Alienware 15R3 and 17R4, which one should I choose?

[robin668]

I like the design of Alienware, I plan to buy a notebook for work and sometimes play some games, 17R4's screen is bigger, which is better for gaming, however, it's too heavy, so I prefer to 15R3, I cannot make a decision, may I know your suggestions, thank you so much.

 

[robin668]

Through the forum, I noted there's big heat sink problem with Alienware 15R3 and 17R4, especially when playing games, how to solve this headache problem?

 

[Jai Molloy]

I have the Alienware 17 R4 with 6820HK (overclocked to 4.08GHz), GTX 1070, 4k Display, 32GB RAM, 2x Samsung 950 Pro 512GB, Samsung 850 Pro 1TB. I also have the Alienware Graphics Amplifier with a GTX 1080 Ti in it.

I am unaware of a heat sink problem. I have played many hours of Homefront: The Revolution without a problem while on the road.

*EDITED*
Oh, I have also left it mining for days on end... It is usually left to do that while I am using my workstation and haven't had to travel.

 

[robin668]

Have you ever played Wizard 2? I want to play this game.

 

[Jai Molloy]

Unfortunately, I don't know the game you are referring to. I also beat RoboRecall (Oculus Rift), but I was using the external 1080 Ti at the time.

 

[robin668]

I found a smart laptop cooler specially designed for Alienware 15R3 and 17R4, also another one for 17R2 / 17R3, who tried these before? I would like to have some using experience for this, thank you so much.
https/www.amazon.com/dp/B0742HY88P
https/www.amazon.com/dp/B075R7SHXZ

 

[mattamomo]

Long shot, but did you ever get the Alienware 15 r3?
I too noticed some recommendations to look elsewhere due to thermal issues.
But it seems then most people don't even realise they have an issue, because the system is widely reviewed as a very good and high performance machine.
So either the issues are less common than people make out, or those who have issues just don't even realise it.