General m9750 answers

Here is some general information about the Alienware Area-51 m9750 that seems to be questioned often in other threads.

Please PM me if any of this information is inaccurate.

1. Using m9750 screen to play video game consoles:
IF you have the tv tuner, you can input video (COAX or S-Video) into your m9750.

However, lag is introduced between the source output and the TV tuner processing and displaying the image.

This Means that you would probably have already lost by the time your game appears on screen.

2. Maximum RAM The m9750s revised BIOS should support up to 4 GBs of RAM in the BIOS. However, while I have not personally tried it, the new bios does not let windows read that much ram is the message from other m9750 owners who have tried it. This BIOS is available from "my Hive" on Alienware's website.
Note: Flashing the BIOS without contacting Technical support may void the warranty.

3. Alienware Light: The Alienware Light is turned on or off by pressing the Fn + F10 combination.

4. Media keys (Above keyboard) on/off: These buttons are turned on or off by pressing Fn+F11. The blue led on the top left of this section being steady ON means the buttons are OFF, this LED being steady OFF means the buttons are on.

5. Battery Life: Roughly 1 hour to 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on selected components.

6. Solid State Hard Drives: The General Consensus here is that these are not cost effective. A $1100 64GB Hard Drive is not worth it, no matter the benefits.

7. 8800m GTX Graphics: Alienware has officially stated that the 8800m WILL NOT be offered for the m9750; it is not compatible with the m9750's MXM III slot.

8. New processors: The fastest CPU the m9750 supports is the 2.33Ghz available with it. The chipset DOES NOT support santa rosa.

More will be added later

 

Component Updates:
(New, lower blu-ray price!)

Current Configurator options: (New from launch are in bold) (11/11/2007)

CPU
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5500 1.66GHz 2MB Cache 667MHz FSB
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7200 2.0GHz 4MB Cache 667MHz FSB [+$150 or $5/mo.]
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7400 2.16GHz 4MB Cache 667MHz FSB [+$300 or $9/mo.]
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7600 2.33GHz 4MB Cache 667MHz FSB [+$700 or $21/mo.]

GPU
512MB Nvidia® GeForce™ Go 8700M GT
Dual 512MB Nvidia® GeForce™ Go 8700M GT - SLI Enabled [+$400 or $12/mo.]

Screen:
17" WideXGA+ 1440 x 900 LCD - Stealth Black
17" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD with Clearview Technology - Stealth Black [+$200 or $6/mo.]

RAM:
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz – 2 x 512MB
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz – 2 x 1024MB [+$150 or $5/mo.]
4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz – 2 x 2048MB [+$450 or $14/mo.]

Operating System:
Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 [+$0]
Genuine Windows® XP Professional [+$50 or $2/mo.]
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium
Genuine Windows Vista™ Ultimate [+$100 or $3/mo.]

TV Tuner
Without Media Center Remote Control or TV Tuner
With Media Center Remote Control [+$29 or $1/mo.]
With Media Center Remote Control and ATSC TV Tuner [+$200 or $6/mo.]

Optical Drive
24x DVD-ROM/CD-RW Burner
8x Dual Layer CD-RW/DVD±RW Burner [+$50 or $2/mo.]
8x Dual Layer CD-RW/DVD±RW Burner w/ LightScribe Technology [+$75 or $3/mo.]
2x Blu-ray Writer/DVD±RW Burner [+$340 or $11/mo.]

Hard Drives:

1. Single Drive
80GB SATA 1.5Gb/s 7,200RPM 8MB Cache
120GB SATA 1.5Gb/s 5,400RPM 8MB Cache [+$50 or $2/mo.]
160GB SATA 1.5 Gb/s 5,400RPM Hybrid Hard Drive w/ 256MB flash memory [+$75 or $3/mo.]
120GB SATA 1.5Gb/s 7,200RPM 8MB Cache [+$100 or $3/mo.]
160GB SATA 1.5Gb/s 7,200RPM 8MB Cache [+$150 or $5/mo.]
320GB SATA 1.5Gb/s 5,400RPM 8MB Cache [+$200 or $6/mo.]
200GB SATA 1.5Gb/s 7,200RPM 16MB Cache [+$250 or $8/mo.]
32GB SATA Solid State Drive [+$500 or $15/mo.]
64GB SATA Solid State Drive [+$1,100 or $33/mo.]

