[Alienware Refresh] Initial thoughts and impressions? Hit or a Miss?

It's here...


What are your thoughts and first initial impressions?

• 
  
• 
  
  • Do you foresee the new cooling design being able to cool the 1080 better than DTR's/Clevo's?
  • Are you going to be ditching your current AW to get the new one?
  • Will you be buying a different brand all together? Reason for the switch?
  • Are you willing to pay DTR prices for the new AW if it turns out that way?
  • Which screen option will you be opting for? FHD, QHD, or 4K?
  • Do you care for Tobii?
  • How long do you normally keep your laptop? ->
  • Do you normally upgrade every year with the latest refresh? -->
  • 
    
  • If so, is having LGA/MXM really practical for you?

Things that I like:

"...magnesium alloy for rigidity, copper for better performance and steel...."

".....overclockable DDR4 system memory capable of up to 2667 MHz overclockable DDR4 system memory capable of up to 2667 MHz....."

".... 17" QHD 120Hz display is designed to deliver the smoothest gaming experience with 4ms response time, wide viewing angles, 400 nits of brightness, and NVIDIA G-Sync technology...."

"....a thinner design, better ventilation, higher quality sound and external ports organization...."

".... larger and more effective speaker box has been installed, improving audio output for a clearer and more dramatic gaming experience....."

"....Avoid excess cables and embrace the “desktop mode” design, where most of your critical connections and ports are in the back and out of the way....."

"....We offer the maximum amount of battery power legally allowed with the 99 Whr battery– storing and delivering the most amount of power found in any notebook battery for longer uninterrupted game play....."

Don't forget the LED lighting that unlocks the BIOS and makes the AW hover for better ventilation.



On another note, this is one step in the right direction...it can breathe I take it...



What we know so far (stuff that we actually care about):

* New AW17 1080 will be 180W and GDDR5 X

https://www.twitch.tv/alienware/v/87746534
(Thanks @DeeX for the heads up. Also confirmed from the horses mouth himself, Azor.)

@ 4:46:26 …mentions 180W

@ 4:49:33 ...worth watching it from here, lol...

@ 4:50:10 ...takes a crack at Clevo...I love DTR's, but what he says is true. No heart behind Clevo's design, just a bunch of rebranded, rebrands.

* Full on Copper heat sinks and heat pipes.

* Back of display is metal.

* Bottom of laptop is metal, anodized aluminum.

* Laptop is very rigid. Watch them try bending it...it's solid as a rock. Lots of metal.

* Keys on the keyboard are guaranteed and rated at 10 Million strokes.

* Keys have a longer 2.2mm travel length.

* N Key roll over technology. Able to register multiple keystrokes.

* 19 Total Macro Keys. More added near the Num pad side on the 17".

* The back plate of keyboard is steel enforced, all metal.

* Bottom and Side air intakes.

* Designed to keep the heat toward the rear and away from the front areas, keyboard / palm rest.

____________________________UPDATE (9/14/16)____________________________

Well guys: Click here

Here are some early pricing (out) comparisons. I've been playing around with different configurations to get an idea of what we can expect for the overall pricing. I've noticed that it is a bit more ala carte in a way...well kinda...

Note: It's possible that my numbers are off and if it is then I'll update it, but please do go price it yourself if you have a moment...

Couple things I've noticed:

* There is an option to get a display unit without Tobii. Thank goodness. I wonder if this is true for the up coming QHD panel?

* The price for the 4K UHD w/ Frobii is outrageous. +$400?! Sheesh... Hope they offer 4K without Frobii.


Early Comparisons: (Blue = Better / Red = Falls Short / Grey = Equal)

________________________________

Clevo P775DM3 / Fager NP9172-S

* i7-6700K
* 1080 FHD w/ GSYNC
* GTX 1070
* 16GB RAM DDR4 2400MHz
* 256GB M.2 SSD
* Killer 1535
* 2 Year Warranty

…$2,114…NO TAX

w/ GTX 1080: $2,502

Options:

* 4K UHD w/ GSYNC is +$275

________________________________

Alienware 17R4:

* i7-6820HK
* 1080 FHD w/o GSYNC
* GTX 1070
* 16GB DDR4 2400MHz
* 256GB M.2 SSD + 1TB Paper Weight
* Killer 1525
* 2 Year Warranty

$2,474 + PLUS TAX $198 (Avg. 8%) =

...$2,672...

