XPS 17 vs. Alienware models

I'll be using the machine strictly for gaming.

I've been configuring the M14x and the XPS 17 back and forth for a few days now and I feel I'm missing something because they're both ending up costing the same. Here's what I come up with:

XPS 17

• i7 2630
• GeForce GT 555m 3gb
• 6 mb ram
• 17" 1600x900 screen
• 2 year warranty

TOTAL COST: $1289.00

vs.

M14x

• i7 2630
• GeForce GT 555m 1.5gb
• 4 mb ram
• 14" 1600x900 screen
• 1 yr warranty

TOTAL COST: $1299.00



Now I've highlighted the differences I'm seeing, with the advantage being that of the XPS 17 in terms of performance, cost, screen size, and warranty inlcuded.

What am I missing that would make me go with anything other than the XPS 17 when comparing these 2 machines for gaming?

 

The 900p screen on the XPS 17 is horrible. See if you can fork out some money and buy a M17x R3 with FHD screen and 6990m rest stock.

Call a rep. for some discount.

 

The same model you said in your sig that you returned due to too many defects? I should have made it more clear that the screen size isn't very important to me. I want the better machine for gaming mainly as far as controlling the temperatures go.

I like your idea about calling Dell directly for extra discounts though, thanks.

 

For gaming you want a 6990m or a 580m not a 555m.

Even a 560m wont help you that much in gaming.

Dunno if the XPS has a MXM slot, the M14x doesnt meaning no GPU upgrade. So you are stuck with the card.

Since you want it for gaming I would look for the M17x R3 with FHD screen and 6990m. Best bang for buck and still portable.

The M18x is a little pricy but its a powerhouse.

 

Don't get the XPS 17 with the 1600x900 screen.

Also, throw this one into the mix:
Sager NP8150 / Clevo P150HM - XOTIC PC
- Be sure to select an OS unless you have your own copy to install
- Get the 6990M, that's the reason I'm suggesting this model
- Consider the 95% gamut screens, but all these screens are good.

 

I really don't think I NEED a 6990 for gaming. I don't play any games that are that demanding. SC2 and Diablo 3- that's it.

I could do an M17x with upgraded GPU but I don't think I need the 1080p screen just because most of the time I'll have it hooked up to a external monitor and keyboard.

 

If you're not playing very demanding games, then absolutely do not prioritize the GPU upgrade over the screen upgrade. Get the 1920x1080 display, it still makes more of a difference than anything.

Using your Alienware in a dual-monitor setup, you still very much use the screen in your laptop, and since it's a laptop you will be taking it on-the-go or at least around the house with you occasionally.

The Alienware M17x is not worth buying if you don't get the 1920x1080 display.

 

Diablo 3 and SC2 still need a decent card to play, but at a certain level the CPU becomes a bottleneck for SC2 (more cores benefit more than faster clock speeds).

460/560M is a minimum to play SC2 oh high/ultra at 1080p (equivalent to a desktop GTX 260). You'll want at least the base quad core (2630QM) as well.

 

unless you want to play every new game at max settings in 1080p (and frankly, if you want that then be willing to spend more than $1300 on a laptop or just get a desktop) then there's nothing wrong with the 555M...

standard, no OC, stock driver 555M video's of games being run on the l702x (2nd gen xps 17):

Star Craft II ULTRA SETTINGS Dell XPS - YouTube

Dell XPS 17 (L702x) - Gaming Test 2 - Nvidia 555m - YouTube

Dell XPS 17 (L702x) - Gaming Test - Nvidia 555m - YouTube

new drivers are being released all the time, can play crysis2 on extreme in dx11 (admittedly in 720p) at 40fps+ and p1750 score (with constant, stable overclock) in 3dmark11 is not shabby for a laptop that cost me about £1000

if you want a pure, gaming powerhouse then fork out for the larger alienware models with better graphics cards than the 555m, the advantages would be upgradeable graphics, 1600mhz ram (rather than being stuck with 1333)... but for a decent alrounder the xps17 is a great laptop for the money

 

ok, the dell gt555m with 3.0gb is o.56% better than the 1,5gb version ( yea, it's nothing, so don't spend an additionnal 75$) don't buy RAM from dell ( 35 $ with shipping on newegg for 4 gb) and get an alienware from a resseller ( reflexnotebook in canada) or call a representative for rebate.

 

For my dual monitor set up, the plan was to have one screen display the game and the other display the desktop. Couldn't I set this up to have the attached screen display the desktop? If so, I really do not see why I need to upgrade the screen. I don't even like to use higher resolutions for my desktop because I have a hard time reading stuff, and I don't see why I need a full HD picture quality for an internet browser and an mp3 player.

 

I have heard that GeForce GT 555m 3gb gets slower as more and more textures fill up its memory. So, get the 1.5GB one. I am also getting the M14x with the same configuration in November on my trip to Malaysia (things are pretty cheap there + bargaining works)

 

there's about 0.56% difference between performance on the 1.5gb and 3gb versions of the card according to benchmarks, but theoretically there shouldn't be any reason to get a single frame rate extra from the 3gb card in games

don't think the "textures filling up memory" will be a problem... but frankly, with a mobile card you're not going to physically need 3gb unless you're working with high-level applications (and if you're doing that you'll likely need more than a 555m)

some other laptops use the GDDR5 version of the 555m with less shaders and a faster core, but not seen the benchmarks comparing the 2 types of card.

 

Get the 1080p screen. 900p is too low of a resolution. I can't believe so many 17" laptops use 900p.