*OFFICIAL* M14x R2 Owner's Lounge Thread - READ BEFORE POSTING

I absolutely love it. It's almost powerful enough to max out any game, just with some exceptions. Nice and quiet (once tweaked), beautiful screen, and runs super cool. With the upgraded mSATA SSD, you get the benefits of a bigger, 2-drive laptop in a small package.

Something I particularly like about it is the ability to just hold it up easily with one hand when doing stuff such as showing someone a video on the screen (something I'm too weak to do with my m17x). Sadly, due to financial strain I'm selling mine.

 

Am contemplating ordering an M14x, but the heat & fan noise has me concerned. Most of the gaming I do is fairly vintage and the main reason I'm buying a new laptop is to catch up on some games from the last few years, but I also want to know that when I'm running TOR or Diablo 3 or Skyrim or editing video while listening to music, the heat and sound won't ruin the experience.

So, 1) do the loud fans or intense heat kick in with casual (non-intense graphical) use?

2) is the sound of the fans (without a cooling pad) loud enough to wreck my oh-so-sweet gaming-time?

3) is the heat during heavy gaming ridiculous? And where does it get hot?

Thanks

 

1) No, but the fan does seem a bit buggy at times. Will likely be fixed via BIOS update soon. In the mean time, setting up a fan profile with HWinfo does the trick. You can have the fan completely off if the CPU is below 50c, for example.

2) Yes, but same as above. BIOS fix likely incoming, and you can set your fan in HWinfo to coincide with specific GPU temps. Once I set mine to go full speed ONLY when above 75c, it never went up to full blast.

3) Not at all...I've never noticed particularly high temps.

 

I also noticed a fan issue. Playing games it's fine, but as soon as I Alt+Tab to Desktop fan goes 100% and stays there until I switch back to game or exit it.

 

Unless you use HWinfo, of course.

 

Does anyone have experience with the 720p screen to tell me if it's really that bad or not?

 

Hey guys I was just wondering, how long do you leave your M14's on for?

Like for instance, I leave my desktop on 24/7 literally, I imagine it wouldn't be wise to do that with the M14x, or could I?

 

Personally I use it when I need it and put it in either sleep or hibernate when I am done. Boot times are so fast with ssds it is not a big deal to turn it on and off in my opinion

 

Hey, i just ordered my 1st alienware laptop, but i have a few questions. I ordered it 2 days ago and I have seen on here that the receipt on most people says: alienware m14x r2 stealthblack with soft finish. Mine only says m14x base or m14x cosmic black,

Do i have the m14x r2? do i have soft touch finish and are the specs i got with it good?

I'm sorry for these stupid questions
i paid 1481.99 euro for this i also bought the orion backpack.

 

You have the R2. Dell don't sell the older versions anymore.

You do have the Soft Touch Finish, I'm not fantastic with my languages but isn't that Dutch?

The websites probably have roughly different names for the same thing, it's not uncommon.

 

Thank you. yes it is dutch. the one thing i was really bummed about was that i could not laser engrave my name on the laptop. i spoke to a rep on the dell site and she informed me that it can't be done overseas.

but thank you. I can't wait till i get my hands on it

Also should i get some kind of screen protector or cloth for the m14x r2? If so what would be the best one to buy?

 

I bought the 15.4" ShaggyMac.

15.4" Widescreen Laptop Screen Protector ShaggyMac Keyboard Cover / Lcd Screen Protector

It's nice protection.

Really? I bought my laptop from Dell Australia and I got mine engraved, hmm. Perhaps you could do it yourself? I don't know if I'd trust a jeweler with a $2,000 laptop but they could probably do it for you.

 

Hi all,
new to the forum currently waiting for my Alienware M14x R2 to be delivered EDD: 9th/July/12
Has anyone got OR want to share some pics of their R2 with the terra green lighting? This is the FX i have chosen and really cant wait to see it in real life. Can anyone post some pictures to put me on?
Really appreciated Brando4000.

 

thank you for the screen protector. i'll bookmark it for when mine is almost ready to ship. I'd probably take it to a jeweler in that case but it isn't really that important it's just a little sweet detail.

Thank you, you've been a great help to me.

 

I was in your position not long ago, anything I could do to help, let me know . I'll take some pictures of the ShaggyMac tomorrow when the laptop arrives.

Yeah mate, there's a few on the internet. Before I post them I just wanna say I hope you know you can change the colors, your not limited to a default color, the thing you picked as Terra Green is simply the default.

 

That is seriously not a good deal you got there. I got the same specs with with the extra 64GB Msata drive and with a Blueray optical for more than 100 euro's less.

 

Well the laptop itself was 1350 how did you get what i have plus more for the same price? and Zeju the screen protector link you gave me was for 15.6 inch screen laptops. do i need to get the 14 inch or or the 15 inch protector?

 

Dell has set configurations with nice discounts of up to 200 euro on the m14x. Also, you can get 5-8% off via EPP and there are other discount methods (buying by credit card or via some discount site). PM me for more details.

