The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Worth buying AWR17 at Best Buy for discount rather than HIDevolution?

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by Zukasha, Mar 21, 2017.

  1. Zukasha

    Zukasha Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Hi everyone!
    I'm in the market for my first gaming laptop and been looking at various, models, options, etc.
    I've heard nothing but good things about HIDevolution and the specific options they offer for a new laptop (such as thermal repasting, generally good stress testing, etc.). The overall cost, however, is a bit more.
    Currently at my local Best Buy (not a store I typically like, lol), they are selling the AWR17 (this model from HIDevolution: http://www.hidevolution.com/alienware-17-r4-gtx-1070-7700hq-custom-built-to-order.html) with its "stock setup" for a little over $200 cheaper. The benefit, too, is I get it immediately, of course, and quick return if there are any immediate problems.
    The kicker: the sale ends in two days.
    Is the money saved really worth it? Or is it worth waiting it out and doing it the right way. I know users (iunlock for one--thanks for sharing your results) had amazing results with repasting. And I'm, sadly, not real comfortable doing the process myself.
    Would love to hear opinions. Really on the fence on this one.

    Cheers!
     
  2. Ghost_Recon23

    Ghost_Recon23 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    6
    From what I've heard, HIDevolution offers lifetime technical support. Best Buy doesn't.
     
  3. don_svetlio

    don_svetlio In the Pipe, Five by Five.

    Reputations:
    351
    Messages:
    3,616
    Likes Received:
    1,825
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Best Buy are nowhere near as good when it comes to technical support. Trust me, the 200$ are worthwhile when investing in such a high end device - last thing you want is to end up with problems than nobody wants to help with.
     
  4. judal57

    judal57 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    274
    Messages:
    1,164
    Likes Received:
    650
    Trophy Points:
    131
    [​IMG]

    really nice offer on repaste job
     
    don_svetlio likes this.
  5. pathfindercod

    pathfindercod Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,940
    Messages:
    2,344
    Likes Received:
    2,349
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Retail models bought at Best Buy do not offer onsite warranty from Dell, you have to ship it in everytime for repairs. HID checked the systems thoroughly before shipping and tweak it etc. you also have sales tax at Best Buy if you did not add that in. Unless your tax exempt :-D
     
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2017
    don_svetlio likes this.
  6. Pete Light

    Pete Light Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    172
    Messages:
    1,052
    Likes Received:
    643
    Trophy Points:
    131
    My opinion? Don't even consider the i7 7700HQ or any other HQ for that matter. If you're gaming you'll want options and future proofing. Get a 6820HK or 7820HK if you can afford it.

    As for repasting treatment from HID, it's great that they offer this but sadly they only offer ICD which scratches the dies! This is damaging your 2 grand laptop so i would but direct from best buy with the discount but with a HK processor and use the discount you get to pay for a proper repaste with the best tools and materials with Team LHz (which includes @iunlock, @Mobius1 and @DeeX etc)

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
     
    Vasudev likes this.
  7. Zukasha

    Zukasha Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Thanks for the responses, I appreciate it :)
    I'm going to go to Best Buy tomorrow so I can at least get a good feel for the model. Worst case scenario, then, I know if the "structure" of the laptop is right for me!
     
  8. Alienware-Wasserman

    Alienware-Wasserman Company Representative

    Reputations:
    75
    Messages:
    194
    Likes Received:
    74
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Sorry I'm late to the party, just to confirm. Yes it is worth it and I'm pretty sure you can find a sweet deal with them. Just let us know if you have any issues with it.
     
    Vasudev likes this.
  9. Zukasha

    Zukasha Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Hi there,
    Thanks for that response! I did end up picking up the unit and will be testing it with some gaming tonight. Will update with any issues/concerns if they come up.
    In your opinion, what would be a concern re: average/max temps while gaming for roughly 2-3 hours?

    Cheers!
     
    cozmosland and Vasudev like this.
  10. Alienware-Wasserman

    Alienware-Wasserman Company Representative

    Reputations:
    75
    Messages:
    194
    Likes Received:
    74
    Trophy Points:
    41
    I would only get concerned if I see temperatures reaching 90's. Though spikes can occur, I'd still go with what the average says.
     
  11. Zukasha

    Zukasha Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Sounds reasonable. Thanks for the response! Hasn't seemed to reach anything like that at this point.
    Cheers!