Decision Time for Me 13R3 vs 15R3

So just some background on what I plan to use the machine for; The computer is a secondary rig for me that will take care of my mobile gaming needs. Mostly used at LAN parties and for travel. I also plan to use it a good amount for a 2 week period when I am recovery from foot surgery.

My budget is $2K and under and I have 3 options:


Option 1: 15R3 From The Dell Outlet ($1650)

6820HK, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD, 1920x1080 IPS, GTX 1070


Option 2: Brand new 15R3 ($1970)

7820HK, 16GB DDR4, 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD, 1920x1080 IPS w/GSYNC, GTX1070

Option 3: Brand new 13R3 ($1750)

7700HQ, 16GB DDR4, 256GB SSD, 2560X1440 OLED, GTX1060


Just trying to think for my usage which one would do best. This will be my secondary portable system used I would say 5-6 hours a week on average.

 

OLED screen will be the nicest for normal usages.

The used 15R3 is otherwise the best value.

Be wary of temps though on all these. Heatsink design is still flawed afaik.

 

You have to get a gtx 1070 if you can afford it, massive step up and future proofing there for 1080p gaming

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

Would get the AW 13 OLED.

It is the most pleasant viewing experience for all media. Also don't have to play the AW light bleed and Striping lottery .

 

I am with the 13 R3 too just ordered one trust me we will not regret the OLED!!!!

 

I had both. I like my 13 R3 100% more. Best display on the market, much more mobile (weight/footprint), pairs well with AGA, doesn't have those tacky macro keys, no light bleed issues, etc. Wish list is that it came with OC'd CPU, but the pros outweighed that con for me.

 

The only problem with the 13 is the gpu and the non-K cpu for gaming, which might not be enough for the future if you like playing in QHD with high fps. I was in the same situation as you, it's quite a difficult choice.

 

I would NOT recommend getting the Alienware 13 R3 OLED (which is exactly the one I have). I have had nothing but problems with this computer. To name a few: The trackpad doesn't scroll properly, the keyboard repeat rate is too slow, the system has random micro-stutters, audio cuts out the begining of every sound, the computer sometimes cant connect to wifi when waking up, the AlienFX lighting completely stopped working (apparently this is a common problem, look it up!). Also you may want to keep in mind that on battery, you only get about 50% performance from GPU even if you set all the power options to "Performance". The OLED display looks great, but 2K-resolutions makes everything either tiny or pixelated. Windows 10 has tons of DPI problems you'll be wasting lots of times troubleshooting. This laptop has been a total headache for me. The laptop specs look great on paper, but reality is another story.

 

I ended up going with the 15R3 from the outlet. Will end up being $1400 after tax and shipping and has 2 years warranty with complete care.

Thanks again for all of your advice.

 

Great choice I don't think you'll regret it. I was in the same boat but since I'm gonna be lugging it around daily for school/work, I finally decided on the 13 OLED. Figure an amp will suffice if I needed an upgrade in the future.