Second Life

I'm configuring a DELL XPS 1710 to replace my old home built desktop and would like to know if the GeForce Go 7900 GS card capable enough without dropping close to $400 for the Go 7950 GTX. It will mainly be used for Second Life and my main computer. My inspiron 8600 is my backup but not for gaming. Thanks!

 

The 7900 GS is more than capable enough for Second Life, which doesn't really require much in the way of high-end dedicated graphics anyway, it ran just fine for me using an ATI X300 graphics card, and that's very low end.

 

Thank-you for the info.

 

If you are going to buy an XPS M1710 with the go 7900 GS, though, you may want to consider the Inspiron e1705. It should come out cheaper.

 

it will be cheaper

also you can try getting one at the outlet if you're in the USA

www.dell.com/outlet

 

I know but I don't like the look of the white sides much but I should actually price one out. The E1705 has shared memory? Not quite sure what that is.

 

If the E1705 has the Go7900GS, it won't have any shared memory. If it is equipped with the integrated Intel GMA950 or ATI Radeon X1400, both of those cards use the system memory for video RAM (the GMA950 has no dedicated memory and completely depends on the system memory; the X1400 "256MB" has 128MB dedicated and 128MB shared).

 

The XPS model I'm pricing seems to have the same components as the E1705 but I'm sure it has better speakers and looks a little better.

 

i'm pretty sure the speakers are the same.

 

If you are looking to spend that kind of money, then don't get an XPS - get a Clevo M570U (it is sold under different names such as the Sager NP5760, WidowPC Sting 517D):
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3260&review=WidowPC

 

Well, I have just a few minor gripes I think you should know about.

1) The screen doesn't look all that great (on my second screen already)
2) I keep my LEDs off most of the time. At first they're pretty cool, but they get annoying fast.
3) The keyboard around the space key is a little squeaky (very quiet squeak though)
4) The touchpad only glows red

I can't have the gripes without the positives though
1) Great battery life for a 17" (3+ hours)
2) Runs very cool (I have a 7900gs and a t7200)
3) Great overclocking potential for the video card
4) Great customer service
5) Has a pretty solid build

I recieved mine as a replacement for my dying M170. Overall I am impressed, but I would just buy the e1705 and save some cash. My buddy has an e1705, and there is literally no difference between his laptop and mine (besides how it looks of course). I am currently playing second life on my M1710 and it runs fantastic. Definately buy 2 gigs of ram eventually as my comp is always tapping into virtual memory with second life (I have 1 gig of ram and it normally has to use about 400mb extra of virtual memory)

 

My impression is that you can get the exact same components on both the
E1705 and the M1710. The E1705 is neary a grand less. So then are you just paying for the flashy LEDs and the larger housing presumably for better cooling. I read that the E1705 runs hot with the stock fan settings. So which one do I get if I configure them exactly the same?

 

Got a good job? Got the extra money burning a hole in your pocket? It's up to you whether it's worth it or not, but to most of us, it is not.

 

Thanks. That's what I wanted to know.

 

If you are going to get the 7900GS, you can configure an E1705 with all of the same components as an XPS notebook and save a lot of money. Probably between $500-1000. But you should find out yourself what the exact difference is.

Also, if you are going to configure an Inspiron E1705, use the configurator that has the cheapest price. You can put all the same stuff on it and it comes out cheaper than the first 2 options . Throw a 20% off coupon code with it and you'll save more. They are easy to find.

 

If you were going to get the m1710 you should really configure it with the 7900gtx. It allows you to play games at near max settings while keeping the resolution at 1920x1200. So you're reallying getting the m1710 for the option for the better video card. And you're also getting the flashy lights and allegedly better tech support. You're calls won't be delivered to India, they'll be sent to the USA. There's some people who can justify spending that extra $1,000.

You can also buy some parts on ebay and replace those tacky white bumpers.

 

Anyone know if tha fans max out while gaming on the E1705 ? My inspiron 8600 1.4GHz fans are maxed while in Second Life. I priced identical systems with the xps and the E1705 and the difference is $769 (after coupon). That's too big of a difference to go with the XPS. I'll have to get the E1705 and live with the white edges.

 

ok, like i said you can buy parts and replace the white bumpers

look

http://www.notebookforums.com/thread169584.html

 

That's real nice!!

 

lucas862004 - Thanks for the updated post.

I ordered the E1705 on Saturday
My decision was based on all information in this thread (and the mobile GPU chart on this site) Many thanks to all who posted. It was greatly appreciated.

2.00 GHz Core 2 Duo 4MB L2 Cache, 667 MHz FSB
2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz
100GB 7200 RPM Drive
NVIDIA Geforce Go 7900 GS Video Card
Ultrasharp Wide Screen UXGA Display
8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal
Carrying case
3 year warranty

 

Reaaaaaaaaaaaly nice system there, I am jelous

 

Thanks. I needed to get a fairly good system as it will replace my primary (desktop) system which is a P4 2.4GHz and an ancient Radeon 9600 SE video card. Second Life crashes regularly because of this card. I really wanted a new system instead of just replacing the graphics card. It was time to switch to using laptops exclusively. I think that desktops are somewhat of a dying breed however, they will continue to exist.

 

Yeah, I also prefer the look of the XPS to the white-trimmed Inspirons although I wouldn't spend any extra money on looks alone.