M15x vs. M17x case

I'm just curious, but which case is more durable? The Anodized Aluminium m17x case or the Magnesium case of the M15x. Does any one have the data on this?

 

if you buy me a M17x i'll let you know, heheheheh

 

The way I see it, aluminium might be a little more prone to dents (which will probably happen only if you use a hammer or drop something heavy on the case). Otherwise they are both probably almost the same.

 

Aluminum is marginally lighter, but it's not stronger IMO - depends on the grade. Magnesium Alloy is marginally heavier but strong very strong, though it can crack under stressing conditions (unlikely as hell with a laptop), but won't dent easily.

 

Thanks for the info, good to know I'm glad that my computer won't be getting dents, since I move it around a lot!

 

As people mentioned before Magnesium is stronger in almost all scenarios but is quite a bit heavier in comparison. Aluminum is lighter and has a bit better heat transfer rate but tends to also warp much easier due to heat because of the quick transfer rate. To give a bit of an idea for a long time(they still might use it, I'm unsure) they used Magnesium Pistons in top fuel drag car engines due to it's strength. So both have good points and bad points. Magnesium-Strong but Heavy, Aluminum-Light but A Bit Weaker and Warps Easily

 

People keep mentioning that aluminum warps easy, that is only true when using very thin aluminum (much thinner than the m17x case) or it your using it around alot of heat (aluminum welding for instance). The aluminum that makes the m17x is definently thick enough for the job.

BTW, I dont think they made them out of magnesium because magnesium is a flamable metal and is nearly impossile to put out once it has caught fire (they have to let it burn out). And They use forged aluminum and forged titanium pistons.

 

It was a magnesium alloy not pure magnesium, this was in the 60's due to the strength ratio's of available metals and forging processes, like I said I don't think they do anymore. My source on that info is the mechanic of a drag rail that help the land speed record at Bonneville for a few years, aka my grandfather. Aluminum's chance of warping is higher than some other metals no matter how thick due to the fast heating/cooling aka heat transfer.

 

Wait. I thought the M17x was heavier because of it's Aluminium shell and why does the M17x feel more "solid" when I tap on it?

 

The M17x is heavier partly due to thicker aluminum chasis and mostly due to the fact that it is bigger and has more parts. And it also feels really solid, no flex at all when you push on the top of the lid.

 

Ok there is a big difference between a magnesium alloy and pure magnesium. I believe you but I got confused when you just said magnesium.

 

The only reason I can think of that the m17x feels more solid than the m15x is: thicker chassis as mentioned before, more internal casing in the m17x, and a lot more components in the m17x(dual hdd, dual gpu, etc). I've taken both apart and I can honestly say the m15x is a lot easier to get to anything but the ram and hdd on. Getting to the gpu(s) and cpu on the m17x is a few hour encounter to say the least lol.

 

Is the M15x AZ91D magnesium found in other dells?

 

right, i think it also feels colder to the touch (the aluminum i mean). the magnesium alloy on the m15x feels a little more like plastic when you feel it (to me anyways).

hehe, yeah aluminum has that reputation of being a weak metal due to the popular can.... i have to keep reminding myself my compound bow has an aluminum riser then i remember how strong the stuff can actually be with a bit of thickness.

 

Magnisium looks sweet when it's on fire. Might want to keep that in mind if you ever decide to burn the system

 

Just don't look at it directly when burning magnesium. Not good for the eyes.