Alienware Graphics Amplifier: Will It Replace a Desktop?

Hello Guys,

Currently I am running an Alienware 17 (2013) to run Adobe CC and my game recording + streaming, however I was interested in upgrading to a desktop PC to handle these tasks more efficiently. I did not want to ditch mobile so I was planning on picking up a smaller laptop to offer more mobility. I want my laptop to have similar performance to my AW 17 so obviously for both I will probably look upward towards $3000+ for both, and I fully understand that it will be costly.

I heard about the Alienware Graphics Amplifier and how it allows users to run their Alienware laptops with a Desktop GPU. I thought this was purely a gimmick, however since I'm considering the AW 15, I'm starting to question the benefits of the Amp. So my question is this: for the price, would the AW 15 + Graphics Amplifier be a better deal than buying a Laptop and a desktop PC for video + photo editing as well as recording games + streaming?

 

dkris2020, Alienware 15 has the same CPU, which may throttle more aggressively than yours being BGA rather than PGA. It would be cheaper to upgrade your 17 with proper notebook VGA, e.g. 980M, and sell that 765M you have now. Whether you should get a desktop or laptop+egpu depends on your lifestyle, both options are viable.

 

Its really not a gimmick, paired with a 780ti the 17 has replaced my desktop with a much smaller footprint and mobility when I need it

Plan on putting the titan x in there when it comes out

 

The Alienware graphics amplifier isn't a gimmick. But it's for very specific use cases.

An Alienware 15 + Graphics Amplifier is really intended for people that:
* Live a semi-mobile lifestyle, where they need to frequently move their laptop around with them.
* Need to have a gaming-capable laptop when they are not at home and sitting at their desk
* Are willing to pay a premium for a gaming laptop, and the graphics amplifier enclosure.
* Are not concerned with future upgradeability

However, a dedicated deesktop computer makes more sense for people that:
* Tend to operate primarily on a stationary desktop manner
* Want the absolute best bang-for-their-buck when it comes to the computer hardware they buy.
* Want future upgradeability for the next 3+ years.

If you fall into the first category, Alienware 15 + Graphics Amplifier would work fine for you.

If you fall into the second category, and decide to go with a dedicated desktop computer + separate laptop, I'd highly recommend that you check out other laptops BESIDES the Alienware 15. You can find thinner / lighter / cheaper / more powerful laptops besides the Alienware 15, if you aren't tied to buying a laptop that supports an eGPU solution.

 

See:
http://www.techspot.com/review/944-alienware-13-graphics-amplifier/

I see this as very gimmicky.

• Locked into Alienware notebooks with required/proprietary port.
• ~15% less performance vs. desktop equivalent.
• Need to use/rely on smaller chassis for cpu/ram/storage subsystem cooling.
• No great $$$ to performance to size wasted (in footprint) ratio.
• GPU performance reduced to almost igpu speeds when away from your 'amp' + 'card' combo.

A two platform setup will give a superior overall performance, even if it doesn't save you $$ - but with a $3k budget, you'll be able to get the best combination of both worlds.

For the manufacturer it is not gimmicky. They get to sell you a PSU in a huge case for $300.

 

By the way, is Graphics Amplifier much better than Thunderbolt-based eGPU solution?​

 

For that second point, that is taking into consideration the i5-4210u, which does not perform as well as the i7-4710HQ (nor does it provide the same bandwidth). Performance drop should be less than 15%.
Not sure where you got that last point from. The mobile GPU is more powerful than the iGPU.
Techspot should be releasing a review for the AW15 with GA soon. For the time being, you can look at notebbokcheck's review of the AW13 with i5-4210u (no review with i7-5500u yet) and AW15 for a better comparison.

Ehh... its debatable, but the reason the GA isn't Thunderbolt based is because of bandwidth. Thunderbolt does not offer as much bandwidth as the GA (in the 15 and 17R2), so performance wouldn't be as good.

