Alienware M15x vs Dell Xps 15 (L502x) Performance Ratio

Hello forum users.

I'm in need to assistance concerning the overall performance difference between the following systems

Alienware M15X
Intel i7 820QM Quad Core, 4 x 1.73Ghz- turbo 2.93Ghz
500GB (7200RPM)
6Gb RAM 1333MHz DDR3
Intel 5300 Wireless Card
15.6in Wide TrueLife HD+ (1080) WLED
1 GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX260M
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 BIT)
3 Year Warranty
PRICE : £700

Dell XPS 15
Intel i5 2540M / i7 2630QM (Same price for either processor.)
500GB (7200RPM)
4Gb RAM 1333MHz DDR3
Intel Wireless-N 1000
15.6 HD WLED TL (1366x768) 720p
1GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 525M
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 BIT)
3 Year Warranty
PRICE : £560

Would overclocking the GT 525m to a GT 550m make the Dell Xps 15 a suitable contender?
How would those processors fair for running the Dolphin Emulator?

I understand the Alienware weighs nearly 4.5Kgs (Which isn't heavy on it's own) but when adding on other necessary student equipment it's a weight that will be noticeable compared to my other devices.
The i5 looks very appealling because of it's 3.3 Ghz Turbo speed and it's potential to run cooler than the i7 whilst offerring similar performance.

Is it worth selling my Alienware M15x for one of those Xps'?
Is the portability worth the reduction(?) in performance?
My choice of gaming is Skyrim, BF 3, Dawn of War games, and lastly Dolphin Emulation for Wii titles (Which I also physically own),

 

Personally I would keep the M15x. My cousin has the xps 15 with the B+rgled screen, and even still I would hold onto my alienware. Reasons being, better graphics, I don't need the fastest cpu power nor is heat an issue in the M15x with either the i7 you listed nor my i5-540m. In your post you have a 720p screen, less ram, a weaker card, weaker wifi. What you do have is more portability, better cpu, better audio.

If portability is really that much of a concern then the xps 15 is definitely a viable option. You should be able to easily game on the xps 15 because your native res is lower, and the graphics card is overclockable to handle the games listed, albeit not on the higher settings.

EDIT: also, try avoiding double posting (new thread) in multiple forums.

 

I wanted to make sure there was no bias towards either machines.
And it turns ou tas expected.
Alienware users recommened Alienware.
Dell Xps users criticise M15x weight - (Suggest XPS alternative).

It wasn't really a double post - I wanted as broad a range of perspectives as possible.

I had also considered posting it within the "What notebook should I buy" but I wouldn't have gained the same response. Previous experience has taught me this.

 

Well based just on those 2 machines i belive the dell is more powerfull with a better cpu and Gpu, also the dell having a smaller resolution would really help fps.
saying that the dell is still not a gaming machine and actualy nor is the alienware while it has that gpu so my suggstion is upgrade to a 6970m and keep the awsome alienware with that great 1080p screen.
If you dont want to upgade get the dell

 

I have both.
Check muy signature for specs.

The decision depends on how much gaming are you going to do.

 

That's why I gave you an unbiased response. Telling you the pros of both, and leaving you the decision up to you, as oppose to swaying you one way or the other.

 

Hello, Caladdon, as you might know we do not allow crossposting!
You already opened a thread here and here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...l-xps-15-l502x-vs-alienware-m15x-overall.html

A proper place to post questions like these is here:
What Notebook Should I Buy?
please review the stickies there and the forum rules.

I'm going to close this one!
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.