M18x Pre-Order Configuration Questions... Ask HERE

No idea, generally people are saying never .... but who knows. I can tell you this, no one here can tell you IF its going to happen at all.

 

Is there any reason to opt for Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate over Home Premium? Would the upgrade in any way benefit gaming performance?

The Dell website has Windows 7 Ultimate as "Alienware Recommended" but I'm not sure what the rationale (besides its higher price) would be.

I've heard that Windows 7 Home Premium only supports up to 1 physical processor, whereas Ultimate supports up to 2. A single 4 Core/8 Thread i7-2820qm will count as just one physical CPU with respect to this limit, correct?

I've also heard that Home Premium limits you to 16GB of RAM, but I can't see myself needing more than that for a long time.

 

do dual hd6990m gpus support 3D ?

 

3D out, yes ... not very difficult to set up either, basically download iz3d, connect to a 3D TV / Monitor ... run program. Done

 

No, there's not much reason and it will have no effect with gaming.

Here is pretty much the reason to choose :
Compare Windows - Microsoft Windows

Unless you really need the extra features listed in the misrosoft site (which for most home users is unlikely) then there is no need for it.

 

Hi there. I'm new to this forum, but I have been tracking the m18x threads. I'm waiting here for a financement to do a virtual visit using the UDK or the CryEngine 3 SDK (Haven't decided yet, and havem't decided if I'll be using dx11 or 9, but I have planned developing it for over 3 or 4 years so I'll use a lot of detail, and I'm a gamer too ^^) a desktop is not an option for me, since I save power consumption and I can travel with it (I'm entering college this year and I'll go home every weekend), so I need help with my future m18x configuration.

This is what I first thought: (this configuration is good enough but I cannot buy a m11x so I don't carry 6kg of a 5000$ pc on my back)
Intel core i7 2920xm factory oc to 4.0ghz
16gb kyngston Hyperx 1866mhz
128gb ssd
750gb 7200rpm
dual hd 6990m
vizio xwh200 receiver and transmitter
killer wireless 1103n wireless
bluray burner

If I choose a intel 2720qm I could buy a m11x
So I thought how much performance would I lose if I choose a intel 2720qm?
By the way I'l be using photoshoop and powerdirector too.

 

Thinking about ordering the M18X after having just returned an M17X, but looking to get the 2920XM processor as opposed to the 2820QM. However it doesn't seem to be an option on the UK alienware website (as opposed to the US one where it is given), anyone know why, considering it used to be?

cheers

 

I had heard that the 2920 is set for EOL (End of Line) aka not going to be available anymore, probably to make room for the 2960. Not surprising its been pulled in that case, as soon as stock runs out they will pull it. They wont order more until they are ordering the 2960s I would imagine ...

OR ... they just decided it wasen't selling enough in that market, but I think the first reason is most likely.

 

PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ i7 2920XM, Quad Core Extreme, 2.5GHz(3.5GHz w/Turbo Boost, 8MB Cache) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate, 64bit edit
MEMORY 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4DIMMS) edit
VIDEO CARD Dual 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6990M AMD CrossFireX edit
HARD DRIVE 1.5TB RAID 0 (2x 750GB) 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s edit
LCD PANEL 18.4-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 WLED edit
WIRELESS CARDS Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO for Gaming & Video and Bluetooth 3.0 edit
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW) with Roxio Creator 2011 edit
SOUND OPTIONS Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio edit
SECURITY SOFTWARE McAfee® Security Center – 30-Day Trial edit
WIRELESSHD Internal WirelessHD Technology - FullHD Video Transmitter edit
Options
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 3 Year Basic Service Plan edit
ADOBE & ENTERTAINMENT Adobe® Photoshop® Elements edit
SYSTEM COLOR Nebula Red Anodized Aluminum edit
ALIENFX COLOR Quasar Blue edit
Essentials
GAMING ACCESSORIES Alienware TactX Mouse edit
POWER PROTECTION Belkin Inc Mini 3-Outlet Surge Protector with 2 USB Power Outlets edit
STORAGE & DATA TRANSFER Belkin Easy Transfer Cable for Windows 7 edit
GAMING STORE Alienware Orion Messenger Bag – Fits Laptops with Screen Sizes Up to 18" edit
ALSO INCLUDED WITH YOUR SYSTEM
A/C Adapter Alienware M18x 330W A/C Adapter
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW Adobe Acrobat X Reader
Standard Nameplate Trigger Standard Nameplate

Also, i have the option to get the CPU OC'd to 4.0Ghz for no addition charge, should i do this? Probably hey, as it will probably be under warranty aswell
And yes i do want the extra features from Ultimate,
Lemme know what you all thing

 

Is there something wrong with Alienware Canada? Why is there no GTX 580M option for the M18x?!