 

As it stands now, I spend about ~20% of my time on my computer in my dorm room. I need the power of a desktop setup when I'm rendering a video or streaming. My main concerns with my laptop are it's performance, battery life, and portability. Carrying my 17 laptop on a daily basis has made me want something lighter and smaller but still have enough power to match.

As for the categories: I would classify myself with the first two points for the first category and the last two points for the second category.

 

Game7a1, do I get it right that for 720p gaming there will be no difference between Thuderbolt and GA due to absense of bandwith bottlenecking?

 

The 15 percent less performance and igpu concerns you mention only apply to the 13. These both don't apply to the 15 and 17

 

Why don't they apply to the i5 and i7? Is there a review that has tested that scenario?

I'm betting the proprietary connection is the culprit (along with the underpowered mobile cpu's too).

Either way, gimmicky all the way - especially when an i5 starts at $2k and can only go up... and that isn't even a configuration I would buy.

Any other notebook (look at Lenovo at the ~$1K level) and a ~$1K desktop will already put that to shame... that is the 'gimmicky' part.

 

$2k in US dollars?
As I have said, the techspot review of the AW15 has not released, so in the meantime, you can read notebookcheck's review of the AW13 with i5-4210u and AW15 with i7-4710HQ, both of which include stats from using the GA. They provide some interesting numbers.
You're talking about a laptop that is different from what the OP is asking about. I hope you realize that.

 

A 4710HQ and 4980HQ are not underpowered, they are pretty standard mobile CPUs. I'm definitely not talking at all about the 13, which uses ULV processors.

Definitely nothing gimmicky about a 10,000 firestrike score that can be increased easily when the next gpu comes out in a month or so with a part that is easily purchased from a local or major online retailer.

 

I'm not commenting on the notebook. I'm commenting on the benefits of the 'graphics amplifier'. To me; there are none.

Any mobile cpu/gpu is bottlenecked by a mobile chassis. Heat primarily, power secondary.

This is vs. the desktop products you can buy for sometimes even less money and more performance than the mobile versions we're discussing here. With money no object, mobile systems simply suck.


With a $3K budget (or higher...) a proprietary external gpu for an already performance compromised mobile setup (with all that entails) is a waste of money in the long run (period).

 

The entire statement is pretty much besides the point, no one is arguing you get better performance per dollar on a desktop setup, what the discussion is about is whether or not adding an external GPU to a mobile computer is worthwhile. For me, the answer is most definitely yes.

 

No, that is not the question.

The answer is no (for the OP).

Didn't know I was answering other's requirements too.

 

Actually yes it is if you understand how to read in between the lines. The op obviously prefers the mobility of a laptop or he wouldn't be asking the question to begin with. If you read it how you prefer to read it as you are doing you will come up with your answer.

 

You are just not reading for comprehension, are you?

Unless the OP has phrased his question incorrectly? (Possibly, of course).

For $3K you can get the best of both worlds (not the ultimate... but the best balance).

Stop answering for yourself and let the OP decide. My opinion is clear based on the facts as presented... as is your bias for a solution that locks someone in to a proprietary setup good for only the current generation of specific notebooks.

 

I have no bias whatsoever. I have a desktop PC as well as the external graphics solution. If the OP would like to replace the desktop with a laptop instead of having two separate computers this would be a viable solution. That is what he was originally asking, and I still stand by that.

 

You're still not understanding what was written. Did you even read the OP?

Currently an Alienware 17 (2013) is being used. Not a desktop.

 

Don't know why this is so difficult, he is asking if a laptop with the graphics amplifier can replace a notebook + desktop PC combo.

 

I don't know why this is so difficult for you either.

A thermal and power limited mobile chassis tied to a proprietary external gpu with currently questionable performance potential vs. a desktop setup is not the best use of his funds.

Not when those funds extend to the $3K range or higher and allow him to have a proper desktop plus mobile setup. And when that setup will give him better upgradeability potential for both platforms going forward. And the best combination of performance/workflow for both platforms too.

