The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
← Previous pageNext page →

    I think I might wait on M17x?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by bifnewman, Jun 24, 2009.

  1. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    ouch at those clocks... the only clocks higher than the dual core i have is the extreme and my dual core sucks... that is pathetic that it still uses a tdp of 65w...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 24, 2009
    #51
  2. BIGX333

    BIGX333 Brazillian Overclocker

    Reputations:
    274
    Messages:
    1,143
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Yeah but i trust i7 overclock capability's :D
     
    BIGX333, Jun 24, 2009
    #52
  3. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    842
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Well okay bottom line, if you're getting this rig for gaming, I'd suggest to get it now (that is if you're troubled by the i7)

    The FPS gain from i7 vs QX9770 is quite minimal, and in some cases, the QX9770 wins.


    I do wonder what other applications would require more processing power though..and the cases where difference would be significant
     
    Scytus, Jun 24, 2009
    #53
  4. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    ...........
     
    bifnewman, Jun 24, 2009
    #54
  5. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Clarks field will overclock the CPU by 4 multiplier steps when 2 cores are under load and 7 steps when one core is under load.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 24, 2009
    #55
  6. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    i have heard amd (ugh) is making new quad core processors (o great (sarcasm)) that work in p socket... if they perform well could we see a relation the i7 performance... i hate to upgrade to amd but if its the best thing then fine...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 24, 2009
    #56
  7. BIGX333

    BIGX333 Brazillian Overclocker

    Reputations:
    274
    Messages:
    1,143
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Lots of desktop i7's can have frequency increased by 1.5GHZ... I'm only expecting 0.8GHZ for laptop :D
     
    BIGX333, Jun 24, 2009
    #57
  8. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    how far do you think the qx9300 will go?
     
    bifnewman, Jun 24, 2009
    #58
  9. BIGX333

    BIGX333 Brazillian Overclocker

    Reputations:
    274
    Messages:
    1,143
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    With proper voltage?... Sky is the limit :D
     
    BIGX333, Jun 24, 2009
    #59
  10. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    in the dell alienware M17x specifically if we can overvolt...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 24, 2009
    #60
  11. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

    Reputations:
    1,870
    Messages:
    7,976
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Soemone's bound to get this working :)
     
    sleey0, Jun 24, 2009
    #61
  12. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    ............
     
    bifnewman, Jun 24, 2009
    #62
  13. BIGX333

    BIGX333 Brazillian Overclocker

    Reputations:
    274
    Messages:
    1,143
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Actually it's undervolted so...

    |Normal----Good----King|
    |2.9-------3.06----3.2| undervolted
    |3.2-------3.3-----3.4| stock
    |3.4-------3.5-----3.6| overvolted

    I probably underestimated when overvolted but it's something like that...
     
    BIGX333, Jun 24, 2009
    #63
  14. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    thats still very good.... 3.6GHz overvolted and not to mention some people will probably go higher... 3.6GHz quad core is gonna be a beast processor
     
    bifnewman, Jun 24, 2009
    #64
  15. BIGX333

    BIGX333 Brazillian Overclocker

    Reputations:
    274
    Messages:
    1,143
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Yeah but 3.6 would be a SUPER UPER DUPER processor... Actually some ppl can't even stabilize at 2.9 in actual voltage ;)
     
    BIGX333, Jun 24, 2009
    #65
  16. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    actually i believe that was only one person and you have to pretty freaking unlucky that as well as the dim screen...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 24, 2009
    #66
  17. BIGX333

    BIGX333 Brazillian Overclocker

    Reputations:
    274
    Messages:
    1,143
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I saw 2 or 3 :p
     
    BIGX333, Jun 24, 2009
    #67
  18. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    really? well since the recalls i dont think that will happen anymore...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #68
  19. Megacharge

    Megacharge Custom User Title

    Reputations:
    2,230
    Messages:
    2,418
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    56
    I'm ordering mine this Friday the 26th, talked to a rep and he confirmed that it's the 26th Dell will be offering Win 7 vouchers :D, hope I get one of the supposed amazing new LCD's that are going around. ;)
     
    Megacharge, Jun 25, 2009
    #69
  20. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    lol the 26th is my birthday...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #70
  21. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    842
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    amazing new LCD's?

    I'm intrigued, I want to know more xD

    where did you hear about this?
     
