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.

    My M17x Specs

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Nathrezin, Jun 13, 2009.

  1. Nathrezin

    Nathrezin Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    38
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    budget: $2,300-$2,500

    Space Black – Anodized Aluminum

    Intel® Core™2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz (3MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)

    Windows Vista® Home Premium (64-bit Edition) with Service Pack 1

    Dual NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 260M, 2GB – SLI® Enabled


    17-inch WideXGA+ 1440x900 (900p)

    4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz

    500GB 7,200RPM w/ Free Fall Protection

    Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)




    im using it mainly for gaming, typing and web surfing.
    will this be a good gaming setup? (WoW, Oblivion, WC3, Starcraft and maybe a few others)

    any opinions or improvement suggestions are welcome =)
     
    Nathrezin, Jun 13, 2009
    #1
  2. Clauss

    Clauss Notebook Unboxer

    Reputations:
    149
    Messages:
    946
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I would get the T9600 processor if you are going to do alot of gaming+ its a great deal for the price upgrade. If you plan on starcraft2 and D3 than get the newer processor. That base processor is fine for wow/starcraft/W3 but for newer games I would advise a stronger processor. Also downgrade your ram from 1333 Mhz to 1033Mhz. Saves you 50 dollars, you would gain nothing by having the higher RAM.
     
    Clauss, Jun 13, 2009
    #2
  3. whizzo

    whizzo Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    769
    Messages:
    5,851
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    206
    i agree, bumping up the processor might be a good idea. also, i would consider going with the WUXGA screen now, and adding a second GTX 260M later.
     
    whizzo, Jun 13, 2009
    #3
  4. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

    Reputations:
    1,870
    Messages:
    7,976
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Except a WUXGA off ebay will be WAY cheaper than a second 260.
     
    sleey0, Jun 13, 2009
    #4
  5. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,976
    Messages:
    12,675
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    466
    The only thing I would do is upgrade to the WUXGA and get the complete care warranty. If you ever decide to go Blu-Ray your going to want the higher resolution and it's great for resale value.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 13, 2009
    #5
  6. Clauss

    Clauss Notebook Unboxer

    Reputations:
    149
    Messages:
    946
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Sorry to correct you whizzo but the GPU is already in SLI...Don't strike me down whizzo for that...
    Yeah and as for the WUXGA, I would get it, but apparently its personal preference to some. (shrugs)
     
    Clauss, Jun 13, 2009
    #6
  7. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,976
    Messages:
    12,675
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    466
    I would want the LCD under Dell warranty.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 13, 2009
    #7
  8. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

    Reputations:
    1,870
    Messages:
    7,976
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Considering the LCD is the most reliable part of a laptop (righ there with a cpu) I wouldn't have any worries about installing my own panel.
     
    sleey0, Jun 13, 2009
    #8
  9. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,976
    Messages:
    12,675
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    466
    The two LCDs I've purchased off of eBay I could tell they were second rate. Probably returns. I would still advise getting it from Dell. Just my opinion...
     
    Mandrake, Jun 13, 2009
    #9
  10. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    If you're not planning to eBay a QX9300 down the road go for a T9600. To make room switch to 1066 RAM to save $50 and consider going for a smaller HDD since that would be the easiest thing to upgrade later.

    You can keep the 1440x900 screen if you've got a larger external screen to game on.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 13, 2009
    #10
  11. Nathrezin

    Nathrezin Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    38
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    i uped my processor and screen and went down to 1066Mhz
     
    Nathrezin, Jun 13, 2009
    #11
  12. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,976
    Messages:
    12,675
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Good choice.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 13, 2009
    #12
  13. Clauss

    Clauss Notebook Unboxer

    Reputations:
    149
    Messages:
    946
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Yeah that i would say is a great combo to go with for not TOO expensive. Oh..that's my config! (close enough)
     
    Clauss, Jun 13, 2009
    #13
  14. Nathrezin

    Nathrezin Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    38
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    do i need to buy an adapter?
     
    Nathrezin, Jun 13, 2009
    #14
  15. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,976
    Messages:
    12,675
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    466
    AC? no.

    10 char
     
    Mandrake, Jun 13, 2009
    #15
  16. Nathrezin

    Nathrezin Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    38
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    hopefully ill be able to order it soon =D i cant wait!
     
    Nathrezin, Jun 13, 2009
    #16
  17. Clauss

    Clauss Notebook Unboxer

    Reputations:
    149
    Messages:
    946
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I'm sure it has been reiterated to you, order over the phone. We believe that it is quicker than online.

    EDIT: hehe mandrake..you so clever
     
    Clauss, Jun 13, 2009
    #17
  18. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,976
    Messages:
    12,675
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Everyone around here is advising to call it in. Seems to process faster.

    Edit: @Clauss, great minds...
     
    Mandrake, Jun 13, 2009
    #18
  19. Nathrezin

    Nathrezin Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    38
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    i already have a wireless router but its different than what they offer....do i need to buy one of theirs?
     
    Nathrezin, Jun 13, 2009
    #19
  20. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,976
    Messages:
    12,675
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    466
    What do you own?
     
    Mandrake, Jun 13, 2009
    #20
  21. Nathrezin

    Nathrezin Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    38
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    D-Link 802.11g/2.4ghz
     
    Nathrezin, Jun 13, 2009
    #21
  22. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,976
    Messages:
    12,675
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    466
    You should not have any issues. You could always upgrade to Wireless-N router but that will only help with in house speeds. I recomend DD-WRT if you have the know how.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 13, 2009
    #22
  23. Nathrezin

    Nathrezin Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    38
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30


    yes... theres my problem...know-how. when i get a problem with my computer i just dink around with it until i figure it out lol. i ussually get pretty lucky and figure it out within a few days. and if that doesn't work i call my brother =P
     
    Nathrezin, Jun 13, 2009
    #23
  24. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,976
    Messages:
    12,675
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Well if you have enough interest in it and stick around NBR awhile the know how will come with out you even realizing it. :)
     
    Mandrake, Jun 13, 2009
    #24
  25. Nathrezin

    Nathrezin Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    38
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    lol, sweet. and i guess if i cant figure it out i could ask here and see what comes of it. =D
     
    Nathrezin, Jun 13, 2009
    #25
  26. Nathrezin

    Nathrezin Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    38
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    well thanks for all the help and suggestions
     
    Nathrezin, Jun 13, 2009
    #26
  27. Kcissem

    Kcissem Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    92
    Messages:
    683
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Not entirely true, if you plan to overclock it will benefit by using 1333 ram, if not planning to overclock then go with 1033.
     
    Kcissem, Jun 13, 2009
    #27
  28. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

    Reputations:
    3,973
    Messages:
    13,930
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    1066 ram not 1033
     
    The_Moo™, Jun 14, 2009
    #28
  29. AtolSammeek

    AtolSammeek Tokay Gecko

    Reputations:
    204
    Messages:
    1,588
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Even with a slower cpu the games run good. The only games that have problems are CPU base. Basicly if the cpu run the game. I have a few like games Civilization IV Turn Base. On my Acer core duo 1.6ghz a Turn can take 30 sec. On my Pro star P4 3.4ghz gpu it take 15 sec. I heard WOW take a hit with low cpu speeds. But if Wow redo there software cpu speed not going to matter.
     
    AtolSammeek, Jun 14, 2009
    #29