*OFFICIAL* M18x R1/R2 Owner's Lounge Thread

I imagine not. Dell wouldnt have designed the caddy to hold a combo of SSD/HDD if heat were to be an issue. Out of interest, is the HDD on the middle port where it should be for maximum SSD performance? (the middle port is Sata II and the others are Sata III if you didn't know, so best to have your SSD's on top & bottom and HDD in the middle). If your HDD is on the port located closest to the underside of the palmrest (port 1, I think) it, might be a reason why you are finding it warmer than usual.

 

yeah the hdd is in the middle and the SSDs on top and bottom.

 

You should be just fine then, Brother Quontum.

 

I have 2 vertex 3 60gb (top and bottom) and the stock 750gb (middle) my m18x came with and it does feel warm on the left side of the palm rest too.
I doubt there is any ventilation going on in that area so thats probably the problem. Maybe the hdd/sdd wont last as long as they could but I doubt thats gonna be an issue.

 

okay thanks for reassurance

 

I have windows booting off of a 60gb OCZ Nocti. I'm using 2 128gb Ocz Vertex 4's in raid 0 for apps. After installing windows 7 I tried to setup the raid in the ctrl+I raid menu. Everything seemed fine till I restarted into windows. After the bios load it shows the windows animation and then bsod. When I switch back to ahci and restart windows boots just fine. I can even setup a software raid with the 2 drives and everything works fine. What's up with hardware, I'm I doing something wrong?

 

Switching from AHCI to RAID is unusually hard on Windows 7. When the driver for the chipset is loaded, it will find which mode it is in and actually disable the drivers for the other modes to decrease boot time.

So if you switch from AHCI, it doesn't see the AHCI active, but doesn't even attempt to access it in RAID mode (per the driver). It's thrown many people for a loop.

You may be able to "fix" it if you switch back to AHCI mode then follow the directions here: Error message when you start a Windows 7 or Windows Vista-based computer after you change the SATA mode of the boot drive: "STOP 0x0000007B INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE"

If you've still got pretty much just a clean Windows 7 install, it may be faster/easier for you to just set up the RAID configuration, wipe the current install, then reinstall Windows 7 from scratch. (Keeping in mind you'll run into this again if you want to flip back to AHCI mode later )

If that doesn't help, let us know and we'll figure it out together

 

No need to ever use AHCI mode, even if you only have a single HDD installed. Always set the BIOS to RAID for best results. Set the BIOS to RAID and reinstall Windows without creating a RAID0 array. Once Windows is installed, use Intel Rapid Storage Technology to create the array within Windows. Works beautifully, with no fuss or F6 drivers or other drama.

Just about anything you could need to know about installing Windows, SSD or RAID0 setup can be found in the opening post of this thread:

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

 

AHCI is nice for hot-swapping and NCQ, but this is of minimal use with a laptop

Edit: It appears RST actually implements a superset of AHCI for non-raid drives, so it looks like Mr. Fox's suggestion is win-win!

 

whats the chipset for m18x r2? 77 or 67?

 

It's the newer HM77 chipset, bro.

 

ah that helps a lot. im prepared to get the sandisk ssds they are cheap at 180 dollars for 240 gb, but they having freezing issues and conflict and apparently only with nvidia drivers, so i'd be getting probably just one of these with a dual 7970m =/ unless of course dell would release 680m sli with 4gb memory =D

btw i read up some stuff on cpu world for 3940xm, any chance m18x r2 will replace the 20xm with 40xm?

 

I imagine Intel will do a refresh just like they did with the Sandy cpu's....eg. 2920xm > 2960xm and AW/Dell will take it on, not sure when, but I reckon it will happen.

 

cpu world and bunch of chinese sites already got info on it, but donno the release date. i tried using google translate and it was terrible lol, just bunch of forum talks in the end. and about graphics card, i just cant seem to understand why dell would not release a 4gb 680m card. i would buy a 4gb card hands down even if its twice the cost of 7970m, but now since its only 2gb, mind as well save some money and go for -10% performance card.

little side note, intel like to play tricks and latest beta IRST allows trim in raid 0 but only supported in windows 8 GRRRRRRRRHhhhh. hopefully they will release one for window 7 or someone would have to take the driver out and somehow make it compatible for 7 and slipstream into the installation dvd.

have you tried window software raid 0 instead of fake raid with IRST? just wondering how much perforamnce difference between the two.

