Dell XPS M1730 vs. 9261/D901c

So both of these beasts will be offering dual 8700GT's in SLI.

Also appears that pricing-wise, both of these "beasts" will be in the same ballpark.

( http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/presale_xpsnb_m1730?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs)

For those specifically interested in dual 8700's, which way are you leaning? The Clevo/Sager or the Dell?

Spec'd to the max, the Clevo/Sager definitely has the performance advantage...question is, at what price and will it be worth it to you?

 

I'd go for the clevo
No hassle with Dell (yes, they damaged their reputation with the lack of communication), and a better chance of being able to upgrade the GFX later on (though it does remain a chance!)

 

Good point, Kwakkel...the possibility of expanding to better GFX someday definitely leans towards Clevo's favor, given the MXM-IV sockets.

 

Heh, yea I wonder if the Dell is MXM or proprietary. Since the 8x series is nothing to write home about except DX10 which wont be a factor truely in gaming and software for atleast another year. I am personally taking the bet that Clevo is the way to go, to be able to swap in a newer 8x or (or 9x?) series chip as long as it is MXM-HE compliant.

The delete key might be better thought out though.

I would assume at equal specs, the M1730 will be more expensive than a D901C. Heck untill the D901C came out, a well equipped M1710 was 4 grand canadian. For the same price you can still currently get a superior Clevo. (usually)

 

I'm going with Clevo 9261 and 8700's. Here's why:

1. Quad Core
2. Faster RAM and more RAM (dell only had 2GB)
3. RAID (dell only had single drive in preorder configuration)

I want the 8700's for latest technology + DX10 -- plus I think two in SLI will perform very well at max resolution of 1920x1200. I don't plan on upgrading to a different GPU later (that'll be another $1000 and that's not in the stars).

I could care less about the physics accelerator on the XPS.

I think the cost of the Dell may be a little cheaper. I followed the link today and the price started at $2999. There was no configuration options... probably due to it being only a pre-order. So I assume at this point it's a cheaper computer.

I've seen a number of posts in these forums with issues that sound like quality problems... so I'm a little worried about my 9261. I'll cross my fingers and hope for a "good one".

 

Adding to what Kozi has pointed out is that the Sager also has faster FSB even if you gone with just the dual core.

also i remember reading the first XPS1730 announcement is that it'll be 2x 256 8700M SLI, vs the Sager with 2x 512MB 8700M SLi.

 

the dell looks so much nicer, and it seems more reliable, but i still think it isn't
+ 2.0 megapixel cam,

 

Definitely good points. Here's the pre-sale link I received in the email today:

http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/presale_xpsnb_m1730?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

If you click on the "?" by the video option and go to "compare side-by-side", you'll see the Tenchi is correct... 2x 256MB. That's a big deal I think.

 

I'm still sticking with Clevo, but to set the record straight, I retract what I said earlier regarding video card upgradability...looks like the M1730 has just as much promise of better graphics cards down the road.

"Looking ahead, Dell engineered the XPS M1730 chassis to handle the thermal and power requirements of the most powerful next-generation graphics technology. Dell also will offer a graphics upgrade program when next-generation graphics processor technology is available."

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/g...us&l=en&s=corp

 

but you'll have to buy it from Dell, at the price they set
there will be no shopping around

 

This is no fair comparison. The Sager is stuffed with powerfull desktop machinery: Motherboard, Processor, ...

 

the dell has multiple HDD as well, but your right, there not even in the same class.

 

Hello all
YES XPS 1730 is OUT Now on dell site

But is it better then the Alienware m9750

from both these which has a better graphic card ?

is true tht the Dell we will be able to upgrade its 8700 to the 8800 cards when they are out ?
If so then isnt the Dell a better buy ?
OR IS THERE ANY OTHER BETTER THAN THIS LAPTOP
Money is not aproblem need a Extream & Fast machine
Please Help

 

Yes it is 2 mp Cam on Dell

 

If you want the most extreme fast machine then there's only 1 choice...the Clevo D901c/Sager 9261. There's loads of info here on the forum and around the web as to why it's the cream-of-the-performance-crop so suggest you do a little research.

