The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
← Previous pageNext page →

    *OFFICIAL* M18x Owner's Lounge Thread

    Discussion in 'Alienware 18 and M18x' started by BatBoy, May 4, 2011.

  1. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    I concurr......I thought it would be a biggie but it really isnt ....maybe it would be for extremely photo critical work but for normal use, this M18x screen is pretty damn good!
     
    steviejones133, Jun 26, 2011
    #851
  2. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist

    Reputations:
    37,213
    Messages:
    39,333
    Likes Received:
    70,624
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Coming from two recent R2 owners, this is very good to hear. I'm not as apprehensive now.
     
    Mr. Fox, Jun 27, 2011
    #852
  3. 5150Joker

    5150Joker Tech|Inferno

    Reputations:
    4,974
    Messages:
    7,036
    Likes Received:
    113
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Make me a third..been saying this for a while now. The screen looks great when calibrated with proper hardware.
     
    5150Joker, Jun 27, 2011
    #853
  4. Rafix

    Rafix Cave Canem

    Reputations:
    871
    Messages:
    839
    Likes Received:
    217
    Trophy Points:
    56
    You can add me on the list. If you calibrate the M18x screen, as I did, then you won't miss much the RGB led.
     
    Rafix, Jun 27, 2011
    #854
  5. mfractal

    mfractal T|I

    Reputations:
    1,948
    Messages:
    2,890
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Bet all of you would have jumped on the RGB LED option if it was available :)
     
    mfractal, Jun 27, 2011
    #855
  6. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    Haha, well.....sure! - why not! :D
     
    steviejones133, Jun 27, 2011
    #856
  7. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    Can someone answer a simple question for me?

    Concerning clean install on the beast.....video drivers. Is there any specific order in which to install? - should I do iGPU first or AMD?

    Cheers guys!
     
    steviejones133, Jun 27, 2011
    #857
  8. reborn2003

    reborn2003 THE CHIEF!

    Reputations:
    7,764
    Messages:
    2,988
    Likes Received:
    349
    Trophy Points:
    101
    Hey there Stevie,

    From what I remember reading it was to install the intel iGPU drivers 1st and then the AMD GPU ones.

    Here is a quote from Batboy back in the day.

    "Did you install the Intel HD Graphics driver? If not, always install it prior to installing the NV driver. On Optimus based systems, this order: Intel HD Driver ----> NV Driver".

    It was for the M17 R3, however I assume that it should still hold true for the M18x.

    Cheers. :)
     
    reborn2003, Jun 27, 2011
    #858
  9. reborn2003

    reborn2003 THE CHIEF!

    Reputations:
    7,764
    Messages:
    2,988
    Likes Received:
    349
    Trophy Points:
    101
    Here is a good little guide as well Stevie to help you along your way.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...er-install-order-guide-alienware-systems.html

    It mentions stuff about all the Alienware models as well as the M18x system.
    Also thanks to BatBoy again oles! :p :D

    Cheers. :)
     
    reborn2003, Jun 27, 2011
    #859
  10. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    Cheers Chief,

    Yeah - I got BB's clean install thread bookmarked! - I saw that the iGPU drivers go 1st on NV based systems but it didnt give a specific order for AMD based systems.....I suppose iGPU first it will be! :)
     
    steviejones133, Jun 27, 2011
    #860
  11. phobic

    phobic Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    27
    Messages:
    156
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    What's the cheapest/most accurate way for me to calibrate my screen? The Spyder products are pricey but using the M18X screen next to my 23" monitor makes me want to get something to actually calibrate the screen.
     
    phobic, Jun 27, 2011
    #861
  12. mfractal

    mfractal T|I

    Reputations:
    1,948
    Messages:
    2,890
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Your best bet is the Spyder or the alternative called X-Rite EODIS2 Eye-One Display 2
    (i think they even use the same hardware)
     
    mfractal, Jun 27, 2011
    #862
  13. SOS4DELL

    SOS4DELL A Notebook Philosopher

    Reputations:
    865
    Messages:
    969
    Likes Received:
    20
    Trophy Points:
    31
    When you think of your neurons, optical nerves and eyes... (and many years of use ahead) it's not so pricey... ;)
     
    SOS4DELL, Jun 27, 2011
    #863
  14. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

