Getting an A51 m15x, couple of questions!

Uhhh.... yeah. Basically, I would be trading both the machines in my sig for an Area-51 m15x, plus half of whatever the Thinkpad sells for. I've never owned an Alienware before... this is pretty exciting!

Specs of the system:

--P9500
--4GB
--320GB
--3870
--1440x900

I'm a little bit on the fence about this... not because I don't WANT it, but because I really really REALLY like the newer ones. (As you may have guessed by now, I don't game. I just honestly like how they're designed. I'm pretty savvy re: hardware; I just don't care that much about gaming or anything.) So, there are a couple things in the back of my mind that are floating around:

1. How hot/loud is it when you're just doing YouTube/music/writing papers/etc? All I do 90% of the time. This would be my only computer; it would go out of the house every time I go to and from mom's/dad's house. I had a P-7811FX for a while and the fan was the loudest, most irritating thing ever, even when I wasdn't doing anything.

2. Seller (a member here who will likely chime in... lol) was under the impression that the AlienFX could only handle three colors, but apparently it supports more than that? Not sure.

3. How much would I be able to get your garden-variety M15x or M17x for used? Pretty much any processor above, say, a P8600 or an i3. GPU doesn't matter. Might try to put OS X on it; compatiblility with that is a huge plus.

Thanks everyone!

 

I wouldnt pay anymore than 1000 for an Area 51 M15X loaded. A new M15X starts at 1400 with I think a m24oGTX. So unless you are getting a screaming deal on a used and troublesome Area 51 M15 X walk away. They are known for overheating GPUs (the cooling isnt that great), cracking hinges, and no driver support pass 181.xx. I am a little biased because I have one but the Area 51 M17x would be a good buy for no more than 1500 if it has the dual GPUs and they are working correctly (the cooling in a M17x is sufficient if you monitor your temps and pay attention).

 

Apparently, he just replaced the hinges, palmrest, and LCD cover... so I guess that's good. Thanks for the info though.

I'd put cash equivalent (trading for it) to be around 750-800.

BTW, if I were going to get a newer one, it would also be used.

 

the Area51m17 is rubbish. the m17-R1 ( not to be confused with M17x-R1) is a great computer. $1500 for an Area51 m17x would be robbery. As For the m15x............
the graphics card is an ATI 3870, so driver support is not an issue, and drivers for the 8800gtx go up to the current version AFAIK, you just have to venture past the Dell/Alienware web site.

Also the m15x has Integrated graphics, which i forgot to mention, so the fans shouldn't be an issue. The hinges are the only determent IMo, but the issues seems to be resolved well. if they are replaced and the lid is properly re-enforced you shouldn't have any issues.

 

If you really want one I'll sell you a great one, the one in my sig for like $750, Comes with alot of goodies you won't get anywhere else, such as a Blu Ray Burner, and intel SSD drive, Modular Bay Battery Drive. And the GPU got replaced just 2 months ago, as I have the paper work for the job being done And the LCD cover and everything, its among the finest m15x area-51's out there. (I only replaced because I fear of overheating) I'm reluctant to get rid of mine as I really like the system alot and it has like a 4 hour battery life in power save mode which is pretty remarkable for a gaming laptop. This laptop in some odd or sick way has been my FAVORITE laptop of all time, lol, and I've gone though alot of laptops I just find it to be the most complete even with all of it's flaws.

 

WHAT ARE YOU TALKOING ABOUT???

1) The Area 51 M15x comes with a 8800/9800 as standard, and because of said Integrated Graphics there is conflicy with the bios and NVIDIA drivers past 181.xx dont work. Read the 100's of post about that.

2) Heat is a huge issue, again well documented.

3) Area 51 M17X = rubbish um ok, gee I guess your right. A SLI 9800 GT laptop with good cooling that still plays modern games well (avg 60 FPS in games such as Tier One, Fall Out NV and Star wars maxed out)

4) Go back to your Mom's basement and play more WOW with your fake online friends.

5) next time post reliable info

 

The one Darkloki is sellng is a great deal, he's a good guy too and sold me an 9800m that I melted due to my neglect and ignorance.