Options:

* 4K UHD w/ Fobii Eye Tracking is +$400

________________________________

Reality in terms of value to cost ratio:

* 6700K (socketed lga) > 6820HK (mobile bga)

* GTX 1080 for only $275 more on the DTR. How much more will GTX1080 be on the AW?

* 1080FHD has GSYNC on DTR

* Can paying $558 More for AW17R4 be justified?

________________________________

Current thoughts at this time and moment:

Well to be honest, as for the pricing it doesn't look good if the numbers on the pricing page is anywhere near accurate. There's no way that I can justify paying ~$558 more at this point, however, that can change depending on the GTX 1080 and QHD variant. It's too early to tell.

I'd like to also add that the 2 Year Warranty for Dell is "Blue," because it is far superior than Clevo's 2 Year Warranty. This is a fact, so please let's not argue about this.

As I've said before, "Do not pay DTR prices for a bga machine." This is just my opinion and everyone is entitled to their own, but please do the math and make a wise decision that best fits you and your needs.

Notice that the comparison is between the AW17R4 vs the Clevo P775DM3, which is not the bulky DTR, but the more slimmer and (IMO) cleaner looking one.

What are your thoughts?


________________________________

Update:

Now that it's here...let the games begin...stay tuned to these two threads.
[CPU + GPU Temperatures + Benchmarks] - Alienware 17 R4 / 15 R3

[Alienware 17R4 / 15R3] - Disassembly + Repaste Guide + Results

 

The 1440p 120hz 4ms screen is definitely a hit. Still need to know more such as how many storage bays there are. And if graphics are still processed through intel HD even with optimus turned off. But so far they're swaying me, especially with the overhauled cooling design. More copper = more liquid metal!

 

*censored*


I will try one out when it's available


G752VS coming back to microcenter tomorrow btw

 

• Do you foresee the new cooling design being able to cool the 1080 better than DTR's/Clevo's?
  It does seem that some amount of engineering went into the cooling. Now if this cools the 1080 better than a DTR, then that's going to make a big statement, because no matter if it's bga or MXM, if you can't cool the Beast then what's the point? We will have to see how it performs, but I'm pretty optimistic about the cooling...I could be wrong. We'll find out soon.
  
  
• Are you going to be ditching your current AW to get the new one?
  Well my AW has already been SOLD. I have my eye on the 775DM2/870DM2 at the moment. However, if this new design language can cool the 1080 better and with Dell's stellar warranty, this will become a new category of WGA (Warranty Grid Array), because it'll have the performance to back it. Times have changed.
  
  
• Will you be buying a different brand all together? Reason for the switch?
  Very possible, but very not possible. Too early to tell.
  
  
• Are you willing to pay DTR prices for the new AW?
  No. No. No. Nein. Nein. Nein. That would be silly...but under a certain and very specific circumstance....maybe.
  
  
• Which screen option will you be opting for? FHD, QHD, or 4K?
  Finally....QHD / 120Hz / 4ms....
  
  
• Do you care for Tobii?
  NO. I think it's stupid IMO. That's just my opinion. I will not use it so it does not appeal to me. Again, that's my opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own.
  
• How long do you normally keep your laptop? ->
  1 Year.
  
  
• Do you normally upgrade every year with the latest refresh? -->
  Yes.
  
  
• If so, is having LGA/MXM really practical for you?
  No. Although I would prefer LGA/MXM over bga, but unlike some consumers, I do not hold onto my laptop for more than a year so I would much rather have the convenience of a thinner / more portable design, over something bulkier. Especially when the more thinner/portable design can accomplish all my work and gaming needs. - However, do I want and like a LGA/MXM portable beast? Absolutely, so that's why I'll likely have both.

 

Definitely not buying one-that would be just stupid. I may use my intellectual leverage to score a free max spec 17R4 like I've been doing all these years for all the current machines.. #BecauseWarranty

I hardly ever game on the actual laptop unless it's during vacation (so very minimal) usually I use the AGA for gaming to an external screen so the added "benefits" (G-Sync & 144Hz) are nice but not necessary for me by any means. The only way I possibly would have considered a new purchase would have been SLI; which will never happen. RIP AW18. You served us well (even though I still use 2 of them, solid tanks).