I saw another post of yours where you mentioned you'd be willing to spend $6,000 on a laptop. If that's the case, I'd recommend getting a D901c/9261 with dual 7950GTX cards in SLI. No other notebook could possibly beat this...period.

Later on, when more powerful DX10 graphics cards arrive, you could then do an upgrade. Your grand total (initial purchase plus upgrade costs) would still likely fall within the range of an overall $6,000 budget.

 

But the Alienware or any other with the m9750 cards Doest have a upgrade they dont Garante it
But the Dell XPS 1730 is upgradble to 8800 cards
So thats the Only reason im thinking of the Xps
& yes money not a Problem but i dont like the Cleo modells of laptop
So 2 choice Alien or Xps (but Alien not upgrdable )

 

What an emazing laptop this DELL is (Yoda talking). Nevertheless I would not trade performance over fancy lights and looks. In my book the Clevo's are still more appealing if you are looking for the fastest portable system.

Of course if money was no object then I would have both

Trance

 

Oh well...can't help you then...

My research has centered on the Clevo (because it is clearly the most powerful) and Dell (because I can get a sizeable discount, while knowing it's still a reasonably powerful machine).

Anything in between is either not as powerful, or not as cost-effective as the king of notebooks...the D901c/9261

(And P.S. - No manufacturer has yet to guarantee a future graphics upgrade. It's a complete toss-up, in my opinion, as to whether Clevo or Dell will be upgradeable in the future. But if I had to bet my money, these would be the only 2 manufacturers I'd gamble on at the moment. Chances are even-steven between Clevo and Dell as to which will offer a future upgrade that truly sees the light of day ... hopefully, both of them will pull it off! )

 

I've never seen a Dell that was upgradeable for anything other than memory. What's interesting to me is that Dell invested in 8700's for this laptop. These aren't standard 8700's in SLI either... it's a single card with two 8700's mounted on it. A custom solution just for Dell.

I'm confused on why Dell would invest in such a solution if 8800's are just around the corner (and don't give me the "dell is stupid" answer because clearly they are not). Dell is in touch with the hardware providers just like every other major manufacturer. You don't design hardware without understanding the technology road map.

So either the 8800M's are drop-in replaceable on their hardware (i.e. pin-for-pin compatible chips) or the 8800M's are a pipe dream. The only reliable source I believe in this area is Gophn who has stated that the only 8-series update coming out is the 8700GTX (not an 8800). I think the 8800M's are purely fiction.


EDIT: And please stop spamming the same post in every forum topic!!! -- yeah that's directed at you lordvader

 

I'm not sure why people say that the prices are close. When I priced them out the Dell was waaaay more expensive. But the real difference between the two is AGEIA. The Sager does not have that.

 

I would rather not buy the the physics processor, as a handful of games use it to enhance smoke effects, and nothing more.

 

The base 1730 is 2999 to upgrage the 9261 to the same resolution does come out to over 3000 .I think the sager is ugly man here think the dell is ugly .?Unless you guys are all interior decorators is it really that important what a laptop looks like . .

 

i second that, stop it , its anoyying

 

I have been thinking about the single card solution for SLI, and could that be an indicator that Dell has invested in x8, x8 SLI?

 

But Dell promises a upgrade when the 8800 cards are out
Also Dell has a better processor x7900 than any in Sager or Cleo 7800 i have seen
Worst part in them is all have same body diff name & layout SUCKS cos all usb ports on same side
While Dell layout is better & has a small LCD on top for gaming soooo KOOL
all im saying is looks do matter YES if the diff is ALOT in speed I wont go for look But here its not much & is upgradble
so wht do others think ?