    Scytus, Jun 25, 2009
    #71
  22. Malignant

    Malignant Notebook Ninja

    Reputations:
    108
    Messages:
    1,069
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Where are you hearing about this "amazing" LCD?
     
    Malignant, Jun 25, 2009
    #72
  23. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    he is talking about the ones that have no problem with brightness...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #73
  24. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    842
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    How do we know they have no problem with brightness?

    where is the source of all this..
     
    Scytus, Jun 25, 2009
    #74
  25. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    i actually have no proof i just assumed that was what he is talking about...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #75
  26. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    842
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    ...okay....so...you're calling me fat?

    andddd...saying that crylo is crazy?
     
    Scytus, Jun 25, 2009
    #76
  27. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    lol wut????
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #77
  28. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    842
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    lol, nevermind xD

    Crylo where are you getting this new "Amazing LCD" thing?
     
    Scytus, Jun 25, 2009
    #78
  29. Megacharge

    Megacharge Custom User Title

    Reputations:
    2,230
    Messages:
    2,418
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Read the forums guys, I don't keep track of every thread where everything is said, too many of them right now to remember lol, but someone recently made a post about their LCD screen and said that they were actually impressed and liked it a lot, very bright nice colors etc etc, so I sarcastically stated I hope I get one of these amazing LCD's, one like this dude got and NOT one like everyone else got lol.

    Edit: Wow we've totally managed to pirate this thread, I see why Chaz has made the suggestion of an off topic Alienware thread lol.

    Back on topic: Yeah bif, I don't think you should feel worried about getting an M17x it's a beast the QX9300 will be a beast for quite some time, and will handle GTA 4 like a champ, plus the GPU's will undoubtedly be upgradable. All in all the M17x will do what you want it to for years to come.
     
    Megacharge, Jun 25, 2009
    #79
  30. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    842
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Oh but thats one case

    Not strange to have 10 screens, and one be more satisfactory than the rest...But to say that alienware has been notified of this problem and their future line would include better qulaity screens is something else entirely
     
    Scytus, Jun 25, 2009
    #80
  31. Megacharge

    Megacharge Custom User Title

    Reputations:
    2,230
    Messages:
    2,418
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    56
    I didn't say Alienware has been notified of this problem and that their future line would include better quality screens.
     
    Megacharge, Jun 25, 2009
    #81
  32. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

    Reputations:
    3,973
    Messages:
    13,930
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    I know im guilty to, but these kind of post are what Ryujin and Chaz are trying to get rid of. Can yall please help n keeping this to PM's?
     
    The_Moo™, Jun 25, 2009
    #82
  33. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    842
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Sorry mah moo..last one

    Crylo i didn't mean to say that's what you meant, but you did kinda make it seem like the newer ones being sent out were better quality (so my thought process was that alienware recognized the problem and corrected it).

    btw i love your name, unique/simple :D
     
    Scytus, Jun 25, 2009
    #83
  34. Megacharge

    Megacharge Custom User Title

    Reputations:
    2,230
    Messages:
    2,418
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Sorry, wasn't my intent to make it seem new ones were coming out.

    And thanks for the compliment, Scytus is pretty cool too, both names are unique, original and cool. :cool:

    On the topic at hand, Bif have you made a decision on if you are going to wait for the mobile i7's, or have you decided to join us on the dark side?
     
    Megacharge, Jun 25, 2009
    #84
  35. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    842
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    [​IMG]
     
    Scytus, Jun 25, 2009
    #85
  36. ryujin

    ryujin 2B or not 2B

    Reputations:
    824
    Messages:
    2,032
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    stay on topic please or i will have to start deleting posts...thanks.

    edit: if it cant stay on topic anymore i may consider closing it as well...fyi
     
    ryujin, Jun 25, 2009
    #86
  37. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    yes i have made my decision.... here's specs:
    Alienware Allpowerful M17x
    Space Black
    P8600 -> QX9200 or QX9300 whichever i can afford...
    Dual 260's or Dual 280's (I can get a college discount through my mom possibly more of a discount through my dad's work)
    4GB 1066 DDR3 RAM
    1TB (2x 500gb 7200rpm RAID 0) or 128gb ocz vertex + 500gb 7200rpm...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #87
  38. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

    Reputations:
    970
    Messages:
    2,674
    Likes Received:
    144
    Trophy Points:
    81
    imo, unless you really want the 10%-15% performance boost the 280s have over the 260s, upgrade to 280s isn't worth it.