 

I'm processing my order right now. It should take up to two days for Alienware Canada to respond to my application for their instalment plan. I'm so excited. I pray to the Gods this goes through.

 

Right on, good luck and did you go with the 6990? im pree sure they dont have them cause they are so overpriced.

 

I thought so too: the gtx580m is way overpriced

 

I just got an email saying my order was confirmed. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?! SOMEONE TELL ME! I'm so excited. AH!

 

Hahah right on, probably means its good to go? did you hear back about the financing?

 

Not yet. But I got the email when I had my phone turned off. So I'm wondering if I missed the call and that they'll call back later.

 

I am pretty sure your order would not reach the confirmed status until payment was received ...
Congrats ... put your config in your sig so we can all know what you are awaiting !

 

My orders are now "processing," whatever that means.

 

Hey guys,
New on this site.. I NEED HELP MAN.. MAJOR.. NEED ADVICE im in the Dilemma of epic proportions
Im gonna be buying an alienware m18x and i was all set to go with the AMD configuration cos of reviews and benchmarks i seen online then i saw something about batman arkham city coming out in stereoscopic 3d .. and i read somewhere that amd 3d support aint as good as nvidia's so.. im left with a difficult choice based on budget constrictions.. here are my choices below.. Somebody Help..

This is option 1.. intel i7 extreme processor 2920 overclocked to 4.0ghz with AMD 6990 Radeon Card in Crossfire in the ALIENWARE m18x

OR

Option 2 intel i7 processor 2820 with dual nvidia 580m in SLI IN THE ALIENWARE m18x

I was convinced on the AMD configuration but due to recent stories on how arkham city and new games will be running stereoscopic 3d games.. now im baffled.. any tips to help me ?

 

Hey guys,
New on this site.. I NEED HELP MAN.. MAJOR.. NEED ADVICE im in the Dilemma of epic proportions
Im gonna be buying an alienware m18x and i was all set to go with the AMD configuration cos of reviews and benchmarks i seen online then i saw something about batman arkham city coming out in stereoscopic 3d .. and i read somewhere that amd 3d support aint as good as nvidia's so.. im left with a difficult choice based on budget constrictions.. here are my choices below.. Somebody Help..

This is option 1.. intel i7 extreme processor 2920 overclocked to 4.0ghz with AMD 6990 Radeon Card in Crossfire in the ALIENWARE m18x

OR

Option 2 intel i7 processor 2820 with dual nvidia 580m in SLI IN THE ALIENWARE m18x

I was convinced on the AMD configuration but due to recent stories on how arkham city and new games will be running stereoscopic 3d games.. now im baffled.. SOMEBODY HELP...

 

if you want anything with 3d go with Nvidia. Look at it this way, if you are not into benchmarking at all and you just want to game, get the weaker processor (because you wont really be needing the 2920x) and go with Nvidia. thats your best bet IMO.

 

but i thought for m18x...no matter ati or nvidia, there is no 3d option?
3d is for m17x r3 w/ nvidia only.

 

technically the nvidia cards have the ability to do that, but yes you are right, the screen does not support 3d, unless you hooked up an external monitor that can do 3d.

 

Need help I have ordered my M18X, but I need to know now what model of HDD Caddy fit for put my SDD. Second questions, this can work in the M18X Intel 80GB mSATA SSD SSDMAEMC080G2C1 mini PCIe | eBay ?

 

Very new to the forums here...! I have always wanted an Alienware laptop and finally am in the process of picking out my specs I want. Should I stick with the M18x specs I have below or are the dual GPUs even worth it and get a M17x?

