Alienware m18x CF 6970M vs Sager NP7280 SLI 485M?

[rosenberg]

Memory:

Sager - 12GB 1333mhz

Alienware - 16GB 1333mhz

CPU:

Sager - i7 960 (3.2ghz)

Alienware - i7 2820QM (2.3 ghz or 3.4ghz turbo mode)

Video Card:

Sager - Dual 485M SLI

Alienware - Dual 6970 CrossFireX

Screen Size:

Sager - 17"

Alienware - 18"

Hard Disks:

Sager - 1x 120GB Intel SSD / 2x 750GB

Alienware - 1x 120GB Intel SSD / 1x 750GB

My intent with the laptop is to both play games and use it to work (programming).

Which would you guys pick and why?

 

[lostandwandering]

Prices?

Personally, I'd choose the Sager unless it were way more expensive. I've owned one of their laptops for almost 4 years now and have been very happy with it.

CPU wise, the 960 will probably be a little more powerful, but will be more power hungry. The 485s and the 6970s when paired up are pretty much neck and neck: http/www.notebookcheck.net/Computer-Games-on-Laptop-Graphic-Cards.13849.0.html

edit: I also happen to think the Alienwares look like crap, but that's more of a personal matter.

 

[rosenberg]

Hi, thanks for your opinion,

Prices are:

Sager - $4.074

Alienware - $3.921

 

[rosenberg]

Oh, also, if the Sager I had configured had no additional AC Adapter, some people say it matter, some say it doesn't. It's an extra $250 bucks that I'm not sure about.

 

[lostandwandering]

Oh, also, if the Sager I had configured had no additional AC Adapter, some people say it matter, some say it doesn't. It's an extra $250 bucks that I'm not sure about.

It has to do with the system needing a ton of power (happens when you mix desktop processors with dual GPUs). Supposedly, under high stress situations (FurMark benchmarking for example) the single adapter can't supply enough juice. I'm not sure how big of an issue it will be with games and applications since Fur Mark puts a relatively unrealistic level of stress on the system. Best advice: Call the people you are looking at buying from and ask them. Otherwise, go to the Owner's Lounges at either XoticPC's forums or NBR's forum and ask their opinions.

XoticPC lounge: http/www.xoticpcforums.com/forumdisplay.php?s=3b16813ab37af5b97088794f9ff5f466&f=16
NBR lounge: http/forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/

 

[rosenberg]

I did call them the other day, they said I wouldn't be having issues with common games unless I was running 2 benchmarks at once or something of the sort, or, furmark I suppose.

I don't know though, alienware really catches my attention, besides being 18" I like the design and all... Tough choice, guess I will decide on the better GPU.

 

[lostandwandering]

I don't know though, alienware really catches my attention, besides being 18" I like the design and all... Tough choice, guess I will decide on the better GPU.

That's what makes it tougher. If you look at the benchmark site I posted earlier, the GPUs are really close. When either loses to the other it's only by a few FPS and it's certainly not something you are going to notice. Buy whichever tickles your fancy.

 

[rosenberg]

Best answer selected by rosenberg.

 

[lostandwandering]

what did you end up going with?