*Official* Alienware Launch Discussion Thread

Ok. Calling now. Should I try some sob story for a discount or see if I can get them to throw it In free?

 

Nice. I was about to have you arrested. Crisis averted.

 

And yeah see if you can get a discount. Say you saw a similar Sager laptop for cheaper.

 

That's weird, when I go into AW 17 and try to make your build, all I get is the 765m or 770m, no 780m with the 1600x900.....

 

I made the build over the phone.

 

Ah, I see.... ok makes sense now. But like Saint Satan said, there is no point in shelling out the $$ for the 780m, if it wont be FHD at 1080p. From what I've read trolling NBR, it is more than worth the $150 extra to get 1080p. Its one of the reasons I waited for the release of the new AW. I was going to get an M17X R4 but then they removed the 1080p screen, so I just decided to wait.

 

Were you able to switch the screen smoothly? Haggle them at all?

 

I'm working on the guy now. I think he is going to pay for my screen upgrade! Thanks a lot for the quick and helpful replies.

 

Aww that sucks. Yeah looks were partly the main reason when I first considered Alienware then I got into the technical stuff. Ughhh lol someone said they should take the lid off the new 17 and put it on the M17x and make that the new Alienware. Let me tell you I would practically give them all my money if they did that LOL

 

No problem! Getting that 780m with a 1600x900 would have been a sin. Glad to help. Enjoy!

 

Hopefully going to order a 18 within the month. Or a beefed up 17, which ever I feel fit. I'm waiting a bit so I can see some benchmarking to see if I should save up more or not.

 

I'm trying to build my 17, but when I select the 120Hz display it says there is a conflict with the silver anodized aluminum. ?

 

Thanks, ill be sure to pm this person !

 

That's really weird. Try live chat or call.

Go 18. SLI gives a massive boost with the 680s in the r2. 18 will give you a lot more upgradability in the future too. Just be patient and save! You'll be glad your did in the end.

And sorry for the double posts again guys...I'm on my phone.

 

I did some research on the promo gift card where you buy a gift card for 400$ and receive a promo gift card for 75$ (expires June 19th). As I continued researching I saw you can only use 2 gift cards and 1 credit card per phone purchase. But then I came across this on the dell website after googling a little bit:

"Using Multiple Cards

10. Dell will only accept a limited number of Cards per purchase. If you would like to use more than one Card, you can merge funds from multiple Cards onto one Card by calling Dell’s Customer Service department at 1-800-624-9897. Your Card can only be merged with other non-expiring Cards issued by Dell or through its retailers and affiliates. When you call you will be asked to fax photo copies of the Cards to verify possession. Gift cards that were not originally purchased but were distributed by Dell or its partners for free may not be merged with purchased Cards. Dell reserves the right to reject request for consolidation of any Cards at its own discretion for any reason."

So I asked a chat representative if you can stack 400$ gift cards, and he said yes but you can only make up to a 2000$ gift card.

So I technically would be getting 5 75$ gift cards that you can only use 1 or 2 cards per order (375$ value).. Could get some nice accessories with that, such as keyboard, backpack, mouse, monitor, office, etc. Only downfall of using gift cards *i think* is you can't return items purchased with gift cards. So if I bought an M18 with a 2000$ gift card, I'd be stuck with it for life !

 

Has anyone in Europe been able to deal with Alienware support? I've tried to configure an AW 14, because I need the upgraded WiFi card, but not the GPU 750m -> 765m, 8GB -> 16GB or multidrive -> blue-ray upgrade that comes with the larger model. I have to pay for 3 things I don't need as i can't afford it.

MOD EDIT: Don't post chat information. Read the forum rules please.

It seems like you're able to configure your computer in US and UK through support, and the pre-configurations are only temprary in order to deal with the large amounts of orders, but i wouldn't really mind if it took longer to assemble. So are there anything to do, or am I stuck?

As a note, the two laptops betwean the two configurations are a 33% price increase in order to get the WiFi card.
12.290DKK -> 16.290DKK

Also, all of the 12%+ discouts and gift cards, is only an US thing?

 

Go here and check out the 780M benchmarks -> http://forum.notebookreview.com/gaming-software-graphics-cards/721360-nvidia-gtx-780m-benchmarks-overblocks-vbios-afterburner-evga-etc.html

 

Yeah already checked that out, cheers. I was concerned that the only benchmark of the 780m in an Alienware was showing a really low score (5200 ish I think) so wondered if there was some sort of issue Since then though, a couple more benchmarks have popped up which are similar to the link you supplied

 

You're sounding very familiar dude - problem with your previous persona, (unless I am mistaken in which case I apologise!)?

