M14x Pre-Order Configuration Questions... Ask HERE

[Gearsguy]

The m14x has two ram slots, so yes it would work better as theyd be faster in a dual channel configuration

[halainpb]

Hi guys, I need help to decide what M14x should I buy.

I live in Mexico and here Dell has 3 processor options:
*i5-2430M (include in basic)
*i7-2760QM (for $240 extra)
*i7-2860QM (for $760 extra)

for money reason my only options are the first two. Now, this are the two setups I would want with either processor:

1.Alienware M14x $1,400 USD-Intel® Core™ i5-2430M (3MB Caché, 2.40 GHz)
-8GB RAM DDR3 a 1333MHz
-750GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s
-3.0GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology
-14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight

2.Alienware M14x $1,850 (for $100 extra I could get 3GB 555M and 8GB RAM)
-Intel® Core™ i7-2760QM (6MB Caché, 2.40 GHz)
-6GB de Memoria Doble Canal DDR3 a 1600MHz
--750GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s
-1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology
-14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight

As you can see, if I want to upgrade from the first configuration to the second configuration I will have to spend at least an extra $450 for a better processor, better RAM, but lesser video card (if it would make a big difference). $550 extra for extra ram and video.

So my question is, is it wort it to pay $450 or more, or should I get the first configuration? I don't know why they dont have the i7-2630 as an option, so the leap is a bit expensive. In case I could get the second configuration, is it worth the $100 extra for more RAM and GPU?

I will be using this computer mainly for gaming, but also for basic programming and the essential things you do in college. I would like the computer to last at least 3 years left I have in college. Keep in mind that $500 is much more money in Mexico than in US.

I would really appreciate your help! This offer ends on Monday so I don't have much time to decide. Thanks!

[Kodello]

How do I install or update the drivers? Every time I try to install either WHQL or beta drivers I get the same error:

NVIDIA Installer cannot continue
This graphics driver could not find the compatible graphics hardware

EDIT - I forgot to add that I'm sweeping out the old drivers and trying fresh install and no go.

[DJWoX]

Hi how do you think is M14x posible to upgrade to ivy Bridge CPU i am thinking abouth i7-3612QM what have 35w TDP ?

o just wait till they realise m14x R2 with new chipset ?

[Voodooi]

Hi how do you think is M14x posible to upgrade to ivy Bridge CPU i am thinking abouth i7-3612QM what have 35w TDP ?

o just wait till they realise m14x R2 with new chipset ?

You cannot upgrade SB to Ivy. R2 is supposed to offer Ivy, but judging by the performance difference, it's not worth waiting for compared to the i7 1st gen vs SB upgrade, so if you need an M14X get it now instead of waiting for June to come along

@halainpb
Why not use HIDevolution or even ebay and get a M14X for cheaper? Those prices seem quite high for an M14X. I got mine from ebay for alot less (i7 900p 750gb 6gb). I basically got your #2 choice for 1199$~ no tax from ebay. Also, 3GB is a rip off, stick with 1.5GB b/c you won't notice any performance in-game.

@Kodello
Where are you getting the drivers? Dell site? nVidia site?

[Thornox]

I am thinking about ordering one, what are the latest coupons that do you know about?

[Voodooi]

I am thinking about ordering one, what are the latest coupons that do you know about?

If you're planning on ordering a refurbished, coupons are in the Dell thread:
Dell 2012 Outlet Coupons

If you're going new, it is recommended that you haggle over the phone until you find a rep that can give you a good discount.

It's important to note that a good discount is 20-30%, which is possible to get with dedication and patience.

If you want to shoot me a PM, I can send you a rep I dealt with last year that offered high discounts (if available).

[Thornox]

Ordered a refurb Jan 6th, and supposedly there is a problem because I live in a US territory and used Paypal. Was on the phone with Dell for 2 hours and they couldn't figure it out. Recommended I call the Outlet guys directly on Monday or order a new lappy. So now I'm in limbo again and have some questions. Here is a brief of the system I ordered:

-- Alienware M14x
-- Processor: Intel Core i7-2670 QM Processor (2.2 GHz)
-- 256 GB Solid State Drive Ultra Performance
-- 8X DVD +/- RW Drive
-- 6 GB DDR3 SDRAM at 1600MHz
-- NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M 1.5 GB graphics with Optimus
-- 14.0 inch HD (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
-- 8 Cell Primary Battery
-- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Operating System DVD
-- Intel Wireless-N WiFi Link 1000 a/g/n 1x2
-- Alienware M14X: 1 Yr Ltd Warranty, Basic Service after Remote Diagnosis (Included In Price)
Total Amount: $1,239.00

Primary usage will be for everyday browsing/mobility around the house as I have a gaming rig for gaming. But I am military and travel occasionally and want my lappy to support my gaming habit abroad. Reasonable mobility + performance is the reason I chose the 14x and not the 17, and the 11 is too small.

So on to the questions. If I have to order again, should I consider:
1. Dell 256GB SSD vs 7200 rpm drive? For the above price, I think it is well worth it. There was 1 confg this morning that had the ssd, killer 1103, and win ult for $150 more. Was tempted, but preferred to stay closer to 1200 and Win7 Ultimate doesn't do anything for me. I think the Sata II SSD from the factory should be good enough, especially considering the generous amount of space, but I'm open to opinions.
2. Killer Nic 1103? Any issues in the 14x? Are 3 antennas installed by default? 6250 good enough?
3. 6 vs 8GB of RAM? I've been running 6GB on my desktop i7 920 for 3 years with no issue, so I cant see why I would need 8, but also open to suggestion on this.

Thoughts?

Wow mate thats a good deal, may I ask you where are you looking these refurbished laptops from? Because I see zero m14x on the website outlet.

[Wagnbat]

They are hit and miss. Early January there was only a 14x or two when I started looking. The next week there were 25 different 14x units in the outlet. The next week it went down to seven, then three... Then none.

Have to check a couple times a day. They go fast when they do pop up.


Sent using Tapatalk for iPhone

[Voodooi]

Wow mate thats a good deal, may I ask you where are you looking these refurbished laptops from? Because I see zero m14x on the website outlet.

Ebay is also a good place to look for refurbs sometimes.

I was looking at an M14X for my brother and they're going for 1175$ for an i7/750g/555 1.5/750 7.2k rpm/4-6gb ram/1600x900 ...sometimes they even come with 2 year warranties if you're lucky enough to find them.

Outlet will most likely find you a better deal overall, but you have to deal with the scripters who use programs to refresh/auto buy based on pre-entered criteria so they can resell them on ebay to international buyers and make profits. As soon as those coupons come out (usually 1 nice coupon per month), you have to run to a computer ASAP and shop - even if it's in the middle of the night. Subscribe to their twitter and get text alerts if you want too. This is US-only, mind you, unless you use a mail forwarding service.