 

Yeahh my New Gamin setup. 2 X Alienware M18x R2 XDD

 

No need to try something different... IRST works wonderfully for me. I am using the Windows 7 desktop version of IRST with RAID0 TRIM support and it works great. So, I don't really care at this point if they release another IRST version unless there is a new killer feature or something I don't currently have.

 

Hallo

can you post me the download link pleas?
The IRST have 100% Raid 0 trim support?
it would be best for both of my 256GB samsung 830 a raid 0?

 

Hey all,

Got a question. I'm looking at buying a gaming laptop in a few months. I was initially looking at the MSI GT70, because I highly prefer chiclet keyboards to scissor switch. (I'm a massage therapist and have very short, recessed fingernails. This means that my fingertips easily catch underneath the keys on the row above where I'm typing when my fingers travel. I can learn to retype though). Anyway, the MSI keyboard is sexy to type with, but the layout is one big, hot mess. The lack of dedicated media keys will kill me, I think.

So, since it's only a few hundred more, I'm looking at AW, despite the keyboard. I'm wondering if I should consider the 17x or 18x. Portability is not something I need to consider. I can keep my VAIO for that, or get a smaller ultra soon down the line. Thanks to Mr. Fox's posts, I love the idea of setting up RAID on a couple of SSD's. I'd love to be able to RAID0 2x256GB and then use my 750GB Hitachi for storage. The 17x won't allow for that, due to only 2 slots. So, for storage, I'd have to RAID0 2x512GB, which is costly, but oh so sweet. 512GB in SSD is all I really need.

Pretty much just writing out my thoughts, as this is a big decision. Never the perfect laptop out there. I swear the manufacturers are in collusion to always offer a product that's great in so many ways, but has at least one deal breaker.

EDIT - Oh, I forgot to add that there's actually a question in here somewhere. Were I to configure an M18x with a single 680m, would I be able to purchase another 680m down the line and install it SLI? I'm a quick study on many things tech/mechanical, but have never done anything involving this concept. Educated input is greatly appreciated.

 

Something to think about, a 120GB SSD for $69.99

(Quoted from Rick Broida from CNet - July 2, 2012 8:30 AM PDT ): "Solid-state drives (or SSDs) are finally getting affordable.

Here's proof: Today only, and while supplies last, 1SaleADay has the 120GB OCZ Agility 3 SATA III 2.5-inch SSD for $69.99, plus $4.99 for shipping. That's the lowest price I've seen on an SSD with these specs.

And it can get lower still: There's a $10 mail-in rebate (PDF), which comes in the form of an American Express prepaid card (which is more or less as good as cash).

I know many of you object to rebates, in which case I say forget about this one; the drive is still a steal at $69.99." (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13845_3-57464928-58/get-a-120gb-ssd-for-$69.99/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=title)

Good times are arriving

 

@Mr fox i had to ask because i was thinking using external storange, like 2 external harddrives with enclosure and raid them. all the raid enclosure includes hardware raid seems to be cheap, but of course down side to it is bottlenecking in performance, wont even reach close to 3gbps.


@nafura IRST released to support trim in raid 0 only for windows 8 at the moment, and thats the latest as of now


@anseio, i would say the m18x hands down. couple very good reason for it. keyboard more colours, stylish design (i know asus and msi both look good too) but cant beat alienware =).
- m18x supports 3 HDD and a msata SSD where as msi supports two msata SSD and single HDD.
- m18x has THREE cooling fans and way better design in air vents, as well as triple copper heatpipes where as MSI has only ONE fan to support highend GPU/CPU, and very few little vents, and this is one keypoint why i still havent add msi to my collection yet.. =/
- m18x can support crossfire/Sli, msi auto lose there
- m18x dell/alienware warranty is too good, when some issues come with your machine you'll know the difference
- m18x lets you change HDD/ram, msi voids your warranty for doing so
- m18x has very good design for easy disassemble, msi is pretty good too but probably not as well made as alienware.


@SOS4dell SSD guys, something you lot would be interested =)
- sandisk extreme 240gb for 179.99 Sandisk Extreme 240GB SSD SATA 6Gb/s at Memory Express
- agility 3 360gb for 220, 199.99 after mail in rebate OCZ Agility 3 360GB 2.5IN SATA3 6GB/S SandForce SF-2281 Solid State Disk Drive SSD - OCZ Technology - AGT3-25SAT3-360G

the above SSDs are in canadian dollars, means probably even cheaper in USD. sales for sandisk extreme ends tomorrow, and agility 3 360gb ends on wednesday night pacific time, about 300 in stock left for agility 3

 

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I'm definitely going to consider the m18 when I'm able to make the purchase.