Also, the backpacks at Dell are massively overpriced at 103 euro. Usually you can get them elsewhere for around 65 euro.

 

Mine has been posted today via UPS.

I have the tracking number but says however cannot be tracked as yet.

I only paid £1072 for my M14X R2 if found a voucher code online for 10% off

 

they are still processing my payment so i can still cancel. but i would love to know how i can get those discounts, i tried to pm you but i got this

I would also like to know where i can get those backpacks for 65 euro.
i can still cancel right? The status of my order says proccesing order which means validating my payment. i also do have a mastercard credit card. but I would really like more info on how to get those discounts.

also is there anyway i can order it from the US site version? or is that just impossible? It would save me a few bucks and i could then let it be laser engraved.

 

I purchased the 15.6 and it fits perfectly.

14 would be too small and would not cover the keyboard probably, don't forget, Alienware say the screen is 14" but the actual laptop realistically ends up being a bit bigger. I think the 15.6" is half a Centimeter shorter then the laptop's width. So it leaves a little border at the edge of the laptop; perfect.

 

Ok, so we need another way to contact. Maybe an email address, although I'm not sure if it's good to post one here.

You could order from US, HIDevolution.com - Specializing in customized computers, electronics, and mobile devices for gamers and professionals is a well respected site. You could get engraved then, a save a few bucks. However, there will be VAT etc.

Concerning the backpack, you should check ebay and US stores. The 14 inch is on amazon for 70 USD for instance http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Edge-A...id=1340556468&sr=1-4&keywords=orion+alienware

 

thank you will order the 15 inch one

you can contact me @ [email protected]

there alienware m14xr2 custom build is out of stock



are there any more sites like that?

thank you for the ebay sites.

 

I'm currently taking advantage of the service/advanced care to get a couple things tweaked on my r2. The mSATA screw seemed locked in (BTW the WIFI screw showed blue loctite on the threads when i took it out) and it stripped out bad. So no boot drive upgrade for me :[ The main cooling fan wiring was also very sloppily installed, crimpped, nearly clipped in a few places, and protruding above case level. Not terrible, but who knows if it would wear and break easier. They said they will have to determine if I'm "at fault" for the screw stripping, so I hope they won't send me a bill for $400 or something!

The process is kind of weird -
I sent email to several addresses they are posting on the Alienware Facebook page. No one responded, but I got a call from a rep in India who started the return process. Had to explain YET AGAIN the subtleties of my issues (despite having emailed color photos with added notes on top to the AW people). Still obvious that Dell/AW does not have all their systems integrated, gets very tedious :[ I actually use my AW for many things aside from gaming, including paid design work and VJing (in HD!), so I asked how long the process would take. He told me 7-9 days, and said he could rush it. The prepaid box showed up the next business day. The printed directions were kind of different from the included box, but I completed the checklist and mailed the laptop out in one day. The tracking shows it will take a week to arrive at Dell in Texas. So I guess he meant 7-9 days just to arrive at Dell? kind of nervous about the condition of my laptop... The idea of having a brand new laptop get pried apart for service is scary! Wish they had sent someone to my house for the repairs, but I suppose it makes sense that they want their people to handle it. In-home service might be an option for people in larger cities? Hope for the best...

I don't like the idea of announcing to the world that I have an Alienware, so I bought a Spruce Green (black exterior) eco backpack from Targus that fits my whole rig perfectly. I also blacked in all the logos to make it nice and stealth :]

 

Yeah, I'll take some photos in a couple of hours, almost done power draining.

Guys I have a problem. I need a keyboard, and the M14x only has 3 USB slots.

The 1st slow is taken by my Razer Deathadder, the second by my cooler, and as you guys would know, most modern day keyboards wont run on pass throughs, so im trying to find a keyboard with back lighting that i can use, any ideas?

 

Maybe get a Bluetooth keyboard? I can basically max out my ports when doing a live show (HDMI, VGA, microphone, 2xUSB 3.0 HDDs, audio input from DJ, 1xUSB 2.0 w/ hub and 4 devices attached) so I knew from the start that I would be using a Bluetooth mouse. That or buy a little hub for whichever port makes sense.

 

Hey Zeju, I had the same quandary. If you get the Logitech M800 keyboard it is wireless with backlighting (VERY nice) and the Performance MX Mouse they both run on the Unify platform (1 usb required for both). They are high quality, low profile, lit and on battery. Goes very nicely with the M14x.

 

I bought the Razer Lycosa, turns out it only needs 1 of the USBS to run, the other one is just for the port. Thanks guys.

Also confirmation the 15.6" Shaggy fits perfectly. I couldn't have cut custom specs to fit it any better.

 

I ended up buying a few large black Goja electronics polishing cloths and then cutting them down to match the m14x dimensions with the lid closed. Be careful you don't add microdents to the speaker grill by letting the cloth be bunched at all when you close the lid.

