Which should I get? Dx

Im sure you guys get this a lot around here...
I'm limited to a 1,500 budget, but dont mind going over by a couple bucks. I first had ordered the m14x with a 3GB video card until I read some of the posts here and quickly canceled my order > _> Now im stuck between two options here. I'm dont have good knowledge in computers so I need help choosing Dx
Here are my two choices. I want to at least be able to play COD:BO and Crysis 2 on high settings.

Aurora R-3: I'll buy buying the monitor somewhere else...
Software & Services
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64Bit, English
Intel® Core™ i7-2600 (8MB Cache) Overclocked Turbo Boost to 3.9GHz
Matte Stealth Black Chassis with 875W Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply
8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
1GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 6870 There is an option to upgrade to 1.25GB or 2GB, would any of those be better? I will most likely be playing on a 27" screen or smaller.
2TB (2x 1TB) SATA II (3Gb/s) 7,200RPM (2x 32MB Cache)
No Monitor
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Single Drive: Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BD-ROM, DVD±RW, CD-RW)
My Software & Accessories
AlienFX Color, Mars Red
Alienhead 3D
No Keyboard
Alienware Optical Mouse, MG100
My Accessories
1 Year Advanced Service Plan
DataSafe 2.0 Online Backup 2GB for 1 year
Also Includes
Alienware Aurora Desktop
Alienware™ High-Performance Liquid Cooling
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader
Alienhead 3D

M14x Laptop:
Software & Services
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Intel® Core™ i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.9GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)
6GB DDR3 at 1600MHz
1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology
500GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s
Intel® Advanced-N WiFi Link 6205 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Technology
None
8x SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Slot Load Optical Drive
Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
My Software & Accessories
Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish
Mars Red
Steam and Portal™ Factory Installed
My Accessories
1 Year Advanced Plan
Tech Forward Guaranteed Buyback® Plan for your new PC
Also Includes
14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
None
Internal Bluetooth 3.0
Alienware M14X 150W A/C Adapter
Adobe Acrobat X Reader
Hinge Up WLAN -BLACK
Standard Nameplate

 

Uh....what?

Do you need to be able to take the computer to different places? If yes, get the m14x. If not, get the....err, I can't recommend buying an Alienware desktop. Build your own.

 

I have no idea how to build a computer though...I dont think I'd be taking the laptop out anywhere outside my house...not often at least..

 

Dude, if you're choosing between a desktop and a laptop it is Obvious that somewhere, in the back of your head, you're not really considering a laptop. Ergo, a desktop is the way to go - more power, more stability, more upgradable. Its always best to build your own desktop, but since you don't know how to go about doing it I think you should (A) Find an expert to help you (B) Buy a branded option.

Alienware is..... well..... lets say slightly optimistic with its pricing - the only reason you should go with them is if you're really high on funds and you want those bizzare, ET looking stuff on your desk But then they are pretty good performance wise ofcourse. If you're going for option (B) I suggest you go for an Aurora ALX [if you have the funds] or look for an XPS desktop option.

Personally recommend (A) though

 

Are there any other websites where I can get the same for less then? I checked ibuypower/cyperpowerpc but they seem to have too many problems...

 

?? Didn't get you there.. 'the same' ?

If you meant to ask if there are other sites where you can buy desktops, you can take a look at

1. BestBuy
2. Walmart

I came across this Asus Desktop Asus Essentio which has the same i7-2600 as the Aurora up there and 8GB DDR3 RAM, plus 1TB HDD. It looks pretty good, for the price of just $830; You can actually use the cash you save here to buy a high-end graphic card, like a GTX560/GTX580 since the card on this sucks [its a GT530 ]

What say?

 

yeah that seems fine. Would this be the one you're talking about?
Asus - Essentio Desktop / Intel® Core™ i7 Processor / 8GB Memory / 1TB Hard Drive - CM6850-07
I might just be able to go to my local best buy and look for one around there then. What graphics card would be a good one to get?
Would the 1GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 6870 fit on it?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pa...rive/2670382.p?id=1218343205627&skuId=2670382
this one includes a 1GB Radeon HD 6570 graphics...is that on par with the one above or is there a better one I could get for around $200?
Was also able to find this http://www.bestbuy.com/site/XFX+-+A...Card/2293037.p?id=1218320074686&skuId=2293037
Problem is if it would fit on that specific desktop.
I was able to search to see if any local stores had it and they do

 

not to be rude but you might want to do a little research before you go and just buy something...

