*OFFICIAL* Alienware 18 Owner's Lounge Thread

Have you tried these on Dell's driver page?

 

Lol.. I'd like to know the numbers of people that return their machine then to reorder with some XM love

 

SORRY but i think the new screen is hideous.. its fat, fat bezel.. nothing new age about it when you are looking at the screen

 

Ha! Looked right over those at least half a dozen time and did not notice them. Are the Dell drivers the same as what you get from Intel's site? I have seen it mentioned a few times that it is better to download drivers from the device manufacturers where possible.

 

Yes, it is, but it depends. For now just install the Dell ones. Now you are looking for max stability. There will be time to tweak hardware and update drivers later on. Now you want to have all devices to work properly.

 

Looking for info regarding max RAM vs Win7. My computer will be delivered with 8 GB and I have an additional 16 GB at home that I will upgrade with. Is there any drawbacks with 24GB when running win7 since I read somewhere that win7 uses max 16GB RAM. Or will win7 not even work with more that 16GB?

Regarding win7, I'm doing at fresh install on my Samsung PRO 840s in raid 0, will the DVD that comes with the computer do the trick or will I get a Dell/Alienware tweaked win7 and will I be better off buying an win7 OEM-DVD at the store for a totally fresh install? (I have no intention of using the respawn files ever, whenever I need to reinstall I always get the latest drivers from dell.com anyway)

 

Hey Guys, I have one question. I have order my AW 18 with Windows 7. the basic edition they provide. I also ordered a 16GB ram with my machine, but i have 2x8GB ram with me already from my old machine. I just wanted to know whats the maximum RAM Windows 7 support. Also 16 GB, i think Dell is just going with the cheapest way out with 4x4GB ram???? am i right or is it 2x8??

 

Windows 7 Home Premium supports a maximum of 16gb Memory, so unless you upgrade your OS, putting more ram in than that will be a futile exercise as the OS will not use it. I imagine, although I am not 100% sure, that a 16gb configuration will come in 4x4 style, as 4gb modules are cheaper than 8gb modules. Could be wrong though....don't know if anyone has had one delivered and opened it up to check as of yet...

 

Nice Laptop BTW

i would like to ask you something when you already receive your laptop

 

Could somebody please run 3DMark11 on a single 780m in an AW 18?
I need to know if the 780m is throtteling in the 18 too.

Thx

 

Originally Posted by chocopoo12

Nice Laptop BTW

i would like to ask you something when you already receive your laptop

---

Thank you ... I hope it is! ... but this forum is freaking me out with all the noise about dents and scratches, someone had a problem with his SLI dual graphics card...

I'm patiently waiting for it though, and it shows on dell that my laptop is still in "pre-production"... not sure why some people got theirs in like literally 2 weeks... will post when I get it curious to know what u wanna ask tho hehehe

 

Be careful with the "Pre-Production" status, my system had been in "Pre-Production" from 29th June (1st Time) then got cancelled by Dell and re-processed only for it to be cancelled again this morning (2nd Time)
My EDD was originally 29th July also.

Dell has re-processed (as we speak), but now EDD has moved to a later date 2nd August (yeah I know it's only the end of the same week but still), I was expecting to see a "In-Production" Status this morning not a "Cancelled" Status.
I seriously hope this system is worth it!

Strange how when you look on the web-site the EDD are like 21st July !!!! Yet once ordered it moves to a later date .... then gets cancelled (twice) then gets an even later date.

 

Order Status: SHIPPED!!

11 days early!!! My original EDD was 07/26 - like many others have posted. My "overnight" shipping will get it here Monday since we don't accept FedEx deliveries over the weekend at my office.

So …. Is there a specific thread in here that'll help me with everything I need to do on Day One? This is my first Alienware laptop and I want to get it set up right and keep it clean right off the bat.

Thanks in advance.
SEAN

 

Hey, aah can u tell me when ur machien was moved to production and how long was it in that stage???

 

My is in perfect condition, no scratches or anything just perfect.

 

I ordered it on 7/03 - very late in the day. It was never listed as Pre-Production. In-Production for 9 days. At 5:45am this morning I got a confirmation email that it was shipped. I tracked it and it was actually picked up by FedEx last night.

I think I got a pretty generic setup or something. They really cranked this thing out.

 

This is great to hear.
I'm hoping for the same. This forum is freaking me out a bit too!

 

Warning! If you order with windows8, there will be no possible to do a clean install, because the alienrespawn don't really work in windows8. I'm trying to do a fresh windows8 install in my ssd with my own windows8 DVD, and it don't let me do it.

 

You can call Dell and ask them for a recovery DVD for Windows 8.

I'd still recommend purchasing your system with Win7 and upgrading later. You'll have the disc in hand and everything will work properly out of the box.