I was wondering if there were any hardware upgrades I can perform myself rather than paying an astronomical amount they change. (i.e.., Ram, HDD, Blu-ray Drive, etc.)

I really want to get Dual AMD HD 6990M, but I wasn't sure if the GPUs were soldered on or not, let alone if I can actually find a place that sells the GPU if it isn't soldered. (Probably best just do have Dell do the Dual GPUs for me. )

Questions in RED.

Specs desired -
CPU - i7 2820QM
OS - Win7 Ultimate (Ordering Premium because I have Ultimate.)
Memory - 8GB@1600MHz (Order 4GB@1333MHz to save. Self upgrade RAM? Samsung and timing required?)
GPU - Dual 6990M
HDD - 1TB RAID 0 (2 x 500 GB SSHD) (Should I get a 320GB and upgrade to either the RAID or single 750GB myself?)
Networking - Killer Wireless-N 1103
Optical - Blu-ray Reader/DVD and CD Burner (Upgradable? Or just fork over the $147 to Dell? Lol)

Any advice would be lovely!

Thanks for your time and patience with a newcomer!

Joshua

 

The GPUs are not soldered, but opening the case to work inside is not a very fun thing to do with this chassis. I'd recommend buying whatever cards you intend to use

 

Haha, that's what I have seen so far... I don't even know where I would find Laptop GPUs if I wanted to change it out or upgrade.

The other things I want to upgrade myself a good idea to save money?


Thanks,
Joshua

 

I know ram and hard drives are easily upgradable and save a ton of money by buying the base.

 

Hey folks, i've been looking into purchasing a m18x for a while now. While browsing the dell website, i came across a pre-customized m18x instant savings, here is the example. Are these brand spanking new or are they refurbs? I'm just curious, as i want to eventually want to upgrade some parts myself.

Sorry if it's a stupid question i did do a quick search before i posted.

 

Here's a pre-order configuration request. Check the last line of my signature.

 

Hi guys.I want to buy an m18x from HID revolution after month or two.So I want to talk about a configuration.Two 6990m's are rock solid will be in it(but now I have strated to think about 580m's).So I have around 500$ more bucks to spend.First of all,I was thinking about a CPU.I could do like this,put in it stock 2630qm CPU(wait for iVy),buy 12GB of 1866 ram from HID(285$).And one question here,in my understanding PC will utilize only 1333 Mhz, because of 2630QM,or it will not work at all?And about 580m's,are they really so good for such a price,like can you write numbers for sli 580m's and 6990m's in comparison.I know that now there is a throttle fix for 580m's and they overclock better ,if I am not wrong voltage increasing is enabled.I was reading about them but I can't consider which is better.I know that games are more optimized for Nvidia.Mostly I want to know how many fps I will gain in such a games like Crysis 2,Metro 2033?And also if I will overclock 6990m's,will I have playable fps in Crysis 2 with everything maxed out(DX11+High res)?And it will be good if someone could write to me optimized configuration for 3200$ bucks,not more.Thanks guys for your attention,bye.
P.S.And about wireless card is Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n card is good for future proof or Intel Advanced-N 6200 a/g/n card will be more then enough?Again,thanks guys.And does anybody think that will be a small price drop on m18x after a month or so?
__________________

 

the hd6990m cards in crossfire have better results in general than the gtx580m sli thanks to dell's crappy gtx580m drivers (nvidia doesn't have them), and the stock 2xhd6990m will run any game maxed out, but the 2630qm will bottleneck you, I think the best choice is the 2720qm, or the 2820qm if you need a bit extra ghz. The memory will run just fine with the 2630qm, they will run at 1333mhz no matter what speeds they are.

 

Hey guys.If someone interested,on ebay are great prices for m18x's.Here is the link m18x | eBay

 

ok ... um, generally wrong.

The 6990s will max out anything you want, true.
The 580s are comparable, some put them 5% above, others equal, and in some games they aren't as good as the 6990s.

As for OCing on the 580s vs the 6990s, look at my sig ... the 6990s can OC like no one's business, and I think are running cooler generally speaking.

The 2630 will not bottleneck you playing just about any game right now... there is a TON of power in the 2630.