 

This needs to be said it's in my opinion that the Alienware Area-51 m15x is an Adult Machine, and I don't mean to say that kids can't use it or anything of that nature, but that it requires a LARGE amount of care. The system I find is very sensitive and actually has a learning curve, I mean go figure right? I got my system as my very first alienware ever, and it took me like a whole month to figure it out. Between getting all the settings and configurations correct (The Merge to Windows 7 wasn't as easy as one might expect) And between all of the different modes and power issues with the system it took me a little time to understand. At the same time I really like the system but I couldn't just hand it over to a 12 year old and expect him to be able to use it properly or even functionally, I think the word I'm looking for here is Delicate. The system is VERY Delicate and requires a rather large or more then expected amount of time and care. Which I realize is weird for a Machine or laptop, but it's true, especially if you want yours to last, lol.

 

I can't recommend enough that you stay away from any of the Area-51 line. The m15x's build quality was crap, and even if the hinges have recently been replaced, the odds are very high that it will break again, possibly in a few months, AND it had serious overheating problems, combined with the unreliable 8000/9000 series nVidia cards that burnt out all the time.

The m17x suffered from the same overheating/unreliable GPU problems, although was built sturdier.

However, if you look around for an M17 (not to be confused with an M17x or m17x) they're still great performers. There are no games out there I can't run in at least high detail at 900p. And you should be able to pick one up for a good price.

 

+1 For what corsair said. The M17 is a good machine, I shamefuly admit im a fan boy for the OG m17x 'cause I have one and enjoy it very much.

 

1) It also comes with the ATi HD3870.

2) Heat is not a huge issue, only with the after market 260m/280m cards.

3) Your right, though I believe with certain CPU's it stutters.

4) What, are you 9 years old? Stop the personal attacks.

5) Next time do not be rude, and check your info fully, as most of it is wrong. I know know you think you know everything about Alienware, but you don't. Clever is a respected member, with lots of experience.

 

Heat was an issue with any of the high end cards. It was not uncommon at all for the 8800M GTX/9800M GT to hit over 100C in standard operation, and that's far too high.

Anything above 80C is not particularly healthy, although reasonably safe. Anything above 90C would be dangerous. And these cards were regularly peaking above that.

 

I have an Area-51 M15x.
I love it to bits, though its broken atm ^^

Somehow it's one of the finest running alienwares.
A decently equipped area-51 m15x is also alot faster then your average new m15x with 240m gpu.
I like the looks myself.

Though as many said, cooling is crap. Buying an area-51 from someone else is almost certainly resulting in having to buy a new video card soon. Even if they say theirs is good. It is, till it breaks, which is...oftenly

So if you want a flawlessly running system with not to much hastle or worries, i can't advise you an Area-51 m15x.
If you don't mind fiddling with your notebook a bit and doing a repair from time to time, i would definately consider an A51 m15x over a newer model m15x.
If you do take a newer model, skip versions the 240m card, it's rubbish.

I know i prefer my a51 m15x over the newer model.

 

I didnt mean to hurt your feelings, and im sure your area51 m17x is a wonderful machine. My OPINION is that the machine that is the area51 m17x is a lower than average quality machine as a generalized statement. i have seen about 20 of them and the build quality is pretty low. The 9800sli isnt really all that powerful, its on par with the 3870 xfire in the
m17. it does have a better lighting scheme than the m17 however.

As for the m15x again (on topic) for straight out purchasing Darkloki's machine is a great deal for $750.
i think the issue isnt the purchasing its that its a trade for a t400 laptop (which will be sold, and half the cash being returned to Ben, and a desktop tower than is worth between $550-750, depending on your opinion.) the T400 sell for around $500-550 so roughly a net value of $250 + my est value of the desktop $550, so a total of $800. is it a barn burner of a deal? not if you consider Dark loki will sell his for $750, but its fair for both sides and will give you what you want and get rid of things you don't really want.

 

the 3870 sits at 81 degrees while gaming in this particular machine.

 

Spoken -- and spelled -- like a true basement resident.

Hey, and sorry it took so long to respond to you. I wasn't getting a whole lot of interest in the thread and assumed it was dead until Danny let me know... haha.

I would be really interested in your laptop... provided you don't need to sell it like NOW. I have to sell both machines in my sig in order to get money (hence the trade offer being set up). Once I do that, it sounds like a great deal.

