New to PC gaming...

Hey everyone. Im new to PC gaming, but Im not wanting to sell myself short of the experience. Coming from a Mac when games like Civ V and Diablo 3 run on lowest setting, Im ready to see what the PC has to offer. That being said, I have a couple questions.

Im willing to drop around $3500 for either an M17x or M18x. I want the M18x because it seems more future-proof offering dual GPU and higher-end CPU. My questions are: 1. What is more important, having the 3940XM over the 3840QM CPU, or the 680m SLI over just the one 680m GPU? 2. Is the 120Hz screen worth downgrading to the M17x (not offered in the M18x)? 3. I live in Guam (Im active duty military), so is the warranty something I should even consider?

Im hoping to buy my Alienware during the Black Friday deals. Im flying back to the states in January, solely to pick up the laptop because Dell doesn't ship to Guam

Thanks in advance!

 

I am running an M18X R2 with 680's in LSI and Diablo 3 runs maxed out with no problems whatsoever. The fans don't rise above "normal" tick-over.

I would suggest that the M18X is the best desktop replacement at the moment. if you max out the parts, replace the memory yourself using Kingston HyperX (I have 16Gb) http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/583324-ram-upgrade-m18x-pics.html#post7561475, it's cheaper and go with SSD for performance. the screen on the M17X is slightly better but, I'd go for the larger 18.4 for better media viewing. I have watched Blu-ray movies on mine and the screen is awesome.

There are a few "tweaks" on the M18X forum for colour saturation etc. which add further depth as well. http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/660296-official-m18x-r1-r2-owners-lounge-thread-35.html#post8868530

Just my 2p...

OB

 

I would recommend you get the m18x, the power of dual laptop graphics cards will give you a true on the go desktop experience. The fact the chassis is also mostly made of anodized aluminum (like you MB) means it will be able to take a couple bangs. Which is probably desirable if your in the military.

dual 680's are waaay more important than an xtreme processor. most processors usually outlast GPU's in viability when it comes to gaming, and GPU's are the most important part of the gaming laptop. A 3740/3840 and dual 680's plus whatever else you add in will set you up for the next 5 years. Xtreme processors are nice, and a godsend for spec/overclock/benching junkies, or peoples who's jobs require very powerful processors, but compared to a 3840/3740, you wont notice any difference in Battlefield 3 or skyrim.

Plus, because of the M18x's size and the accessibility of all its parts, you can pretty much upgrade anything other than the motherboard whenever you want. In a 2-3 years if you decide you want more power, you can buy a 3940xm on ebay/amazon and put it in yourself.

 

M18x if you don't mind the size. Performance will kill the m17x, finish is nicer.

680m SLI over extreme processor- no question.

Upgrade the ram and hard drive to ssd yourself - unless you want them covered under warrant but you are talking at least a 200% price premium- so IMHO not worth it.

 

As everyone said 680 SLI is way better than upgrading the processor, if you dont want to trouble yourself with upgrading ram and hdd yourself, you might need to pay premium

 

The M18x R2 with 680M's in SLI, 3840QM processor, and 16 GB's of RAM can be purchased here for just under $3,500. Definitely get that processor and dual GPU's, it'll be worth it. The XM is mainly for overclocking, and you won't notice a difference between them in use. I also heard the XM doesn't come with Optimus technology, which increases the overall efficiency of the system, though, I could be wrong.

Edit: Also, take this build to Alienware and bargain with them. I'm sure they will match the offer, or get really close. You are probably better off ordering direct, unless you want extra services.

 

Don't they have discounts for the military too?

 

yup but from what I have seen it is really only cheaper than regular dell when the said system is released. I got my machine for like 30% off almost two years ago now, and their was a similar sale when the M17x r4, the M18x r2, and the M14x r2, were released. Doesn't hurt to compare prices though if you have an aafes account though.

 

AAFES doesn't offer the M18x, nor do they have the most up-to-date systems to offer. Through AAFES, they only offer the M17x with 3610/3720/3820QM CPU, nor do they offer the 680m GPU. Pretty sad, and there isn't much of a difference in price for a more recent model. Im hoping to get another discount somehow.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, much appreciated. No one really touched on the warranty though. Im probably going to get it if I feel that I'll get the same support in Guam. Being new to PC is a little daunting when I think about repairs.

 

Your best bet is to speak to a friendly Alienware sales/support rep and ask them, i bought the 4 years Pro waranty, just in case...

To be honest if you ask anyone on here you'll be told get the most waranty you can afford, not because they go wrong but, 'in case'...

OB

 

Very much worth haggling when you have a budget like that. Also worth asking if you pay for shipping if the warranty still covers you, if not, if a 3rd party re-seller will offer you cover under their own warranty.

 

Im just nervous buying from 3rd party. Since I live in Guam, a 3rd party vendor seems even more risky. Shipping a laptop to this island can cost $250+ (USPS will not ship lithium batteries overseas so I have to ship FedEx or UPS). I think Ive decided on 680m SLI, 3840QM CPU, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM (will install more myself). Thanks everyone for the ideas. Now I just have to wait for Holiday deals.