*OFFICIAL* "All Powerful" M15x Benchmark Thread Part 2

Wow, that's odd, well still a great gaming card no matter what way you cut it. Great run!

 

Dane, good luck with the R3. Want to hear your impressions and see some early benches when you have time. Weather looks awful out there. Give you something to do if it gets delivered.

Good point on the core/ram settings. Really haven't played with it much. I'll give it a try.

 

Ehh the weather isn't so much aweful but dang is it cold lol. High tomorrow is like 15 and the low is 0 what the heck? Good bench weather though lol, no need for a/c. I'll probably have some stock bench runs tonight

 

Weather is so cold here you can just put it outside to bench at max. Wind chill is 9 Fahrenheit here. StevenX

 

5850m and 460m should play games well for sometime yet... a majority of mobile cards, even high mid range cards cant handle dx11 too well by the looks of it and it still is quite far from being mainstream. I haven't had any complaints with the 5850m at all even on dx11. Even if theres a roof hit with the GPU I'm going to shove a 920xm inside my M15X and wait until next year before getting a new system. Sandy release doesn't seem to be going very smooth by the looks of anyway but the though of a 6970m makes me a bit envious.

 

yeah a loaded M15x will still hold its own for some time. it looks like the r3 has been taken off dell's site, real bummer, was waiting for the 6970 to drop to make my move.

 

Yeah it definitely will, realistically unless you want your rig to run for 3-4 years or want ultimate benchmark power anything more is kind of overkill right now. I'm just hoping the R3 being pulled may be due to them A)waiting for word from Intel so it's only temporary or B)updating it with additional options and not wanting a mess like when they released it.

 

With your encouragement, I pushed it a little more in Vantage. Raised the score a little, but finally crossed 10,000GPU, if just barely.

Vantage: P10,533

GPU: 10,045

 

Nice one! Now where is that spare 470m GTX that supports the M15x lying around...? D'oh!

 

Thanks. What I'd really like is a 6970M that would slide into this M15x. Not likely.

 

wow nice rev. knew you can do it. all you need now is to slap that xm in and your a contender for top spot.

dang can't rep you yet, haha

 

Nice run Rev, I'll be sure to get that updated tonight, seriously you need to slap that extreme in there and you'll be gunning for top spot in quite a few categories. + Rep

 

rev. also try not to beat my score by too much.

 

Where are all the other 460m gtx scores? I want some competition and to know how well I'm doing. I know some Clevo users are ahead of me that's likely to do with their cooling and less wattage hungry parts (like alienfx)

 

The other scores aren't on the boards because no one seems to read the rules for the benchmark boards before they run them. I had people posting uploads of: no cpu/gpuz, just futuremark board upload links, runs at res other than the default, etc. Now if someone posts a run that is GPU only for the GPU leader board with GPU-z and no CPU-z I'll cut them some slack or anything like that scenario but without the info needed there's no proof it wasn't a doctored desktop run lol.

 

Has it arrived?

 

I'm guessing you're asking about the R3 Rev? If you are then yes, it has landed....the chaos begins again

 

Let us know your impressions. Or, if discussing elsewhere, give me a pointer.

 

wow M15x vs M17 r3, let the battle begin, hahahhaha

can;t wait to see what you think of it, guessing the r3 is the way to go now for me.

 

Inap if I were you, I'd spend it on a x7200. Those things are absolute beasts. Although I'm not quite sure what your budget is. If there was one laptop for me to get along with a m15x it would be that one. I would get the M17x R2 if I didn't have the M15x. I don't think I would get the R3 because of the Sandy Bridge shambles.

 

yeah the x7200 is friggin mind blowin, but i really love the dell warranty and all the purdy lights, hehehe

i always prefer the single card solution over sli or cf. I would love to stay with the M15x but always want 2 hdd and a full size keyboard. i can wait till sandy gets fixed but it doesn't look like a real major issue, but still glad its getting fix.

but who knows, i'm still shopping around right now.