Building a killer desktop rig with Titan XP SLI and water-cooling so I don't have to deal with hardware disappointment ever again.

 

For now this alienware 17 is the only option I have, and don't think there will be a better option (in terms of a laptop with a GTX 1080)
Reasons:
- Clevo is ugly af (subjective)
- Asus ROG G800VI a little too big + expensive af
- Aorus X7 DT it's cooling system isn't the best as they really push too far in terms of thin design, + not very fond of the design either + bad keyboard
- the MSI one is also quite bulky and ungly, have never been a fan of msi anyway.

So most likely I will be getting the alienware 17. unless it throttles af, but I don't think the engineers designing the laptop are that stupid, at least I hope.

 

I'm excited for the Alienware 13 since I sold my 15 r1 a few months ago (sold it for almost exactly what it cost me more than a year ago, yikes!) but only if they return the OLED panel option (2k). No more big size laptops for me since I built my first desktop pc with a pascal card just a few months ago.

Oh, and lastly, I couldn't care less about tobii, at the end of the day a good password is enough for keeping my things private and if you get your laptop stolen there's nothing you can do about it, these kind of things make sense on a phone but on my computer I see them as a stupid nobody-asked-for-this kinda add-on.

 

I'm really digging the new design, although those LED strips on the side on the LCD might seem a bit tacky (but hey it's Alienware what do you expect )

However it seems although they pushed for a slimmer design, the overall weight seemed to have increased?

17 R3 - 3.78KG
NEW 17 - 4.42KG

Hopefully this means better built quality as it doesn't make sense for the weight to go up with a slimmer profile

and I'm really digging the new side intake design, side intake is always better than bottom intake IMO. Can't wait to see the cooling reviews

and finally.... seems like bad luck for repasters again


looks like a pain to disassemble again


Will I sell my 17 R3 for it? Nope.... I'll wait for one of these to pop out in Dell Outlet before deciding. Paying new prices for Alienwares is still a NO from me, but refurbished prices I can consider.

 

Very well said and I agree.

Clevo's as much as I like them the 870 is just butt ugly. Again, subjective. But I do have the 775 on my Top 3 list.

Some argue, function over form, however, with Pascal and the 6820HK that changes things up a lot in terms of it being a closer race than ever before. Can't argue that.

With the, "Why AW went the bga route blah blah blah," argument aside, in all practicality, I'm pretty sure AW has some legit engineering behind the cooling design. Heck, if I eat my words so be it. That's why the 775 is on my list.

I agree and of course this is my opinion, but the whole tobii thing is just a waste of time, resource and money.

I mean for those who are into security/privacy camp, what a great way to capture users faces associated with their computers right?

That is inarguable; like how Windows 10 captures/records the first 30 seconds of video when you first turn it on upon first boot. It's no secret.

I wouldn't say that I'm a tin foil hat wearer, but to me any kind of unauthorized privacy/security breach is unacceptable.

Though...on the flip side of the coin we do / are forced to agree to the EULA. So tape up that darn web cam.

AW could have put more resources toward perhaps adding more USB 3.0 ports or something instead of tobii.Yea yea... you could get a HUB for the USB C ports....fair enough.

* I've spaced every sentence on purpose to make a point.

Great points mate. Yea the repaste is going to require getting down and dirty, however, it does seem a little more easier than the current 17R3's from the looks of it. I could be wrong, but who knows...

Alienware does mention, "Built with premium materials and the latest components, the Alienware 17 is the ultimate evolution in portable gaming technology. Utilizing magnesium alloy for rigidity, copper for better performance and steel for tactile comfort, it features a high-quality design for high-performance gaming...."

It is rumored that you could put the AW on its side and sit on it....how about that for a change lol...

This could very well be the reason for it being a little heavier, but hey that's a good thing, especially when it's thinner than the 17R3.

The side intake design (along with the bottom intake) with the rear exhaust is brilliant. If this can indeed cool the 1080 better than the Clevo/DTR's then that is going to be one big statement. Mark my words, because if that's the case....it's inarguable.

It's either the 775 for me or the New AW 17" w/ 1080.

