Would like help purchasing new Alienware

I am planning on purchasing a new Alienware Laptop in the next couple of weeks, and I would like peoples ideas on what the best build would be.

I am ideally looking for a laptop that will play games like Dragon Age 2, Witcher 2 etc without any trouble. Also I would like to still be able to play newer games in the future. (2+ years in the future ideally) I don't have a price limit as such, but would probably prefer to spend no more than £2000. I think I am leaning towards the M14x or M17x builds but would not be averse to any of the others. It is mainly gaming quality I am looking for.

If my aim is totally unrealistic, please don't be unhelpful and just mock me, but could you still offer a 'best build'. (and then mock me!)

If possible could you state best processor, memory and video card to choose and anything else you feel necessary (like the hard drive - does Solid State make a difference?)

thank you for any input

Gazery

 

Depends on much portability means to you. I'd recommend the M14x only if portability means a lot, but if you have a big enough bag get then M17x would work well. I'd go with the M17x in all other scenarios. The M17x has a lot more options for upgrades and is more powerful than the M14x. I have an M14x review in my signature.

 

Portability is not a priority, the getting the best possible gaming laptop is though. and unfortunately I don't know enough about each of the parts to say which are best (ie. which graphics cards are best, which processors are best for gaming etc) i also don't wont to make the mistake of paying for upgrades that are unnecessary.

 

Deleted post due to repetition below, sorry!

 

So for example which processor is best for playing games out of:

1. Intel core i7 Processor 2630QM (2.0Ghz, 6MB, 4C)
2. Intel core i7 Processor 2720QM (2.2Ghz, 6MB, 4C)
3. Intel core i7 Processor 2820QM (2.3Ghz, 6MB, 4C)
4. Intel core i7 740QM (1.73Ghz, 6MB, 4C)
5. Intel core i7 Processor 620M (2.66Ghz, 4MB Cache)
6. Intel core i7 Processor 840QM (1.86Ghz, 8MB, 4C)
7. Intel core i7 Processor 940XM (2.13Ghz, 8MB, 4C)

Which Graphics cards would be best:

1. 1.5GB NVIDIA GeForce GT555M
2. 3.0GB NVIDIA GeForce GT555M
3. Single 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870
4. CrossFire Dual 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870
5. 1GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6870M w/ PowerXpress
6. 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6970M w/ PowerXpress
7. 1.5GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M w/ Optimus Technology

Which Memory is best out of:

1. 4096MB 1333MHz Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM (2x2048)
2. 6144MB 1333MHz Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM (1x2048 + 1x4096)
3. 8192MB 1333MHz Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM (2x4096)
4. 16GB 1333MHz DDR3 Dual Channel (4x4GB)
5. 4096GB (2x2GB) 1600MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
6. 6144GB (1x2GB + 1x4GB) 1600MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
7. 8192GB (2x4GB) 1600MHz DDR3 Dual Channel

Then does the type of hard drive affect Gaming or anything else?
It would probably help me best if you could order each of the 3 parts from best to worst, then I could try to build one from the best options (as M14x and M17X have different selections from the above)

Any help would be great thanks,

Gazery

 

Ordering through UK Alienware store?

 

Yes I am. Why, is there somewhere better to get them from?
(geesh I'm paranoid!)

 

Different prices in UK and US. You gave a budget , so choice of parts might differ to go with budget according to the region. This might interest you.

Anyways , I would say go for M17
IMO
Processor:
2630QM

Graphic Card:
No 3D gaming , ATi 6970 (More future proof)
3D gaming wait for 560M (Not yet released ,less powerful than 6970)

Screen:
Go with 1920x1080 for both cases.

HDD won't affect gaming performance during actual game play , just load times. Size depends on your needs. if you want SSD buy it yourself later.

Memory not more than 8 GB. You can upgrade later if needed.

 

Thanks for the quick reply.
Budget isn't a big problem, I was just giving a base line.
I don't think 3D gaming will be a priority of mine so I'll go for 6970 (future proof is the important thing).
Just out of interest, you suggest the 2630QM Processor, why not the 2820QM Processor, is the improvement not going to affect any gaming?

 

Thanks to pp_ph I have decided to go for the M17X with the following build:

Colour: Stealth Black
Operating System: Home Premium
Graphics Card: 2GB AMD Radeon HD 6970M
Memory: 8192MB 1333MHz Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM (2x4096)
Hard Drive: 320GB (7,200rpm) SATA Hard Drive
LCD: 17.3" WideFHD (1920 x 1080) WLED LCD
Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW
Wireless Connectivity: Intel Wireless LAN 6300 3x3 (802.11a/b/g/n) Card -EUR
Primary Battery: Primary 9 cell Li-Ion

Those in red I have upgraded to hopefully make my gaming better.

The only thing I have left is the Processor, I am still not certain which one to go for. So if anyone can give me any help I would truly appreciate it.
The Processors I have to choose from are:

1. Intel Core i7 Processor 2630QM (2.00Ghz, 6MB, 4C)
2. Intel Core i7 Processor 2720QM (2.20Ghz, 6MB, 4C)
3. Intel Core i7 Processor 2820QM (2.30Ghz, 6MB, 4C)

From what I can tell the main difference is that the 2630 only allows a maximum Memory of 8GB, so choosing that would limit any enlargening of the Memory in future.
Other differences include the 2820 has 8MB of Cache while the other two only have 6MB. And obviously the Clock Speed gets slightly better with each card.

