*Official* Alienware Launch Discussion Thread

I'm impressed they got a 765m in there. Could you imagine an m14x R1 with a GTX 560m in it? It would have exploded.

 

Yeah but, still. It would be so nice to have a brand new gen AW 15 (with 770M). I am realy disapointed AW doesn't make them anymore.

Or, an M14 with 770M would be great (not that it's possible though). I think that, If I gonna get the AW 14, I gonna overclock the 765M. I hope it will be stable.

 

Someone Managed +120 core without a vbios and +500 memory and got 4800P 3D Mark 11.
He didn't try higher for the other 15 mhz he was crashing at +550 memory and thought it was the core so he never reposted the results. If we hit 1100 Core i'm sure we can hit 5000P

 

That's impressive.

 

I'm still waiting for 1100 core and 6000 memory on a 780m

 

The 765m GTX seems a impressive card sofar im sure with more mature drivers were going to see 5000+ barrier

 

Just FYI, another poster on the "new alienware 17 owners thread" commented on how their M15x is actually bigger (with the eception of width) than the new AW 17

 

That's interesting. Allthough I suppose that IF they would make a new gen AW 15, it would be smaller.

 

The Alienware offers better build quality, a decent stock paste job, and a better warranty, and I expect that it has better cooling. I think those benefits are worth a small surcharge. For now.

 

Well, take a look at this:

MSI GT70 2OD

- 4700MQ
- 780M
- 16GB RAM
- 750GB HDD + 2x 128GB SSD
- Win 8
- 2 years warranty

€2400

vs

Alienware 17

- 4700MQ
- 780M
- 16GB RAM
- 750GB HDD (NOTE: NO SSD's)
- 2 years warranty + 2 years accidental damage warranty
- Win 8

€2600

I think this is a no-brainer.

 

Call Alienware, they give usually give around 14% discount. tell them you will buy a MSI if they dont get the price down

 

Don't forget that the MSI has some cooling problems - it's trying to cool a 100w TDP gpu and a 47w cpu with one system fan....it's also plastic-fantastic, in yer face tacky design.....still think it's a no-brainer?

I'd go for 17 anyday of the week. Build is better, warranty/support is better, cooling is better, looks are better....grab an aftermarket 256gb SSD and you are good to go...and don't forget, you can haggle the price of the 17 a little bit.....you can probably get 10% off the 17, or around $260....spend that on the SSD and for the $200 difference, you have a much better machine, IMHO.

Now THAT is a no brainer!

 

All I'm saying is that price isn't the only difference between them. Both are decent options, but I would pick the Alienware. If Dell offers Next Business Day technical support and parts in your country or gives you a larger discount, the Alienware is a "no-brainer."

 

was just about to say one fan cooling solution. Take it from me from using a MSI ge70 as i type this, the cooling solution is not adequate. 90c on BF3 even after mx4 applied and 80c on most other games.

The alienwares have better cooling solutions, ali/magnesium chassis and backed by engineer callouts in 24 hours. Id say thats worth the extra $200.

Who needs 2 x 128gb ssd`s? not a major seller for me im afraid, if i had both systems in front of me it would be the alienware without a doubt.

 

Isn't that like, extortion?

You are talking in dollars here. Prices here are much higher. Besides, all that stuff is way too much hassle for me. In my opinion, the MSI is still a better choice. Even with 10% off (if I already manage to do that), I still think it's way too expensive.

Still, I think I pay way too much for what I get.

Yeah, but it doesn't have 2 SDD's. I want to install Windows on one SSD, other stuff like browsers on the other SSD, and buy a 500GB Samsung 840 SSD and install my games on it. HDD is for storage. I like to have everything seperated.


Also, I don't like the idea that if I buy the Alienware, I still have to buy a couple of SSD's. Whereas with the MSI I only have to buy 1. I mean, €2600, and not even a single SSD? Comon now.

 

Unfortunately, that is the premium you pay for a premium machine. Kind of like buying a Mustang vs. a Lamborghini....both are fast, just that one is the epitome of fast, refined and elegant.

 

Well I ain't gonna pay such price for laptop with a pricetag of €2,6K that only has one HDD, not even a single SSD, when I can get laptop, with 2 SSD's, for €200 less. Hell, I could even go for a clevo with 3 SSD's and pay less for it than the Alienware (I just don't like the look of Clevo's).

I rather don't pay premium than. This is ridiculous.

 

Think about it this way: you can pay $200 for a 256gb SSD or two 128gb SSDs in RAID-0 and install them. Try to get MSI, ASUS or Clevo to send you whatever parts you need a few days after you request them, send technicians to fix your notebook (quality of the technicians notwithstanding), or cover more than a year of accidental damage.

