M6600 Owners Thread

4000m is too expensive for me , i must choose between 3000m and m8900

cuda makes really difference in that program who use this technology ?
i think i don't use optimus...

 

Removing The CPU Heatsink

 

I chose between ATI FirePro M8900 and Nvidia Quadro 3000M because I couldnt afford the Nvidia Quadro 4000M that has a large additional charge of several hundred Euro! I was able to do without CUDA so I saved a huge amount of money and got the ATI which is more powerful than the 3000M is.

 

Wow, is the 4000m that valuable?

I got the M6600 in my sig for $740 shipped from the outlet....

 

The M6600 is all tri-metal with the exception of the palm rest, keyboard bezel, and the LCD bezel. Although the XPS 17 L702x is robust, the M6600 is built much more like a tank and will survive in situations that would kill the L702x. In my picture, it can be hard to see, but the actual device components and system board are about the only items that are not metal alloy. The bottom plate is also powder-coated steel.

Scott-

 

Prices in Europe are wired campared to those of America or other country.
The Nvidia Quadro 4000M has an extra charge of about $580 (430€)!

My M6600 shown in my signature (RAM and Intel SSD not included) is $2700 (2000€) heavy. We have about 20% VAT.

 

Programs that take advantage of the CUDA cores do make a difference, but there are not many at this time. Optimus is just nice to have to enable less power usage for basic applications which allows for less heat.

I may have another M6600 that is i7 2720QM based with the NVIDIA 4000M, 8GB 1333Mhz, LG or AUO 1080p screen, OCZ-2 120GB SSD, 250GB Seagate, and Intel Ultimate N 6300 available next week for under USD$1500 to anyone who wants it. We will see.

Scott

 

Hmm.. I am by no means a business user..

I really just got this because I was in the market for a well-built, decent spec machine....

3 year Onsite warranty was also very intriguing.

I might just keep the M6600 as the M4600 was $1200..

 

At the moment M8900 can not be configured with IPS screen(quality of the screen's yet unknown). big bummer.

 

It does take some experience and the proper tools. However, the design of these business class system do make it somewhat easier to service in the field when compared to the consumer class systems.

Obviously, just make sure you follow the Dell service manual (already linked above) and be careful. The keyboard bezel and palm rest are the two main casings you need to be focused on. The keyboard itself (attached by 5 fasteners along the bottom) has one single ribbon cable to watch and the other ribbons vary depending on your specific configration. A good set of needlenose or tweezers can come in handy here. If all fasteners are removed properly, the unit will come apart with ease. Reassembly needs to be done with patience; especially how the palm rest is properly layed back into place in the rear... then sides... then front to ensure a flat result.

I can do a CPU swap in about 25 minutes and that is with 18 years of experience.

Scott-