If we were budget constrained, I may answer differently. But at $3K+ mobility is not the issue. Wise use of the funds are to get the most performance over the lifecycle of the system(s) possible (even if we can afford to just throw away money).

 

This ^

Also I think I should talk about the whole "budget" deal: 1 if I don't have to spend a lot of money to get what I want I won't. All I know is that I'll be spending quite a bit of money. 2 I won't be buying both at the same time. The main focus will be to replace my current laptop with something with similar performance but smaller and better battery life.

If I go with the Graphics Amp. I'll stick with the AW 15. If I go with a desktop I'll probably pick up the Gigabyte P35k for the battery life (unless I can find something with better battery life).

 

Arguments aside the graphics amp + AW15 would work out for your very well. We all know the downsides to a mobile form factor that's a given, but having firsthand experience with the amp I would say it's really a great solution for someone looking for desktop performance + GPU upgradeability all while being the only computer you need to use.

 

And this goes against everything you've posted earlier. But no problem. I've guessed wrong before too.

 

Not sure what you mean really. I want a powerful home setup and a just as powerful but more portable mobile computer with great battery life. From the beginning I planned on getting the laptop first as that is what I'm currently working with. I only wanted opinions on the amp since I have an alienware and despite the battery greatly enjoy using it, and because I never considered that an option before I heard about it.

 

You asked 'for the price', which I admittedly translated to 'for the same money'.

Power mobile platform with great battery life doesn't exist. You even stated that you would not buy AW if you bought a desktop...

My main points:

• Proprietary is almost always a cause for regret
• A notebook/dock/egpu setup is not the same thing as either a truly mobile system or a truly powerful desktop either.
• If $$ were saved with the 'amp', I could see the use. But they won't be and in return you'll spend the same to get less (the worst of both platforms and ultimately less suited to your needs in the end).

A notebook plus a desktop is still the best all around setup when someone depends on technology to a greater degree than facebook.

The 'amp' may be great for what it is with the required AW notebook.

But in my opinion, it still doesn't suit your needs the best. Even when saving money (long term) is considered.

 

The reason for not buying AW if I didn't get the AMP is BECAUSE of not getting the AMP. It will open up my options for other computers to purchase that will fit my criteria. I need good battery life for normal daily tasks, not for video editing/gaming. I'm not sure why that isn't implied.

ALSO DIRECTED TO EVERYONE: Sooooo, why did no one tell me that this existed????? http://www.amazon.com/GL551JM-EH74-...s-Technology/dp/B00OBA5AMI/ref=cm_wl_huc_item

 

You're just proving my points. Lol..

Proprietary anything is the worst thing to pay for.

Get the right system and right platform to perform the work required.

And you didn't even need to wait for the third day before the appeal of the 'amp' wore off...


At least you didn't have to pay to learn (this time).

 

No this is why I ask these questions. There are a million different PCs and its hard to find that one that works all on your own.

 

Many combinations of components. Much smaller number of platforms. Even less (valid) choices when workflow is stated. And finally narrowed down by budget.

See? Easy.

But you don't want to see that the 'amp' solution was never in the running in the first place. NP...

 

OP, let me throw something into the mix... Why don't you get the Clevo P770ZM (Sager NP9772)? You can get the i7-4790K Desktop CPU, MXM 980M GPU, up to 32GB RAM etc and you get best of the both worlds.. Weighs about the same as your AW... battery life though is 1-2 hours tops while web surfing/note taking.. You do get desktop power in a laptop though

 

TomJGX, battery cough cough life..

 

This defeats the purpose of replacing my AW 17 with something thinner + lighter with better battery life.

 

dkris2020, I personally am going to buy Fujitsu T734 in couple of months, upgrade to Quad-Core CPU, and use with eGPU. It is very compact convertible with dual digitizer and great battery life, which won't meet your criteria due to eGPU being routed via expresscard resulting in lower bandwith - but I mention it to show there always is an alternative worth considering. Oh, and I don't use desktops since 2009, and never regretted it even tiniest bit.

