Offered an R3

Hello there fellas, I've been offered an AW R3 with a 6700hq, 4K screen, GTX 980M 4gb and 16gb of memory to replace my R1 below in my sig. I'm a bit hesitant to give up my R1 since it's one of the best machines I've used and non BGA, but with only 1 year left on my warranty I'm thinking a newer model could be better?

 

Take the 17R3.

 

Here's how I choose to look at:

17R3 with Warranty = Excellent.

17R3 without Warranty = Risky. Same applies to anything without a warranty, MXM or not. What if the screen goes out, mobo fries, fans crap out, batteries kick the bucket, etc...having a MXM in most common cases, become obsolete.

For me personally, it's not a matter of having a MXM or BGA. If you have a warranty, which is excellent btw, there's really nothing to worry about.

In your case, yes the R1 is a nice rig, but as time passes, the R1 is aging right along with it. I'd say go for it....if you can get the rig with the specs you've mentioned, for me it's a no brainer. I wouldn't hesitate or even think twice about, because it (the newer 17R3) is a much better machine IMO. You'll love the 4k screen...it's one of the best on a gaming rig that I've seen.

 

Well...
R3 > R2.. Had they said R2 I would say heck no.
But the R3 is solid.

What is wrong with your R1?

Another thing you could do is try and get a killer deal on extending your warranty since they gave you a newer system.

NOTE: Asking the question you asked are going to bring all types of "opinions" at the end of the day its up to you and your usage and the future.

 

Very true, it's totally up to you @Kik450. My main emphasis was on making sure to have a Warranty.

 

I agree with your rational, the thing is I'm not too confident in refurb machines from dell. But the offer is a good one which I'll take. I am excited to test out the 980M and have yet to see a 4K screen on a laptop. Once the machine gets to me I'll further inspect it and test it out.

 

I have heard of the R2 throttling so I am relieved it's an R3. I was thinking of further extending the warranty but as you know it ain't cheap but It is needed for such expensive machines. My R1 screen stopped working and was giving 8 beeps, dell replaced it more than once and after the last time they offered me a replacement. I welcome different opinions since I don't have much experience with the newer AW.

 

Defo check out the 4K and run some tests.
Some people like designers like it; Some dont cuz it requires more power from the GPU which means much less frames then a 1080p screen.
Plus there are other issues that might arise with 4K such as scaling etc.

 

absolutely take it, are you kidding? its a free upgrade, this is what i'm hoping for frankly in 2-3 years with Dell

 

This depends on what you want to do in the future. Do you plan on putting a Extreme CPU in your R1? What about a 1080/M? If not, go with the R3. If so, keep it.

 

I'm with my refurb 17R3 close to a week now. Loving every minute with it. My recommendation is since you've already saved a ton by opting for a refurb model, invest the extra money into extended/premium warranty for greater peace of mind.

Don't forget with the R3 you get Thunderbolt 3 as well. So you get a choice of more eGPU down the line once they're released, instead of sticking with AGA.

 

I'm thinking we'll be seeing more eGPU in the future which gives us more options. I'll be receiving the laptop tomorrow so I'm excited.