M15x --> AW ALX Desktop switch

1. This question regards a notebook, and I don't even own a desktop yet, so it should fit here, right?
2. I already posted this on the Desktop forum, but its not double-posting because its a different forum
3. if either is wrong, just close the thread ....

I am considering switching the M15x in my sig, for this desktop:

Alienware Aurora ALX

• Intel® Core™ i7 930 Quad Core Processor (2.8GHz, 8MB Cache)
• 6GB Triple Channel 1600MHz DDR3
• 1TB RAID 0 (2x 500GB SATA-II, 7,200 RPM, 16MB Cache HDDs)
• 4GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 6990

I think I might be able to pull this off adding (almost) no money, and I no longer care for mobility, but I do care for upgradeability.

Assume I already own a super cool monitor.

Is this a good idea? what kind of performance increase will I see for gaming?

any recommendations are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

 

Yeah should be a good swap. I mean dual 6990?! That is overkill to the max. And in our books, overkill is never enough so go for it! Amazing deal if it suits your needs!

 

Just out of curiosity: How do you manage to swap your laptop into a computer where the graphicscards are worth about the same as the laptop?

Dual 6990 is not an option on alienwares site, or am I missing something?

 

I'm trusting the resale value of my laptop, I think I can get quite a few bucks off it...


and yes, 6990 is shown as dual GPU con Latin Amercia Dell site, unless I am misinterpreting something...

 

Yes, the 6990 is a dual GPU (it has 2 processors on 1 card) but there's no "Dual 6990" option in the meaning of having two 6990 in the ALX... that would be way overkill anyway, hahaha, and I dooubt the ALX mobo has enough space for two 6990, hahaha, this card is huuuuuuuuuuuge.

 

oohh I get it now.... so what would be better:

one dual 4GB 6990 GPU card, or

two 1 or 2 GB GPU card, connected via SLI?

 

I would keep my M15x and get a 6970m hahahaha

Well, I don't really know how good the 6990 is compare to a CrossFire setup... you'll need to check some benches and tests.
Keep in mind that you can soft mod (vbios) 6950 to a 6970... I guess this would be the best performance, though I'm not 100% sure.

 

Ok, so I just checked the brazillian alienware site.
You were in fact right agusman.
They DO offer a dual 6990 (so 4 gpus and 8gb vram)
This would be your best option, since its the best card on the market (unless nvidia came out with something equal recently).

Maaan, this is insane!

 

Actually nvidia came out with the 590 GTX with dual GPUs but I'm not sure how it compares.

 

It's a bit slower an though does well in nvidia favoured games, however it has a tendancy to make itself explode.

It is quieter though.

 

Just how much are you planning on getting for your M15x?



That looks like an expensive setup!

And I hate to say it, I know full well how overused this statement is but... You know when it comes to desktops you can get a HELL of a lot more for your money if you go the DIY route.

Slap me if you must but I just wanted to throw it out there. I don't need you to tell me how many times you've heard some idiot screaming it in every PC forum you've ever visited but it seems to be true.

 

It might be cheaper, but its convenient to buy it as a whole unit, and you get awesome support and warranty...

And its sooooooo pretty

 

Ok, I'm pretty sure this pic is cursed. Everytime I post it the thread gets closed moments later so speak your peace now, just incase!

Alienware desktops really aren't that good looking, when you take into account the infinite options that are available to you when you take the custom route...

(The Cursed) Example :

Spoiler

 

But it looks all nvidiaish.. And you cant really have that thing standing around, I for one know that I would knock it over in a matter of moments

 

wow that looks sexy!!!

 

Wouldn't be hard to get an ATI version with a lower centre of gravity!

Something like this with some ATI branding all over it?

Spoiler

Alienware desktops really are bland in appearance when you explore the custom route more extensively.

I just wonder what it tastes like... That green is so... Mmmmmmmmmmmm.

 

are you sure about that?

it is filed under Dual GPU's, but maybe its as said before, is just one dual GPU, no 4 GPUs... when comparing prices with single GPUs this seems more logic... I might contact a sales rep to check on this.

well, its not actually a laptop <--> desktop fair trade... I'll have to put some cash over it...

I know, but I like the looks of AW desktops, plus all the liquid cooling system...

and mostly because since they look so big, I don't think I'll run into problems when updating (i.e.: large GPUs not fitting in there...)

 

Nah, I cant really say im sure since I dont speak portugeese.
You might be right, I just thought it was dual card since its listed under dual