Alienware M17x R3 Laptop Review (Core i7 2630QM / 256GB SSD)

To test such a powerful system, we are using a mixture of synthetic and real world testing, clearly labelled into various sections. We are also going to compare this Core i7 2630QM based machine against several other laptop systems (in specific areas of the review) – not as a direct comparison, but more as an analysis scenario for a possible upgrade, measuring potential gains and benefits.

The ASRock Ion3D system, to give an indication of potential benefits when upgrading from an ATOM powered computer, the MSI FX 600 Laptop, which features an Intel Core i3 330M processor and the MSI FX 623 which features a Core i5 460M.

Comparison Systems:
ASRock Ion3D – Atom D525 @ 1.8ghz
MSI FX600 – Intel Core i3 330M
MSI FX623 – Intel Core i5 460M

Software:
Windows 7 64 Bit
Aida 64
SiSoft Sandra
Cinebench R11.5 64 bit
Cyberlink Media Espresso
Cyberlink PowerDVD Ultra V10
PCMark Vantage
3Dmark Vantage
3DMark 11
HQV Benchmark V 2.0
Left4Dead
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam
Resident Evil 5
Tom Clancy HAWX 2
Crysis Warhead
Far Cry 2

Technical Monitoring and Test Equipment:
Asus BluRay Drive
Lacie 730 Monitor (Image Quality testing)
Thermal Diodes
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
Extech digital sound level meter & SkyTronic DSL 2 Digital Sound Level Meter
Kill A Watt Meter
Nikon D300S SLR with R1C1 Kit.
Panasonic Lumix TZ10

All results are gained from multiple test runs to ensure any abnormalities are removed before publication.

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