2. RAID 0
160GB (80GB x 2) SATA 1.5Gb/s 7,200RPM 8MB Cache
240GB (120GB x 2) SATA 1.5Gb/s 7,200RPM 8MB Cache [+$50 or $2/mo.]
320GB (160GB x 2) SATA 1.5Gb/s 7,200RPM 8MB Cache [+$150 or $5/mo.]
400GB (200GB x 2) SATA 1.5Gb/s 7,200RPM 16MB Cache [+$300 or $9/mo.]
640GB (320GB x 2) SATA 1.5Gb/s 5,400RPM 8MB Cache [+$300 or $9/mo.]
64GB (32GB x 2) SATA Solid State Drive [+$900 or $27/mo.]
128GB (64GB x 2) SATA Solid State Drive [+$1,800 or $54/mo.]

3. RAID 1
120GB (120GB x 2) SATA 1.5Gb/s 7,200RPM 8MB Cache
160GB (160GB x 2) SATA 1.5Gb/s 7,200RPM 8MB Cache [+$100 or $3/mo.]
320GB (320GB x 2) SATA 1.5Gb/s 5,400RPM 8MB Cache [+$250 or $8/mo.]
200GB (200GB x 2) SATA 1.5Gb/s 7,200RPM 16MB Cache [+$250 or $8/mo.]

4. Non Raid multiple drives
32GB SATA Solid State Drive + 200GB SATA 7,200RPM Storage Drive
32GB SATA Solid State Drive + 320GB SATA 5,400RPM Storage Drive [+$0]
64GB SATA Solid State Drive + 200GB SATA 7,200RPM Storage Drive [+$600 or $18/mo.]
64GB SATA Solid State Drive + 320GB SATA 5,400RPM Storage Drive [+$600 or $18/mo.]

Wi-Fi Card
Internal Intel® PRO Wireless 3945 a/b/g Mini-Card
Internal Intel® Wireless 4965 a/b/g/Draft-N Mini-Card [+$60 or $2/mo.]
Wireless-N BundleL Includes Intel® 4965 a/b/g/Draft-N Mini-Card and Netgear® WNR854T RangeMax™ Router [+$160 or $5/mo.]

Sound Card:
High-Definition Audio with surround sound
Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio [+$99 or $3/mo.]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Market Upgrade Prices (From AW Tech Support)

US dollars, without Tax or shipping. Proccesor upgrades require the computer be returned to AW for the upgrade. Shipping is your expense.

Single 7950GTX-----------$347.50 (free shipping)

Geforce 8700: $326

Two 8700M GT's----------$533.49 (free shipping)

proccesor 2.33GHz, $724

tv tuner: $63 (w/ out remote)

Remote: $22

Lightscribe drive: $55

802.11n card: $161

 

Space Reserved

 

For those intrested in ordering, I dug this out of the old m9750 owner's lounge:

And:

Also:

 

You may want to add the battery life of the system. I would say 1h05m - 1h40m depending on components/wi-fi and other things.

 

As it is written, It shall be done.

 

Here's the update,
I just got off the phone with alienware tech. support and here is what he said regarding upgrading video cards.

-We include a manual or you can call us while you install.

-When an Alienware customer asks, we will give you a 10% discount on card upgrades.

-We will also include free shipping.

So here are the prices he quoted me:

Single 7950GTX-----------$347.50 (free shipping)
Two 8700M GT's----------$533.49 (free shipping)

-Rob

--Also, as most of you know already, he said the 8800's on the Santa Rosa platform will be out soon. Additionally, he said there will be continued support for the 9750 platform as it has been so successful.

 

Did he mean 8800s for the m9750 or a newer model. And if it is the m9750, do they require a newer mobo/cpu santa rosa revision.

And what do you mean by 10% off?
Is that reflected in those prices?

 

He was talking about the new laptop that they are going to use the 8800's in. I didn't ask him if the 8800's will work in the M9750. From everything I have read I think they will. Again, from what I've read the 8800M GTX is MXM type III. If I'm not mistaken so is the 9750 GTX. If they do work in the M9750 I'm gonna jump on a pair of them at a 10% discount of course.