 

I care less about the design actually, but those screen options and finally an option to turn off Optimus are really compelling reasons to upgrade

 

Indeed. Like the saying goes, "It's the small things that count."

IF, that new design language proves to cool the 1080 well (better than a DTR as the 870's seem to be in the 90C range; unacceptable in my books as I'm all about cooling as you can see form my results with Grizzly Conductonaut + Thermal padding on my former 17R3 and achieving one of the lowest temps recorded to date among the community) then AW really has something going for them. Point blank.

The Optimus switch is HUGE. Very much so....let's hope it is 100% real and accurate.

It's all about pro's, con's and balances....in this case, it could be that AW will come out in top with the Pro's...regardless of it being BGA. [Again I'll engrave my words in stone in creating a new category called, "WGA" Warranty Grid Array. Dell has a superior warranty that no one in the industry can match so until someone else proves otherwise, "WGA" will remain, respectably, in a class of its own. Try to prove me wrong, I dare you...and if you can I will go with the company you have chose to go with, IF, they are better than what AW can offer. Point blank. No brand loyalty here.

We shall see....and if I eat my words, I'll for the record admit that I have the 775 on my Top 3 list of gaming/power house laptops. Mark my words. Date it. Stamp it.

My money is going to where it will be most practical for me and my usage.

* My AW17R3 is SOLD SOLD SOLD. GONE with the wind.

 

something caught my attention..... there's no indicator lights on the new AWs?

I tried very hard to look for it on both of these videos and there's none, either the LEDs are weak or it's really not there

 

Yea that's interesting for sure as I've watched both videos...Hmmm...

 

How much did you list/sell your 17R3 for? I want to list mine for sale this week, but have no idea what to ask for it... Specs are in signature, it's in perfect condition, out of warranty but if the buyer wants to buy extended warranty technically that can be done/arranged. Can you please give me honest feedback as to what I should list/sell mine for? Thanks.

 

I think around 1000~1100 euro.

If i would sell my AW15 with an upgraded screen I would do it for that price. Which is quite a fair price compared to 1060 laptops which do perform somewhat better.

 

+1

Depends on the current market rate of what they are selling for, but my suggestion is to sell it quick.

::iunlock::

 

Will AW17 have the maxed TDP card? Or have this 1080BGA graphics less than 180/190w TDP? I mean Clevo have 190w TDP for 1080.

 

I would be very surprised if it could. Pascal runs quite hot and I mean look at all the laptops that are using 1080 cards, they have huge 12V fans and a ton of heatpipes and the thing still hits 80C. This alienware shares a heat sink with the CPU, and has like 3 or 4 heatpipes total (can't make it out 100% because the picture is not that greats.

I'm not doubting their engineering ability just that if they really managed to pull this off without throttling then Clevo, ASUS, MSI etc all have completely inept engineers who deserve to be fired and that just seems highly unlikely.

Going to guess that either the card will have a lower TDP rating or you can expect some throttling on demanding games. If not I'm going to very very surprised.

 

Will surely find out soon enough.

What if AW cools the 1080 better than the 775/870? :/

::iunlock::

 

That's waaay too cheap IMHO.. The only way I would sell it that cheap is if I were to remove the 32GB 2666 RAM and put back the original 16GB that came with it, also remove the extra SSD's and just put back the original 500GB PCIE SSD, and 1TB HDD... There is no way I would include my added hardware just to let it go that cheap. With original hardware $1,600.00 CAD seems reasonable, with my add ons $2,000.00 CAD or I would rather keep it. The machine is not even 3 months old yet lol.

I'll list it for those prices, and let it go only if I get exactly that amount.. If not, I'll just gift it to my sister.

 

Good point. Another thing is that AW has a lot to prove. It'll be a success for for them or the end for that other group of people aside to the lga only crowd.

We'll find out soon enough.

::iunlock::

Definitely do adjust accordingly for sure. But like you've said if you can get a lower amount on a bare bone configuration that'll make sense, do that too. Hope it sells fast. Good luck! Either way it sounds like a win win win...a happy customer, happy seller and/or a happy sister.

::iunlock::

 

Have you seen benchmarks with 870DM2 with the single graphics? You need to compare apples with apples. I would be surprised if DELL will use the same maxed 190w graphics in their new AW model. Prema said OEM's will tune the TDP for their designed cooling.