 

"Also Dell has a better processor x7900"

What do you mean by better? Faster? If it faster then the answer is no! The d901c support DESKTOP CPUs and the x7900 is a mobile CPU. For instance the E6700 CPU (desktop) is faster then the x7900 (mobile) and it is not even an Extreme Desktop CPU according to Intel. Also, the d901c supports the Q6600 wich is a Quad Core CPU (the only portable supporting Quad Cores in the world.

For full specs: http://www.clevo.com.tw/en/products/prodinfo_2.asp?productid=19

As for video card upgradability, the DELL XPS and d901c seam to be on the same ball game.

Facts are facts there is no way you can re-write them. DELL looks much better and is a stronger brand, that is it. The d901c is faster and have more upgrade options, that is it!.

The performance difference is HUGE. The difference is of 1000 to 2000 in 3DMark06 depending on the CPU you choose to put on the d901c (HUGE)

The differences and the benefits of each one is clear!

Have fun.

Trance
PS: In the end of the day what counts is your opinion, as only you can decide to buy one or another. Go for brand and looks or performance and flexibility? This is a question that only you can answer. Both are powerfull systems. Personally I prefer the second due to all sorts of reasons, but mainly longivity.

 

The 9261 is better technically in every regard. The only reason to get the Dell would be cost (it seems to be cheaper at $2900 vs $3500 USD) and looks (if you like them).

I'll benchmark my 9261 when it arrives in a couple weeks. It has 8700's in SLI along with a Q6600. I'm confident it will blow the fancy trim off the Dell .

 

Hope this will Help people

Link- http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2186645,00.asp

ON THE BOTOM
Check out the Dell XPS M1730's benchmark results.

 

Lord, you came here for help or to help others? I have the impression I know you from another forums, are you Portuguese?

People here on notebook take technology very seriously, especially the standard reviewers. As you can see by the focused mini review (full review to come):

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3977

The d901c outperforms the XPS by 1000. The bottleneck of the XPS is the CPU. Currently there is no way a MOBILE CPU outperforms a DESKTOP CPU of the same grad. Usually DESKTOP CPU's are about 30% faster then their mobile counterparts. It seams that Eurocom Phantom X d900c was put there to divert buyers. D900c using previous generation chipsets? Common how can a serious writer write such a thing considering that D900c uses DESKTOP chipsets and the DELL uses mobile. There is no comparison chipset wise. Yes you can say that regarding Alienware as it also uses mobile chipsets (not even Santa Rosa)but not the d900c as it uses desktop chipsets (P965).

As far as I'm concerned the attack made with lies in that review to the Clevo d900c smells like a paycheck from DELL was on the way. Since when the Alienware M9750 is faster then the d900c by 4%? Another novelty for us here, honestely This since all sorts of tests were done both by users and reviewers and nothing like that was ever shown and demonstrated.

I would wait for a full review from notebookreviews. I always supect of reviews were everything written matches any peoples dreams about something.

Trance
PS: An Extreme Mobile outperforming an Extreme Desktop CPU that is the best i've heard this week Do you know that Wu Jen already got with the d901c over 10.000 on 3dMark06 with that same CPU? Overcloked of course.

 

Since DELL is using two 8700GT cores on the same board to achive a dual core configuration I wonder if a quad core SLI configuration is on this way for mobile platforms.

For the sake of all of us buyers I'm glad that Clevo finnaly is getting some real competition. It was getting too confortable and lazy IMHO. We have asked and need a better BIOS to overclock our machines. Also we need more up to date drivers that we can rely on. This is called support as support is not only about fixing problems but about offering litle improvements over what was offered according to the needs ot consumers.

Trance

 

No Trance im not the guy u think i am
just want a machine & been waiting 1 year & looks like i will be still waiting till Jan 2008 to get a good fast Laptop
Dont like Cleo Sager
Only from Alien or Dell will get 1

 

Ok lord. If I were you I would wait too. At least to let the dust settle and more reliable information is published regarding the new products in the market.

