Any good non-Alienware gaming tops?

So, I really dislike the Alienware models. Clunky, ugly, and some more ugly.

So is there a decent dedicated GPU option in the other lines? Or any plans to release? Ex: Crysis capable on some decent settings.

 

What about the Precision line? How does a M4500 stack up against a M15x, or a M6500 against the M17x?

 

+1 on precision if you want to avoid getting an Alienware. I am drooling for an FX5000M..

 

I know this is a Dell forum, but have you considered a Clevo if you want toned down looks and power?

 

Clevo is pretty much like MSI. Big, plastic barebone systems. As expected, these companies don't have the money for classy alloy cases. At least Dell puts money into high quality case materials.

I don't have anything against tiny independents like AvaDirect, or System 76, but I really don't see the appeal to the Clevo/MSI barebone notebooks.

 

Build quality is one the reasons to buy a Clevo system, regardless of the material. It's not a question of money, they use high quality plastics instead of alloys to keep the retail tag down. The cooling setups are higher quailty, and thus more expensive. I wouldn't group them with MSI, MSI's failure rates are much, much higher.

Personal preference is subjective of course, I just don't think the use of plastic is a big deal if it's solid and doesn't flex.

 

Clevo is a well known OEM performance laptop manufacturer, but I have hard time liking their design. They look like a bunch of bricks to me.

 

Dell invested a lot money in developing magnesium cases. It isn't a simply matter of substituting metal for plastic. Dell can afford it because of the high volumes. Clevo doesn't have the volumes to make a similar investment.

Companies like Clevo and MSI are stuck in a cycle of offering barebone notebooks, which are either DIY or sold through small BTO retailers.

Personally, I could care less about buying a generic plastic notebook through a tiny retailer. If I'm paying for some expensive hardware, I'd just as soon get a big, heavy, shiny metal Alienware notebook.

 

Ok, that's your taste and it's cool... but the OP said he doesn't like those.

I agree that Alienware makes some nice machines, but it's just not the huge difference that you appear to be making it out to be. I haven't heard of too many Clevo users complaining that their case cracked or broke, and I can't find anything online about the benefits of magnesium cases. Is it just durability, or are there other things I'm missing? The only articles I'm finding are Dell marketing releases.

 

HP Envy 15
under 6lbs


It is pretty awesome.

 

Strictly speaking, I'm reluctant to call an Envy line computer a gaming notebook. They seem to be high end consumer laptops aimed at stealing sales from MacBooks, emphasizing thin form factors over the neccessary bulk of comparable Alienware models, which are much, much heavier.

 

Agreed .... thats why on HP's models I game on an elitebook 8740W with the FirePro 7820 card.

and for those that dont know that video card its the workstation version of the mr5870 and games exactly like its little brother

 

And that's why I suggested Dell's Precision workstation notebooks, which are very similar in hardware, but altogether different in outward appearance.

A scientific paper was published on the subject. A new magnesium alloy was developed for Dell about 3-4 years ago for the consumer XPS and Latitude business notebook lines. Dell is now in at least the third generation of magnesium cased notebooks. Basically, a magnesium case notebook is inherently lighter than plastic, since the material itself is stronger, resists bending and dissipates heat - allowing for a lighter heat sink, since the whole case conducts heat. It seems as if the technology has sold best in the business sector, since all of Dell's high volume business notebooks and workstations are magnesium. The same goes for HP's Elitebook line.


The Alienware notebooks also use magnesium, although I believe that it's only used for the frame of the plastic M11x, and the huge M17x has a magnesium frame as well, under all that aluminum. I think it's been suggested that the M15x has a magnesium case, which makes sense given Dell's investment in the technology and the decline of the XPS line.

Personally, I don't have anything against Clevo, or any other company that offers barebone notebooks. It's just that I'm not all that enthused by giant plastic gaming notebooks, which remind me of the Alienware line of yesteryear. I also remember the pitfalls of the "whitebooks" of previous years. I might admire how AVAdirect does business, but with a 21 day no-questions asked returns policy, I'll go with Dell, whether it's an Alienware or Precision workstation.

 

There you go. I'd forgotten about the Elitebook workstations. Definitely not to be confused with HP Pavilions.

 

Wait for the SXPS15...it should be a quite powerful notebook with decent looks, not looking like a toy...like the M15x.

 

You're missing "cool factor"

Bronsky

 

You're lucky that your wife lets you play on her computer.

Bronsky

 

I would hope so. We have 3 other sli capable machines:SAGER NP8120, clevo x7200 and clevo d900f. Theres many other single gpu machines, the W880cu clevo/sager 8850, msi's GX660r, clevo w860cu/sager np8690, asus G73/53jw. Some 14 inch ones envy's, lenovo Y460/560, timelinex acer.

 

the only thing that dell have which is any good is probably the highest end XPS m1730

Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 2.8ghz i think overclockabl to 3.2 or summit
4gb DDR3 (667mhz) <-- fail ram
nVidia 9800m GTX sli
1tb HD 7200 RPM
Physx card
17" WUXGA True life screen ( not sure if it's HD though)

that's about the only rival they have to alienware, it's an older unit so you wont find many around plus the motherboard are clearly the crappiest I've seen so if you do decide to get one you'll be chuffed with your purchase until you have to shell out £850 for a new motherboard unless you get it insured, or call dell for an extended warranty as they do have the parts. I'd recommend the latter

 

What? It's not 2007 anymore. The XPS m1730 might still be kicking around the outlet, but it's a 2007 vintage notebook.

 

I had three MSI 12 & 13 inch devices, all with alloy housing. And yes, there are some few things that Dell could learn from MSI.

 

There's the ASUS Republic of Gamers Laptops. I think they are a good gaming bang for the buck choice.

I like the G51JX, only wish it had a better screen.

Regards,

Mike