Yes, calling Dell and requesting discounts can be called "extortion," but it works.

 

I rather have 1/2 SSD('s) than.

If I already manage to get a good price that is. I mean, I am not good in negotiating.

 

Need some advice regarding MSATA/SSD/HDD setup on an AW17.

I will be using it for CAD, 3D rendering and of course gaming!

My current plan is to have the storage options set up as:

MSATA: Strictly Windows 8.1
SSD: Program installs, Game installs, 3D modelling software and where I will be rendering to.
HDD: Movies, music and general storage.

What do you guys think? Any more efficient setups?

 

you goahead and get the MSI, but dont come crying to us when we tried to tell you

 

I'd probably install the OS to the SSD, leave the mSata to cache the HDD and enjoy fast speeds all around.

 

Then why are u losing your time complaing in a alienware forum??? If u dont like it.. Just don't post here... Period..

 

It's kinda like me walking into a Bentley showroom and saying "nah, too pricey for me....where's the ford dealer?" LOL

 

These constant so-and-so other company is better seems to never stop. If you want to buy a diff brand, go right ahead. The main problem people tend to have with Alienware seems to always be price and as the hundreds of pages here and a ton of the other boards say, it's possible to get the prices down quite a bit...Even outside the US normally as some people have already reported here. And that's for a BRAND NEW just released machine...

The M14x in my sig was for about 30% off with some higher levels of warranty. I had the M18x R2 in my cart about a month or 2 back for about 28% off with various discounts, but I held off since I knew next gen was coming.

Of course I am in the US, but every config I've done has been significantly lower than anything else. In terms of working hard for some of these discounts, sometimes, it's not that hard and has been as simple as emailing or calling a rep here and getting 10-15% off.

Maybe not everyone likes to wait or haggle or make a few calls, but the AW should have a higher resale value than most other systems and the savings, you can put into far more than 2 SSDs of your choice. You could also just build it with 2 SSDs as well and with the discounts, that makes it buying them direct not so bad actually. My concern is what brand you end up getting (wanting the Samsung M840 Pro myself).

Has anyone even been able to talk MSI or Asus for a significantly lower price?

 

It seems that I'm back at the beginning again, so to say. After reading about the cooling issues someone posted here, I got curious and decided to do some research. Seems like there are indeed some serious cooling problems with the MSI. Now I still can't decide between the MSI and AW. Basicly the only thing that's holding me back from the AW is, that it doesn't have an SSD. Also, I forgot to thank you guys for helping me. However, I still don't know what to get.

Also, not many people seem to have cooling issues with the MSI. Now I am realy, totaly confused.

 

Yeah i also noticed this today. Do you think we might receive our 18's earlier than the edd?

 

What if one was using without the protection of a mains plug? I.e Using battery? Will it lose or reduce it's protection?

 

As long as the circuits are properly isolated during the assembly you will have no problem at all.. Neither with the ac or the battery..

In short, it all comes down to the build of the system..

 

It seems that money is the biggest issue you have with the AW 17. You can save a bunch of money by ordering from HIDevolution, they ship overseas and do direct Dollar-Euro conversion (so you don't pay the huge Dell Euro site premium), I think Exotic does too but they don't sell the AW systems yet, the tradeoff is you will wait a few weeks longer to get it:

Alienware 17 Enhanced Custom Built to Order Gaming Laptop

 

If that's the ONLY thing holding you back, I say get the AW with the better cooling, better support, better warranty, better aesthetics etc - need I go on? - if you can't afford to add in an SSD to an AW config, grab one aftermarktet - they are cheap as chips right now for pretty much anything under 512gb capacity. You won't regret it. I promise you.

It's a distinct possibility. Dell's EDD's are often over-estimated to be on the safe side. Pretty much every Alien I have had has turned up early...and I've had around ten or so over the last few years....

Exactly. I have never heard of anyone shorting out anything whilst the machine is assembled - running AC or battery - unless there was some error in internal assembly, which is quite rare. You really don't need to worry. If you are opening up your machine, just be sure to take ESD precautions and use an antistatic wristband and mat, like I do whenever I work on my machine.

 

Yeah but, VAT + Shipping = ridiclously high price. So, I still don't know what to do.

 

Thanks for all the help man (and everyone else too). I think in the end I will still get an Alienware 17 .

*sorry for double post*

 

Can you afford UK prices? - if so, my rep could get you one with some discount. The only other cost you would have to think about would be getting it to Amsterdam from the UK. This can be done via a UK based freight forwarding service, or if know someone in the UK, you can have it delivered there and either collect or forward it to you.

