*OFFICIAL* Alienware 18 Owner's Lounge Thread

I'm moving away from Macs back to PC's. I do alot of photo editing and video stuff. Some of my psd files get very large. So a minimum of 16 for me, preferably 32.

 

mmm... controversial statement, in which I also detect a hint of hostility, considering there are quite a few benchmarkers here. To each one their own. I disagree that benchmarking doesn't translate into pushing or using the machine--quite the contrary actually. In fact, the computer is pushed to its limits and beyond (see the need to use modded PSU in order to surpass those limits.)

I am not a benchmarker myself (although I crunched some numbers with decent results back then with the M18x r1 and 6990xfire), but I don't find it good taste tell the so many passionate about overclock and benchmarking that what they do and like is pointless. For many people here finding the limits of this computer through benchmarks is the very reason they bought it, or the main one, in the first place. They love to tweak and mod a notebook that is so powerful and has so much potential and see where it goes if/when pushed beyond its normal limits. Is car-racing pointless? is that inner drive that makes some people want to climb the highest cliffs pointless? You can't dismiss someone's passion and call it pointless just because you have no knowledge of it or you don't share that same urge or passion. Who are we to judge someone's passions? Besides, who knows how many would find pointless buying a 4k machine to just type code in it. Sounds diminishing and untrue doesn't it? Well, that's exactly how your comment sounds, too. Be respectful of what others like, please.

 

yeah in your case I would prolly opt to get at least 24gb or ram. Photoshop is a real memory muncher . Video edition is an other real good utilization of ram, so is MS Sharepoint...

But solely for gaming you just don't need more than 8gb of ram and wont get much benefit from having more. IMO.

 

I think for a lot of people, the added 8GB memory is so cheap (relative to the machine) that adding it doesn't affect them enough to worry about it. If like in the old days, when memory was measured in 256 MB for > $100, then people would weigh their options more.

I would guess that pretty much everyone uses their machines for a mix of other things and not solely for gaming so having the extra memory can't hurt or be something to be concerned with, relative to the cost...I'm as cheap as they come and even if I configured a machine with 8GB, would probably just add 8 more since it's pretty low cost. This is of course, after adding in the SSD as well.

I run multiple browsers with literally 40+ tabs opened in each one. Add in Quickbooks Enterprise as a networked server, media programs, very unoptimized security camera monitors, and who knows how much memory I am using...

 

My apologies, did not intend for that statement to come off that way . Benchmarking certainly has it's place in making sure that hardware is functioning properly, and the car-racing analogy was very valid.

In terms of spending 4k on a machine to type code into, writing code can be done on really any device with a text editor and an input device, but it's compiling it and hosting testbeds for various coding projects that justify the price of the machine

 

So, I sold my AW 17 and called Alienware today to configure an AW 18, and both reps I spoke to refused to configure a system with dual 780M's. I was told my only option was to buy the $5200 bundle with 4 x 256GB SSD's. Funny thing is...I told both of them I don't mind waiting for the 780M's to be back in stock and they both told me that wasn't the issue: the issue was simply the fact that the 780M's are only available for the maxed spec system. They're wrong...right?

I'll try again tomorrow.

 

They are not necessarily wrong. Put it this way, if you only had X amount of something, and it was in high demand, would you offer it on a low profit machine or a high profit machine......we've already seen that you have to go above minimum spec to get 780m's - why not make even more money by making them only available with highly configured machines. That logic would follow suit regarding the new tiered structures and would mean even more profit for Dell from those who want 780m SLI.

 

So, in other words: they are right for the time being. Okay, well, maybe I'll just wait...

 

Who knows, they could be wrong. Just keep trying. Best of luck with it :thumbsup:

 

Yeah, I'd guess until the 780m becomes more available, they probably aren't in any rush to let people buy the 4k machine rather than the 5-6k machine. Wait time even for the maxed out system is October...To me, that sounds insane, but oh well...

Maybe the non-kit is cheaper, but so pricey outside of a system purchase:
Alienware M17X M18X VGA Upgrade KIT NEW Nvidia GTX 780M 4GB DDR5 MXM 3 0B | eBay

This reminds me of the Hobbit being 3 movies vs. 1.

 

Hey guys I have a quick question for you guys. I have a aw 17 currently with a 756m Im thinking of buying a 780m for it but then I got the bright Idea to probably return it and get a 18 with dual 770m do you guys think its worth it instead of keeping the 17 and getting a single 780 I know that the 780 is beastly but the idea of sli intrigues me. The total cost for my change will cost me 700 either way so just looking for opinions

 

I would grab the 18 I got that exact one your talking about its great and later I can upgrade it with 780's once the rush settles down lol....I have mine loaded up - the 780's.....

 

On paper SLI 770m's are about 30% more powerful than a single 780m. In reality? It's going to vary markedly from game-to-game, depending upon driver maturity and engine development. In some games a single 780m will be more powerful, in others the SLI 770M's will provide some edge.

I would go with the 18, because I prefer a larger more solid laptop, but it would be a close thing. The simple reliability of a single, more powerful card as offered by the m17 is appealing.