Have fun,

Trance
PS: The d900c was launched in March and I only bought it in August precisely becouse of that.

 

Then why are you posting like crazy in Sager/Clevo forums asking which is better? Clearly the D901C is superior. You pay an extra $500 and get:

1. Twice as much video memory
2. Twice as much RAM
3. Higher Speed RAM
4. Quad Core
5. Higher FSB
6. Better OC'ing

If you aren't even going to consider a Sager/Clevo then stop posting.

 

Kozi,

I don't know if we are getting better OC'ing It seams that the XPS offers better BIOS options to do that then the d901c. Hopefully our petition will be sucessfull, specially with more competition on the market.

Maybe you are right about that as the all review sounds fishy. But they were right on the 3DMark06 scores with stock settings regarding Clevo d901c. Maybe, just maybe the scores on DELL XPS were not tangled with overcloking. If they weren't (I sincerely doupt about that) it's a hell of a score!

Everything else I fully agree with you

Trance
PS: Also the DELL XPS in Europe (France) is 700 Euros more expensive then a Clevo D901c with 4GB, SLI and a Q6600 (Quad Core).

 

Actually was referring to the sweet cooling inside the D901C. It's a cooling machine with the 4 fans and the low-restriction air path.

On your point regarding quad SLI, the board for the 8700SLI is larger than the Physics board. You can't fit two of the double 8700 boards into the Dell... so redesign would be required. Although it would be cool to see Clevo pump out an SLI configuration on a single MXM-IV board... allowing us to go 4x in SLI.

I'll have to find the website that shows the guts of the 1730. The double 8700 board was a bit of a monster in size.

 

"On your point regarding quad SLI, the board for the 8700SLI is larger than the Physics board."

I know that. I was actually speculating on a Quad SLI configuration on the d901c as it can hold two video cards at the same time.

"Actually was referring to the sweet cooling inside the D901C. It's a cooling machine with the 4 fans and the low-restriction air path."

But we need a better BIOS to fully take advantage of that with overclocking (pushing FSB up).

Trance

 

Not for GPU overclocking -- but I agree on the BIOS upgrade. I thought you could tweak FSB with RivaTuner. Is that incorrect?

 

I don't think you can. Riva Tuner is only for the GPU. If one has two cores in theory one could push FSB from 533 to 666 (2x666 = 1333) and in case of 4 cores fro 266 to 333 (4*333=1332). This with the new mobo. Let's just hope.

Trance

 

I definitely would appreciate more OCing ability. I was reading online that the Q6600 can be easily overclocked with FSB at 333MHz (yielding the same specs at the extreme E6850, but with twice the cores!!!!).

It all depends on how independent the clocks are on the D901C. If all clocks are driven from the same PLL then we're probably screwed since you can't drive up the FSB without effecting the other clocks like memory and such. I don't think this is the case though. Nothing is on the FSB except the CPU and the north-bridge. The chipset in this lappy supports 1333 so driving the FSB base freq from 266 to 333 may not be an issue for it at all.

Anyway, on my list of cool things to try when I get my beast. I've been waiting since Sept 4th (I was one of the first orders to be back-ordered . But it is sort of a blessing because now I'm getting a 9261 instead with Q6600 and SLI 8700's (yep I'm pumped about the GPUs too).

 

Just ordered the dell xps 1730 for 2699 .Was down to the dell or the sager 9261.In the end was not sure wife would go for me spending over 3000 on a brand she never heard off .Plus showed her the flashing lights and she thought they were cool I think if you order any of the 3 sli note books sager 9291 alienware 9750 or dell xps 1730 you will be happy.

 

Absolutely hamilcar. The M1730 is a fabulous machine.

I don't usually criticize articles even when I think something not right is written. But when comparisons are done accuracy becomes very important to be fair.