    Reputations:
    5,955
    Messages:
    10,196
    Likes Received:
    91
    Trophy Points:
    466
    2012 is almost here, what many years are you talking about? :p
     
    Aikimox, Jun 27, 2011
    #864
  15. JTOverath

    JTOverath Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    83
    Messages:
    672
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Not everybody gets every new laptop that comes out LOL
     
    JTOverath, Jun 27, 2011
    #865
  16. mfractal

    mfractal T|I

    Reputations:
    1,948
    Messages:
    2,890
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    LOL
    21.12.12 eh ?
     
    mfractal, Jun 27, 2011
    #866
  17. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

    Reputations:
    5,955
    Messages:
    10,196
    Likes Received:
    91
    Trophy Points:
    466
    100% hehe

    Well, you only have 1 maybe 2 refreshes before the EOL, lol.
     
    Aikimox, Jun 27, 2011
    #867
  18. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    Quick couple of questions here....

    Just installed my 16gb HyperX and all went well. Regarding the XMP profile that can be selected in Bios, I can see and change to XMP 1 or 2....

    1. Do you just choose one and thats it - job done or anything else? - my mem. frequency is set to "auto" atm....do I need to change that to 1600 or just leave it as auto....

    2. Couldnt find much info on these XMP profiles apart from level 1 is "enthusiast" and level 2 is "extreme" - anyone got any idea what the "actual differences are?
     
    steviejones133, Jun 27, 2011
    #868
  19. mfractal

    mfractal T|I

    Reputations:
    1,948
    Messages:
    2,890
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    you should choose the XMP Profile 2. I am not sure what 1 is, but i know that 2 is 1600MHz with the advertised timings.
     
    mfractal, Jun 27, 2011
    #869
  20. SOS4DELL

    SOS4DELL A Notebook Philosopher

    Reputations:
    865
    Messages:
    969
    Likes Received:
    20
    Trophy Points:
    31
    So, in 2013... we all will be... aliens? :D
     
    SOS4DELL, Jun 27, 2011
    #870
  21. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    Thanks for the info - anything else that need be done? - leave the memory frequency set as auto or change to 1600?
     
    steviejones133, Jun 27, 2011
    #871
  22. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist

    Reputations:
    37,213
    Messages:
    39,333
    Likes Received:
    70,624
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Both of those options are too expensive for my purposes.

    Joker, what are you using to calibrate your screen?
     
    Mr. Fox, Jun 27, 2011
    #872
  23. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    Think Brian used a Spyder calibration tool from recollection....
     
    steviejones133, Jun 27, 2011
    #873
  24. mfractal

    mfractal T|I

    Reputations:
    1,948
    Messages:
    2,890
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    ^^ yes, that.
    Stamatisx bought it for our use in TechInferno.


    Just select Profile 2, rest can stay at their default values unless you want to OC.
     
    mfractal, Jun 28, 2011
    #874
  25. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    My mistake - didnt see BB's footnote which states the following for AMD based systems....kinda answered my own question about installation order for the iGPU and Discrete Cards.....

    ***IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE PERFORMING A CLEAN INSTALL WITH AMD GPU***

    •For M18x with AMD, install the AMD Display Driver first. Once done, the Intel Driver must be installed when in Integrated Mode. You will need to use the FN+F7 to switch over to Intel. A reboot may be necessary. Once done, install the Intel HD driver. Once installed, switch back over to your AMD GPU.
     
    steviejones133, Jun 28, 2011
    #875
  26. reborn2003

    reborn2003 THE CHIEF!

    Reputations:
    7,764
    Messages:
    2,988
    Likes Received:
    349
    Trophy Points:
    101
    Ah true true Cool :cool:

    Hows the system rocking after the SSD and RAM upgrade? + OS reinstall?
    Which game are you going to try out 1st or will it be Benching time? :p ;)

    Cheers. :)
     
    reborn2003, Jun 28, 2011
    #876
  27. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    System is running like a champ at the minute! installed the ram yesterday, SSD is next on the agenda. 'Cos I dont wanna make a mess of the install on the SSD, Im gonna do a "practice" clean install on the HDD to make sure I got all the right drivers etc and that the clean install to the SSD wil go smooth as butter without ANY hitches!