 

True, which I'm anxious to see, because a crippled 1080 is a no go, especially if it's not unlockable.

Have the link to the DM2? Feel free to post it here, because if AW shorts the consumers again, I want to make sure it's known that there are better options for the price.

::iunlock::

 

Because I know the single heatsink in the older P870 can manage to cool 300w graphics if you use good paste and got a perfect heatsink. The single heatsink in P870 is massive, and are cooled with 2 fans. A lot more massive than what Dell dropped in the new Echo model.

 

If the new cooling design works to keep the 1080 cool within respectable temps, then the Echo model will have moved up in the World.

It'll call it right now...it will either be a total flop, or it's going to seriously redeem itself to be worthy of one of the best gaming laptops. IF, it cools it better than what a 775/870 can, then there's not much room if at all to argue any points there.

Like I've said, we'll just have to wait and see how well this Echo model cools the 1080 Beast and/or if it'll be crippled.

 

Easy to create a decent cooling with ok max hardware temperature, *if* the engineering team has gimped the TDP on the graphics. Like @Prema said... The engineering team can gimp the power draw if needed!! It's the easiest way if temperature are a problem duo a wimpy cooling.
I can't imagine the graphics heatsink in Echo can cool up to 300w load from graphics, like the P870 with the single graphics heatsink.

 

That would be very unfortunate, but we all know Dells famous for its surprises up its sleeves...

Do you have the DM2 link?

 

I haven't seen tests from DM2 But the single heatsink is the same as in older P870DM

 

I think cooling will actually be decent this time around. Same goes for power, they will hopefully give out the proper power adapters this time as well.

 

240w psu isn't good enough if you want Max performance from 190w graphics. And will Dell put in power cap on motherboard/Firmvare?

 

Maybe they will give 330w with 1080 AW17 and 240w with 1070 AW15. We don't know yet.

 

I'll be testing that once the computer is available to order/buy from dell site.

Remember that TDP is adjustable per manufacturer specs this time, so the GPU might not be 190w power limit (can higher or lower).

 

Well Techradar had the following to say:

PCworld:

So looks like its going to be 150W?

 

Hmmm interesting....well as long as we're able to OC and OV Wishful thinking...

 

Not much room to argue any points?

How about 32GB ram max, inability to do PCIe Raid0 at full speed from both SSD's-one is at x4 the other at x2 (unless they fixed this & I don't know about it?). Add to that no desktop class CPU, and absolutely no ability to do SLI... So, for them to redeem themselves and achieve any respectable level of 4K gaming, they have a LONG way to go. I will agree however that they can do very well now if 4K gaming is not what you are after, and you are not chasing benchmarks. It is an improvement for sure, but nothing to write home about.

What I would love to see is a release of the AW18 with Titan XP's in SLI, desktop CPU, 64GB RAM and zero limitations on PCIe Raid 0 config. Go above and beyond-water cool that beast... Give us an option for the hardcore gamer/enthusiast, invent something that puts the stamp back on Alienware to truly redeem its self.

There is nothing wrong with what they have currently for the average user, but everything is wrong with the fact that they no longer offer anything truly extreme & unique; in a class of its own. That is where they fall very short IMHO, and until they can capture that audience they will continue to resemble nail polish on a fine woman. It's nice to see it, but it doesn't do me any good.

 

I doubt you're going to get much from it. Just using other manufacturers as a benchmark, the only laptops that include the 1080 on a 17" are the MSI GT73 and the Clevo 870/775. Both of which have gigantic cooling solutions. The MSI has a huge fan and a lot of heat pipes. The Clevo 870 has 2, slightly smaller, fans and a gigantic heatsink.

 

mobile parts are not allowed power slider adjustment, thermal limit adjustment, or voltage limit adjustment

 

I was specifically talking about the GPU and Cooling.

Yes a rebirth of an AW18 would be a dream come true, because we all know that they can build great hardware.

As for the new refresh, it's too early to tell, but there are a lot of pro's such as the screen options, new cooling system (yet to be proven), materials and the overall engineering of the laptop. From an extreme enthusiasts that sit and bench all day, yea of course they have a long way to go, but for the casual, average and even heavy gamer, it is an improvement from the previous 17R3.

