Help with specs on new Alienware

Hello all. First I'd like to say that I have used these forums to solve several problems and would like to thank all of the knowledgeable and dedicated users here. This is my first post.
Currently I have the old M15x (the one thats made of plastic ). It contains the following-
- Intel Core 2 Extreme x9000 @ 2.80 GHz
- 3Gb RAM
- Nvidia GeForce 8800m GTX.

I am looking to upgrade, mainly for school. I am a game design student and need some raw processing power. I am currently using 3D modeling/animation programs, but I will be working with Cryengine 2 and Unreal Engine 3 soon. My current computer is more than sufficient but Im looking toward the future.

My questions are in regards to the newer models graphics card. I hate all of the numbers and words thrown around. "Extreme" "Crossfire" "280m" "8800m" . I wish comparisons were easier for people like me, but thats why there are experts like you.

If I upgrade I will be maxing out a new m15x or m17x.
The new m15x will contain
-i7 920xm
-one GeForce 260m
-8gb ram @ 1333 MHz.

The m17x will contain
-i7920xm
-Crossfire ATI HD 5870
-8gb ram @ 1333MHz

Is the gpu in the m15x even an upgrade?
Are these upgrades significant enough to spend $3,600-$4,000 on?


Additional Notes
-I am aware that I can purchase the same hardware on a different computer for less money. I dont want to. This will be my third alienware purchase. I love these computers and I have never had a problem with customer service.

Thank you all in advance for your help. If I came across as ignorant to some of you, I apologize. There are aspects of computers that I simply do not understand yet.

 

if you are getting an M15x, get the ATI 5850 card instead of the 260. it is a better card despite being cheaper.

it is a GDDR5 card that compares close to a single 5870, and it supports DX11.

 

I'm not sure about the 260m vs the 8800gt but I do know that crossfire 5870's is the most powerful mobile graphics setup currently out. For your needs I would say go with the M17x. Should be good for several years to come. Most people say 8gb of ram is overkill as well but since you do pretty intensive computer stuff it probably couldn't hurt.

 

I agree with Rimwich I'd go with your M17x Config, it'll last you longer in the gaming department, and the RGB LED screen is amazing.

 

One thing to consider is the portability you'll need for school, if thats not an issue and obviously budget isn't an issue. then going with the M17x is the best option. The ATI 5850 in the M15x is the (current) best option even though the Nvidia 260GTX is more expensive the reason why is because its supports DirectX 11 and has the same performance.

The M15x is upgradeable to a single 5870 currently and performs very well with it. But once again the 5850 is a underclocked 5870 so it should perform near to the 5870.

The M17x Has the CrossfireX 5870's which is a cool way of saying 2 5870's running together. This is going to be the ultimate option that is available now and will give you the best performance.

Another benefit of the M17x is the option to house 2 HDD's with this you can run your system in either Raid 0 for increased read write performance or Raid 1 which will give you an automatic backup of all your work. (1 terabyte for Raid 0 and 500Gb raid 1). If you really want to go nuts Dual 256GB SSD drives for 500GB Raid 0. (Expensive)

The M15x has the option for this upgrade as well but at the cost of your DVD drive (also I don't believe the M15x supports Raid configurations but I could be wrong).

The Processor is where your spending nearly most of your money (as well as the memory) 4-6 GB memory is enough anything more doesn't give you many benefits. The 920XM is a nice powerful processor that allows for overclocking but unless your benchmarking and trying to have the ultimate 3DMark score your really not going to need it. You can save the 600+ dollars with an 820QM or a 720QM. If quad core processing doesn't matter to you the i7-620M is very very capable.

The screen is another advantage on the M17x over the M15x.( depending on who you ask ) The RGBLED is going to give you richer more vibrant colors (colors that drive graphic designers like myself nuts) so thats an option plust the 1920x1200 Screen resolution over the 1920x1080 (think Computer monitor vs HDTV).

Hopefully this helps.

 

Go for the M17x. You can have more storage, better screen, best mobile graphics, and larger, more comfortable keyboard. I would go with the 920xm, CrossfireX 5870's, and keep all 8GB of RAM. You'll be more then pleased with it.

 

lol, 6000$ CDN configuration.

 

Thanks everyone. I was able to come to a final decision with your help. Im going to go with the 820QM on an M17x and dual 5870's. The $600 savings from the processor can now go toward the RGB screen, larger HDD and all 8gb of ram.

 

If your lookin to save a few bucks, check neweggs RAM and you can get a large secondary HDD from there. If your looking for storage capacity, they sell a 750GB HDD

 

You should order the following:

- i7 920XM only if you do benchmarking otherwise the 820M is amazing
- Crossfire 5870
- Kingston Hyper X RAM from newegg (4gb)
- Vertex 2 SSD

Then you will have the best laptop out there until the R3 comes out...