Yes the prices he quoted me already the 10% off to Alienware customers.



M9750/ T7200/ 2GB Mem./ Raid 0 (100x2)/ single 7950GTX/ XP Pro

 

See first post for 8800M GTX info.

BUMP

Also, RAM info updated

 

i don't fully understand regarding the tv tuner. are you saying that alienware will sell you the tv tuner module that you can instal yourself for $63 shipping? that would mean that the exterior ports for the tv tuner will be on the laptop even if you order it without this option. if so, it would be cheaper to simply order the m9750 without the tv tuner and place an order with tech support for the tv tuner module that they will ship you seperately to install yourself.

 

That does not include shipping. Although I plan on verifying in the future, it does seem to be cheaper at this point. A second 8700m falls there too.

 

is there any way to verify about adding the internal tv tuner yourself? maybe there is a link on their website or do i need to contact tech support? i a wondering if they can ship the module seperately at the same time you order a new m9750 from them...

 

You need to have the computer in your hand to get those prices, as the account number you need to speak with tech support is enclosed in the shipment.

Yes, you can install it yourself. Once you have the computer call tech support (1-866-287-6727) and order the part. They will ship it to you for you to install with them on the phone.

If they change the price, please post here. Thanks

 

would you happen to know if alienware can replace a wxga screen with the glossy wuxga and how much it would cost?

 

i also want to ask if you purchase a used m9750 from someone else and it has no warranty will alienware still offer you the upgrade parts at these discounted prices?

 

another series of questions here;

if you order it without sli will the sli cable come with it if you chose to add another card in the future or do you have to purchase the sli cable seperately?

if you order with only one hard drive and wish to add a second one will you need to order a special screws or hard drive hold from alienware?

 

Could I recommend the edit button to you?

1. I am not sure about the screen, although I doubt it (That would be a very complicated change)

2. Alienware may charge a 10 % higher price, or they may not sell it to you at all, depending on circumstances.

3. The SLI connector should be there, but I have to double check.

4. The Hard Drive bracket is enclosed (Otherwise there would be a hole in the case) and alieware generally encloses the screws, although I have dual hard drives and don't know firsthand.

 

I sent an e-mail to Alienware's support stating that I wanted to add a second hard drive, but did not receive screws to mount it and that I seemed to be missing a part. Alienware Fedex'd me replacement screws after about three days.

The actual part number they sent was:
[Item:AURORA m9700 (W830DAX) SCREW HDD M3*0.5 L3 NYLOCK G, Qty:1]

Almost all 2.5" hard drive mounting screws are the same, so if you can get ahold of some they should work just fine. I used the screws from an external 2.5" hard drive case I had to mount my second drive until the replacements from Alienware arrived, and they worked just fine.

 

RUMOR:

Alienware tech support told me a driver for the 8800m was in the m9750 section on their network, could be a good indicator.

 

You have made my day mjl2142


Excellent thread and thank you for your time

 

??? wow ! and where ?
He's kidding ! no ?

 

So Sayith the Sheppard...so sayith the flock...Amen

Thats has to be one of the best rumors I've seen in these forums

 

Does the M9750 recognize 800Mhz RAM?

 

Will the RAM work, YES. But it will run at 667MHz only, so its a wasted expense. I would recommend 667MHz.

Heres hoping the Tech I spoke too was right....

 

bump

for anyone concerned, i hava a 320GB drive on order from alienware.

 

Lucky. How much was it and was it the Western Digital?

 

guys anyone know what kind of adapter I need to convert a 110v alienware notebook for 220v power source, and where can I get one from?

 

Do you mean an outlet outside the US wafflesx?

I believe they said Samsung, I'll know for sure on Thursday when it arrives.
$193

With Tax, shipping: $206

 

Wafflesx all you need is an adapter to the European plug or UK plug types depending on where you are going. The power brick will automaticlly convert the voltage. If you plan on plugging other things in you will need an converter.

Adpater: http://www.amazon.com/Grounded-Adapter-Certified-Beige-Europe/dp/B000BMFH7I/ref=pd_sim_dbs_e_title_6
Anything like this will do fine with the laptop only.