One correction though. It's already been acknowledged that the warranty void sticker blocking entrance into the MSI guts is not legally binding. Also MSI cannot easily RAID SSDs athere is only one SATAIII bay.

Looks like I'll be going big or not at all.

 

Yes, it is completely possible. Though, in addition to the card you also need to purchase the second heatsync and an SLI cable.

While it is entirely possible, you may want to consider purchasing SLI from the get-go. This way the additional parts will be covered under your warranty and it will be cheaper than buying the parts. Aftermarket mobile GPUs are pretty expensive. (Though, this depends on when you buy them of course.)

The difficulty varies from person to person. In my opinion, it isn't difficult. I will post a link to Mr. Fox's tear down of the M18x R1 in a sec.

Edit: Here it is, thanks again Mr. Fox! http://youtu.be/32eTtv6QRnc

 

here you go...

 

really?? thats awesome, so means its not just for windows 8. cant wait to get two ssds for raid 0

 

Decided to order a new laptop.. i seen this is the latest and greatest.. please make sure i got the real deal... thanks in advance..

Alienware M18X R2 - Direct $******
1 317-9729 3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3820QM (8MB Cache, up to 3.7GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0) $0.00
1 317-9708 32GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz $0.00
1 331-6910 English Keyboard, 101 Key, M18X R2 $0.00
1 320-3263 18.4 inch (467.36 mm) WLED WideFHD (1080p) display (1920 X 1080) $0.00
1 320-9377 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680M $0.00
1 342-4504 32GB mSATA caching SSD $0.00
1 342-4402 1TB RAID 0 (2x 500GB) 7200RPM $0.00
1 330-6106 Personalized Nameplate Trigger $0.00
1 331-2426 Custom Nameplate $0.00

first time with a gaming laptop, into diablo 3... please let me know everyones alienware experience so far.. especially with the m18xr2.. thanks again

order is processed.. pretty hyped btw !!!

 

Whats the need for the 3820 and the 32 gb of ram? Tbh the 3610 is plenty, amd if you arent gonna make use of all that ram drop it down to 8 which for the majority is enough.

 

3720QM overclocks to 3.8Ghz (4 cores) whereas the 3610 is limited to only 3.1Ghz. The 3720QM is worth the $150 IMO. I was unaware of this when I bought mine.

 

Yes .. I guess I was spending so much already might as well spend another couple hundred and max out the stuff... I am wondering if this will play everything I throw at it.. Made the mistake 2 years ago of not getting an alienware.. Can't play anything on my Sony lol

 

The amount of RAM you ordered is completely unnecessary, 8GB is enough, maybe 16GB at a far stretch.

If you're simply looking for a fast processor, the 3720QM is more than enough, and if you're looking for the best, why not go all the way to the 3920XM? To be honest, for games, even the 3610QM is enough - I would go for the 3720QM to make sure it's enough for years to come.

Did you get two nVidia GTX 680Ms in SLi, or just the one? When it comes to graphics, you really want to get the best that you can, that will make the biggest difference by far.

You don't need to spend even more for the sake of it. If I'm honest, I'd cancel and drop to 8GB or maybe 16GB of RAM, add in a second GTX 680M if you don't have two (you need two to have the best of the best - although one will run games fine) and I'd personally drop the processor to the 3720QM - the 3820QM is not worth the jump in price IMO.

 

imo, 32gb or 16gb is for braging rights but to my knowledge audio and video editing at professional level and on audio alone, requires 12-14gb of memory, so 16 is reasonable. as for 32gb of ram, maybe ramdisk?

3920xm might be overkill, again for profesional work it should be just fine, although only a bit faster to save bits of time =/

ahh some news on the SLC superSSpeed ssd, 120gb for 260 bux at 500+mb/s read and write for both compressible/incompressible file and its sandforced

too bad this drive isnt released yet or i'll be grabbing two of these and raid them !!!!!!!

 

Dell guy told me ... With all the ram I ordered and the 3820 .. There's no need for dual card unless I'm doing dual monitor... As long as it runs every game on full blast with no lag and looks good .. I'm excited .. Anyone else with some first week stories with their new m18x r2 ??

 

you may be able to run most games on max settings without 2nd card, but these graphics card have their own dedicated memory faster than the 32gb ram you'll be getting. and of course, if you play high graphic demanding games such as metro2033 and witcher2, single card will most likely not get you above 30 fps but dual cards will. this holds true for both 7970m and 680m

 

Ok .. Well it's halfway done ... So can I add the second 680m later if I'm not satisfied?