So it sounds like the 2820 is the better of the cards, but would it make any difference to any games I would play on it?

Thanks again for any help.

Gazery

 

drop the ram, dell charges way too much for them. get the minimum 4gb then when needed buy aftermarket. the 2720 is the most bang for your bucks in terms of performance vs price.

 

I think 2820QM is an unnecessary upgrade for £350
2630 or 2720 both are enough for gaming ,you will hit the graphic card limit before the CPU becomes the bottleneck.
Since you said your not that tight on money , 2720QM would be a good choice.
Check this , check box the 3 processors and then press "restrict"

 

I hate to be the one to suggest this on a website dedicated to laptops, but is laptop a necessary condition of the computer you're looking for? If you don't want to move it around, spend the 2000$+ on a desktop and get a m11x or similar ultraportable if you need portability.

Assuming you're going for the M17X r3,

Get the 2720 as mentioned above, go for 4 or 8gb of ram (4gb if you're comfortable buying an 8gb kit later for ~100$, and installing yourself).

 

You are right of course, a desktop would sound more sensible for what I want. But I require a laptop because I like to be able to use it in any room of the house, not just the one. Mainly in the front room, where the desktop would not be put. This means I would prefer a laptop but it being light and easily portable is not an important factor, just that I can move it about.

It looks like I will be going for the 2720 then, will probably get the 8GB memory as I wouldn't trust myself to install it myself later (done it in a desktop, but never a laptop before)

Thanks again for your advise and I will hopefully be ordering my own M17X in the next few days.

Gazery

 

Gazery,

What's your location? If you prefer to get more RAM/HDD storage right away instead of upgrading later on, you can consider AW resellers and save hundreds of $ on those upgrades.

You can PM/Email me if you have any questions.

As for the configuration advice, -
I'd go with the 2720QM and 6970M (M17x/M18x) as the best CPU and GPU choices in terms of price/performance.

 

Not really, no. If I had to build my machine again I would get the stock cpu. The 2630.

 

Why not consider the M18x? It's the most powerful for gaming.

 

I'm with JCrichton here, the m18x is the most powerful and future proof system out right now. I know that you mentioned that you just want to move it around the house, the m18x it is a big desktop replacment laptop but it is perfect for just moving around the house. You said you did not want to the memory upgrade you self so get 8gb upgrade and the 6970 xfire video cards with everything else as base config and you will still have a beast of a system. It will shred any game out right now and play any new game comming out well for a few years.

 

Dragon Age 2 using 2720 + 6970 capabilities in my sig.

The M17x-R3 is a capable system.
Plus it's a little more lightweight than M17X-R2 and M18X.

But if you want to be as hardcore as the guys above me are, save and shell out for the M18X with 6970M Crossfire.

 

For your needs, m18x is a much better choice.

But if you pretend to go with it somewhere else than your own home, like for airplane traveling, some classes, friends house, parents house and stuff, m17x R3 would follow you there nicely. M18x you have to really make a big effort for it to happen.

So i would stick with m17x R3 coz in the end it´s still a notebook and it must have some kind of REAL portability.

 

I hate you lot, I was all sold on getting the M17X, when you started to convince me of the M18X!!! I'm now reckoning I will get the M18X with the 2720QM Processor and the dual 9670 Graphics Cards, with everything else as standard, to keep costs down to min! Does that sound reasonable, or foolhardy?

The other thing I was curious about was the Wireless Connectivity option, is it worth getting the 6300 over the 6200 for £25? If it makes any difference then I will get that too, otherwise not.

Cheers for all the input again, I think you have helped me to choose a laptop that I want, that doesn't have any excess unnecessaries.

Gazery

 

That's exactly what I'm selecting on the m18x im buying tomorrow morning! In fact, I have the same question as you about the wireless connectivity option.

 

If you are going for maximum portable gaming capability and bang for your buck that is the way to go.

Especially if it's just moving around your house.

 

Thanks, I think I will order this tomorrow (before I change my mind again!)

Would like to know if there was any difference/point with the 6200 and 6300 Wireless Connectivity option?

Also, I don't know if any has noticed, but when you build an M18X laptop and put in the dual 6970 Graphics cards. It says that it should be £490, but it actually adds £500 to your price! Is there a reason for that? I will be pointing this out when I ring tomorrow.

 

Hey Gazery, I'm in the same position as you, I've spent days looking over all the different machines. I was wondering if you bought the M18x in the end? I'm very tempted to get this one with the same specs you mentioned.

 

Hey robertbollo.

Yes I have ordered the M18X with the 2720QM Processor, the dual 9670 graphics cards and the 6300 wireless connector. Everything else is standard.

Hope that helps,

Gazery

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/net...ino-advanced-n-6200-vs-ultimate-n-6300-a.html

Its 6970 Crossfire , hope you getting your beast soon

 

Thanks, been trying to find out this, if it does mean faster and better range then I am glad I went for it.

oops, that is what I meant!

Cheers, me too,

Gazery

 

That's mean you can sits in McDonald and using starbucks's internet LoL! (Just an example )