    Then it will be GAMING TIME! - ive got about a dozen games here still sealed that I have been holding off installing (cos of the hassles with my older R2 - I always put gaming off until the probs were resolved - consequently, didnt do any gaming on the ole R2 :( ) but now that the M18x is rocking, I feel quite happy about getting stuck in. Some of the titles Ive got are:

    Crysis (all of 'em!)
    Metro 2033 (I actually did play a bit of that but used it to bench/test the R2!)
    Stalker Shadow of Chernobyl
    Witcher II
    Batman Arkham Asylum
    Left for Dead II
    Aliens vs Predator
    Empire Total War
    Dead Space

    Looking forward to getting some fun, shooting, blasting, killing, maiming and other good clean "family type stuff" going on :D
     
    steviejones133, Jun 28, 2011
    #877
  28. SaosinEngaged

    SaosinEngaged Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    385
    Messages:
    680
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Wow, as soon as the 580m's drop on the configurator I'm placing my order. Nebula Red too. I'm so thrilled. I didn't expect the new Nvidia options to drop so quickly.

    Very, very excited.
     
    SaosinEngaged, Jun 28, 2011
    #878
  29. mfractal

    mfractal T|I

    Reputations:
    1,948
    Messages:
    2,890
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I doubt Dell will introduce those so fast. Bet a month or so will pass before that option appears.
     
    mfractal, Jun 28, 2011
    #879
  30. SaosinEngaged

    SaosinEngaged Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    385
    Messages:
    680
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Nah, apparently you can already configure the m18x with them if you call in. They're just not up on the configurator yet.
     
    SaosinEngaged, Jun 28, 2011
    #880
  31. mfractal

    mfractal T|I

    Reputations:
    1,948
    Messages:
    2,890
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Oh, really ? Great, those are good news! :)
     
    mfractal, Jun 28, 2011
    #881
  32. SaosinEngaged

    SaosinEngaged Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    385
    Messages:
    680
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I'm on the phone with a rep right now, and he's willing to sell me the system with the 580m's!

    Decisions, decisions!

    *picks jaw up off the floor*
     
    SaosinEngaged, Jun 28, 2011
    #882
  33. mfractal

    mfractal T|I

    Reputations:
    1,948
    Messages:
    2,890
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    what's the price of those cards ?
     
    mfractal, Jun 28, 2011
    #883
  34. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

    Reputations:
    4,365
    Messages:
    11,264
    Likes Received:
    263
    Trophy Points:
    501
    What I have heard is that they are $800 MORE THAN the 6970m's

    So $1200 over stock
     
    cookinwitdiesel, Jun 28, 2011
    #884
  35. pmassey31545

    pmassey31545 Whats the mission sir?

    Reputations:
    533
    Messages:
    1,394
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    56
    To get the 6970 in the R3-$250 extra now. The 580-$600!!!!!!
    Soooooooooo, $400 in the M18x for the 6970 should be about $1000 for dual 580's. OUCH!!!!!!!!!
     
    pmassey31545, Jun 28, 2011
    #885
  36. SaosinEngaged

    SaosinEngaged Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    385
    Messages:
    680
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    31
    And if they're better than 485m's in SLI, I'll gladly pay that price.

    If you pick up the 2920XM with it, you're looking at a system that will have longevity that is rarely seen in a gaming laptop.

    He has me on hold. I'll update in a bit with what he tells me. He did mention the m17x R3 is also available NOW with the 580m if you call in. Whether that's actually true or not, that's verbatim what he told me.
     
    SaosinEngaged, Jun 28, 2011
    #886
  37. pmassey31545

    pmassey31545 Whats the mission sir?

    Reputations:
    533
    Messages:
    1,394
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    56
    The M17x has it on the website already. 600 bones extra over the stock price.

    Got an M18 being delivered today with 6970X2 so I'm good with that.
     
    pmassey31545, Jun 28, 2011
    #887
  38. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    14,958
    Messages:
    5,671
    Likes Received:
    1,518
    Trophy Points:
    331
    The R3 has the 580m listed on the configurator, while you're at it ask him about the compatibility of this card and the 120Hz panel, as you get a error when trying to combine the two, hmm maybe it does and they're going to fix the configurator later on!

    Good luck with your purchase, fella!
     
    katalin_2003, Jun 28, 2011
    #888
  39. wraithrsw

    wraithrsw Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    59
    Messages:
    178
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Hmm...I wonder if I can harass my Dell rep into sending my less than a week old m18x for an 580m SLI package. Or I can try to self install.
     
    wraithrsw, Jun 28, 2011
    #889
  40. pmassey31545

    pmassey31545 Whats the mission sir?