That being said its unclear if the 18xR1 will by ivy compatible, so if you want to future proof, I would grab a 2820, not the 2720, as the Cache on the 2820 is better.

Also 1866 Plug and Play ram works on a 2630, this has been tested and proven.

 

Ok so im looking into ordering the mx18 in a week or so, which will be used mainly for gaming and music. Here are the specs im looking at any suggestion? would like to keep the price around 3k or less
Alienware M18x
Space Black Anodized Aluminum, Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
+Tech Spec
Unit Price: $3,197.99
ADJUST PERFORMANCE
Processor Intel® Core™ i7 2860QM 2.5GHz (3.6GHz w/Turbo Boost, 8MB Cache)----Should i consider a 2760? since the main thing i will be doing is gaming and would knock off $200
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
Memory 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (2DIMMS)---will purchase more outside of dell
Video Card Dual 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6990M AMD CrossFireX
Hard Drive 750GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s----will purchase a better one outside of dell
Wireless and Bluetooth Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO for Gaming & Video and Bluetooth 3.0
WirelessHD None
Optical Drive Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
PERSONALIZE
System Color Space Black Anodized Aluminum
Nameplate Personalized Plate
AlienFX Terra Green
OS Customization Alien Schematic
Pre-Installed Software None
Keyboards & Mice None
Gaming Accessories- Orion Backpack
Gaming Software None
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW Adobe Acrobat X Reader edit
Gear Store None
POPULAR ADD-ONS
Hardware Support Services 1 Year Advanced Plan
Office Productivity Software None
Security Software None
Gaming Audio None
Power Protection & Adapters None
Networking Options None
Monitor and Docking Solutions None
Dell Printers None edit
Your Tech Team None
Buyback Plan None
Datasafe None
Back to School None
Green None
Also included in this system
The following options are default selections included with your order
18.4-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 WLED
Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Alienware M18x 330W A/C Adapter
Thank you for Purchasing Alienware

 

Guys i'm thinking on ordering the following Alienware M18X:

Spoiler

[h=4] Alienware M18x R2 NVIDIA Dual 2GB GTX 680M SLI Starter[/h]<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.78333282470703px; background-color: rgb(248, 247, 245);'><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>System Color</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>Space Black Anodized Aluminum</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Processor</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3940XM 3.0GHz (8MB Cache ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Processor</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3940XM 3.0GHz (8MB Cache, up to 4.1GHz Overclocked) - installed by HIDevolution - $1,035.00</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Thermal Paste</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>FREE IC Diamond on CPU + GPU - INSTALLED BY HIDevolutio ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Thermal Paste</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>FREE IC Diamond on CPU + GPU - INSTALLED BY HIDevolution</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Operating System</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate, 64bit, English - Anytime U ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Operating System</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate, 64bit, English - Anytime Upgrade (OS language can be changed ONLY with Ultimate) - $120.00</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Recovery Disks</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>YES, Please include - $15.00</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Video Card</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>NVIDIA Dual 2GB GTX 680M SLI</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>LCD Panel</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>18.4-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 WLED</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>0 dead pixel guarantee</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>YES, guaranteed 0 dead pixels (valid for first 30 days ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>0 dead pixel guarantee</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>YES, guaranteed 0 dead pixels (valid for first 30 days of ownership) - $75.00</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Anti-Glare Screen Protector for M18x</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>YES, please include - $40.00, YES, please install on di ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Anti-Glare Screen Protector for M18x</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>YES, please include - $40.00, YES, please install on display - installed by HIDevolution - $40.00</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>WirelessHD</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>None</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Memory</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>6GB DDR3 at 1600MHz (2DIMMS)</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>mSATA SSD</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>None - OS installed on primary drive</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>RAID Hard Drive Option</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>no RAID (1st HDD as primary boot drive, 2nd HDD storage ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>RAID Hard Drive Option</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>no RAID (1st HDD as primary boot drive, 2nd HDD storage drive)</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Hard Drive</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>750GB Hybrid Drive (Seagate Momentus XT) - installed by ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Hard Drive</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>750GB Hybrid Drive (Seagate Momentus XT) - installed by HIDevolution - $150.00</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>2nd Hard Drive Bay (installed by HIDevolution)</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>NONE / NOT APPLICABLE if RAID is chosen</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>3rd Hard Drive Bay (installed by HIDevolution)</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>NONE</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Internal Optical/4th Hard Drive Bay</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Burner (BR-R, DVD+-RW, ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Internal Optical/4th Hard Drive Bay</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Burner (BR-R, DVD+-RW, CD-RW) - installed by HIDevolution - $200.00</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Battery</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>96WHr 12-Cell Primary Battery</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Power Adapter</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>330 Watt 3 Prong AC Adapter with 6 ft Power Cord (will ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Power Adapter</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>330 Watt 3 Prong AC Adapter with 6 ft Power Cord (will work worldwide, includes FREE plug adapter for those without "U.S. style" outlets)</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Wireless Cards</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>Killer™ Wireless-N 1202 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO for Gaming & ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Wireless Cards</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>Killer™ Wireless-N 1202 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO for Gaming & Video - installed by HIDevolution - $70.00</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Bluetooth</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>Bluetooth 4.0 Included</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Sound Options</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>Creative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Sound Options</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>Creative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro Software</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Warranty and Service</dt><dd class='truncated' style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; cursor: help;'>3 Year HIDevolution Global Warranty with LIFETIME HIDev ...<dl class='item-options' style='margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 8px; position: absolute; top: -99999em; z-index: 999; width: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(187, 187, 187) rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(246, 246, 246);'><dt style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Warranty and Service</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>3 Year HIDevolution Global Warranty with LIFETIME HIDevolution Technical Support - $420.00</dd></dl>
</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Office Software</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>None</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Personalized Nameplate Option</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>Personalized Nameplate - $20.00</dd><dt style='margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;'>Personalized Nameplate Field</dt><dd style='margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;'>ZyLoR @ Alienware M18X</dd></dl>