There is no comparison between the 980M vs 1080 in the new AW's.

We'll have to wait and see...if AW will make complete fools out of themselves or if it'll prove to be worthy.

 

Yes it's an improvement from the 17R3 basically only in the screens and the GPU.. But if you really think about the majority of us who purchased a Max spec 17R3 have an AGA with a very good GPU in it.. I don't know about everyone else but I have not gamed on my 17R3's screen more than 10 hours in the lifetime of the machine (this includes my R2 as well).. Whenever I game 90% of the time it's to an external monitor/tv via AGA which is a MUCH better gaming experience than the smaller 17" screen on the laptop.. Basically I did not buy the laptop for gaming I bought it for editing.. I got the AGA portion of it for gaming.. So it makes a lot more sense for existing owners to just upgrade the GPU's in their AGA's vs buying a new machine. That's only smart for someone who is coming from 4++ year old hardware, and they really need something new.

 

I posted some of my opinions on the other thread. The first thing so far is that I don't like the look. The 2014-2015 in my opinion was the most pleasing design of all Alienware notebooks. However, if it really benefits the cooling power that sure beats aesthetics...

Pros:
- GTX 1080 option available
- Improved cooling
- More display options including 120 Hz (and hopefully no substandard panels)
- G-Sync option (finally)
- Display Port is back
- Windows Hello compatible

Cons:
- The overall look of the new design
- Only 2 Type-A USB 3.0 Ports because of one Type-C USB 3.0
- Too much weight (thinner and less width but more than 10% heavier, probably due to the copper and steel)
- Tobii is unnecessary gimmick (could have just a Windows Hello compatible camera)
- Better battery optional could mean less room for HDD/SSD

Overall, the most important thing is to verify if the new design succeeds in cooling the Pascal GPUs. Reviews will tell wether there is significant throttling or not. Chances are high the 1080 version will have some throttling...

As for wether I'm buying one of the new models, there's simply not a chance... I got my AW 17 R3 this year, less than a month after the official release in my country. Payed a pretty penny too, even though I got an "amazing" discount that brought it closer to the actual international pricing... I just know it will take a long time to bring the new models (6 months+), and only if Dell deems it worth the investment.

I'm also really happy with my AW 17. It's the best notebook I ever had and it came at an essential moment when I needed it for work and study (and some games too) .

I'll wait for the reviews but I probably won't be looking for a replacement at least until the next generation with Kabylake/Cannonlake and Volta.

 

Well in that case with the AGA that absolutely makes sense. Good stuff.

::iunlock::

I think the new design is a lot more mature and because it has functionality to it (well let's hope lol) it's bearable. There's only so much they could do with a rear sticking out cooling design.

::iunlock::

 

1) as far as i can see on pictures .... if you choose the 99Whr battery, you will have to remove the 2,5" HDD that means you will have 2 PCie SSD and 1 m.sata m.2 drive ...
2) i like the new desing but i am conserned about the resistance of the new corners, due to that are made of plastic ... unless they have changed the material for something like polystyrene of high impact
3) i really dont like what they make to the back panel, they removed the 3 lights for putting leds on the bordes (looks really bad)
4) i want to see how the manage the lack of HD graphics ... how much time the battery will last
5) i prey for putting 50 cents aluminum above PCH this time LOL
6) maybe i can put the new speakers on my old model ... i am not going to change mine until HBM memory arrive
they are hiding something on the other side of the laptop ... they are not showing pictures under the laptop ....
they put the heatsink in the wrong directiong on this picture

 

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016...y-15-and-17-inch-laptops-with-thinner-design/
It may not be final, though.

 

Haha #5 ... Classic...

Great point about the bigger battery taking up one of the 2.5" bays....

