Dell Precision M6400 or Alienware M17x ?

I also looked closely at both of these and went for the M6400 which will have the edge based on a possible 16GB of RAM. It is really for my son at college and he needs the processing power and upgradability. Gaming is a secondary consideration.
However, 16GB needs to wait till prices drop going with 8GB for now.

 

im not sure about the M17x, 8GB on the M6400 is relatively cheap because there are 4 slots for RAM, so you can do 4x2GB instead of 2x4GB. 4GB sticks are much more expensive than 2GB sticks which can be found easily and cheaply.

 

Yup, the M6400 in Stig's config is about $1000.00 USD less than M17x with almost equal components. The M17x has a higher coolness factor, perhaps enough to make it a target on a college campus. Same for the Covet due to case color. Hence somewhat incognito silver M6400.

Since Stig's config does not include RGBLED that should avoid some of the growing pains we have seen with the M6400. He could also go with the 2700M or the ATI card if the 3700M is a concern.

Although I like them both the M6400 seems the best choice for my son.