 

Yeeeaaah. I know what you mean.

 

Thanks for that... hopefully mine's perfect too when it gets here...

Lucky you, that's pretty fast!!! ... mine's been in pre-production and still is since 24/06 basically..

Well, too late for me and I'm sure a few others... I'll let post my Win 8 "straight out of the box" experience when I get mine...

 

It shouldn't be too late. You can still request it. :thumbsup:

Send a PM to a representative on this forum.

 

Well that's what I did. The problem is some security features in the bios don't let me install my own windows8...!!!

 

Ok. First impressions. This thing is waaaaayyyyyy thick. It makes my M17X R3 look like a Razor. It is also very heavy compared to the 17 R3. I carry my laptop to work every day and I am really noticing the difference. I miss the media control bar, but I love the programmable keys. I got a 128GB mSATA drive, but it came with no screw. All of the screws I have from previous computer dealings will not fit. At the moment a simple screw is keeping me from installing the mSATA. Tiny screw hole for some reason. The screen bezel is terrible, but I like the extra screen space. No issues with the keyboard "digging" into my wrists as of yet. This thing was very slow with the stock Dell Win7 install. After a fresh Win8 installation on my 500GB SSD she runs very quick. It seems to be a very sturdy build, like a tank really. More impressions and benchmarks to come.

 

"New age" stuff isn't always good. IMHO, the whole concept of the edge-to-edge glass is a bad joke. I don't care how good it looks when you can't see anything on the screen because of the reflections. I don't need another mirror in my house. If you keep your machine in a dark room all the time, might as well get a desktop...

But what do I know....

 

I believe the security feature you are referring to is called 'SecureBoot'. If you disable this in the BIOS you should be able to load any OS you want without having this problem.

 

Oh ok brother, I will give it a try when I get home. Thanks a lot man!

 

Im not a huge fan of the massive bezzel, but that been said, my priority is the power of the machine, and for that they need space in the main core unit, which is why i think they had to extend the bezzel. For that reason im fine. But that been said, its such a powerfull machine, i would have been happier if they gave a higher res screen option. Full HD is good, but for a mchine most are planning to use for next 3-4 years, might be a let down. Also, i would love it if it have the 3D screen option in AW 18 too and not just AW17

 

I think that we probably would have more options but for the fact that variety is limited in the 18" size. Having a unique display built exclusive for the Alienware M18x/18 for the sake of having variety would most likely be prohibitively expensive.

 

I understand, but considering a 10" table has 2560×1600px these days, and here we are buying a 3000+$ machine and still just have a 1920p . And even a 3d screen in 17inch is just and option but its there. Its not a massive flow, i mean ill get a higher res external screen and most of u will too, but i hope u seem my comparison of where screen technology is these days and this is supposed to be a technologically leading brand, let alone the technology leading Model in that brand lol.

 

Games, GPU's, etc. are all made with 1080p as a standard for performance. Higher resolutions would decrease FPS and overall performance output of systems. Alienware wants to say, "most powerful in the Universe" and they can at 1080p. But shouldn't they have consulted with other planets first?

 

Games, GPU are made 1080p in mind, but do u think it will be the same in a year or 2???? Im working in Ubisoft and i can assure u NO is the answer . The GPUs too are made for higher res. Pros of the 780 over the 680 is it can handle high res games better. But that been said as i said again, im fine with the current res, but would have been better if they had options. Just saying .

 

See you in two years then. You made your own argument irrelevant by stating that.

 

are u going to use this machine just for a year? or 2 max??? Man ur flithy Rich ENVY!!!!!!!

 

Im here in peace dude, not looking for an arguement, Ill get an external screen anyways, all should be fine

 

My point was that they cannot sell something that doesn't exist. If they have one display available in the size needed for the M18x/18 products, then that's the only option available. I wouldn't be willing to pay a lot extra for a higher resolution display. I might consider paying just a little bit more, but 1080p is good as far as I am concerned. I don't feel what I have is lacking and it provides a satisfying experience for me. My preference would be to spend more on other performance component upgrades like CPU, GPU, memory, SSD.

Some people are passionate about pixels and would be willing to pay a lot extra, but it still has to make good financial sense for the manufacturer to offer it. Having to carry service parts for multiple display panel options is also not a good business model. The moment the more expensive part became unavailable the folks that paid extra for it would have an emotional meltdown and want to go ninja over it. Imagine the venting threads we would see over that. It would be outrageous.

 

All I want to see for the 18 is 16:10, 1920x 1200. It would distinguish Alienware from the crowd and add a little sharpness without causing Windows scaling issues and decreasing FPS in games and battery life much.

120hz 3d would be nice, but Dell probably thinks that owners will not move the 18 around often and can buy external monitors, which is fine.