 

Yeah personally if I have the dosh (dough as you call it over the pond) I would get the x7200 with 2x 470m in sli, try out the 470m in my M15x again, and if it works use the 460m/260m as a physx card in the x7200 to preserve the single card solution and not fuss about sli, then upgrade to 485m (maybe sli) and sell of the rest of my spare cards. Now I'm off to buy some lottery tickets.

 

Oh Yes Rev, its here. I now have no husband for say..........at least 5 days!

 

hahah 5 days if your lucky, hehehe you should consider yourself lucky i don't have an r3 right now.

 

Come on inap get an R3 I dare ya let's start up the fire of war again lol

 

i wish i could, the r3 has been taken off the order page. still have time, since no one has come close to any records yet with the r3, but hoping you'll change that soon.

 

Thanks man, gonna do my best to do it Another mountain to climb but the view is so sweet

 

i'm sure you can make it happen. time to show people what an 460m can really do.

 

At least. However, it should bring with it the benefits of confining his mess to a concentrated space instead of spread throughout the house. There's something to be said for that. The highest ground in heaven is reserved for wives who bear their husband's obsessions with grace and understanding.

 

Aren't you so sweet?! Yes some days it is an obsession! I figured instead of fighting about all the time he spent on here I should understand why, so here I am! I am really starting to love it! He will have to buy me a M15x sooner than later! The M17x is too big!

 

@Miss - you may want to see how this whole m17R3 and whether or note the m15 gets refreshed before ordering anything.

StevenX

 

Hey guys, would love to get your opinion on something. I am the happy owner of an SXPS 1647 as per my sig. I have had minor hinge issues which have been replaced 3 times and now they are offering to replace my laptop with an M15x.

Here is my current system

Base System -Studio XPS 1647 Base systerm (Direct) 1
Processor Options -Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-540M (2.53Ghz, 4 Thread, tur 1
bo boost up to 3.06 GHz, 3M cac
-Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 Label 1
Operating System -Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit (English) 1
-Microsoft Patch for WIN7 1
-Windows(R) 7 Home Premium COA Label 1
-Win 7 OS Label 1
-Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit (English) 1
DVD Media
Limited Time Offer 1 -Free Upgrade to Integrated CREATIVE Sound Blaster -
X-Fi MB Audio Software Solutio
Display -15.6 " E to E Full High Definition(1080p)Display 1
with TrueLife(TM )-Alpine White
-Alpine White info mod 1
-Full High Definition info Mod 1
Memory -4GB Dual-channel 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (2 x 2GB) 1
Hard Drives -640GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive 1
Internal Optical Drive -Slot Load 8X DVD + /-RW Drive with double layer w 1
rite capability
-PowerDVD Software 1
-Roxio Premium 10.3 Media Kit 1
-Cyberlink PowerDVD Software media kit 1
-Roxio Creator 10.3 1
Video Card -ATI Mobility RADEON(R) HD 4670 - 1GB 1
Audio Solution -Integrated CREATIVE Sound Blaster(R) X-Fi MB Audi 1
o Software Solution
-CREATIVE Sound Blaster(R) X-Fi MB Software Kit 1
Wireless Network Card -Dell(TM) Wireless 1520 802.11n Mini-Card 1
Bluetooth Module -Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth 1
Batteries -6-Cell (56WHr) Li-Ion Primary Battery 1
Carry Case -No Case
-Shipment box 1
Power Options -90W AC Adapter 1
-Power Cord (ANZ) 1
Keyboard -Dell(TM) Backlit Keyboard with Touchpad (English) 1
Software -Microsoft(R) Works 9.0 (Does Not Include Microsof 1
t(R) Office 2003/2007 Software)
-OEM-Word Processor/Spreadsheet/Database/Calendar/ 1
Powerpoint viewer/Email Tools
Security Software -McAfee(TM) Security Center (Multi-Language) - 15 1
Months Version
-McAfee CD 1
-For < P468M > McAfee(R) Security Center(TM) (15 M -
onths)
Others Software -DataSafe Local 2.0 Basic 1
-Dell(TM) PC-Restore 1
Dell Services: Hardware M -3-year XPS Premier Service with 3-year CompleteCo 1
aintenance ver
-3 Years Priority PC User 24x7 Support (Round-The- 1
Clock Technical Assistance)
-International Support For Laptops 1
-3 Years Complete Cover Accidental Damage Protecti 1

