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    Thinking about an Alienware 17R2, help me decide

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by dalejarrett, Jul 4, 2015.

  1. dalejarrett

    dalejarrett Newbie

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    I have been debating on pulling the plug on an order for the last month. I travel alot for my work and my current laptop is from 2009 and is about near the end of its life expectancy. Through my EPP I can get the base 17R2 with the 970m for $1225 shipped to my door next day. I cant see paying Dell's insane extra prices for ram and m.2 drives when I can go to newegg or tiger and get them for half the price. I was trying to get them to build it with the 240 Watt power supply but they told me that is not an option for the 970m and I woul dhave to buy it separately from their online store.

    My main question is how good is the base 17R2? I have never had a gaming laptop before and I primarily play Battle Field, War Thunder, and iRacing. Would the 970m be sufficent for these or do I need to bend over an take it from Dell and future proof with the 980m?
     
    dalejarrett, Jul 4, 2015
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  2. Dilanio

    Dilanio Notebook Guru

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    There is a 30% difference in power between the 970m and 980m so it is up to you to decide if you need the extra power. If you can spare the $300 I'd recommend it considering how long you kept your last laptop and with the option to upgrade your GPU gone on newer laptops it might be worthwhile to consider getting the best GPU you can afford. With that said, the 970m will play those 3 games you listed just fine.
     
    Dilanio, Jul 4, 2015
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  3. dalejarrett

    dalejarrett Newbie

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    Where do you see the 300 dollar upgrade? I only see it as an option on the high end $2200 system.
     
    dalejarrett, Jul 4, 2015
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  4. Dilanio

    Dilanio Notebook Guru

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    My bad, I assumed it would be $300 to upgrade it just like on there 15" versions. Guess they either removed it or I was thinking of another brand or size.
     
    Dilanio, Jul 4, 2015
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  5. Starrbuck

    Starrbuck Notebook Consultant

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    I agree, the 970M is the sweet spot. Do eet! :)
     
    Starrbuck, Jul 4, 2015
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  6. Flaick

    Flaick Notebook Evangelist

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    I think the base spec is enough for games you are talked. I also play War Thunder with a gtx 860m and i reach fullHD with Max detail @ 90 FPS. So with 970m you can go Ultra detail.
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2015
    Flaick, Jul 5, 2015
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  7. Aroc

    Aroc Notebook Consultant

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    To me, the GTX 980m upgrade make more sense if you also get the CPU upg9rade (i7-4980HQ). IMO. However, the cheapest model with the GTX 980m and the i7-4980HQ is $2050 US dollars. Not cheap but not expensive either.

    Also the GTX 970m models (in some cases? most cases?) seem OK with the 180W power supply. A friend of mine has one, and so far, it doesn't seem to throttle. But time with tell on the throttle issue.

    When you need more oomph (GPU power) down the road, just pick up the GPU amplifier accessory and throw a desktop GPU in the amp. I think that is the solution AW is pitching.
     
    Aroc, Jul 7, 2015
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