 

That's not accurate information, at all. If you can cancel the order and re-order with 680M SLI I would strongly encourage that you do so. They should only have technical experts making sales or configuration recommendations. Otherwise, they should refuse to offer any recommendation. Having a single GPU in an M18x more or less defeats one of the primary reasons for purchasing an M18x.

 

I know .. But they won't let me change .. Can't I just add it after the unit gets here?

 

Yes, for a price well above what you would pay for it initially.

 

I wholeheartedly agree with this post. For the most part, I would not listen to technical advice from sales reps.

 

It would depend on why your buying the m18x. If I upgrade to an R2 I am seriously thinking of going with a single 680m. It will still be faster then my r1 and I'd lean towards an m18x as opposed to the m17x R4 mostly due to the construction. There is the option to add a second card later if needed as well. Just my 2 cents.

Although, speced the same the m17x R4 is about 400-500 dollars cheaper then the equivalent R2, and I have to admit I'm not sure the larger screen and construction are worth the extra price.

And when it comes right down to it, I can build another desktop for considerably less then either. I hate having to make choices LOL.

 

I was also thinking of getting the 3820 CPU (don't need Xtreme as I do not play around with clock speeds) but after some comments here I am thinking of getting "only" a 3720. My questions now:
Is this CPU enough for gaming purposes in the next 3 years?
Is it possible to upgrade later to a faster CPU - even Haswell?

And again I repeat my question on the RAM:
What type is needed and is there much difference between 1600 and 1866 MHZ speed.
What manufacturer and type of RAM can you recommend and is good in terms of speed and durability and heatlevel (Kingston, Cruzial?)

Same for the SSD - is the Intel 520 currently the best and worth the extra money vs. the Samsung 830 which is the SSD that is offered from Dell (if not what SSD is the one offered from Dell).

Many thanks.
Nathan

 

cpu are so powerful, your cpu "alone" would be enough for at least 5 year...
for haswell i think the socket will never be compatible..

for the ram speed. truthfully , it pretty much only change benchmark GB bandwidth... in real life 1600 is the sweet sport speed/capacity/price.
also not manufacturer for ram, always choose one that as life time warranty and your set .

for SSD, i think VERTEX 3 are best bang for the buck atm "about 1$ per GB", they exist in 7mm (LOW PROFILE) and normal format, and are 500/500 read write with high IOPS!



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

on other note , Dell shipped my laptop ! woot .. anybody know where they ship from in the usa? and if they ship to canada standard how much time does it take ?

2012/07/03 00:51 In Transit in U.S.

thank you

 

Hope that maybe helps a bit....

 

Yes thanks a lot. I am getting closer on finally spending 4500 Euro on a new AW Laptop
Man I will be happy when I finally can use SLI with Skyrim and max. Details on The Witcher 2
And with the 16 GB RAM I finally hope that Civ5 runs smooth and does not need 1 minute per turn in large late games

 

Should you need any assistance in getting a good deal from Dell in UK & Ireland, don't forget to check out my thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...ssories-please-contribute-95.html#post8668521

 

You'll get charged an extortionate amount to add one later. I'd advise you to cancel your current order and place a new one with SLi 680Ms. If they won't let you do that, then I'd return the laptop as soon as you receive it and place a new order with SLi 680Ms - if you mention that you're re-ordering, Dell will usually waiver the 15% restocking fee on returns.

If you accept the single 680M machine, you will most likely regret it in the future.

 

Just a quick one - I hope you fella's have a great Independance Day, hope you all have a great time celebrating. (I just cant get the image of Jeff Goldblum outta my head, blowing up Aliens....what a terrible sin!!! LOL)

 

LOL.. Blowing up the gods that graced us with our gaming powerhouses.

Thanks Stevie, you should have a great day as well and celebrate the forgivingness of our Martian friends.

 

I can't stop counting the seconds till this thing gets here .. Can you call and pay extra to make it build faster?

 

No, but you could call your rep and try to get Next Business Day shipping.

 

Wow that was totally the problem. Just had to change 1 registry value... Thanks for your help!! ;-D

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/674797-new-aw-command-center-2-8-8-0-m11x-r3-m14x-m14x-r2-m17x-r3-r4-m18x-r2-2.html

Guys get new AWcenter adds new game mode & new themes. Also compatible with R1