running Windows 7.

As it's only a matter of time before new machines start shipping with Windows 8 pre-installed, Dell possibly have identified a problem for those who would upgrade to Windows 8 coming from a Windows 7 machine.

The other thought was that Dell are now shipping with Samsung 840's - they seem to be having some troubles but if that were the case, why withdraw just the Nvidia combo? - gotta be something to do with Nvidia I reckon.....

Just a hunch and, of course, my own speculations......

 

I hope this don't effect all SSD because I plan on installing Win 8 on my Crucial that I got on sale $365 back in August, this thing is awesome for those looking...

Amazon.com: Crucial m4 512GB 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SATA 6Gb/s CT512M4SSD2: Computers & Accessories

1 day away, I hope Fedex comes early in afternoon instead of late

 

Check out this super performance SSD. Corsair Neutron Series GTX CSSD-N480GBGTX-BK 2.5" 480GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

 

Quick question, Red or Black and more importantly, is it worth the extra £590 for the 680m SLI config over the 7970m? Had nothing but porblems with the 7970m tbh.

Whats the aluminium finish like? Does it scratch easier then the soft touch?

 

waiting for mine to arrive, I chose Red over Black although for a few $ more I could have gotten a better processor (2820QM over 2720QM) - but I'm too in love with Red (bought a Manufacturer Refurbished model, in case you're wondering). The anodized aluminium finish should be of the same quality as that on XPS models, which is great. Very sturdy, no flex and best of all - doesn't attract any fingerprints. Over 1 year of ownership, I never scratched mine, so it's resistant to some abuse as well.

I waited 4 weeks for a 680m SLI configuration to show up, even though they were hundreds of rigs with 7970m's in CFX with pretty decent specs all across the board. but I simply feel that great driver support and a better game experience are simply worth the money. that's my own personal opinion - if you're in dire straits and you have to choose between, say, 680m SLI or upgraded warranty, then go for the latter.

 

A lot of food for thought.

Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated.

 

So I went for a Base spec with The 680m in SLI.

Asked Stevie's guy for a deal, and this is what he came back with:

Alienware M18x Base
English Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 BIT)
8192MB (4x2GB) 1866MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
Internal UK/Irish Qwerty Keyboard
Dual 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 680M SLI™
500GB 7,200rpm SATA 3Gb/s HDD
DVD+/-RW (Read/Write)
Creative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro Software
Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO with Bluetooth 4.0
UK 2M 250V Power Cord
Western Europe Documentation (EN, FR, IT, GER, DUT)
1 yr Next Day In-Home Hardware Support
Primary 12-cell 96W/HR LI-ION
3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3740QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.7GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
Integrated Skype HD Certified FullHD Camera with dual digital microphones
Alienware M18x Nebula Red - Anodized Aluminum
Alienhead 3D
(GMT + 00.00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Terra Green
1 year Accidental Damage Protection
Alienware 3D Wallpaper
18.4" WideFHD (1920 x 1080) WLED LCD
Alienware M18x Resource DVD
Anti Virus Not Included


With £400 off the price i had for the base spec.

Comes to a total of £2450.

What do you think?

 

I'd say that's pretty good....around 15% off list price. He can only realistically look at more off if you are spending a lot more on stuff like warranty, ssd's, ram etc.....pretty sweet deal if you ask me.

 

Quite pleased with it tbh. Same price i paid for a M17X R3 with the 6970 18 months ago!

Not fussed about HDD's tbh, gonna buy an SSD separately and i have a spare 8gb of Ram floating about if i want to bump it up. As for Blu-ray, i watched one in 18months, most of the time i just download them so its of no real use to me.

 

So, you gonna bag it? - good time to buy - especially with the £120 off the start price....

 

Looks like it. Got till Thursday to go for it. Gonna re jig some money around and see what happens

 

Cool. Has he said you would get it in time for Christmas?

 

that's a neat configuration, same as mine although I plan to upgrade to an SSD and chip in more RAM later on. I also bought an Asus RT-N56U router to complement the Killer Wireless card, along with a NotePal U3 which arrived yesterday (man, it's huge!). the laptop by itself will cost me around 2400 euro, which is almost equivalent to 2k GBP - but it's a refurbed model, so I'm really anxious to see if it has any noticeable working defects (not too fussed about any light scratches). willing to spend an extra 500 euro in SSD, RAM, mouse (RAT 7), headphones (still juggling budget vs. 3D sound), bag and all those bits and pieces (already spent around 120 for the router and cooler). whatever you spend, and whatever you do - keep in mind this is a one-off purchase that will serve you well for at least 2 years. it's a justified splurge!