Funny you should mention the treating with care/age thing. I'm 16 and a junior in high school. While that may cause you to balk initially, I can assure you that I do in fact know what I'm doing. The AMD rig was built by me, and I took the T400 apart, applied new AS5, and blew out dust, etc. Oh... my car is ancient and finicky.

To everyone mentioning how xxxx model sucks and yyy model doesn't: Most of your opinions seem to be in conflict; therefore, I find myself inclined to believe none of you! Haha, I don't really know the minute differences between AW models yet. Researching this now. From what I can tell, there's a group of people that's had rotten luck with just about every pre-Dell model.

 

Well I am willing to sell it but I'm an honest guy/seller and I would feel really worried if the laptop doesn't pan out. I mean it is still fragile and the hinge could become an issue within the year. I personally love it, but only because I've had it for 2 years. My screen also isn't in the best of shape as I gave my original nice screen to Jdeluna. I'll try to contact him and purchase his old screen, and reinforce the hinges the proper way before I let this go, to be SURE it's in good shape before I let it go.

 

I mean, that would be really nice of you to do!

... but maybe it would be a good idea to not purchase anything until I figure out what I'm gonna do with Cleve and stuff. The local CL is horrible right now and I am having trouble getting stuff sold quickly. Just posted the TP, and the desktop is languishing. Maybe it's time to repost it.

BTW, where are you located?

 

Columbus Ohio, take your time with the sale, I need just as much time to figure out what I'm going to do. It might seem like I have alot of PC's but I generally give my nice stuff to my younger brother, as I'm trying to make up for the bad hand me downs years ago . The m15x system I have is really nice though, I just wish I could show to my buyer in person so that I can go over how to use it and everything. I'll take an image of it right now for you though.

 

System


Screen: It has like 1 dead pixel and it looks bad when the screen is off but once on it looks great, it's just not Perfect and I'm an Extreme Perfectionist


Front Panel: (It has Buckeye Stickers from the Helmets of the OSU Football Team as I'm a trainer but these are stickers from a player on the team whom I shall not mention, They are removable though as they're designed to come on and off Football Helmets) Go Bucks!!!




As stated before I still really do LOVE THIS SYSTEM, I mean I can't go any smaller then a 15 inch screen I've realized. This is due in part because I'm competitive in my RTS gaming and I can't afford to have a screen any smaller then this, and it's also slightly more powerful then an m11x. The newer 15x is too large, and the i series processors don't have great battery lifes yet along with the GPU, but with Optimums I guess there is hope

 

Wow, that looks great! Yeah, I mean, I can def. get 750 from my stuff, especially if I sell them for way less than they're worth and add them up to $750.. hahaha.

I'm the oldest in my family and had to sneak graphics workstations home from Duke in my dad's lab to get my first rig.

 

The 3870 was a cooler card. The high end nVidia cards would more often than not be running too hot while under high loads.

In any case, if the machine looks like it's in good shape (which it does) then it should hopefully be fine. Just be warned, it could only be a few months before a problem develops, and you'll get no support from Alienware as a second-hand buyer.

 

Well I would only get rid of this system for the R3, but currently the R3 has this Sandy Bridge Problem so I'm waiting for that to get Ironned Out, but once that gets fixed and re-released I'll be ready to sell this. Do Not sell your stuff for underprice, especially if you're a teenager or young adult. Let me make the adjustments and take the hit. I'll definitely sell you my laptop in due time if you want it, and just look at it this way as time passes I'll reduce the price of this thing as I get closer to getting an R3. My intentions are to give this laptop to someone who will use it, and use it well. I just love this laptop so much I'm treating like a little puppy, just wanna get a good home for it.


At the same time if you don't want my laptop and just wanna go with that other one, feel free to hit my up for pointers or advice as I literally try to help out all ARea-51 m15x owners regarding parts or anything

 

Try picking this up, ALIENWARE M15X PARTS OR REPAIR - eBay (item 170597356941 end time Feb-04-11 11:17:37 PST)

It's a good start and you can pick up parts on the forums, but the final price might be pretty close to what I'm selling mine for, as I realize that I really do have premium parts on mine except for the CPU

 

Ah, yeah. Well, if you really would be able to wait for stuff to get sold (could be over two weeks!) then it definitely sounds like a GREAT deal, especially given the SSD, Blu-ray, T9500, etc.