When it comes to a desktop, the possibilities are somewhat endless....

If you are not going to be going anywhere with your computer, get a desktop. Laptops are more expensive for less specs so what you are paying for is really mobility.

and like NKDV said, go to your local bestbuy, wal-mart, tiger direct, etc... and check out the desktops and their prices. Google the specs online and see what fits your needs.

 

Yes that's the one. I think its a pretty sweet deal.

About the card, well that's entirely dependent on your budget. How much are you willing to spend? If you're willing to go all out, I think you might as well get an Nvidia GeForce GTX580 or GTX590 , or if you prefer AMD/Ati, a card like the HD 6970/6990

You can get the GTX580 for about $480 [which I think is pretty sweet] here. You can also consider buying TWO of these and using them in SLI mode for insane performance. that would be $960 lol. Else, you can get this GTX590 [which is almost double the power of the 580] for about $790.

I don't say go for Ati since I've read reviews that the Ati cards fail when turning high-card-intensive options like Physx on. Its your call anyway, if you want to consider Ati, check out the HD 6970 or 6990.

 

Take a look at XoticPC.com for a Sager NP8130. Definitely within your budget, 560M graphics >> 555M graphics, option for a 95% gamut display (+$30), be sure to select an OS.

Also consider the Sager NP8150 with the GTX 485m + be sure to select an OS, for around $1600.

 

Sweet Thanks for the help nkdv. I might just go for that GTX590. 960 is a bit too much for me would there be any problems with it such as more power needed to power it or something?

 

And if you're not looking for such crazy options, something more down-to-earth would be the GTX 560 which is a very good card indeed. Costs about $190 on newegg. Here

And yes, Research first and adjust your priorities! You don't wanna buy and regret later!

Oh, plus since you don't know what motherboard/chipset that Asus is running on,I would suggest finding that out first to know if your card is gonna be supported by it in the first place...

 

Well obviously, those card are hogs. You'll probably have to get a Power supply unit too then. Something like a 750W or more, since a minimum of 700W is recommended by EVGA.

And, you're welcome

 

well according to this
The motherboard is an ASUS P8H67-M PRO.
Powersupply is 400w.
Would the EVGA GeForce GTX 590 Classified still fit on that? looks like the motherboard does have a PCI-E 2.0 16x
It seems I would have to upgrade the power supply to 700w in order to run that one...
Would this power supply work?

 

Okay, hmmm... so the motherboard supports SLI and crossfireX too... Yes yes It should support the GTX590 [I'm only assuming since its a pretty new model which supports pretty much everything]

And yes, you would need a PSU like that, go for a 750W one, or 850W, or 900W.

I just thought I'd ask you again - do you really want to spend for that GTX 590? Its the best card on the market, so its expensive lol and most people apart from enthusiasts and hardcore gamers wouldn't require it. Just saying but if you want it, its certainly the best!

Or if you're feeling ... down-to-earth" lol, consider a GTX560 too, its really good too.

And hey, sit on this, sleep over it and go ahead if you think its good!

 

Well I probably wont upgrade the card until much later because of costs...and I also wouldnt do it myself so I would have to find someone or someplace to do it for me...
I Might just go with that GTX580 dual set up...starting with one and then getting a second one later on and it requires at least 600w...would I need to go higher in order to support 2 cards at once?

 

Well, isnt this the m14x section, not the help-me-build-a-desktop-section? If you are not interested in debating the m14x anymore, I suggest PMing nkdv and having a moderater lock this thread..

 

Idk if you can compare those two computers, but if you want the best gaming machine for the price plus being able to future proof it, a desktop is the way to go. I have an m14x, and it's great. Cant max out crysis 2 that great though. Black ops is no problem. The m14x is okay, but it's for gaming and portability. So it has drawbacks like all gaming laptops, and it's not so much upgradable. But if you don't need a gaming notebook, get a desktop. And if you do get the aurora, I'd suggest you get a 6870 from alienware for no cost instead of the dual gts, and later on buy a second 6870 and crossfire them. Might need a more powerful PSU, but they're not too expensive. Or just build a computer. Idk if I can recommend you to buy an alienware desktop, but the cheapest aurora is 1199 with water cooling, which isnt too bad, but still a tad overpriced. Can do upgrades on your own at that base price instead of upgrading from dell. But I rather build my own.

 

Agreed, going off topic here.... I myself came looking for m14x-related threads.. PM if required.