 

Do let me know frame rates of games.

 

Anyone have some 770 sli game results
Notebook check doesn't seem to have them existing

 

Go with the 18 for multiple reasons:

• Better/Large Screen
• Dual-GPU Bandwidth; Overall Greater Performance
• More Robust Upgrade Potential
• MUCH Easier to Work On
• Better Resale Value
• Greater Unique/Wow/Fun-Factor

The new 17 is a good machine and there is not a wide gap in build quality like there was in the last two generations, but it's not extraordinary ordinary in terms of specs and performance potential.

 

Hi everyone, I ordered my 18 with 780's on July 30th with a August 21 deliver date and here's what I just received by email from Dell below, thoughts? I'm not planning on canceling the order because I ordered many other items to go with the laptop at the same time, all were paid for and shipped to my house.

Here's the email:

[ Deleted email content - please review Forum Rules ]

 

Can anyone tell me why the Alienware 18's screen is considered better than the 14 and 17's matte screen?
I have been comparing my 14 and 18's screens and I am quite convinced I like the crisper details of the 14's screen better. Also, no glare.

Just curious. Thank you.

 

Not sure I would say the 18's screen is better.

Obviously the 14 is going to look much sharper if you get the 1080 version, because the pixel density is much better.

The 18 is advertised as having a higher NIT screen (350 vs. 300 for the m17) and has some new Samsung 'TrueLife' technology (which is advertised as helping with glare, and seems to be a compromise between Gloss and Matte).

I like all three. In store they stand head and shoulders above the washed out (but admittedly power efficient) ultrabook TN monitors around them.


In a well lit store I find the screens for all 3 pleasing, and the new 17 panel looks about equal to the 18's.

 

Hey guys,

I've ordered mine on the 6th of August. ETA - 9th of September

Spec:

4th Generation Intel(R)Core(TM)i7-4700MQ processor (6MB Cache, up to 3.4GHz w/ Intel(R)Turbo Boost)

16GB Dual Channel DDR3L at 1600MHz 1

1.5TB RAID 0 (2x750GB 7200RPM) + 64GB mSATA SSD Caching 1

Slot-Loading 8x SuperMulti Drive (DVDR/RW)

Dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M with 4GB GDDR5 - NVIDIA SLI Enabled

Windows 8 Pro

----------------------

I have some spare parts left over from my m17x R4 (just sold recently), so as soon as I get this baby, I'm putting in the Crucial M4 256GB SSD and Corsair Vengance 1600 RAM (4x8gb sticks).

From what I've read in the Forum, it looks like the next step is to repaste, right?

Also seriously considering buying a CPU off ebay and upgrading myself. What do you think about this?

Finally looking forward to my first ever OC excercise I don't even know where to start but looking forward to it!

 

You might have trouble with those corsair ram modules. I'm sure they are 1.5volts? From what I'm reading the new 18's require the newer low voltage 1.35 ram.

 

Congratulations on the purchase of your new beast! I'm sure you will love it.....

If I were you, I would not immediately jump into tearing the machine down and repasting it. I would play some games and run some benchmarks first, and check and see how the temps look. Give it a little time.

The stock TIM from Dell is generally considered to be very good, if not superior in some cases to aftermarket paste. It also has a very long shelf life, so you won't necessarily need to repaste as often as you would if you were using something else.

If things don't appear to be where they should be temperature wise after you put the machine through its paces, then by all means go ahead and try a repaste. Otherwise, I would leave well enough alone.

 

I agree with the above as well and that's my plan once/if I get my machine...Sorta give Dell a chance to see how things are out of the box and make changes as needed.

With my time constraints, If it ain't broke, no fixie...

 

I run the stock Dell TIM whenever possible. If assembled properly, it is superior.

 

I wish I could get a system spec'd like that seeing that I have a lot of spare parts from my old laptop that I would use with it, but there is no way to spec one with the Dual 780's w/8-16g ram and keep the 4700 to get the 780's I would have to spend a lil over $5000

 

Right? Can't justify that. The older model is now only 2,400$ with 680's. Just becomes more and more tempting. I need 770 SLI feedback though! Everyone in here has 780's except a handful of fellas, I need to hear from them!

 

ugh I hope the lower model with 780Ms comes back in stock soon, the 17% off coupon I got from a guy on here expires on September 1st

 

Have another one of those coupons? I could use one...

 

Looks Like mine won't be ready until Sept 26th the waiting game again :/ lol

 

Specs on that?

 

mine still in production...

 

Thanks for the tips guys! I wasn't aware that their paste is so good. I'll do as you say and run benchmarks first.

What about the CPU? Would you upgrade or not?

On my old lappy games like Civ 5 at the late stage of the game would take quite a while to finish the turn. My thoughts are - it's the CPU to blame (large map, a lot of civs => plenty to compute).

On the other hand, I should probably wait and see how it performs on the new monster

Geeez, there's still another 2.5 weeks to wait what am I gonna do? I've been without a gaming beast for 2 weeks now :|

Thanks! You're right. You've just saved me some frustration I guess I'll leave the RAM config as is for now.