Tonight when I get home I'm gonna see what I can do to get these things sold.

Thanks a lot for your help!

 

JOKER you are free to disagree, good to hear from ya, yeah I need some work on my tact at times. Thats my Marine Corps belligerence signing through. And I dont think I know it all about AW. Im still learning. Ive learned ALOT about the Area 51 15 and 17 do to me owning one. And have here that alot of people have heat issues with the 15x but not the 17x and in general yes 9800m sucks but it apears that if you know what to look for as far as heat that you can make them last. Ive kept both of mine running strong after I was at fault for burning one up.

 

9800m still runs cooler then the 8800m, (This is only from me experiences with the SLI versions in the m1730, though) Not any of the ALienwares.

 

If you are a student wanting a main system don't get an area-51 m15x. They are really delicate, they are better off for an older user with a less active life style or someone with a lot of experience and time who can fix issues without breaking the bank, getting themselves in debt or getting angry. Basically it's an antique that you are better off appreciating from distance as a second or even third system! Something you don't mind being without now and again. Not good for school work huh? I think I could appreciate having such a system but I would barely use it! I'm trying to be nice here I can't think of much else positive to say about the area 51 m15x. The hinges were awful and the cooling system very weak, from a design point of view it was a failure! Even if you are delicate with it and it has been fixed up well (well done to you sir!), it will likely fall apart and the components eventually burnout anyway. If you are determined to buy an older alienware model buy the M17 it is way better.

The newest M15X might set you back another $500 but it's far sturdier, brand new and and much more upgradable. No hinge issues and an advanced cooling system (my M15X is often overall 20C cooler than my friends area 51). You will get a fresh warranty as well. I don't think the area 51 has much gaming left in it when dx11 goes mainstream which wont be much more than another year. I don't like the fact that some users are saying that the GPU options in the older model are better when you are comparing the best possible upgrades in one system to the worst standard option in another. The 240m is notoriously weak, yes, but the Ati 5850m and Nvidia 460m that are available in the newest model will blow the ATi HD3870 away or anything else that will fit in the area 51. Basically I don't think some users are giving you good advice at all here! If you really like the model, and yes it is quite fast still or collect alienware models or something then yeh ok otherwise avoid.

Don't get the area 51 as a main system, or even a main laptop it is too unreliable and costly!!! Using it as a student = disaster. They have major heating problems and you will likely have no warranty.

 

When it comes to GPU the biggest difference is that the newer M15x will and does support DX10 games Well. The older one is ONLY for Dx9 games. Black Ops, runs So-So on a 260m newer m15x, it doesn't run on this M15x. I have both actually, however the problems with the newer m15x is that it shouldn't be 15 inches. With that form factor it should have been 17 inches, (This we have an r3 that is literally of the same form factor with 17 inches) Lastly any of the newer models (Minus Optimus in the R3) Combined with the newer i7 chipsets, have a HORRIBLE battery life. Under Stealth Mode running on the Intel GPU, my 15x laptop gets 4 hours battery life, no matter what you do, unless you're running perhaps an i3 the newer M15x will never come close to that.

 

Yes but to be fair most people do not buy alienware for battery life, I virtually never have my m15x unplugged. That is not really it's main use and it's not good for gaming with all the stuttering in stealth mode. I don't think any alienware is suited to someone who needs battery life as a priority, full stop. I'll conceed battery life as one reason to not to buy the newer model over the older one but the sheer weight of both machines they aren't ideal for portability anyway. I guess looking at it from a cost and component point of view the r3 is indeed a worthwhile investment over either system. As for GPU I've never had a 260m, but the 5850m and 460m are dx11 capable in the M15X, and I don't mean just enabled like some med-high end cards that cannot play it fluently they really run DX11 quite well. The laptop you have looks well looked after and you seem to like it, however very few people will have the patience with it, if you really still use it you should keep it as it will be worth much more to you than anyone else.

 

touché..................

 

I find it really odd that you came here wanting to ask questions but then want to discredit certain users opinions because they might think x about x? It is very well documented that the area-51 m15x has design flaws from the start and in such an ageing system now these can only be ampified. Also what is worse is that you are likely to get no warranty so you might have to replace these yourself or spend a lot on sending it away. I'd say trying to fix and replace broken hinges yourself is more than replacing your average GPU. If this is going to be something you are wanting to use regularly you need to think carefully. Although it is still quite a quick system you can forget about playing later games. No one can force you to buy something, we can only give you advice on this forum and for the purchase an m17 is better as an older system. However if you really want a 15 inch laptop from alienware the newer model is better designed, more upgradable and yes much more powerful.