They have offered me an m15x

1 S510915NZ-Alienware M15x 0.00 0.00
Alienware M15x Cosmic Black Base (Direct) 1
Intel® Core? i7-740QM Processor (1.73GHz, 4Core/8Threads, turbo boost up to 2.93Ghz, 6M
cache)
1
15.6 " Full HD (1080p) WLED (1920 x 1080) Display with TrueLife(TM ) 1
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 Label 1
Chassis Info Mod (Black) 1
Alienware Generic Nameplate 1
System Drivers 1
Audio Info 1
System Resource Media 1
DisplayPort to HDMI 1
System Documentation (English) 1
8GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM(2x4GB) 1
640GB 7200RPM Hard Drive 1
8X DVD + /-RW Drive with DVD + R double layer write capability 1
150W Primary AC Adapter 1
Power Cord (ANZ) 1
6-cell Primary Battery 1
Shipment Box 1
1GB GDDR5 ATI Mobility Radeon? HD 5850 1
Intel(R) WiFi Link 5300 (802.11a/g/n) Half Mini-card 1
Dell(TM) Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal (2.1) mini-card 1
AlienFX(R) Illuminated Keyboard(English) 1
Microsoft Patch for WIN7 1
Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit (English) 1
Windows(R) 7 Home Premium COA Label(ANW) 1
Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit DVD Media (ANW) 1
Microsoft(R) office 2010 OEM Installation 1
Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2010 (English) 1
Avatar - Alienhead 3D 1
AlienFX AQUA 1
Automatic Updates On 1
STEAM Gaming Portal Software 1
Dell Webcam Central Software 1
Dell Webcam Central Media Kit 1
Nero Software 1
EVE Online game (Trial) 1
AlienGUIse Theme Manager with Breed Theme 1
Directship Info Mod 1
Alienware Command Center Software 1
WinRE software 1
DataSafe Local Basic 1
TV Tuner Software 1
Adobe Reader 9.0 1
McAfee(R) Security Center - 15 Months Version 1
McAfee(R) Security Center Media Kit 1
24x7 Telephone Technical Support Hotline: 0800-335-540 1
# Yr 1 Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis 1
# Year 1 Standard POW 1
For Info Only: Dell's Terms and Conditions apply 1
International Support For Laptops 1
3 Years Priority PC User 24x7 Support (Round-The-Clock Technical Assistance) 1
# Include Yr 2 To 3 Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis 1
# Includes Year 2 To 3 Parts Exchange Service 1
3-year Premier Service with 3-year CompleteCover 1
3 Years Complete Cover Accidental Damage Protection 1
For Info

I just find the M15x to be bulky and almost childish. I know it is a nice upgrade in terms of specs but the SXPS is very stylish and the Alienware aesthetics (crazy LEDs etc) do not appeal to me.

Has anyone here come from the SXPS and if so how do you find the Alienware?

Secondly I have heard the touchpad is horrible, is this true?

And lastly anything else I should know about this laptop to help make my decision?

Really appreciate your guys time over here in the Alienware section! Maybe I will be one of you soon... maybe not...

Thanks!

 

@Matt -
1. you can disable or turn off the LED's you dont like
2. touchpad is fine. I actually like the led around the touchpad.
3. The performance of the m15 will blow the xps you have now out of the water. I mean that. Seriously.
4. Better build quality
5. Walk in to any Starbucks or Barnes and Noble with an alienware all lite up vs anything else. I promise. The token girl pretending to study will be oogling your notebook compared to the mac kids trying to figure out how to edit videos.
6. Upgrade potential. If you need to upgrade you have the opportunity to do so.