 

Snailienware's are never a fun thing

Spoiler: Frank Azor Promises Zero Throttling

@1:10 "all three of the notebooks feature our hinge-forward design ... you can expect zero throttling, zero performance compromises out of these brand new notebooks"

Notebooks plural, hence the statement applies across the BGA board* to 13 15 17: one minute into their world debut, we hear zero throttling out of all three models. Am I right or am I wrong. Naturally I'd like Mr Azor to provide this in writing, since his track-record for verbal non-binding excited utterances of 'trust us, take our word for it' do not inspire confidence. 'You can expect zero throttling', is that a marketing device without recourse or a guarantee

Aliens prefer to speak with the sanctuary found in ambiguous statements which can be interpreted in any which way, so for zero throttling, does it apply to CPU / GPU or both? 13 15 17 or all three? Zero throttle under which conditions? Since he never said which, plausible deniability exists ... sanctuary

Whether they do or do not have performance compromises sounds like an unwinnable debate, depending, but where will the owner's community be if these throttle against this bold assurance they ship with zero throttle. I wonder what Alienware will provide as a solution to make each new notebook shipped to the buyer have zero throttle ... but more, where will the owner's community be if they do throttle on or after delivery?

I know Frank Azor as a swindler, a hustler, a used car salesman who'll say anything, speak in superlatives which in some cases but enough cases do not translate to the reality of the product their in your home; &, if these throttle, perhaps you will come to know him that way too ... we'll wait & see (November til 1080 ships as it is), that is the consensus, wait & see. Remember though: zero throttle is what you can 'expect' - whatever that means - & it's usually their definition & not yours

expect: to consider probable or certain

the word itself leaves the door wide open your product may throttle & you may have no recourse & regardless the day-one minute-one 'assurance' from the GM himself ... I've worded this, such that I anticipate a new flock of owners swamping NBR Club & Arena with cpu / gpu throttle or both; if that happens, you may long forget what I said here but remember the world debut video:

*AlienFacebook:

• "The GPU is built into the motherboard"
• "The 15/17 will be able for sale on 9/30"

_____________​

The OP wishes to coin the term Warranty Grid Array | WGA. I understand it to be a play on words for Jailienware's built into the motherboard GPU/CPU, or a look ahead to potential BGA i7/1080 failure & put a smiley face on it?; no longer Failienware, I suppose I'm apt to coin the term Warrantyware ...

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edit @|OP​

based on your follow-up post beneath mine, I detect a hint of some tension, good. When you're in the Clevo Camp someday I'll teach you all about Fazor; a compromised character tasked with selling non-retail Dell hardware 'somehow' but without giving the game away. His want that you place your 980Ti |1080|TitanXP in a death-grip with his non-80Plus psu as a 'gamer's dream scenario' is just one small example, one of many; new Aurora R5 buyers have learned the car salesman lesson & flock to the forums now wanting relief from the false promises/adverts, but this is neither the time nor place for lesson giving. I've been baited, clearly, but shall not nibble, not yet, perhaps later ... the stakes aren't high enough yet

btw: please post a link showing solo-1080 DTRs are 'handicapped furnaces', as you've coined them ... I'm anxious to see

 

Well that statement immediately screams, "Throttled down to bring about that bold statement?"
- Gosh I hope that is not the case...then comes the question, just how toned down will it be? 150W from 190W? - Yea that guys a freakin' moron used car salesman. I completely agree. Just a snake...just look at him... right?

WGA / Warrantyware ... the only thing AW has going for them until we know how the new cooling design pans out, is its superb warranty. If Dell offered a half arse standard warranty like other OEM's it wouldn't even be on my short list. Period.

As far as Snailienware, well....it'll be interested to see a Furnace 1080 DTR vs a Toned Down 1080 on the AW. Pretty interesting handicaps in their own regard if you ask me...

Only time will tell...

 

Techradar have a picture of the new AW (15 or 17?) dismantled for those who are not aware

 

It seems pretty much confirmed they removed the LED status indicators.... baffled at this move

and the picture of the bottom, I don't know why but it just looks cheap, looks like an XPS more than an Alienware, but hey who uses their laptops with the back facing up



they ditched the "maintanence hatch" design, so it seems the only way to upgrade your components is to remove the whole cover now. Hopefully this means the laptop is easier to disassemble compared to the R3

 

i asked a lot of questions on twich and:
1) the 99Whr dont compromise the 2,5" HDD
2) here is the heatsink photo

3) a change of sound software .. something called aliensound or something like that
4) unconfirmed thermal paste LOL
5) they dont talk about PCH cooling XD
6) 72% SRgb for 1080p display and 100% Srgb for UHD display
7) something changed on keys that allow each key to bright more

 

so no more Soundblaster and Klipsch? Well not like they really matter... but seems like Dell/Alienware ran out of royalty fees