Decisions, decisions...

So, i'm in the market for a new laptop and i can't decide between an m17x and an m15x. I could either go with a completely pimped out m15x with an SSD, and a good i7(etc), or i could go with an m17x that has the xfire 5870s, but the rest of it would be default configurations...i guess my biggest concern is the i5 520 vs the i7 720...is the i5 painfully worse than the i7? In case it applies, it'll mostly be used for games and an occasional autodesk session.

oh, also, i've been perusing these forums, and so by what i understand the r1s sli configurations were a pita, so how do you think the dual 5870s will fare? I don't want to buy a machine that doesn't work

 

Fir most games, the i5 is fine. I would go with the m17x. You'll be able to upgrade it later on. I think you mean choosing an alienware ssd, which a few do, but I would recommend an intel or vertex instead.

 

yeah, i think i'm leaning towards the m17x, i just hope there aren't any problems with the 5870s...

 

Your situation looks similar to this but I am not sure it would help. Check it out! Good luck in your purchase!
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/483831-2010-alienware-m15x-vs-m17x-let-poll-begins.html

P.S Do remember to poll as the results might help others in making decision.
P.P.S Sorry, I just want to welcome you to this forum. You will find many helpful members giving you the best information around. Take care!

 

The 5870 crossfire is the best GPU option right now. And can play anything really. Within a month I'm sure alot of people here get a system with 5870 crossfire. And I'm sure they discover if there is any issues with it.

Take the m17x, but I would too recommend that you buy a Intel or Vertex SSD instead, and replace it on your own.

 

m17x xfire 5870s hands down. CPU are always easier to swap than these fancy graphic cards. and can be purchased cheaper at later time. dont you agree ? lol.

 

if u have the money go for the M17x with the cross fire. Thats going to be about the peak of mobile GPUs for a while.

I ordered the M15x, mainly because i need something a bit smaller and price was an issue for me.

 

Thanks a lot guys, you've put my mind at ease. I'm definitely going to order an m17x.

oh and alienewbie, that link was great! i can't believe i missed that thread, it basically answered all my questions

 

Cheers,

The bottleneck on a laptop gaming system is almost always the GPU. Video gamers have been seeing the majority of increase in game performance come from the GPU. The CPU does to a lesser extent effect performance because non-graphics functions like artificial intelligence and phycis are handled by the CPU.

The i5 is a main stream processor and the cornerstone of many desktop gaming systems. The i7 cost more than the i5 but it is a luxuary that you probably won't notice as both are excellent choices.

Once you have used a 17" lap top there is almost no way you will want to go back to a 15". As far as portability goes, the 15" is almost the same size and weight as the 17".

Good luck, I am sure you will enjoy either system.

SSD is great, but would not switch from 17" to 15' for the sake of a faster boot. SSD will be half price next year so why not buy a small 7200 drive and look for an SSD on sale.