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    Graphics update to M17 - Is it worth the extra $300?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Shmurrr, Aug 18, 2009.

  1. Shmurrr

    Shmurrr Notebook Guru

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    Alienware just updated the M17 chassis with the option to install a pair of Mobility HD4850's to overtake the 3870s. The only other company I have ever seen use a 4850 in their laptops is MSI, so I never really saw any real charts showing performance trends between these two cards. So is it worth it? Or is there some way to come across a sure bet and stick in two HD4870's in there besides having to take it out of a W90...
     
    Shmurrr, Aug 18, 2009
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  2. frozenarcticguy

    frozenarcticguy Notebook Deity

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    Yes it is worth it! Make sure you get a good cpu to take advantage of the new vid cards. I'm still waiting to see when we can upgrade our 3870's to the new ones
     
    frozenarcticguy, Aug 18, 2009
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  3. Shmurrr

    Shmurrr Notebook Guru

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    Well I got the K|N Nagamaki, but its all the same whitebook in the end. I have a QX9300 in there already with two 3870s... Problem is with AMD, you just can't find the mobility 4000 series in reasonable supply out there to be able to just go out and buy.
     
    Shmurrr, Aug 18, 2009
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  4. dondadah88

    dondadah88 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    If you can get a hold of the 4850's from the m17, get it. it's worth it. compare your 3870 single card to a msi 4850 and you'll see the difference.
     
    dondadah88, Aug 18, 2009
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  5. DHC

    DHC Notebook Evangelist

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    what do you mean with "AW updated the chassis"?
     
    DHC, Aug 18, 2009
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  6. rifle_shot

    rifle_shot Notebook Geek

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    I agree with the above posters, I just received my m17 a week ago with dual 4850's and they are worth every penny.... way faster than the 3870's imo.
     
    rifle_shot, Aug 18, 2009
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  7. Alexrose1uk

    Alexrose1uk Music, Media, Game

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    He means gave the option for you to select 4850s instead of 3870s when you buy a new machine.
     
    Alexrose1uk, Aug 18, 2009
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  8. Shmurrr

    Shmurrr Notebook Guru

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    well the extra memory (2gb vs. 1gb in CFX) is definitely a booster for games like GTA IV, especially when playing on a resolution like 1920x1200, but it would really be nice to see some good solid numbers. Even 3d06 scores would ease my grief quite a bit. Anyone wanna post up 3d06 scores for their mobility 4850's in CFX on 1920x1200?
     
    Shmurrr, Aug 19, 2009
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  9. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    also 1 4850 scores almost the same as dual 3870s In vantage and in games the gps can almost be double ... Keep in mind this is stock ;)

    Dual 4850's is 70-80% faster then 3870's
     
    The_Moo™, Aug 19, 2009
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  10. Marvie100

    Marvie100 On a Mission

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    Marvie100, Aug 19, 2009
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  11. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

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    The 4850s will perform nearly twice as fast as the 3870s. Other gamers would pay in some cases over 1000 dollars for that sort of gain, so yes, it's a bargain in my view.
     
    EviLCorsaiR, Aug 19, 2009
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  12. Alexrose1uk

    Alexrose1uk Music, Media, Game

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    Be aware to read the notes in my benchmarking thread; the earlier less impressive shots are with the weakest, cheapest CPU you could get in an M17, the later update shows the machine and setup as it comes into its own with a better CPU :)
     
    Alexrose1uk, Aug 19, 2009
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  13. CyPsychotic

    CyPsychotic Notebook Guru

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    anyway for us non-aliens to get our hands on a pair of these? Also do they use the same heatsink as the 3870s or will a mod be necessary?
     
    CyPsychotic, Aug 19, 2009
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  14. JasonNH

    JasonNH Notebook Evangelist

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    Very unlikely. Alienware and ASUS are the only vendors that I know of selling rigs with 4850's in them and Alienware isn't even selling them to existing owners yet, only new purchases.

    The AW M17 uses the same cooling for the 4850s as the 3870s, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to try and improve it if you're doing it yourself. We're seeing temps in the 90s on demanding games.
     
    JasonNH, Aug 19, 2009
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