 

Have read on here serveral threads of people having issues with the bios and gpu drivers causing either slow ssd speads or bsod and have updated to various different verisons with some seeming to work better than others. I was wondering if anyone could give advice on if there was a particular bios or gpu driver that i should be loooking to go with once i get the machine or should i just stick to the ones it shipped with until i see if have issues or not?

specs are gt 650m 1g and a 32 caching ssd with 500gHDD

 

Not sure if anyone else noticed that they released about 6 pages worth of the m14x r2 versions in the outlet area. 20-30% of them show as Dell Outlet New , I ended up getting a New Nebula Red version i7 3610 qm, 500gb/64 mSata, 12g Ram, 900p screen , killer wireless, with a 2gb Geforce GT650m...all for just over $1120 plus tax .....Using the new 20% off Coupon..... I'm a bit excited....To good a deal to pass up , didn't need it right now but will put it to good use....Act fast because I'm sure these will go fast, some great configurations with better i7 options and ssd drive options.

FYI

 

hey guys, going to be buying one tonight as I found an offer to get a fair bit of money off one

Just want to ask how people with the R2 version have found it and if there is anything I should know which is bad or good!

Thanks guys.

 

To my knowledge it's all an improvement on the R1 , Performance increases are quite a bunch and i think the only drawback for the R2 at the moment is the fact that you can't update to the latest drivers without having a BSOD for some reason, Other than that i would pull the trigger on it as well.. It's what the R1 should've been.

 

If you're under the impression that those are new laptops, they're still refurbished fyi. Still a decent deal regardless, and they come with a 1 yr warranty.

 

yes, if you get a machine with a bad component just return it and reorder it. I had a dell tech completely destroy my 1st one trying to replace a cracked panel on it. then after fighting for a new one instead of sending the now completely broken one in for repairs at the repair depot, i was given a "new" build machine. problem is apparently when Dell builds system replacements they use refurbished parts. complete BS. I would have just returned it and reordered but now I'm stuck with a machine that looks physically worse than my r1 bought on release day. moral of the story is if its not right return it for refund and order again. do not accept a replacement even if they say "new"

 

Hi everybody!

I'm new to NBR and Thursday 28-06 I ordered my first AlienWare Computer.
It will probably arrive before 12-07 and I am very excited since this is my first upgrade in 10 years!

Do you guys want me to post pictures when it arrives?
I ordered my M14xR2 in Stealth Black

 

Gongrats. i ordered mine a few days ago and cancelled it because i could get it cheaper with some discounts, seeing as you are also from the netherlands. tell me which specs you got and how much you paid for it, maybe you can get it for a couple of hundred euro's cheaper. i will order mine on monday.

 

I did see the offer, AlienwareNL posted it on their FaceBook page.
But I was looking for a different build,
i7 3610QM
6GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM
2GB GT650M GDDR5
500GB 7200rpm HDD
900p WLED 1600x900
DVD rw OpticalDrive

€1450 with 1year accidental damage protection and MSO 2010

 

Great build just a little bit too expensive but that's cause of mso and 1 year accidental protection. Gongrats!

 

Thank you!
I hope it arrives soon :3

 

Ordered mine on the 27th. Can't wait.
Specs:
i7 3610qm
900p screen
6gb ram
1gb gt 650m
Killer wifi card
dvd drive

 

Ordered mine yesterday (30/06) to replace an M17x R3 with 2860QM and 580M (too big to take to work every day)

Specs:
Intel Core i7-3720QM 2.6GHz
12GB DDR3 at 1600MHz
GT 650M w/2.0GB VRAM
14.0" HD+ (900p/1600x900) WLED
8x SuperMulti DVD+-R/RW
500GB 7,200RPM + 32G mSATA (already own an SSD which I will stick in there in place of the DVD drive.

Total added up to $1,327.99 (CAD) before taxes.
And now I wait...

 

Would you guys like me to post High-Res pictures of every detail of the machine? I'll probably make some pictures with my macro lens.

 

Hi, I have had both the r1 and the r2 and I can say the performance is much better on the r2. The gt650 graphics card is much faster than the older 555.
The only issue I have had with mine was the hard drive caddy drill outs didn't fit properly (noticed this when swapping out the hdd for an ssd) and I needed to redrill a small hole in it to fit properly. I could have contacted dell to sort it out but it was such a small job I did it myself.
I would say go for it

 

The weight is a bit heavy, but the overall size, I'd say is still portable.

 

i love mine!!! but it was $621 lol..

 

As long as its either a cancelled order unit or one that was never booted up and used.... I'm good.... Didn't want a certified refurbished unit and this is a s close as it gets to configuring and ordering it myself and your right , a good deal.

 

lol, I am with you bud! Was about to purchase the r1 a month before the deal for twice the price, too!

Installed a M4 SSD and Hyperx 8gb kit. AWESOME laptop at a killer price!

 

Yes, that would be great .

 

Hi

Anyone else have a... haunted optical drive? Mine seems to ghost eject sometimes when there is unrelated USB port activity? Happens maybe 3x day.