It's a bug in the builder, they left in the requirement for a different lid cover on 3D that was needed on the R4 but it's not there. Call in and they can fix it for you.

 

OK, I´m going to wait until the first user reviews come up and see if turbo and GPU Boost are disabled on Alienware 780M cards or if any throttling is holding back the performance.

 

well if it is then at least the latest drivers wont fry them (as they have been doing on some cards), and the bios modders will fix it

https://forums.geforce.com/default/...-driver-feedback-thread-released-5-23-13-/65/

 

Hello,
First post in the forums, forgive me if I break any rules or posting in the wrong section! Anyways, im getting an alienware 17, I do not do editing, no extremeism on laptop, just gaming on the go, im perfectly fine with the graphics settings on my ps3, so im not a graphics hungry guy. Im currently stuck between a 770m and 780m, there is a big price diff for me, seeing the benchmarks, i dont see a whole lot of a big FPS difference. Any recommendations would be highly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

Hi welcome to NBR.

IMO you sound like the 770m will be fine for you. The resolution will still be far better than the console and if a game stresses it you can drop down the res and not see any difference (well I don't and I've spent a LOT of time switching res to see how a game looks!)

Data on the 780m's top performance is probably wrong right now as it still has to get optimised drivers but if future proofing is a goal then go for the 780m

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the fast reply, yes future proofing is a goal, plan to use it for atleast 2-3 years max. I guess i'll wait for the better optimized drivers for the GTX 780M, how long do you think it will take? Btw money is not a problem, just performance per dollar. I would go for the dual 770m or 780m but I havent seen double FPS in many games by using SLI for example the GTX 680M( I might be wrong).

 

Np

As to the drivers right now nvidia are in a complete shambles. They rushed out the latest WHQL to support the latest cards and as well as causing tons of issues it is actually burning cards out completly. See the link I posted earlier above.

If AMD was an option right now nvidia sales would crash - like their driver!

If you're looking at the 17 then dual GPU is not an option, only the 18 has this. If you are intereste in the 18 then SLi only inproves performance considerably when a game supports it (or has an SLi profile released by NV). I've built multi GPU rigs, one with quad SLi and separate physics and it's always a lesser increase than you would think when adding cards - just my experience before I get flamed!

 

I sees, I didn't look for AMD's GPU's because I heard the 7970m issues :S the 8xxxM are better? So I guess a single 780M would be best when the time is right.

 

Most of the issues were driver related and now NV have joined the game (and levelled the playing field).

Dell are not offering AMD yet as they will want to use the 8xxx card at the top and I'm not even sure if it is out yet (I only follow NV). I have seen no data saying it (AMD) is going to be a killer card but the jury is still out.

So, yes, if you can afford the 780 then it's the card to go for - until something better comes along

 

I need help guys. I have a hard time deciding wether I should buy the 120Hz screen or the stock 60Hz screen on the Alienware 17. The 60Hz screen is matte which I prefer, but the 120Hz screen is much smoother than 60Hz plus it is brighter than 60Hz. The con is that it is glossy. I will be using the 3D screen mostly in 2D.

Money is no issue.

Which screen would you guys have picked?

 

Thanks for ur help, one thing is clear, not doing the SLI, will wait another month and see then the FPS, and comparison with 8xxx cards. Get back to u as soon as i can, also will be adding if u dont mind as not many of my ps3 friends play pc and i no like playing alone :S

 

Well you can see what I went for on my R4 and the reflections are a real PITA, but clarity and smooth gameplay is excellent. The new ones say truelife which is an anti-glare technology so it should be better but until I see it I can't say how good...

 

If you didnt mind the screen an the m17x R3/R4 than get the 120Hz. If it bothered you, go for the 60Hz. The brightness actually helps abit the glossy not reflect so much.

 

Hi was wondering if one of you may be able to help.

I ordered an Alienware 17 (UK) with the following specs:
Overclocked i7 4900mq (8mb cache up to 4.0ghz turbo boost)
120hz truelife screen 1920x1080
256gb msata ssd boot and 750gb hdd
Gtx780m

My questions are:
1) Will the OS be installed on the sdd? (Sounds a silly question but I read in a different thread it is messed up and installed on the hdd)
2) My order confirmation says overclocked i7 4900mq (8mb cache up to X.Yghz turbo boost). Is this just a printing error? Or is there a chance it will not be configured correctly? It looks like a simple mistake but want to be sure
3)What is the standard clock speed for the 4900mq? I think a non-overclocked one is 2.8ghz so would this be 3.0?

Thanks very much!

 

That's the best thing to do IMO, unless you really have to have it now then you will get options not currently shown.