 

I want to see close up shots of the innards of this new beast... come on folks pop them covers and give us a show!

 

We are talking about the present, not the future. I can't goto Alienware.com TODAY and buy a higher resolution screen for the 18.

Edit: And yes, I use computers for about two years and sell them to buy new tech.

 

Aaaah well there u go, in a year or 2 we shall be crying for a high res screen where as you will be flashing ur brand new machine . I wish we were all that lucky. Which is one thing i like abt AW u have a chance to even upgrade GPU and CPU in future, So 780 - a maybe 980 is possible, but getting just the right screen upgrade is tough for a laptop. Anyways, kind of over stretched this top, Respect J.Dre and Peace OUT!!!!

 

Haha that's funny I have the same delivery date but payed for 2 day air. I'm probably going to get mine on Saturday/Sunday at the rate it's going now (already in my town)!!! WOOOOT NANER NANER NAnEr

 

You certainly are not alone in that desire. A number of people speak of it. Do we know with certainty that an 18" 16:10 1200p screen is even available. If there is, do we really know that offering it would provide a remarkable financial benefit to Dell. I don't know that any of us can answer those questions.

The drawback to the 3D would be 120Hz is not compatible with the Intel HD Graphics, so you would end up with a limited functionality machine like the 17 with 3D display. That would present a problem for some folks not being able to enjoy longer battery life when they need it. The 17 with the 3D display does not seem to have sold as well as the 60Hz screen, but it is likely that the same 120Hz screen is being used in machines sold by competitors. If so, the viability of the panel for the LCD manufacturer is not as questionable. If it were requisitioned for the 18, it might be the only machine offered for sale anywhere that uses the panel and that might not be a lucrative business venture for the LCD manufacturer or Dell/Alienware.

Some may think that 3D is more gimmick than benefit, and not everyone knows that 120Hz offers a better graphical experience regardless of whether it would be used for 3D. I can only imagine that there is a financial risk for Dell or any other company to assume that all of the people speaking out about their desire for a better display will immediate rush out and buy one if it were offered. If that happened, it could turn out to be a big success, but there is also a chance that it could also be a costly mistake.

 

A good thing about the 3D/120Hz option, in my opinion, is not having to deal with Optimus. Games perform at their best. Which I would argue is what having a beast 18" laptop is all about - ultimate performance. It's not a big deal because you can disable it, but it's just an annoyance that is thrown out with the 120Hz package.

I like that.

 

Well haveing the SLI, we wont be able to use the Intel HD graphics, we wont have the optimus feature so doesnt that make the 120Ghz screen more senseible in AW 18?? As it woulr be most of the time pluged in too.

I am not very knowledgeable about it so would love to see what you guys think about it.

 

I'm sorry, but that is not correct. You do have manual switchable graphics and the Intel HD graphics work flawlessly. It is not Optimus, but it is actually superior to Optimus in the opinion of almost all M18x owners. With manual graphics switching, the user maintains absolute control over which graphic subsystem functions. Nothing in terms of functionality is left to the discretion of software. When one is employed, the other is turned off electrically and "does not exist" as far as the system is concerned. The system not in use is invisible even in the BIOS because it is turned off completely. It requires a reboot, but that is a non-issue for M18x owners almost unanimously.

You are correct that most are plugged in all the time and we are passionate enough about performance that battery life takes a back seat. But, there are many (myself included) that travel extensively and there have been times that having the M18x R2 with 5+ hours of battery run time has been appreciated as an added value feature. I could certainly live without it, but I like having it.

 

AAAh srry, as i said i didnt knw about those stuff, and yeah to be honest, if we are plugged all the time, we might as well solve all the problem with the external screen, if that is yours priority. But also, its great to knw that the AW 18 could give a 5+ battery life.

 

I'm not a big fan of 3D necessarily, but I have seen the difference first hand between your usual 60hz monitors and the 120hz monitors - the difference is huge. At least coming from the perspective of a HUGE FPS fan. The slightest twitch or movement in the distance of your view port can make or break you in clutch situations. So - I guess what I want to say is: do you dislike the 120hz package because of the 3D management software? What is it specifically about Optimus? Anything else?


*edit* Wanted to just add that the high refresh rate makes it looks so much more beautiful

 

No worries, Vulcan03... no apologies are needed. We are glad to have folks asking questions like this. There are many assumptions that are false, and many rumors that are inaccurate. When people like yourself ask good questions, then everyone reading the thread that previously received misinformation will benefit.

 

I'm pretty much the same, in regards to gaming, but I like 3D movies... Gotta love higher refresh rates.

 

Nice. Now how do you feel about netcode in multiplayer games... if only we all had 50 pings there would be no reason for brazilians with 170 pings to outgun you because of that...