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The AlienWare M17x R3 bios is a rather standard configuration by InsydeH20. The user can configure boot order, wireless status and you can even overclock the system if you wanted to try. We generally advise against overclocking laptop systems, as the cooling systems are often fine tuned to specific heat thresholds.
The bios can be updated within Windows, much like the Intel configuration, ideal for inexperienced users.
Several processors can be configured on the Dell site: The 2630QM (2.0ghz/6mb cache), The 2720QM (2.2ghz/6mb cache) and the 2820QM (2.3ghz/8mb cache). This 2630QM can reach 2.6ghz under Turbo mode. It is a 64 bit quad core design with Hyper Threading and it runs via a 20x multiplier.
The Alienware M17x also has two graphics solutions onboard (Optimus technology), an integrated Intel HD and the nVidia GTX 460M which is built around the 40nm process and features 192 CUDA processors with 24 ROPs. It has 1.5GB of GDDR5 onboard connected via a 192 bit memory interface. It supports CUDA, PhysX, Direct X 11, Shader Model 5.0 and Blu-Ray acceleration. Core speed is set at 675mhz while the memory runns at 625mhz.
When the system is idling or not under heavy 3D demand, the Intel HD solution handles the display to conserve battery power and to reduce the internal temperatures. Dell also offer a 6970 2GB graphics solution if you fancy moving to the other side. A red chassis can also be purchased from Dell, if you fancy something a little brighter. Our system ships with a large 2.5inch 256GB Samsung Solid State Drive (PM810).
The Alienware lighting system is very impressive and it can be controlled by dedicated software which is supplied preinstalled on the system.
The variety of options on offer should keep even the most demanding enthusiast users happy. If you don't like any of the colour options they can be disabled completely.
The backlighting has improved on earlier solutions, it is more ‘even' across the board and we particularly like the blue and white schemes.
The video above shows the Alienware head pulsating. The eyes light up to match the hard drive activity.
Well thats damn nice. its also the price of my car mind you :p
Looks a lot nicer than the earlier versions. Although I loved that 11 inch version, that was sexy. these aren’t for me, too bulky to carry about.
Brilliant. Not sure id ever pay that for a laptop, but certainly made for nice reading.
Gotta love twitter alerts. need my daily review fix 😉
Very impressed with this unit, but the 15 inch one might make more physical sense. im all for desktop replacements, but it doesnt work for me. insane performance, thats without question.
Id love one of these, see them on tv shows a lot (as well as apple machine obviously).
Id be tempted to look at one, once they get the mobos replaced. When will that be? march?
Wow even this machine is affected by the bloody intel mess. will it ever end. its like the end of the world, i tell ya !
Its good, but they need a stronger GFX for such a high end machine.
My mate has a alienware, he uses it alot, but his keyboard fell apart over 3 years. hopefully they fixed that.
I read a lot of horror stories about these previous versions, google them ! I love the looks, but its hard to review long term strenght. some of these companies should let the reviewers hold onto them for months, so they can do follow ups. but they wont do that.
The lighting is awesome, that sold me before anything else :p
Its nice, and its fast, but why dont they make a ferrari one ? like the cars. I know acer did it, but dell would make them nicer.
Great laptop. I have the first revision and I agree, it wasn’t built to really last a long time, but ive looked after mine and its been great.
Pricing the components and the system isnt bad, including the overhead for the lighting and custom chassis etc. the SSD alone takes up a big portion of the price. but well worth it as the HD tests show.
Id love a 17 inch laptop, but Id need one for college and I dont fancy hauling this around. shall look at their 15 inch models, once the sandybridge fiasco is sorted.
I always loved their case designs and these look stunning, my professor has one in college and all the kids think he is cool for owning it (he is a 65 year old guy who can really use it too!)
I was going to order one, then realised at the last part of the review that this uses one of the troubled sandybridge motherboard. so will have to wait. Any ideas on the time frame for the fix? march? april?
Yes, the laptop is terrific, but that is one seriously awesome review guys! Boot time; acoustics; SSD; screen quality! Wow! Best I’ve read! Keep it up! (and rustle up a Eurocom equivalent!)
I’m prefered to call it M17X 2G rather than M17 R3 because: i) new redesign, and, ii) new ports (USB 3.0, HDMI 1.4)
I bought the m17x r3 before it was removed. One feature that was listed on the Alienware site was the wireless HD. I have not been able to figure out how this feature works. I looked for a WirelessHD icon or WiDi icon but did not find it on my system. I did find it on the resource CD. When I tried to run it there was an error stating it could not find the wireless Display card. I looked in the BIOS and found an entry under wireless that read DMC Sibeam. Have you tested this feature? If so what is missing?
Its back on sale now! ordered mine yesterday 🙂 nice and complete review!
You forgot to do a section on the audio quality………
For such an expensive laptop, headphone/speaker performance is important to prospective buyers.