 

Honestly I'm just going to say this outright, if you were my brother I would tell you to get a Low Speced r3 for the base line 1500 dollars, with a Sandy Bridge CHip. The R3's are on recall because of an Intel Screw Up, but they'll be back on line soon, and you should just save as much cash as possible and get that. If.... That doesn't work out or that's too expensive, at 1500 new, TipToe over to the Dell Outlet and get a m17x with a Single GPU for 1200. You can't go wrong with either of those, especially that that price point and the 1 year warranty that you get that comes with it, and of course you can extend your warranty should you need it.

I will be getting an R3, in November as I've sadly decided that I will wait for the release of Battlefield 3 and pick out a laptop that can run that game, and just sit tight with my current lineup, I really do fear that most users cannot maintenance this m15x as I have over the last year, and I suppose I'll just keep it in my collection, that's just ever so growing... My Sig due to it's limitations can't even keep the number of systems I have in total.

 

Plain and simple. The Area 51 M15x was plaqued when it came out. I believe it is about three years old now and the issues wont go away. Id look at a new m15x which I believe has been proven to be pretty robust. Good Luck. Learn from my mistake get the warranty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

darkloki, nice setup you got there...I especially like the reflection of the bottle of Absolut coming from the M17X screen

 

Yeah, I'm sorry; I made that sound way more critical than I meant. What I MEANT to say was that I didn't know who was right, because of the debate going on about it. Hopefully no hard feelings, I was just confused!

This might also have something to do with the fact that $750 is an EXTREMELY low price for your machine, right?

Went and looked on the Dell Outlet and found an M17x R1 w/Q9000 and 260M SLI for $1400ish, but that's the cheapest one I could find. I liked the old Excel-style grid version.

How loud are the newer M15 and 17xs normally?

 

If you want my system you can have it, I'm worried about the complaints that might occur. I'm quite knowledgeable on fixing these devices as well.

 

Hahahahaha, I wouldn't complain to you if the hinges broke a month later or something. Sht happens.

Apparently, every M17x R1 has vanished off the face of the Earth. Really hard to find any for sale, which is a pity, because they're my favorite design and cheaper than the R2, obviously.

 

No The Hinges will last at least a year, I don't know.... It's ongoing fight I suppose, but truth be Told as much as people complain about the Hinges the GPU, blah blah blah this breaks this dies. IT IS THE SSD THAT DIES!!!!!! I've been through 4 Intel SSD Drives, each time replaced but I still have to do a fresh install for this system specifically. Nothing has broken more then my Intel SSD drive, and I still love it and still use it. It's what you get for having cutting Edge Cool Stuff. Learn to Live with it, I say. I mean if you want to own a Ferrari you gotta be willing to Service it. I work on my Sports Car Turbo Charged Automobile all the time and the Service I put into that is 100x more overwhelming then working on my laptops. Different mentality I suppose.

 

It's interesting how things break when they shouldn't and hold up when they should break. I usually have to start my car 3 or 4 times to get it to move, but today a drunk kid swerved into my lane and I had to floor it to get away.... aside from smoking slightly, it appeared to be no worse than normal.

 

Dell Outlet, Get that okay? Can't go wrong.

 

I just don't have any more than $1000! Like, I can't do that much money.

 

The additional 250 gets you an i series chip, and a 5870. That's HUGE. I realize 250 might be hard to scrum up but it's worth it if it's at all possible. The r1's a very much extinct, and they have alot of chipset problems or throttling issues as I recall, and that's pretty much why I never got one. Is a laptop absolutely necessary? A grand would buy you an AMAZING DESKTOP.

 

You know I was just re-reading over this statement today and I've realized that everything you're saying is the Absolute Reason why I DIDN'T GET THE NEWER M15x, and instead the M17x-R2. Because that M15X is simply put "A poor mans M17x R2" With a single Hard Drive, Half the Screen Quality (No RGB) Half the Metal Quality, yet nearly the same form factor. Oh and did I mention Half the GPU power as well? As the 5870 isn't even initially offered, yet with no Crossfire Option?


