alienware m14x config

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Im planning to buy the m14x and there are 2 graphic card options. The 1gb gddr5 gt 650m and the 2gb gddr5 version of the same card. Will the extra 1gb make a huge difference in terms of performance? The system config is i7-3630, 6gb ram, 500 gb 7200rpm hard disk
 

gridironcj

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Dec 23, 2012
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I'm not sure what the resolution is on there, but I'm assuming you're not going for high-end, so it doesn't matter really. You'll be playing on very low settings for most games anyways.
 
Alienware is no longer made using Clevo components and is now made by Dell, thereby removing every reason to buy one. I'd suggest buying from Clevo distributor direct and get a better machine for way less money.

The i7-3630 version of the MX14costs $1279 and 750 GB HD with chinsy 1366 x 768 screen

Clevo 151EM on the other hand
http://www.lpc-digital.com/sager-np9130.html

15.6” Full HD 16:9 LED-Backlit MATTE Ultra Clear 1920 x 1200 screen
NVIDIA GeForceGTX 670MX 3GB GDDR5 Memory Huge upgrade over 650M 1 GB
Intel Core i7-3630QM Processor
IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU ($35 upgrade)
Microsoft Windows® 7 Professional 32/64-Bit Edition ( 64-Bit Preloaded )
8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1600MHz - 2 X 4GB
750GB Seagate Momentus XT ST750LX003 7200RPM 32MB SATA 6.0Gb/s Hybrid SSD / HD ($90 upgrade)
8X DVD±R/RW/4X +DL Super-Multi Drive & Software
Free delivery
$50 instant cash off
Total $1334 with selected upgrades
 

GodspeedFx

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Feb 12, 2013
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Go with the GDDR5 version for sure.. and don't listen to anyone who tells you that you'll be playing games on low settings with that card.

I just bought an HP with an i5-3210, 6gb DDR3 1600, GT650m 2gb GDDR5, and a HD with 32gb solid state cache, backlit keyboard.. I play skyrim on a mix of high/ultra settings and never drop below 40 FPS. In caves and indoors I'm always at 60 (would be higher, but I have vsync enabled).

Assassin's Creed 3 on high with great FPS. Battlefield 3 on high with great FPS. The GT 650m 2gb GDDR5 is a fantastic card for the price. I bought this whole laptop for $800 (after tax and free shipping).

If you're at 1080p on that laptop, you won't see framerates QUITE this good, but you definitely won't be playing on low.

If you're spending over $1000, you can get something way better than a GT 650m (like Jack, the fellow above me, said ^_^)
 

maverick193

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Apr 7, 2013
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its a 1600x900 resolution. I wont be using the laptop for very demanding games. I need it for some uni work and some amount of gaming. also is the i5-3230m(3.2ghz turbo boost) adequete? or shd i go for the slightly more expensive i7-3630qm(3.4ghz turbo boost)?

 

GodspeedFx

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Feb 12, 2013
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You'll find that the i5 will draw less power than the i7 because it's clocked slightly lower and it's physically a dual core processor (with hyperthreading, which gives it 4 threads like a quad core) which means longer battery life. Less power also means less heat, and as you probably know, heat is the enemy--especially in a crowded laptop that may actually be sitting in your lap some of the time. Just don't cover those exhaust/intake vents! Less heat also means less chance of hardware failure over time. I actually have my turboboost disabled to keep the heat down and save on battery life.. I don't notice a difference.

As far windows based performance, for your uni work (I'm assuming uni is short for university), either processor will work just fine. You would never be able to tell the difference in day to day use unless you went to encode a 30 minute 1080p HD video and put a stopwatch to it, in which case obviously the true quad core i7 with hyperthreading (for a total of 8 threads) will out-perform the i5 (4 threads). If you put a stopwatch to the time it takes to open microsoft word, you better hope you have a quick trigger finger because you're looking at a difference in milliseconds.

For performance in gaming, it varies depending on the game. Some games will rely a little more on the processor than others, but if you're not going to be playing the latest and greatest (Skyrim, Crysis 3, The Witcher 2), then you're not gonna notice a difference because you're gonna be at 50+ FPS with either processor.

If you have the option, definitely invest in solid state, even if it's just a 32GB solid state cache for your hard drive. It's the BIGGEST performance boost you can get for your computer, hands down. Mine was an extra 50 bucks, but everything I do in windows is near instant. I boot to desktop and connect to my wireless network in 11 seconds flat.
 

maverick193

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Apr 7, 2013
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Well i found a lenovo deal online for the y500. its got a i7-3630qm(3.4ghz turbo boost), 16gb ddr ram, 2gb gt 650m, 1tb 5400rpm hd +16gb ssd, 1080p screen for $999. Is it a good deal??
 

GodspeedFx

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Feb 12, 2013
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The Y500 is a great machine that got great reviews.. you can get it with dual GT 650m (in SLI) for the same price which is pretty sweet for a laptop. Great performance and great design with the expansion bay for the second graphics card or cd-rom drive.

If your budget is $1000, that is one of the best options you can get.
 

RobCrezz

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There are these things called power outlets and they are available in pretty much every building.