It comes without the SSD's and only 6Gb of ram BECAUSE i will buy them locally (the 32Gb of Ram and both SSD's).. and i am able to buy those items VAT free

Anyway!

A quick question: Which SSD's to get? 2x256GB Samsung 830? Or 2x256Gb Samsung 840 Pro?

Reminder: The specs are top of tops.. and i only asked about the SSD's.. not a specs discussion!

 

If you can afford it get the 840's, they are newer, and better.

 

Well i have been viewing some SSD's and now i can't decide between:

Corsair Vertex 4 SSD @ 240Gb

Kingston HyperX 3K SSD @ 240Gb

Kingston HyperX 5k SSD @ 240Gb

And Samsung 840 Pro

What do you recommend?

 

The samsung 840 pro is comparable in performance to the others, the biggest advantage it has in it uses less power than any of the others, without sacrificing performance. Which is really good in a laptop because it will save battery life. However I think its more expensive than the others, so its really up to you, and if you will be plugged into the wall most of the time.

 

Will go with 840 Pro

Using less power is awesome!

 

Been gone for a while, but did Alienware ever say whether Wireless HD will be available for the M18x R2 or eventual R3? I don't think I saw it available for the R2 for some reason.

 

I am thinking of finally getting a MX18. I just have one question that hopefully you all can give me some insight on. Is it worth it to max out everything when purchasing it through Dell? What are the pros and cons to doing this besides the obvious of saving some money by purchasing more ram or SSDs and installing it myself. If I ever have to send it to the depot will I have to remove the aftermarket parts and install the OEM parts?

 

HIDRevolution sells that:

http://www.hidevolution.com/alienware-m18x-r2-nvidia-2gb-gtx-680m-starter.html

Integrated WirelessHD Transmitter + Actiontec My Wireless TV WiFi HDMI Receiver (complete kit to transit WHD to your HDTV!) - installed by HIDevolution +300

Is it worth it? Or not?

 

yes, you will have to put the original parts back in I believe. The main benefit (besides saving money) of putting in your own ram/hard drives/ etc... is that you can also decide the brand, type, and quality. Dell only has limited options.

 

Does Dell sell the WirelessHD Transmitter directly? I would probably get the laptop from Dell due to the pricing discounts.