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    M17x Config Decision

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by douglaz, Sep 19, 2009.

  1. douglaz

    douglaz Notebook Evangelist

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    Guys, I need to make a decision and need your valuable opinions. Building a laptop and can't decide if I should, 1. Get a SLI GTX260 configuration and with a resolution of 1440x900 or 2. Get a single GTX260 and keep the resolution at 1920x1200?

    You can just say 1 or 2 and explain why a little bit. That would be great! :)

    Thanks.
     
    douglaz, Sep 19, 2009
    #1
  2. BobXX

    BobXX Newbie

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    I'd get the SLI, though it really depends on how much graphics processing power you think you'll need.
     
    BobXX, Sep 19, 2009
    #2
  3. douglaz

    douglaz Notebook Evangelist

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    I won't do any photo related stuff. Just play games and surf the net.
     
    douglaz, Sep 19, 2009
    #3
  4. AirJordan

    AirJordan Notebook Evangelist

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    Well, although expensive, you could always upgrade your graphics card later on, (possibly) even to the new ATi cards coming out. It would be much harder to upgrade your screen down the road, but if resolution isn't much a necessity to you, then you could go for 1. I would personally keep the high resolution screen and sacrifice some of the power.
     
    AirJordan, Sep 19, 2009
    #4
  5. Tristan

    Tristan Garrosh Did Nothing Wrong

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    I don't mean to hijack your thread but I have a question that pertains to what you're asking. I've always thought higher resolutions were better whether it be for gaming(like WoW where larger UI's mean better gameplay tactics), movies, and photography/graphic design. But besides size, what is the real difference?
     
    Tristan, Sep 19, 2009
    #5
  6. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Definitely the higher rez screen now. You can always upgrade the cards later.
     
    Mandrake, Sep 19, 2009
    #6
  7. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    I agree with mandrake, althought the cost of a 260 to add later will be more expensive than buying a WUXGA screen.

    Witcher found someone selling the LCD assembly for ~$300 IIRC.

    A second GPU could cost upwards of $600..
     
    sleey0, Sep 19, 2009
    #7
  8. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    If you care more about gaming, option 1. If you want better useability outside of games, option 2.

    Although I would strongly recommend saving up and getting wuxga AND sli ;)
     
    cookinwitdiesel, Sep 20, 2009
    #8
  9. tonytoff

    tonytoff Notebook Deity

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    Yeah push the boat out.....even if it means waiting.

    Upgrading later can be a hassle and sometimes cost more.

    good luck.
     
    tonytoff, Sep 20, 2009
    #9
  10. douglaz

    douglaz Notebook Evangelist

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    Desicions desicions. Thank you all.
     
    douglaz, Sep 20, 2009
    #10
  11. AMDgamer

    AMDgamer Notebook Evangelist

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    I'd do both up front. It's a pain to start changing stuff in a month or two. Get it done how you want it the first time. At least thats how I think of it.
     
    AMDgamer, Sep 20, 2009
    #11
  12. Shrouded

    Shrouded Notebook Geek

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    I have the SLI 260's with the standard screen and I have to say that I absolutely love it. There is a noticeable difference when SLI is disabled. I not sure what it would be like on a single 280 but and single 260 just doesn't compare to the SLI.
     
    Shrouded, Sep 20, 2009
    #12