    I'd suggest the SSD+HDD option, it'll give you fantastic boot times and game load times, and you still have a lot of storage.


    I've just thought...if one fan can cool 2 high end GPUs effectively such as the ones in the 280Ms...then quad SLI is theoretically possible on a notebook, once the cards are developed. With one fan to cool each dual-GPU card. (In fact now I think about it we may see Quad SLI come to notebooks in the near future)
     
    EviLCorsaiR, Jun 25, 2009
    #88
  39. Megacharge

    Megacharge Custom User Title

    Reputations:
    2,230
    Messages:
    2,418
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Congrats, good call, and yeah if you want to save an extra 300 dollars, don't be shy about just getting 260M's. They are just a touch slower than the 280M's, trust me you wont miss the extra 16 stream processors and slightly higher clocks with the extra 300 in your pocket, IMO the 280M's don't justify the 300 but it's your call.

    Best deal is to get two 260M's now and upgrade later to the two 4870 GDDR5's or the GT200/300's.

    Enjoy your rig Bif!
     
    Megacharge, Jun 25, 2009
    #89
  40. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Yeah and then maybe they'll be able fit two video cards in a 10" laptop too. :nah:
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #90
  41. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

    Reputations:
    970
    Messages:
    2,674
    Likes Received:
    144
    Trophy Points:
    81
    With the constant die shrinks and cards running cooler and cooler, I certainly see the possibility of one card on a 10" in the near future. But not two for a while.

    When I said two dual GPU cards in a laptop, obviously I wasn't talking about your standard 15 inch laptop. I'm talking about the big ones, 18 inch or bigger. It's quite obvious that if they can only just fit two video cards in a 17 inch laptop that unless they miraculously make a dual GPU card that's the same size, two dual GPU cards won't fit in a 17 inch for a while.
     
    EviLCorsaiR, Jun 25, 2009
    #91
  42. BIGX333

    BIGX333 Brazillian Overclocker

    Reputations:
    274
    Messages:
    1,143
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Quad SLI = micro stuttering...

    TBH i prefer a real GTX260/GTX280 :p
     
    BIGX333, Jun 25, 2009
    #92
  43. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Try a 20-21" laptop.

    When they shrink the die only the little square GPU gets shrunk. The VRAM modules and all the other circuitry takes up the same physical space and the PCB doesn't shrink.

    On top of it all the era of Moore's Law is reaching it's end of life as the cost of making microships smaller and smaller will be more expensive than it's worth to produce them.

    http://www.eweek.com/c/a/IT-Infrastructure/Moores-Law-Reaching-End-of-Life-Study-186633/
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #93
  44. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    And just to clear something up because I think you're suggesting the M17x has one fan cooling both GTX 280M....each card in the M17x has it's own fan.

    The M17/Whitebook had one fan cooling both cards and that's why it couldn't get upgraded to 4800 series cards.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #94
  45. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

    Reputations:
    970
    Messages:
    2,674
    Likes Received:
    144
    Trophy Points:
    81
    I'm one of those who finds this a good thing, actually. If technology slows down then gaming enthusiasts won't need to buy a new computer every 2 years...
     
    EviLCorsaiR, Jun 25, 2009
    #95
  46. catacylsm

    catacylsm Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    423
    Messages:
    4,135
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Wouldnt it make sense to leave the die the same size then? just shrink and space out the components a bit more? I could see it alot cooler.
     
    catacylsm, Jun 25, 2009
    #96
  47. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

    Reputations:
    1,870
    Messages:
    7,976
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Die shrinks is what's able to get these cards running faster by lowering heat and power requirements.
     
    sleey0, Jun 25, 2009
    #97
  48. Quicklite

    Quicklite Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    158
    Messages:
    1,576
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Hehe... Just sold my M1730, going back to a Thinkpad T41 now :D .

    Get a job over the summer, and might end up with a M17x by the time I goto Uni :eek: ...
     
    Quicklite, Jun 25, 2009
    #98
  49. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    yea i have my final specs:
    P8600 -> QX9300 Ebayd
    4GB 1066 RAM
    1TB RAID 0 HDD -> 128GB SSD when the time comes
    Dual 260's -> Dual 300's...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #99
  50. b0oMeR

    b0oMeR Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    127
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    IMO, if you always want to buy the "latest" technology you'll never be able to purchase anything because there will ALWAYS be a more advanced thing a few months after a product is released.
     
    b0oMeR, Jun 25, 2009
    #100
← Previous pageNext page →