I'm going to purchase a new 17 (or 18 not sure yet). I'm already set on minimum specs of 780m and 120hz screen option. I plan on going for minimum specs for ram and HDD options as I plan to upgrade those myself. Currently I have the R4 with 680m and 3840qm and am very happy with the performance. The MOBO is giving single beep with black screen on a daily basis and it needs repairs. Although its still under warranty until 07/14 Dell is not willing to service anymore and are just refunding everything. I actually really like the R4. I wish I could stay with it but since Dell is offering full refund I'm going to take it and just reorder the new model. I read the Alienware boards here on almost a daily basis and have probably already read some of the answers to the questions I have but I'm having trouble finding the answers. I pretty much want to max out the new system but if anyone could help with these next questions it would be helpful.
1. Is the i74930mx worth it? I know all the options for CPU's are fast but, other than breaking down benchmarks, is it worth it to go from the i74900mq to the i74930mx? (is the mx vastly overpriced?)
2. What issues are the main problems with the 17 and 18 that I should be aware of? Bottlenecking with any configurations?
3. If there was one problem you would want your mother to know if she were buying a 17 or 18 what would that be?
The bottom line for me is I want to max out all games on ultra, and I mean max out, not turn anything down. I know a nice 780m, good amt of RAM and SSD will solve fast workstation and maxed out games but I don't want any buyers remorse here. I'm open to going with the 18 for the dual GPU options but I would rather stay at the 17 for the size is more suitable plus the 17 with i74900/780m 3yr warranty vs 18 with i74930mx/780sli 3yr warranty is over $1000 difference.
1. Is the i74930mx worth it? I know all the options for CPU's are fast but, other than breaking down benchmarks, is it worth it to go from the i74900mq to the i74930mx? (is the mx vastly overpriced?)
2. What issues are the main problems with the 17 and 18 that I should be aware of? Bottlenecking with any configurations?
3. If there was one problem you would want your mother to know if she were buying a 17 or 18 what would that be?
The bottom line for me is I want to max out all games on ultra, and I mean max out, not turn anything down. I know a nice 780m, good amt of RAM and SSD will solve fast workstation and maxed out games but I don't want any buyers remorse here. I'm open to going with the 18 for the dual GPU options but I would rather stay at the 17 for the size is more suitable plus the 17 with i74900/780m 3yr warranty vs 18 with i74930mx/780sli 3yr warranty is over $1000 difference.