Anyone interested in 2xCorsair CMSX8GX3M1A1600C10 8GB (1x8GB) Vengeance Performance Memory Module DDR3 1600MHz CL10 SODIMM
? ^^

 

I'm hoping once the initial rush is done that will give us more configuration options I really wish they would give the options like they did the previous models.

 

As do I. I wanted 780's.

 

So what's the general feeling about the state of these AW 18 'R1' boxes? There's a host of problems going on with these things but I haven't noticed any mention of them in here recently, figured it would be ALL anyone's talking about at this point:

Defective LCD backlighting (bleeding at the edges & corners, green tint in spots, no choice but to call for replacement)
USB 3.0 devices connecting at low speed or disconnecting randomly (nothing you can do, bug in Haswell chipset)
GPU throttling (at least this we can totally fix with a custom vbios flash)
CPU throttling heavily under load & overheating during stress tests (this nasty wound can be bandaged presently but still bleeds)

I understand the bleeding edge has its ups and downs but this is kind of nuts. As a first-time Alienware owner this is disappointing stuff, particularly the CPU issue since people that have no intention of overclocking and just want a sleek, fast machine expect at LEAST the performance specs they were sold, not researching forums and using several 3rd party utilities just to approach the performance they paid for in the first place. That's what enthusiasts do to go ABOVE the baseline performance, regular users shouldn't have to do all that just to get to the starting line. As an enthusiast at heart, I'm gonna ride this storm to the finish and see where we all end up but the out of box experience has been very disappointing for me.

EDIT - also, can someone PRETTY PLEASE take a picture of their defect-free AW 18 IPS screen with a black background at full brightness so we can get an idea of what it should look like? I just can't bring myself to accept these statements I'm reading that backlight bleeding around the edges and corners just comes with the territory of an IPS panel. Myself I plan to keep replacing it until they get me a panel worthy of the ridiculous price I paid for this machine.

 

I may be interested in the RAM, depending on the price. Shoot me an email at [email protected].

 

View attachment 100938

Something new came in mail today. Overnighted from Newegg.

 

I will love that you do some bench mark to see how faster it is. Thanks.

 

Don't have time man. I'll do it next week when I get the time.

 

Just a question for those who have received there aw18's.

Can you connect/display 3d content over hdmi to tv or projector?

 

you take you time brother!

 

NICE! Wanna trade for a couple of Seagate 1TB HDD? jk - congrats... I would love to have a couple of those bad boys.

 

Wow! That's amazing.

 

I was at first going to buy the Hitachi 1.5 TB HDD (not in stock yet as of now) since I am leaving US next week, and won't be back for a considerable amount of time. Just my luck that the Samsung 840 Evo came back in stock at Newegg 2 days ago. Judging from the review of it on Anandtech, putting two of them in RAID 0 will definitely be quite something. One bummer is that Samsung RAPID can only be used on 1 drive in each system now. I believe it uses the SSD's own NAND flash as cache. On the 1TB drive, 12 GB is used. Then again, even when formatted, the 840 Evo 1TB has more space than the M500 960GB. My M500 is 894GB, the Samsung has slightly more space, so the caching is not really an issue.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/samsung-840-evo-review-1tb-ssd,3567-14.html

I used to not advocate SSD. But I am an avid music listener and as such my ears are some what sensitive. The sound and vibration of HDD is actually very well damped in the AW 18, but I am quite sure in a silent room I could hear the HDD whining away. Yeah I know the AW is gonna get noisy anyway when gaming, esp with the GPU overclocked, but I would prefer to make it sleek and silent and lethal. Hehe.

 

Hello I have been lurking in this forum for a couple years now and I am ashamed to be saying that lol.
however I am now serious about my notebook and want to be a part of the community.

I found someone else here who is encountering the same problem as me.
I am trying to purchase an alienware 18 from dell with dual 780's however NONE of the dell reps would let me do so. They all say "all we have is the 5,200 one" which is crazily expensive to me. I was looking to spend about 3,600 for dual 780's and a 4900 or 4930 cpu.
I really hope they have a real "built your own" option. I have been looking this whole week with no luck.
maybe sometime in sept they might. If anyone knows of any info on it please do let me know.

 

Hey & welcome into activeness!

Although AFAIK not confirmed by Dell, there is a shortage of 780M's. Either that or they are really taking advantage of most people desiring the 780M over the 770 and even 765.
Some discussions also mention the possibility of other shortages (such as IPS screen) but not so sure about that

 

Hey Yeti575. Does your 18 seethe 1866 ram correctly? I was going to buy some but wast sure if te notebook would see and set it up correctly.

 

I'm in the same boat as you I'm hoping that Alienware will later on once they get there stock back up allow us to build are own systems I really don't want to be spending $5200 on a 780m model plus I'm going to be buying a 18 and 17 for my fiancé.

 

How many external monitors does the Alienware 18 support? I was kinda thinking of getting the 18 or the Clevo P370SM3 which I already know can support 3 external monitors but I was wondering if the 18 could at least do 2 or more?

 

Still running the stock RAM, I need to tidy that signature. Part of it goes back to my M18xR1