 

I'll check that out. With what I do I've found that I need a desktop to get the best performance so I'll stick with that

 

I believe he was referring to the 15" and 17" models, not the processor options in the 13" one.

 

OK I wanted to ask this question here as opposed to my WNSIB post as this is more active. There are 2 thin + light 17 inch laptops that I am considering: MSI GS70, and Gigabyte P37k. I wanted to know if anyone had thoughts on the two laptops. My main focus is on build quality, battery life, and display quality.

 

dkris202, GS70 2015, Gigabyte P37.

 

I currently don't see much of a use for the GA, as the GTX 980M is more powerful than most desktop cards currently available. Only a handful of high-end (and expensive) desktop GPUs perform better.

The main benefit of the AW+GA is that you essentially only have one computer. So there's no need to transfer files, or maintain two systems. The GA just beefs up your graphics capabilities. But in order to get a card that performs better than the 980M, you'll be spending a lot of money.

The MSI GS30 is an interesting solution. It also uses a docking station that can house a dedicated graphics card, but the laptop itself only uses an iGPU (Iris Pro), so it is light and thin. But it is proprietary, and the battery life isn't very good.

I think we're at a point in time where neither of your options are very good. Since we just got a new generation of cards where the performance gap between the best mobile and best desktop cards is so small, I would just wait a bit til some more compelling desktop GPUs become available. In the meantime, do what I did and upgrade your AW17 to the GTX 980M.

The big issue I have with a laptop + desktop setup (beyond the need to maintain and sync two different machines) is that for this to make sense, you want a very powerful desktop and a very thin and light laptop. And a thin+light laptop usually means not very good for gaming. For my needs (since I do a lot of mobile gaming) my laptop needs to be powerful. I guess if you only do a small amount of light mobile gaming, the laptop + desktop combo works well.

Bottom line is both setups work wonderfully - for different people. I would probably not get a desktop myself in the near future, but would consider a docking station. I just hate having to maintain two systems.

Different strokes and all.

 

I like the MSI GS30... The laptop is a much better product IMO.. The main problem is the docking station.. In that sense, AW's Graphics Amplifier does it better..

 

I don't need something thin and light a LA Macbook Air. I need something thin and light similar to say a Razer Blade Pro, that will have enough battery power to do school work, and also match my current laptop in terms of CPU + GPU.

I think for my tasks I may need a desktop grade CPU so the GA is not going to be enough at this point for me. So either that or upgrading to a 980m will probably not be enough.

 

dkris2020, FYI there is a 15 inch Clevo with desktop CPU & 980M, however, battery life...

 

Well you may have answered your question. If you require a desktop CPU, you have a few limited options in laptops, neither of which are small, thin and light.

So desktop + laptop it is for you it seems.

 

In terms of laptop I'll either go with Gigabyte's P series (most likely) or any other 13-15in gaming capable laptop with good battery life (4+ hours non c/gpu intensive tasks). Also I think I need to clarify when I say "small/thin/light" I mean relative to my Alienware 17: anything that weighs less and takes up less space in my bookbag. For me that'd be anything around 1in thick and floating around 6lbs.

 

You might want to add the Sager NP8652 to the mix.. Much cheaper then the Gigabytes and you get a 980M too..

 

Sounds good, however the battery is smaller so it isn't for me. Keep in mind I don't need something as powerful as the 980m in my laptop. I've been getting by with a 765m for the past year and a half, and it serves me well.

 

dkris2020, you may be interested in Clevo W230SD once it's released, which should happen pretty soon.

 

Why not the Sager NP8671 / NP8672 (P670SE/SG) with 970 or 980m?

 

Battery life........ I'm currently looking at that P35k because I've seen that it gets ~ 6 hours battery life on WiFi