Solved! Alienware M15x is this worth it?

Damianjp

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Dec 7, 2008
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Hello again

I'm looking into a gaming laptop and I'm looking into a Alienware M15x. So far I have this one built on there site...

Processor Intel® Core™ i7 740QM Quad Core Processor, 1.73GHz (2.93GHz Turbo Mode, 6M Cache

Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English

Video Card 1GB GDDR5 ATI Radeon™ Mobility HD 5850

LCD Panel 15.6-inch WideFHD 1920x1080 (1080p) WLED

Memory 6GB Memory (1x 2GB, 1x 4GB DDR3)

Hard Drive 500GB SATAII 7,200RPM

Internal Optical Drive Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)

Battery Options Primary - 9-cell (85Watt) Lithium-Ion Battery

Wireless Cards Wireless 1520 802.11n Half Mini-Card

Total $1874.00


I wanna use this for gaming and some school.

First off is there a major difference in the CPU 740QM and the 840QM.

Also I would like to know the pros and cons about the ATI 5850 and the Geforce 260M.


Thanks,
DamianJP
 
Solution
The only 2 differences between the 740QM and the 840QM is the 840QM has an extra 2MB of cache, and a higher clock speed. Not worth the $300 Dell is asking for (and the Dell site is wrong, the 820QM actually has 8MB of cache, not 6MB. Specs for both chips were taken directly from the Intel Processor Spec website: http://ark.intel.com).

Performance-wise, the GTX 260M comes out a little bit ahead of the 5850, though both chips will give you pretty good frame rates in games. The 5850 supports DirectX 11, while the 260M only supports 10. Since the 5850 on the Dell website is $100 cheaper than the 260M, I'd say go for the 5850. DirectX 11 still isn't much of a factor, as games aren't being written to take advantage of it quite yet, but the...

The_Prophecy

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The only 2 differences between the 740QM and the 840QM is the 840QM has an extra 2MB of cache, and a higher clock speed. Not worth the $300 Dell is asking for (and the Dell site is wrong, the 820QM actually has 8MB of cache, not 6MB. Specs for both chips were taken directly from the Intel Processor Spec website: http://ark.intel.com).

Performance-wise, the GTX 260M comes out a little bit ahead of the 5850, though both chips will give you pretty good frame rates in games. The 5850 supports DirectX 11, while the 260M only supports 10. Since the 5850 on the Dell website is $100 cheaper than the 260M, I'd say go for the 5850. DirectX 11 still isn't much of a factor, as games aren't being written to take advantage of it quite yet, but the 5850 may be a smarter choice if you are planning to keep the laptop for a few years (giving you the chance to play games released in the future which are written with DX 11 in mind).
 
Solution

Damianjp

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Dec 7, 2008
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Thanks Prophecy !!

Is this M15x good for the money? I mean I know Dell is charging alittle more here and there now, but is this laptop gonna perform good for the money or is there a other company I can go to for a rig? Iv'e seen that ASUS had some stuff for cheaper but I really like the form and design of the M15x. I know I should go with function over form but like I said the M15x looks good to me. Can I get something better else were?



Thanks again,
DamianJP
 

The_Prophecy

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This is an awesome gaming laptop. I say go for this one if you don't mind a larger unit.
 

shwetanshu

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Sep 12, 2010
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ASUS G73JH

Lets compare it with your mentioned Configuration

Core i7 720QM(740QM Better - Dell Scores)
Window 7 Home Premium 64bit(same)
ATI Radeon Mobility HD5870 (HD 5850 - ASUS Scores)
17.3'' LED Screen 1600X1900 (15.6'' 1920X1080 -ASUS Scores)
6GB Memory (Same)
500GB SATAII 7,200RPM (Same)
Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW) (Same)
8-Cell Lithium-ion Battery (9-cell (85Watt) Lithium-Ion Battery -Dell Score)
Built In Wireless 1520 802.11n (Same)
1299.99$* ($1874.00 -Need I Even wirte it)

So in Overall Comparison G73JH kick M15x's ass.The processors difference is really not much and will not even be observed much in games .About battery as you are looking at Gaming Laptop battery doesnt really matter.Still G73jh gives 2hours 27mins of surfing and at approx 500$ less this is a must gaming laptop for under 1500$ with many features better than M15x.

Only downside is that this laptop is HUGE.So portability is an issue.You can look at its sibling G51X also for a 15inch screen.


*Source-Best Buy
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174;+Core%26%23153;+i7+Processor+/+17.3%22+Display+/+6GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Black/9741729.p?id=1218165344675&skuId=9741729&st=asus%20g73h%20&cp=1&lp=1