Have a quick look at my thread here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-aw-system-accessories-please-contribute.html - if you think I can help, send me a PM. Between my rep and I, we've managed to help out quite a few people from Europe where prices might be even higher than the UK.

 

Afterall, nevermind. If I will order from UK, I would be better of by just ordering from the Netherlands. Thanks for the offer though.

 

That's okay - I know my chap has helped a few guys out from the Netherlands in the past.....still, if you feel it's easier for you to deal with Dell 'at home', fair enough.

 

I mean, say, I order an AW 17 with the following specs:

- 4700MQ
- 780M
- Win 8
- 16GB RAM
- 2 Year Warranty + 2 Year Accidental Damage Warranty
- 750GB 7200rpm HDD

How much could that cost me?

 

anyone know US sales rep that can give a good deal?

stevie already tried to help (his rep for uk), need US reps...

and sales assistance thread (rev and rachid) didn't reply any message..

 

Well, that build comes to £2,182.99 on the UK web site. Take maybe 10% off for discount = appx £1,964gbp. Add the cost of freight forwarding (I'm guessing here, but maybe £80gbp - could be more or less) would bring it to £2,044...converted into $ = $3,100 appx.

That's just a quick guesstimate....might not met with your approval, but I don't 'think' you'd have to pay any more duty, as we are in the EU

I think (gosh, my memory is baaad LOL) that we helped jiggy with is Alien: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...n-not-available-alienware-dell-benelux-s.html

EDIT: That got me to thinking, and actually he imported from the US - reference this post: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...sories-please-contribute-126.html#post9079099

FWIW, if you DID want to look into freight forwarding, jiggy looked into a UK based firm Forward2Me which a few guys have used. Again, reference this post: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...sories-please-contribute-126.html#post9077089

My memory ain't too bad afterall.

Hope this info helps you decide what to do.

 

Totaly forgot about VAT. Even if importing from UK I will have to deal with VAT. Seems like my only option is to order from the (overpriced) Netherlands.

 

Well, I'm not a Dutch VAT expert, but if you are importing, there are some goods that seem to be Dutch VAT exempt. Reference: Import duty & taxes when importing into the Netherlands - DutyCalculator Help Center which states:

Meaning you would pay VAT on the UK side (included in the guestimate I gave) but maybe not on the Dutch side.....I'd have to advise you to look into it more. The other alternative might be to use a US specialist, like HIDevolution or the like.

 

You are right about this, I was a bit confused. Maybe afterall I will still order from the UK, not sure though.

Nevermind, UK prices are nearly the same as NL prices. Again, thanks for your effort and help.

 

Could anyone recommend me a good SSD for my new 18?

 

Samsung 840 Pro is currently the fastest. I use one in my desktop build and it's great.

 

Well Steve, I would like to thank you for your help and effort, but I will go for a Clevo (P170SM). It's €300 less, and I get an 4800MQ and a 256GB SSD. However I would like to thank everyone for helping me out. It saddens me that I don't go with the Alienware (god damn it looks pretty), but I heard good things about Clevo, + I get more bang for my buck + It's cheaper.

 

Cheaper isn't always better, but good luck on your buy

 

I've owned both Clevo and AW, and will say AW is better, but I don't think you will be disappointed in Clevo either, they can make good machines. Good luck on your purchase.

 

Okay so I'm getting all antsy. Are two 770's better than a single 780? I've been reading SLI is just a gimmick (I know it's not) but some say the increase isn't that great, others say its worth it. Clearly I'm wanting the 18 for whatever reason. I also don't have a designated desk to play, so I play on the couch more than anything. Is this gonna be a problem? Also, would a 17 with a 120hz screen be better than the screen offered on the 18? I guess we/I won't know much till people start reviving their systems.

 

The people that say that about SLI (and CrossFire) are simply ignorant. Don't listen to such nonsense. It's only "not that great" when it is not within your budget, and then you settle for what you can manage. It depends on what you are doing, but typically a dual GPU setup delivers between 60 and 100% increase in gaming and benchmark performance over a just one of the same GPU. I can promise you that a 17 with a single 780M will not come even remotely close to performing on par with an 18 with 780M SLI. I don't know if two 770M in SLI will perform better than one 780M or not. We will definitely have to wait to confirm it, but I expect the single 780M will get beat by 770M SLI if only by a little bit. It's difficult to say because most of the "professional" reviews are not very accurate. We haven't seen much with 770M yet, but if you look in the M18x Benchmark Thread you'll see tons of example of single and dual 780M performance. I am guessing that is because nobody has been interested in purchasing 770M as an upgrade. Upgraders are typically going for the best components instead of second or third string.

 

Sadly a 3000$ laptop is out of my range. I upgraded a 17 to about 2600 and that's pushing it. Same with the 18.