Alienware Area-51 m5550

[imported_ToySoldier]

Is there a better dedicated laptop besides the one I list here? I'm not interested in "Hybrid" shared video like the DELL e1505 has or x1400 / x1600 ATI.

According to the website... I could upgrade the Video to a 256MB NVidia® GeForce? Go 7600.... maybe something faster down the road. Assuming MXM (Mobile PCI Express Module)
http://www.alienware.com/Configurator_P...-LT-AREA51M5550-R3&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT

Alienware Area-51® m5550

$1,099.00

Processor: Intel® Core? 2 Duo Processor T5500 1.66GHz 2MB Cache 667MHz FSB
Display: Alienware® m5550 15.4" WideXGA 1280 x 800 LCD - Saucer Silver
Motherboard: Alienware® Intel® 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
Memory: 512MB Single Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz - 1 x 512MB
System Drive: 60GB Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s 5,400 RPM w/ NCQ & 8MB Cache
Video/Graphics Card: 256MB Nvidia GeForce Go 6600

Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service

 

[Brainonska511]

The X1400/X1600 are not "Hybrid Memory" cards. They have dedicated memory of 128/256 (respectively) and then they can share an additional amount of system RAM if it required. It is stupid to toss those cards out the window because they sometimes use system RAM in addition to their own RAM. In fact, the MR X1600 has been shown to perform a little better than the GeForce 7600 Go, and it is definitely better than the GeForce 6600 Go which you picked out.

You may want to bump up the resolution of that screen if you can since most find WXGA on a 15.4" screen to have stuff that is way to big. You are also better off upgrading the video now to the highest available because it will be unlikely that you can get an MXM module cheaply enough to offset the cost of going with a lower graphics card initially. Then there is the issue of BIOS compatibility in notebooks, etc. Just because it is a possibility that an MXM upgrade could come, doesn't mean it will.

 

[imported_ToySoldier]

Do you know if there is a way to turn off the sharing of system ram in the bios of laptops that use x1400 or similiar type of video?

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: ToySoldier
Do you know if there is a way to turn off the sharing of system ram in the bios of laptops that use x1400 or similiar type of video?

Are you not understanding what I'm saying? Hypermemory gives IMPROVED PERFORMANCE OVER A CARD WITH JUST THE DEDICATED RAM. IT WILL ONLY USE SYSTEM MEMORY IF IT OVERRUNS WHAT IT HAS DEDICATED ON THE CARD. If there is a way to turn it off, it would be located in either CCC or the system BIOS. If you can turn it off, you'll see a performance hit because the graphics card has less RAM to work with. If you leave it on, you won't see a performance hit in general system use if you have at least 1GB of RAM to work with.

Just as an example to make this simple:

MR X1600: 256MB DEDICATED RAM. It will sometimes use up to 256MB of SYSTEM RAM ONLY IF it overruns the dedicated RAM.

MR X1400: 128MB DEDICATED RAM. It will sometimes use up to 128MB of SYSTEM RAM ONLY IF it overruns the dedicated RAM.

 

[imported_ToySoldier]

Interesting. If this is a key performance boost... why dont Laptops with 7900gtx or 7900gs (256/512MB) use such an option? Games like Oblivion can never seem to have too much video...

Perhaps it will be something thety will be factoring in the future.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: ToySoldier
Interesting. If this is a key performance boost... why dont Laptops with 7900gtx or 7900gs (256/512MB) use such an option? Games like Oblivion can never seem to have too much video...

Perhaps it will be something thety will be factoring in the future.

Because with the higher end cards, things like hypermemory can't make a difference since the cards are so fast. On the midrange and low end cards, they throw hypermemory so they can squeeze out a little bit more performance from the card without increasing costs or heat output.

 

[VooDooAddict]

The Alienware looks nice, if i was looking for a gaming laptop I'd bump it up to the 7600 and be happy.

As it stand though I don't have a big need to use a laptop for gaming. Saving for a Dell 30", Core 2 Quad, and 8800GTX (And hoping I'll find a mATX motherboard that supports Core 2 Quad.)

 

[imported_ToySoldier]

Originally posted by: VooDooAddict
The Alienware looks nice, if i was looking for a gaming laptop I'd bump it up to the 7600 and be happy.
As it stands though I don't have a big need to use a laptop for gaming. Saving for a Dell 30"

I'm currently using Dell's 20.1" (16x12 native). I've had it for a couple of years and very happy with it. When I build my new desktop next summer... I'll pick up a second one and run 2 at the same time.

I finally upgraded my computer so I can play NeverWinter Nights 1 at 1600x1200 w/ max eye candy for the first time.

When I build my new PC next summer.. I should be able to play NeverWinter Nights 2 @ 1600x1200 w/max eye candy. From what I understand it wont be easy because the makers of Oblivion designed the game.

1600 x 1200 (w/ max eye candy) is my standard. If I cant play the game at theat rez (non laptop), I just dont play the game. With Laptop rez... I'm happy with just anything with decent FPS and moderate eye candy.

 

[Osm3um]

I am going to keep an eye on the 10 year specials that Alienware are putting out daily. http://www.alienware.com/Promotion_pages/tenyear/main.aspx .

How are there return policies? Say I get one and simply don't like the way it feels?

Why are there so many 17" laptops? I have yet to get my hands on one but my initial reaction is that is awefully large to have on my lap on the couch. Any thoughts?

Any thoughts on other manufacturers in the same league? I always thinking of Falcon NW, Alienware and Voodoo all in the same league.

I have a home built water cooled AMD64 so I have a clue on this stuff, but my laptop purchasing skills are limited to buying blocks of ten for business purposes.

Thanks,
Bob