I could go on and on and on but the point is... If I were in your shoes I would make that trade in a heartbeat.

Good Luck,

StevenX

 

Thanks for the reply mate, and thanks for not blasting me for being in the wrong thread! Just realised it was the benchmark thread not the owners lounge ha ha. Good points will take into consideration

 

On a side note guys my initial review is up in the M17x thread, there will be more to come, if you have any questions on the R3 -vs- M15x comparison just shoot me a pm or leave one in that thread.

 

Even if you don't like the m15x remember that the resell value will be way higher than your XPS, better build quality, better components, and just more demand because of the brand and ness. That's a really good offer, you are lucky to get an upgrade like that, for instance you will now have a quad i7 not a dual core i5. Frankly although the 4670 is a fairly respectable mid-range card the 5850/5870 is way out of it's league, ATI dominated that part of the market nearly all last year with it's release.

 

Ok.. I'm chasing the 14k mark but since I have the newer MB version setFSB only allows me to up by 4mhz. So.. here it is.. 13896. Just 104 more points... And these are on settings I can game with stable and no lockups or issues.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/8466/3dmark06ht.jpg (link if needed)

 

Have you considered updating your vbios to A02? Might let you increase your clocks enough to get you over the hump.

 

@The rev - I thought it was already a02? I got it at the end of September. Does the screenshot show something different? Please let me know!

Thanks, StevenX

 

Also have you tried any of the other revision drivers? I know when I had mine the vga drivers made a difference in what stable overclock I could hold.

 

11.1 has been good to me so far.. I can say that I get lower scores in bfbc2 but higher in other games.. I dont understand how but I can prove it over and over. Maybe it's just my machine.

StevenX

 

Very easily could be just your cards preference lol....my card ran wonderfully with some of the drivers that threw bad results for everyone else...shrug. My best run came from the 10.10 drivers that not many people liked.

 

The GPU-Z screenshot included with that last 3dMark06 report showed a Bios Version ending in "000000", which indicates the old, original vbios. The A02 vbios ends in "037518." If you flashed A02, it didn't take.

Yours: http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/8466/3dmark06ht.jpg

Mine: ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting

 

same with me bios a02 ending with 037518 also.

 

Thanks so much.. I wonder... Has anyone noticed DECREASED performance from updating the newer bios?

Thanks,

StevenX

 

Finally got around to buying a can of compressed air(Didn't think they'd be that hard to find.) My laptop was getting temps of around 101C(stock clocks) on BFBC2. After cleaning temps went down to around 85.

This is only after six months, I didn't think it'd be that extreme.


Also, my memory(I think its the memory, its the 2nd of the three temps on GPU-Z is around 10C higher than the other two under load. Is that normal?

 

its normal, the vram tend to be the hottest part of the card.

 

@All - did anyone do a before/after 3dmark and clock test or fps test on vbios original and vbios 2?

Thanks,

StevenX

 

@StevenX -- I would have run the new vbios against 3dMark06 and Vantage to check for anomalies or performance glitches at different clocks. But that was 5 months ago and would have been based more on look and feel than measured fps, and I don't remember any of the specifics except that it worked fine. I wouldn't be using it otherwise. The primary benefits are probably increased stability and compatibility rather than o/c effects; those are more derivative.

But there is no risk. Just save your existing vbios before flashing A02. If you don't like A02 for any reason, flash back.

 

ok guys need your opinion,i jst installed a new gtx 460m on my laptop with mx-4 paste. my idle tem is anywhere beetween 37 to 40c but maily stays at 38c most of the time.after 20 min of furmark on highest possible settings + extreme burning mode i top out at 69-70c it goes back and forth.how are these temps looking??? and what do you think is the overclocking potential with these temps....I WANNA UNLEASH THE BEAST!!! lol.i would also like to hear from other m15x gtx 460m owners as far as clocks and temps.thanks in advance guys. my specs are M15X i7-740 GTX 460M 6GB RAM 500 GB HDD.also im on a thermaltake cooler