Should I cancel my Alienware M18x order?

I ordered in last Saturday, got a good deal, however.... I ordered it with the Cross Fire 7970m configuration and after doing a bit more reading on the forum, I am getting very worried that this will be a headache.

It seems many think AMD will release drivers to solve this issues however I read a post where an AMD rep said they do NOT provide drivers for laptop graphics cards and that it is the reseller's (Dell's) responsibility to create a driver compatible with the system from the basic AMD reference driver. This sounded pretty scary!

I didn't even realize I could just cancel my order if it hasn't shipped yet but sounds like that is the case based upon what others have said. Please advise me. Should I cancel it? Wait for 680m? Buy a M17x will only one 7970m?

Thanks for you help!

Rob

 

Either AMD or Dell will update drivers in the future.

Also, the 680m will have the exact same issues with drivers early on. In the race to release the next bigger and better piece of hardware, sometimes we have to sit and wait for drivers to mature.

I would not reccommend canceling your order soley based on other peoples issues in the forums. Unhappy customers yell louder than satisfied ones.

 

This is very true. Still, we'll see what others think as well.

 

From reading this forum most people will assume the 7970m will insult your grandma, kick your dog, and run off with your wife. It's not quite that bad though.

 

I've had my machine for about a month now and other than an initial hdmi input audio issue that was fixed with a beta driver xf 7970m works fine. Now that I don't have any issues with my system i've been enjoying my machine and visiting this forum less often.

 

I've only had issues with the game RAGE with crossfire. Other than that, this laptop is a BEASTIE!

On another note, if you have an additional 1,100 USD to spend, you could go with the 680M SLI instead. But honestly, the price point there is ridiculous.

 

If the OP is going with 7970M CF, the difference is $550.

 

I would stay with your current setup OP, unless you have almost 600 dollars to burn.

 

I don't think this is the case. I think once it goes into "In Production" status, it's too late. You'll have to wait until it's made and shipped. Then you'll have to go through customer service, obtain a fed ex return shipping label, ship it and wait at least a month to get a credit. If you replace it with another system they will most likely waive the restocking fee.

At least that was my experience.

 

I'm in the process of returning a week and half old M18x R2 with 7970m crossfire video cards, one of the cards is stuck at 300 MHz and I have to down clock the card to get it working right. I also purchased and returned a M18x R1 in November with AMD video cards because they did not work properly. So for me the price difference at this point is worth it for me.

 

Not true, I did indeed cancel my m18x yesterday and it has been in production a week.

 

Hmmm. I must of got a dope when I tried to last year.