 

206? Man thats not too bad. When you get it can you let me know what brand? I want one also. Thanks

 

Not a problem.

I will also add it to General list.

 

As someone mentioned, u DON'T need to get convert the voltage, the power supply will automatic do it for u. All u need is the power PLUG converter. U can get that less than 10usd anywhere from on-line or on-site.

Seriously, call Alienware or ask a member by the name shazza or shazzoz, I believe she has used her laptop overseas (Australia) while I myself (Malaysia) that use 220v~230v as their power source. I already confirm this by asking one of the Alienware member @ notebookforums.com as well as technical support supervisor. They might get confuse too bcoz the first agent I talked to get it all wrong.

 

and oh, I have the power supply ur were talking bout too, but I used it for my Japanese first generation PlayStation 2 with NTSC/Japan. That one u really need the TRANSFORMER.

 

Guys I have a really simple question. Does Alienware ship to Asian countries? I live in Singapore and I really want to order from them, but I don't see the "Singapore" option from the Country pull-down list...

I sound like a noob.

 

I would call them and ask.

 

lightning try AW UK website...as far as im aware they ship almost anywhere. Had mine shipped to the UAE

 

The 320GB Hard drive is manufactured by SAMSUNG, I have not had a problem with it yet.

 

But dang they overcharge us people living outside US.

 

By the way guys how much is the most basic configuration for a M9750 in US dollars?

Thank you.

 

Ya, I live in Canada and got dinged about an extra 700$, and our Dollar is even higher (or was at the time when I ordered mine) :|

 

will the tv tuner from the m9700 work in the m9750? are they the same?

 

US $ Starts at $1699 plus tax, plus shipping

 

I'm just opening this thread to see what owner of this system like and dont' like so far. What is your Pro/con list look like?

Pros
-SLI in the slimmest lightest package out there.
-Beautiful matt/rubber finish
-Fast Fast Fast!
-Perfect LCD display at 1900x1200 with no dead pixels (Good Alienware Pixel Policy)

Cons
-After two short months, Rubber finish starting to peel at edges.
-Can be difficult to install drivers.
-LCD sometimes doesn't come back on when openning the lid. Sometimes I've had to close it and open again at least twice before picture returned to screen
-Tray in the Express slot won't stay in. I had to make it a little thicker by adding tape around one of the edges.
-It's a light grey laptop, so if you scratch the paint, you will notice it ><.

 

I will quote you in the general m9750 thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=187286

 

But what is it you like and don't like with your system? In a few of your posts, you sound reasonably pleased with your system, but what do you not like about it?

Also, I forgot to mention the 2.5GB Memory cap (with SLi Enabled and most likely less when another video comes out with more memory than the 7950). Annoying and I hate it but oh well.

 

Hey Grey - How does the rubber peel off? I want mine to look very good so I'm wondering if I should keep it in a 17" sleeve in my suitcase bag when I carry it around.

 

ARGH - The TV tuner should work in the M9750 assuming that there is not a BIOS conflict. I am not sure why you would need to swap the tuners, since the 9700 and the 9750 both have a tuner already. Since they kept the Case the same with the subtraction of the motherboard (intel vs. amd), it should work but you may need to mess with the BIOS which I'm not sure if you want to do.

 

I only notice the rubber damage on the corners if someone/thing hits it. And it looks good again if you just smooth over it with your hand.


I dislike:
I received the machine (as I later found out) with TWO defective Hard Drives. It took me over 4 months to fix these issues, and getting alienware to replace them. (Including numerous phone calls more than 5 hours long, one day until 2:00 AM from 7:30!!!!!)
What kind of quality control lets to defective hard drive through???????

I thought I would develop a Spanish accent before I had a working computer!

 

On the rear corners of my laptop. the rubber has completely worn off in just a short month of use. Granted my laptop is going in and out of my oddessy backpack 2-4 times a day as I use it for work so that might account for the wear. It doesn't look to bad to me but seeing how I've only had it for a month, it scares me to think what it might look like one or even two years from now.

I now use a belkin 17" sleave for it hoping it doesn't wear any furthur.