Help me configure the XPS 15 l502x

I have 2 questions:-
1. What are the advantages of the Internal High-Definition 5.1 Performance Audio with SoundBlaster X-Fi. The XPS has great speakers and JBL waves Maxx Audio. Will this affect their performance or is this only for the 3.5 mm jack output?
2 What are the advantages of the Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6230 over the Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1030

 

1. Not a clue, sorry!
2. The 6230 is a dual-band card. It works on the 2.4Ghz band as well as the less crowded 5Ghz band. The 1030 only works on the 2.4Ghz band.

 

I wouldn't worry about paying more for the 5.1 performance sound. You will still get the great speakers no matter what. Unless it comes with 2 detachable speakers you can put behind you for the full 5.1 effect

 

1. It comes with the same sound card, but with a software from Creative called SoundBlaster X-Fi MB, so you get the Creative X-Fi console with all its features (like CMSS 3D, eqs, Crystalizer and so on).
So you get the same hardware, but another software. Either way, this software does NOT improve your DACs performance, so if you have a pair of high-end speakers, you still shoud get an external sound card.
Also, the X-Fi MB software works with both speakers and 3.5mm jacks.

 

if you dont get the sound blaster it will have a realtek sound chip and you wont be able to use all of the wave maxx audio features, this is what is i discovered when using one, i have ordered a xps 17 and wondered about it to. the upgrade was only 11$ making it a no brainer

the N 1030 is an entry level product, for the small amount for the upgrade you get a better quality wifi with more future proofing..these are 2 really easy cheap upgrades that are worth it, i was in your position recently so i understand..they really should be default items with the config as they dont affect the price much and are better

 

Does this mean that the "Internal High-Definition 5.1 Performance Audio with SoundBlaster X-Fi" is actually a sound card??
TimeWriter says otherwise.
The Dell website states it as "Internal High-Definition 5.1 Performance Audio with SoundBlaster X-Fi Audio software".
What is that supposed to mean??
If its a software then what is MaxxAudio by WAVES??
Also, the Dell support website shows "Realtek ALC665" as the audio controller in the xps 15 l502x. And it didn't show any optional audio controllers available.
(This can be viewed in product support -> manuals)
This is freaking confusing.
Guys please help.

 

The SoundBlaster gives you more control over your audio adjustments, and does make a difference if you have a decent pair of speakers/headphones that can reproduce the sounds/music. Get it.

The Advanced-N 6230 has two antenaes for double the theoretical transmit speeds over the N 1030. If you have a router with two or more antenaes, you can transfer at up to 300Mbps instead of the 150Mbps from the 1030. Get it.

 

This should resolve thoughts:

OEM - Software Solutions - Sound Blaster X-Fi MB

 

So is it worth the extra $20 for Sound Blaster? I heard there was a way to get it afterwards (like the recovery dvd), so I didn't add it in my order...

 

actually both the 1030 and 6230 both have two antennae. The 6300 has 3, but no bluetooth (I think it has three antennae, at least the card has connects for 3 antennae, but I never had one ).

This is the first post I've heard of to get the X-Fi software. Most say its not worth it, not saying you are wrong but its against popular consensus.

 

also consider:

540m graphics useless almost because the bandwidth can't utilize the full 2GB. and its only a 6-10% increase from the 525m. You can also overclock the 525m to similar speeds as an overclocked 540m if you wish.

1080p screen is a major upgrade, should be a priority

back-lit keyboard is kind of expensive at $40, but I think it was well worth it.

Ram can be done cheaper on your own, unless it comes with 8GB

Processor might be worth upgrading depending on what you use it for. For gaming or single threaded apps go for the 2620m. For multimedia encoding go for the best quad you feel like buying.

my opinion is mostly from self experience, and some from what I picked up here on the forums. Have a lot of time at home, so have been reading a lot/trying to contribute.

 

Not sure actually, I just wanted to point out that the X-Fi upgrade is SOFTWARE and not hardware.

 

I have the X-Fi. For the difference in sound it makes, I PERSONALLY think it's worth it.

But that's just me.