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    Just bought an M14x, + First thread post.

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by Bryce2826, Sep 30, 2011.

  1. Bryce2826

    Bryce2826 Newbie

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    Hello all. First and foremost, lets get this out of the way: I am in no way, shape, or form a computer expert. Only recently have i cracked open a few old desktops and started learning what makes them tick, along with a few tips from Tech Savvy friends. So if i make a mistake, or say something you might consider uneducated about the subject, there's a reason

    I primarily joined this forum so that when my new notebook (obviously an Alienware M14x) arrives in about two or so weeks, i might be a bit more knowledgeable.

    So, here's the deal. I primarily chose the Alienware over other notebooks because of the power. However, I had about a $1300 spending limit, so i was limited in the amount of upgrades i could choose to have preinstalled. Nevertheless, here are the specs:

    OS- Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

    Processor- Intel® Core™ i5 2410M 2.3GHz (2.9GHz w/Turbo Boost, 3MB Cache)

    Memory- 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz

    Video Card- 1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology

    Hard Drive- 500GB SATA HDD (7200RPM)

    14.0 Inch Display (1600x900)

    I primarily want to use this as both a school notebook and for games as well, when i have the time. I do plan on upgrading it every so often in order to keep it future-proof.

    Some games i plan on running are Fallout 3/ New Vegas, Starcraft II, and Diablo III. Will this system handle these games adequately?

    Also, what do you recommend that i upgrade in order to keep the tech relevent for the coming years?
     
    Bryce2826, Sep 30, 2011
    #1
  2. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    In the coming years, your only upgrade options are the CPU and hDD
     
    fred2028, Sep 30, 2011
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  3. TwelveV

    TwelveV Notebook Guru

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    For better upgrade options, it might have been more cost effective to upgrade the processor and get the stock 4GB of memory. DDR is cheap and easy to upgrade on your own later on.
     
    TwelveV, Sep 30, 2011
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  4. justinmpierson

    justinmpierson Notebook Enthusiast

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    I would at least go for the i7, you can also try to hit one up from referb, I hear great things about them... most come looking brand new with no issues
     
    justinmpierson, Sep 30, 2011
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  5. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    That i5 should be good for the OP's purposes at least a year or so. The i7 is definitely better, but the i5 is still very very capable.
     
    fred2028, Sep 30, 2011
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