Wu Jen got 9399 stock and 10096 overclocked in 3DMark96 at the resolution of 1280x1024 with the same spec as of the Clevo used by PC Magazine.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144758

The guys on PC magazine state that their Clevo at 1024x768 they got 9282. How can this be? IMPOSSIBLE! I believe they have tested it at 1600x1280 or at 1280x1024 to to get that result and then said that tests were done at 1024x768.

Then they put the score of DELL XPS at 1024x768 of 9982 and they talk about how much better it is. This is totally biased to say the least.

Mine with a E6700 got values around that too at 1024x768 if I can remember and it wasn't even a Xtreme config.

They even say that the DELL XPS is 4 percent faster then Alienware and it's 8 percent faster then the Clevo. With some math it is easy to see that whatthey are saying also is that the Alienware is 4 percent faster then Clevo. This when all test in the WORLD say the contrary

Anyway, the marketing war is on. I just expected more from PC Magazine.

Trance

 

Good post DFTrance.

I read the review and noticed that the Dell comes with the "new nVidia SLI chipset". I wonder what's up there. This may explain why the 9260 has been so slow in getting 8700 SLI support. Maybe the 9260 is using an older SLI chipset.

But at the same time they only tested with 7950's. The 9282 score is very close to Wu-Jen's stock score so I'd say it's accurate and within manufacturing tolerance.

I'm more skeptical of the Dell 9982 score. A german review showed just over 8000 instead. Interesting.

Lastly their test Dell unit was over $4000 USD in cost. More than a 9261 with ALL the bells and whistles.

 

Sometimes reviews end up with weird scores, Chaz only got 7300 on the m9750 DESPITE everyone else getting ~8300, but then again... it is PCMagazine, they give points for smell... Anyway, since when have they started reviewing extreme laptops? They never reviewed earlier Clevos or the m9700...
Notebookchecks score of 8000 is about right imo, would've been nice if they did the m9750 as well (Clevo D901C only available at Voodoo prices from an Italian Company, DPC)

 

Kozi,

"The 9282 score is very close to Wu-Jen's stock score so I'd say it's accurate and within manufacturing tolerance"

Wu Jen tested at 1280x1024 resolution. PC Magazine tests were done at 1024x768 resolution. They were suppose to be higher then Wu Jen or not? If resolution was the same I would agree with you but not when they are different in this way.

Weird,

Trance
PS: Anyway, this is my last post regarding this topic. Something is not right. Either PC Magazine made a mistake or we have architectural "problems". In terms of hardware we should have better scores then DELL. Maybe is the SLI chipset you mentioned.

 

Ah I missed the resolution difference. I have to agree that they messed up the testing. The numbers they provided for D901C seem very close to the default 3DMark06 test resolution of 1280x1024. Everyone runs at that default, why run the Dell at 1024x768! That's silly.

 

he did have a core 2 extreme...that probably affected it abit, considering he could overclock that processor ALOT

 

Extreme or not, I hope that a desktop would beat a notebook under any circumstances (D900C being the "desktop").

 

Well my machine scored 10181 3DM06. http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm06=2525570

 

Sager, Eurocom, Novabook, Cyber-system, Rock and about 10-100 other brands are the exact same product A CLEVO from Taiwan. FACT!

Right know the Clevo with Dual 8800M GT with Q6800 is the most powerfull. But as soon as the M1730 gets the 8800s the DELL is by far the best product. The Clevo is a bit plain no LCD display, no disco lights, no keyboard ligt etc.

Dont get me wrong I own a M1730 and it is getting replaced due to hardware problems - mine was no. 6 out of the factory.

DELL has got the problems fixed (not the 8700M GTs in SLI disapointing) - so I am just waiting for the 8800 upgrade from DELL.

If you really want a Clevo - I found this site:
http://www.rjtech.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=D901C

But no 8800 in SLI only at eurocom .. but still it is a CLEVO. Take a look at the upcoming Alienware M17X if you can $wing it (might be a CLEVO

 

Way to Necropost XPSM1730!!