    Reputations:
    533
    Messages:
    1,394
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Send it back and get the upgrade. You got 21 days if ity's new. It'll cost less than buying them after I bet.
     
    pmassey31545, Jun 28, 2011
    #890
  41. Smooth_J

    Smooth_J Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    500
    Messages:
    806
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I was just thinking ever since I my son was born and IMHO, there has to be a limit as to how much one is going to pay for a laptop. Granted yes, people do have money, but spending 4-5K on a laptop is rough considering it will be a paper weight in around a years time...or less.

    I am not a hater, nor am I jealous. I was just thinking :)
     
    Smooth_J, Jun 28, 2011
    #891
  42. evil_mike

    evil_mike Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    130
    Messages:
    375
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Smooth, not to derail this topic, but did you ever get a replacement for your M18x?
     
    evil_mike, Jun 28, 2011
    #892
  43. NecroSavant

    NecroSavant Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    73
    Messages:
    153
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Hello All, first of all, i would like to thank everyone who helped me out with my problem regarding my M18X, and to all who gave me that e-mail adress and how to adress the bureucracy inside Dell.

    Well, i wrote an e-mail to that e-mail adress that was given to me, a polite e-mail explaining everything that happened. This week i got a phone call from a representative of Dell and he said that he read my e-mail, he apologized for everything that happened and offered to give me a whole new system with the 460M in SLI and with 2 years Tech Support for free. They will send the system to my house and then they will come and collect the old system, that way it gives me time to swap everything from one laptop to another.

    At last, some result! I am so happy! Thank you all! :)
     
    NecroSavant, Jun 28, 2011
    #893
  44. Smooth_J

    Smooth_J Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    500
    Messages:
    806
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Nope, I didn't cause besides the paint chip on top, I had a warranty issue. So according to Dell the only way to resolve it was to send it back and get another one - which annoyed the crap out of me.

    It was interesting though cause I had the exact warranty issue with another use on NBF and they gave him the POS (point of sale) warranty pricing.

    I went for a m17x this time, but since the 580s came out I may cancel that order and go for a m17x with a 580.

    I don't need a m18x right now since I just rebuilt my desktop with a 2600K :D
     
    Smooth_J, Jun 28, 2011
    #894
  45. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

    Reputations:
    4,365
    Messages:
    11,264
    Likes Received:
    263
    Trophy Points:
    501
    Glad you got it straightened out NecroSavant.

    And Smooth_J, I agree to an extent, the $4k that my M18x was is definitely my limit
     
    cookinwitdiesel, Jun 28, 2011
    #895
  46. wraithrsw

    wraithrsw Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    59
    Messages:
    178
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I'll probably wait to see on the price difference and turnaround time. I've waited too long for this thing only to send it right back. My last ever summer vacation's starting to dry up pretty quickly, after this, it's study and work. :(
     
    wraithrsw, Jun 28, 2011
    #896
  47. pmassey31545

    pmassey31545 Whats the mission sir?

    Reputations:
    533
    Messages:
    1,394
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Ain't bragging, but my replacement order was placed on the 21st and is being delivered today. 6 days to build and ship? Pretty quick. And I see these horror stories on here about 30-40 days???? How????!!!

    EDIT: FEDEX came and the wife had gone to town so no M18 for me till tomorrow. Booooo!
     
    pmassey31545, Jun 28, 2011
    #897
  48. akos114

    akos114 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hi, first, sorry for my bad English :)
    I recieved my m18x few days ago, and i have a big problem :(
    I buy it with 6970M crossfireX and when i enable CrossFireX in catalysis controll center, and start a game, the screen was flashing, whats the problem?
    Hardware or software problem? What do you think?
    Thank you for the answer.

    You can see my problem here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwoPVOjMZ58&feature=channel_video_title
     
    akos114, Jun 28, 2011
    #898
  49. wraithrsw

    wraithrsw Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    59
    Messages:
    178
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Mine took about 3 weeks for the initial build, lol.
     
    wraithrsw, Jun 28, 2011
    #899
  50. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    My last one took 8 days from date of order to date of delivery, from recollection.
     
    steviejones133, Jun 28, 2011
    #900
← Previous pageNext page →