4 quick questions...

1. What is the difference (if any) between the Sager np5796 and the np8660 other than screen size?

2. How does dual 8800m GTX compare to a single 9800m GTX (basically deciding between m17x dual 8880's or sagers single 9800)

3. I'm new to computer technology and don't really understand processors. Is there really a huge difference between T9600 / 6MB L2 Cache, 2.80GHz, 1066MHz FSB and X9100 / 6MB L2 Cache, 3.06GHz, 1066MHz FSB?....400 bucks is a lot.

4. I will be getting 4GB ram, does that mean I will need to get Vista 64 bit? I am hearing all these bad things about it but I don't really understand the difference and if I need to get ultimate.

Edited for m17x not m15x

 

I don't think the m15x is SLi capable.

 

1 - The np5796 uses a known chassis as a base therefore many of the issues are know and general build quality is know. It can also take a 9800m GTX while the np8660 can't. The np8660 is a new chassis and has just started shipping so it is more of an unknown.

2 - The 9800m GTX hasn't come out yet so there isn't any really good comparisons yet but the m15x doesn't come with a dual 8800m GTX option (m17x does though). In addition, as I noted above, the np8660 only comes with the 9800m GT which is about equivalent to the m15x's 8800m GTX.

3 - Whether the X9100 is worth 400 more than the T9600 depends on what you're using the laptop for and how futureproof you want it to be. In terms of most applications and games, the difference is probably not worth the money (but that's pretty subjective). In fact many people in these forums don't get anything beyond the P9500. As a side note the Pxxxx processors are designed to run at lower wattage which means less drain on your battery.

4 - You need a 64 bit OS to recognize 4GB ram. This means you would need XP 64 bit or Vista 64 bit. If you're getting a 64 bit OS, I'd get Vista. It's more stable people think.

If you're choosing between Alienware and Sager, I think most people on this forum would suggest getting a Sager. The m15x has had some big issues due to poor control of it's heat. I'm not sure is this has been fixed yet. I haven't read anything about the m17x.

 

well the two sagers are pretty much identical, but two different screen sizes. the specs are identical, except the GTX now that i actually look at it online

the thing about the m15x is that its outdated by quite a bit. it may have dual 8800's, but the processor is old and the computer will just feel slower compared to the sagers. not to mention all of the problems with the m15x and the over priced issue

well the upgrade will be faster, but i dont think anything that good for the money. seeing most of the configs that people are getting, everyone seems to be going with the 2.53GHz processor, so the 2.80 will be more than enough for gaming.

and yes, with 4GB of ram, you will nedd vista 64 to recongnize all of it

all in all, either of the sagers will be a beast, it all depends what screen size you want (im going with the 5796). it will just all around "feel" faster.

EDIT: and yes, the m15x is not SLI capable, only the m17x (but its way overpriced)

 

the dual 8800 is in the m17x only and the m15x has only 1 8800gtx

with the 4gb ram. you can still use vista 32bit but it will only see 3.1gb of ram

 

yea but then in my edit, when i checked, i said only the m17x has SLI capabillities... and now since cheeb changed it to the m17x then it makes sense for what he was talking about

 

If you get a 32-bit OS, then you will effectively only be able to "see" about 3.2GBs' worth out of 4GB of physical RAM, in which case you'd probably be better off going with one stick of 2GB RAM and one stick of 1GB RAM.