A m15x ontop of a m17x, Need I really Say more? What's the gain here, Again? Just Absolute Fail.... And if you can't handle the extra 3-4 lbs then you need to stop playing Video Games and hit the gym when compared to an R2. And Thus, this is why I NEVER EVER considered getting a newer generation m15x, and still kept my Area-51 Broken-Prone m15x.

There really is no counter to what I just said...... This is why I never have and never will Tell anyone to get a M15x
They are so close in form factor that the Bags you will use to carry either notebook is IDENTICAL!!!! You will use the same bag to carry either laptop, once the laptop is in this bag, you won't know the difference between the two. Between an R3 (17 inches dual HD, single GPU, thinner) and an R2, There is simply no room anymore for the m15x, Especially considering that I've located multiple dell outlets selling the R2's for less then 1500 dollars as mentioned in previous posts. The Same dell outlet lists m15x with horrid GPU's at the same price if not more The market is soon going to be flooded with M15x's and guess what? They'll be priced around 900-800 dollars. Just look at what Moo sold his for. The reasons to get a new generation m15x are quickly declining, and well as their Value or Re-Sell Value.

 

Bahahahahaha, that's a ridiculously small difference. If you're getting a big gaming laptop you might as well go all in.

Will try to scrounge for extra money for the R2 -- the only problem is, I've heard it takes WEEKS for machines to be delivered when ordered from the Outlet.

Just sold my desktop -- ATM I'm using a Toshiba Qosmio with a 2GHz Pentium M. I can't really hold out very long with this!

 

Not exactly true, after getting my laptop I bought one for a close friend of mine via Dell Outlet, and he got his before I got mine. I was quite jealous like 2-3 weeks before I got mine. Mine was being built and the build process takes longer. The Dell Outlet Laptops are Ready to Go and in most cases you will in fact get the laptop within the week you ordered it from my personal experience, which is really nice. My friend ordered the M15x with 3 year warranty with a 260m, 900p screen. While I got an R2 with the 5870 crossfire, first editions. Of course you won't get the Fancy box and Hat, but you'll get everything you really need. Just be sure to NEVER order it online, call the guy up, and tell the seller or operator what you want, what you need. And if they don't have what you desire in the current inventory tell them to contact you once it gets there. I simply told the guy what model I wanted, what GPU, and he called me back once it came in stock. It couldn't have been easier. Dell Outlet is the way to go. The R2's were too new when I got my system though, so that's the real reason why I didn't get a Dell Outlet Version. But I would tell everyone now to do it this way.

 

Thanks for the great advice!

 

I dunt understand the new m15x bashing in here, the m17x looks justifiably bigger as it has an extra GPU and HDD slot in there, 4 lbs sounds lighter about right for that. the m15x is a lower model for $500 less (startin price) because most ppl cant afford to spend $3000 on a dual laptop configuration. Even with discounts you can easily spend over that with warranties. the laptops don't even compete in the same market area so a direct comparison is?????? as for gaming the m15x is super and with the higher end cards you can play any game on high/highest apart from metro 2033 this is proven and backed up with benchmarks.

while you bash the M15x you forget that it replaces your old area 51 competing in the same market area and it actually fixes lots of the problems that it carried. carrying the same logic you should of bought the area 51 m17x because you know its fail to have one GPU! by the way i agree with the other guy that old laptop was an awful waste of time and should have never made the production line with the faults. there is a thread in the M15X forum where a guy had a car crash the laptop is bashed up but it still works fine, sorry but the old one would of fallen to bits.

and the m15x is reportedly alienwares best seller since its release. with intel messing up the sandy release this is very unlikely to change for a while and there is likely to be a price drop over the course of this year. even if alienware don't sell another single m15x the release was a success compared to the flimsy area-51. As the the m11x is not powerful enough for heavy gamers and the m17x is too expensive for most consumers you are blind if you can't see where the m15x fits in. It's success refutes you. most peopl simply do not need 2 graphics cards and 2 hardrives in a laptop. Naturally ALL laptops get replaced by better technology eventually and the m17x r3 is a candidate for that replacement (the area 51 range was replaced several years ago) but considering alienware still sell the core duo m11x i doubt we'll see the new m15x taken off their website for a while yet. there is even a possibility that the 6950m will work in the m15x as its such a good seller but even if it cant the machine will play games for more than 3 years until dx12 goes mainstream. the OP needs to be very careful as there are some really biased posters in here, i mean we all get a bit defensive over our laptops but come on.