Np with the add, although I'm not big on on-line battle games, co-op strategy is more my thing - same steam tag

 

I went with the Matte screen because I like Matte and because I find it hard to tell the difference (my eyes aren't good enough, between 60HZ and 120HZ). But if you prefer the 120HZ it is a dell Truelife screen, which has claims to reduce glare through some sort of light filtering tech. So it should be in between glossy and Matte

 

Luis, is the RAM that comes default installed cl 11 or cl 9? Does optimus now work with 3D 120Hz screen? Thanks

 

Well that is good. It makes my choice a little more easier since its not that glossy like real glossy screens.

Thanks for the advice.

Yeah the 120Hz screen is TrueLife which I have no idea what is, but if its anti-glare that be great.

I have never tried the 120Hz screens on a notebook before, but do you really notice the difference between a 60Hz and 120Hz on 2D? They say its much smoother even when using Windows and moving the mouse.
Is it more clearer than 60Hz too?

Thanks

 

That's a tough one, Cloudfire. Not having experienced the gaming difference between non-3d 120hz and 60hz, I can't pass too much comment. I guess that if you are buying/comparing it solely on not using it as 3d, it boils down to a bit smoother and brighter vs. not having to deal with reflections. From a personal viewpoint, I'd probably prefer to not have any reflections and live with the brightness and refresh rate differences.

That said, as the others mention, the 3d panel does have TrueLife technology - it's still gonna have reflections but perhaps no where near as bad as the old E2E displays on the outgoing machines. I posted a video of an M18x review (can be seen in the Alienware 18 owners lounge) and if the TrueLife technology on the 3d panel is similar in dealing with reflections, I could say go for the 3d panel - but be prepared for reflections, although reduced.

Tough one, mate....especially if you hate reflections like I do.

 

Thanks steviejones.

Next question::
Alienware 18 with PLS vs Alienware 17 with 120Hz/matte?

Note: I don`t like noise but I do like IPS screens. I won`t be dragging the notebook with me, will be using it mostly in my home. Is the Alienware 18 much bigger than Alienware 17?

What to pick? Man this is hard

 

Also consider whether not having graphics switching matters. Unless something has changed, you will have dramatically reduced battery life because there is no Optimus or manual graphics switching with the 120Hz 3D setup. If you're buying the system mostly for gaming pleasure, that might not matter. The 120Hz display should theoretically provide a visually superior gaming experience, especially where vsync is involved.

 

Heck, Cloud! - ya shoulda said that in the first place! LOL

I'd go Alienware 18 all the way....

 

Np

This was written for you: Dell TrueLife™ LCD Screens - What is it?

I think my display just looks crisper than the 60hz in windows but without side-by-side comparison it's a cra* shoot. I had a 60hz model but it's so subjective and who know how good that display was?

 

"This new anti-reflective technology has sharper contrast (the difference between the deepest black and lightest white pixels), produces clearer and more colorful images, absorbs most external ambient light and has wider viewing angles than traditional notebook screens."

I can live with a little reflection, just not the bad ones where I see myself all the time.
Me likey

 

If performance is most important, it's kind of a no-brainer. The performance of the 18 will seriously dwarf the performance of the 17... 780M versus 780M SLI is not even a contest, it's a blood bath.

 

Now the question is:

Alienware 18 with PLS vs Alienware 17 with 120Hz

hmmmmmmm

@Mr-Fox: Performance wise I can actually live with a single GTX 780M since it can max out most games. Its the size and the heat I`m concerned about. Not to even talk about noise.
Then it comes with PLS vs 120Hz.

hmmmm

 

Notice the wide viewing angle on the Alienware 18 in that video I posted.....me likey, too! It also looks like it does a fair job at handling reflections. Whilst there are some apparent, I feel that I could live with that level of reflection.....mainly as I have an true matte IPS external lol

 

They do sell it well but eyeballs are the only true indicator. Will be watching the owners lounge for comments (Mr Fox's experience is very informative)

 

I think that goes without saying. i will continue to dig in and hope i get lucky and snatch a good deal.

 

Good luck. I feel the same, if they had only added the aluminium lid and mag frame I would be on the waiting list now!

 

FWIW, I was advised through Dell Online Chat that the 3D bundle does indeed prohibit the new 17 from running on integrated graphics while on battery power. So, the 120hz screen and 3d functionality comes at the cost of battery life, assuming the advisor was correct.

 

Here´s a video showing Dell 120Hz True Life 3D screen.
I don´t know if they sell the same in Alienware 17 though.

Dell 17R special edition Review (7720). Part 1 - YouTube