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    Alienware 17 R3 Questions?

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by zankokunoyami, Jan 26, 2016.

  1. zankokunoyami

    zankokunoyami Newbie

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    I am new to this forum and joined to ask a question I could not seem to find anywhere. Maybe someone here can help me.

    I am pretty new to lap tops and I want a laptop in which I can use to work on my personal projects while also being strong enough to play MMO's with my wife on.

    I am trying to figure out what the best deal is right now to take advantage of when it comes to the Alienware 17 R3. However, I seem to be at a road block.

    I am looking at the second and third options and they are priced at $1700 and $2150 respectively. The first has $100 off and the second has $350 off. Thus making them sport a $200 difference between each other. However, I am unable to currently justify the more expensive one.

    The first one has 12gb (4gb + 8gb) memory, where as the second one has 16 dual channel memory (2x8gb). I would like to assume I could just as easy buy a second 8gb memory stick and replace the 4gb stick. However, I am more of a software person than a hardware enough and couldnt quite figure out if the two sticks of 8gb were dual channel or if the inputs on the motherboard were dual channel. Forgive my ignorance in this area.

    The second difference seems to be in the hard drives. The first has a 128GB M.2 SATA 6Gb/s SSD (Boot) + 1TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s (Storage) and the second a 512GB PCIe SSD (Boot) + 1TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s (Storage). When I attempted to look it up, I found that the SSD is either an external piece or a card (like used in cameras). However, from what I COULD find it seems this is something more exclusive to laptops. And especially comes into effect since we are talking about a SATA vs a PCIe.

    But do these two things really justify the huge jump in price? Should I just get the 12gb memory and 128GB M2 SATA, or is the 16 dual channel memory and 512GB PCIe SSD really going to make a difference?

    Thank you!
     
  2. dblkk

    dblkk Notebook Evangelist

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    Depending what model the pcie ssd is, Samsungs 950 pro 500gb is $300. Pcie should range around 1500-2500 mbps depending on size/make/model with 500gb being faster. The m.2 sata, is 200-500mbps depending on size/make/model.

    As for ram, any 2 sticks will be faster than 1, as it can sort of load balance itself. But 2x8gb will be faster than mix match. But ddr4 ram is more expensive.

    Honestly, I went cheap and bought pcie storage and ram myself and upgraded. But ram was $200 and ssd was $350.
    Cost wise, its cheaper and better (128gb runs out quick) to get the more expensive now. I only went my route, as I bought mine at Best Buy, in stock, and it was the specs I wanted, and needed same day. I wanted 4k screen, and 970m, it was on sale, and I was able to stack a 10% movers coupon with a 10% rewards coupon AND able to burn through about $150 in rewards. So my dell before upgrade was $1300 ish after tax, plus $500 upgrade = $1800. Dell site was about $2300 with military discount and sale prices, with 4-6 week wait time.

    I chose my specs, as I use mine for work (Precision 17 similar specs almost $3000). And when I do game, 970m is fine, runs cooler, and 4k for video editing is great.
     
  3. zankokunoyami

    zankokunoyami Newbie

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    Thank you for all that detail! I plan to use mine for a lot of different things myself. I am currently working on a game, and wasnt sure exactly how big of a difference those two things would make. Especially since everything I typed in turned in relatively cheap results. Meaning I was probably looking at the wrong item (or even brand).

    However, since you mention the 4k monitor, maybe you could tell me YOUR experience with it? I have been on the fence if I should stick with FHD or instead spend that extra money on upgrading to the 4K UHD. But I keep reading that programs and the like are not supported and it takes a lot of time to get everything set up to work with the resolution. I also hear that there isnt much of a difference. But in your opinion for your video editing, does any of this have merit?
     
  4. dblkk

    dblkk Notebook Evangelist

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    Sorry about that, fell asleep.

    4k, is up to the person. The resolution, crispness, and brightness of the panel is beautiful. The 1080p I haven't seen, but heard it's good. It definitely would be as crisp as thats resolution.
    In a 17 screen I feel that's big enough to warrant 4k, granted I'm coming from 15 inch 3k laptop.
    Windows 10 or even windows 8 and scaling really isn't a problem at all. I did even change any setting with my Alienware, other than sometimes I zoom in more on websites, but it's been really good. You can make it so all text icons and such are bigger yet, but I'm used it it.
    I would definitly recommend it if your on the fence about it. I'd say if you weren't on the fence I'd go with 1080p,but I love my panel, it's the best high res display I've seen, matches the quality of the xps15 my college has.

    Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
     
  5. zankokunoyami

    zankokunoyami Newbie

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    Thanks once again for all that information! I just wish I could really see the two side by side. I went into Best Buy today to check it out, and it looked nice. However, I have nothing to compare it too to really get a feel on if I should spend that extra $350. I just want to get one solid laptop that will last me a long while and have no regrets. So I really appreciate all the information you have provided me!
     
  6. altecX

    altecX Notebook Deity

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    I use a lot of machines in IT, personal, work-related, and fixing people's personal on the side. I have to say the 4k is absolutely beautiful. I have not seen the 1080p screen, but after seeing this 4K, even with the fact a few apps still have scaling issues, I have 0 regrets.