if you cant afford an M17x r2 then of course ideally you want that for gaming but the m15x is still a solid machine with discounts, it has it's flaws such as a poor touch pad and poor sound but its a large leap forward from the days of the area-51 machines. Either that or you could wait for the m17x r3 to go back on the site, however careful, as it's an expensive waste of time outside anywhere other than the US where the prices mean it will never be a worldwide success. For instance the starting price for the m15x in the UK is £999 where you can easily get a 20% discount for the m17x R3 it is £1800 and you will not get a discount. This seems to be replicated nearly everywhere apart from the US. The prices for the R3 are so horrendously bad in places like Asia and Europe mean that it can never replace the M15x and it will never be the success it was.

 

Hey Buddy, that same thread also has joker 5150 saying that had it been a m17x, (Which is made of a Better Metal Quality Grade) IT wouldn't have even Cracked which I agree with.

Did you read post #41? Both Machines on the Dell Outlet shows that the m17x R2 is actually cheaper, Find me a 1200 m15x either on Dell Outlet or normal Price and then tell me what GPU it has, holds no comparison. My friend who bought the M15x with the 260m can't even play Black Ops, which I admit isn't properly optimized but then again it runs fine on my R2 with no problems. Of course that could come back to ATI vs Nvidia. Cooling is better on the R2, hands down. Display is better, have you seen an RGB LED? If you had access to both systems you wouldn't even touch the 15x, cause I don't. And my area-51 is actually quite portable it fits in my backpack with a soft-touch case just fine, something the new version won't do. Did I mention that it doesn't even have a HDMI port, which is beyond annoying for multi-media capabilities? I'm telling the OP to get an R2, if you think otherwise please tell him why he should get a 15x over an R2, WOuld love see this, STop defending the m15x just because your brother owns it (whom you want to sabotage for whatever stupid reason), tell the OP why he should get it over the R2, please when the price point for a SINGLE GPU on either system is IDENTICAL.

And clearly you have not read the entire thread, as I stated in earlier posts that I kept my m15x because it's slightly smaller and because it has a better battery life of nearly 4 hours. And I didn't find the improvements to be significant, so when I went out to buy the newer M15x which you or your brother claims is so Great, I went with an R2 instead. Do you wanna tell me why I made a bad choice there? Look I get it you probably live in the UK and the R2 is probably an Arm and a Leg. This does not mean that for us more fortunate users here in the States we'll have the same pricing as you do. I highly suggest you look at an R2 next to your brother's m15x side by side and then get back to me. I've seen it I'll take photos of it for you again next week when I get my R2 back from my bro.

 

I never said don't get an M17X R2. I said if it's affordable get a M17X r2 which you glossed over. The M17X R2 is a fantastic machine. As was the M17.

Not one person has argued that the M15X is superior for gaming over the M17X r2. Also again I have to repeat that the M15X is due a universal price cut looking at Dells trends?

I do not know specific pricing in the US however it is quite obvious that pricing from country to country is not a linear graph. I do not know where the OP is from but the US pricing and discounts are exceptional and have no logic behind some of them. You will never get a deal like that outside the US unless you import it or just get lucky. Assuming that the OP is lucky enough to live in the US, and assuming such a deal is available then of course it is the obvious choice. I never said the M15X is the be and end all. However, do not assume that pricing will stick that way! I just completely disagree the way you brushed the M15X off as illrelevant when it has been the most successful brand product for a long time. The market obviously does not agree with you. OP good luck whatever laptop you choose just remember to get warranty and invest as much as you can in newer tech. If you really are running a tight budget avoid alienware altogether and buy one when you get older. You might be better off getting a refurb than buying one from a private seller due to warranty.

The 260m in the m15x should play black ops fine theoretically, there could be other issues. To be frank the 260m isn't even a good card in the M15x just average. As myself and other users have said the ATi 5850m is cheaper than a 260m and it can play any games on high/highest with a good CPU. The 460m isn't far behind.