Configuration Questions

Okay I haven't ordered it yet, but this is my current configuration I'm looking at for my M14x:

Processor:Intel® Core™ i7 2760QM 2.4GHz (3.5GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)

--RAM:4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz
--Video Card:1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology
--Hard Drive:500GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s
--LCD Panel:14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
--Wireless card:Intel® Advanced-N WiFi Link 6250 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Technology with WiMax
--Sound Options: Soundblaster® X-Fi™ Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled


The current questions I have about this set up are as follows:
1.) I don't really see needing more than 4GB of RAM. Should I upgrade it to 6 or 8 or should I keep it at 4?

2.) Should I downgrade my processor to the "Intel® Core™ i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.9GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache) ", or keep what I got?

3.) Is the "Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO for Gaming & Video" worth the extra cost or should I keep what I got?

4.) Is there any possible change or add-on to my set up you would recommend?

5.) I was also considering picking up their "Alienware TactX Mouse", should I choose another mouse?

My use of the M14x will practically have a complete gaming focus, mild skyping and MOD downloading will also factor in. Money is not an issue, I'm just aiming for a 1400-1700 price range. I will not be finalizing my order until I know the System Requirements for Skyrim, because I want to make sure my system can run that nicely.

Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it.

 

1) 4 GB should be enough for anything including gaming. 6/8 is usually overkill unless you get a good deal.
2) The i7 2630qm is a very fast CPU, it hardly lags no matter what I throw at it. Technically you could be fine with the dual core i5 for a few years but that's totally up to you.
3) I have the Intel 1000 card and it's worked fine for gaming. I wouldn't get the upgrade but up to you
4) Remove the SoundBlaster software, I heard it's crap. Just get some speakers
5) TactX is pretty cool, you can customize the lights on the mouse too. I'd say if you get a deal (maybe discount?) get it, otherwise any mouse should do

If you will have a gaming focus I'd recommend getting an M17x or M18x. M14x I see as more of an all-round laptop with very good gaming capabilities, but not focus. The GT 555m pales in comparison with say the GTX 580/590 or ATi 6970/6990 in the bigger machines. Also, the GPU in this laptop is non-upgradeable, unlike its bigger brothers

 

1.) Think long-term. Right now, 3GB is becoming the norm for "recommended" requirements, including for Skyrim I believe. So, with 4GB you should be ok for the next year. However, if you plan on taking good care of your M14x and need it for more than a year or two, I would strongly recommend getting the most RAM you can afford. I got 6GB for mine.

2.) Again, think long-term. Personally, I think that unless you plan on doing professional gaming competition, the base i7 should serve you very well, and I don't think the power increases of the higher end i7s are worth the extra hundreds of dollars for our normal daily gaming needs.

3.) I've been playing LotRO, maxed out, without a hitch so far, with the base model. Unless you need the extra range, upgrade your RAM instead.

4.) I say no.

5.) Why not? Especially if you downgrade the CPU, you have the cash!

 

1) I'd stick to 4gb and upgrade myself later if needed. For the next year say, 4gb be fine purely for gaming. You will pay more for worse with Dell.

2) as far as I understand it, the 2630 processor is plenty for that graphics card. If you were using particularly CPU intensive programs, maybe the upgrade cost would be worth but. But as you ain't, I'd stick with 2630.

4) only thing I'd do differently is stick with 2630, and get the cheapest hdd but then immediately upgrade it to ssd when I receive it.

Not sure about other Qs

By the way, I am also buying a new laptop almost purely for Skyrim. Apparently the system specs will be released in October. I can't decide whether an m11x r3 will cut it, or whether the m14x is the way to go...

 

Thank you guy's for your advice.

The main reason I'm against getting the m17x is because the end cost for me is a good amount more than I would pay for my m14x, and the specs are not that much better.

 

1. stick with 4. i got 6gig but that was only through a deal
2. i have the 2630qm and its fast enough for me.
3. stick with standard wireless card. i did and i play counter strike source a lot. not one problem
4. id say lower processor and lose the sound blaster. the speakers are good enough
5.i brought the tact mouse from ebay quite cheap. its a great mouse lots of customisation. feels good in hand plenty of wire. very responsive.

 

Thanks, I was going to change it to 4 but then I happened upon that deal they have where your base processor is a 6GB so I'll end up keeping that.

My new config thanks to advice is now:
Processor: Intel® Core™ i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.9GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)
RAM:6GB
Hard Drive:500
LCD:900p
Wirelesscard: Intel® Wireless-N WiDi Link 1000
Accessories: Gamepad, mouse,backpack, headphones
*Special Backpack and Headphones Deal*

 

in my opinion you will be fine with that.

 

I would spring for the killer wireless card, heard the stock intel one is horrible for gaming over wifi.

 

There've been lots of complaints over the Intel 1000 card and WLAN range, so I'd suggest you upgrade to at least the 6205, but the Killer should be even better, both regarding range, speed and the software capabilities (setting priorities for certain applications, etc.)

 

I'll probably just settle and get the 6205, unless a compelling argument can convince me.

Though considering the cost is over 1570$, an extra 30$ wouldn't be that much of an expenditure on the safe side.

However every other spec is just fine for me.