Newb Needs Some Help

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Auto426

Junior Member
Mar 22, 2013
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I'm feeling the need for a change right now, as my HP HDX16 laptop is over 6 years old now. My current laptop needs a new battery, is still running Vista, and has a few marks on the screen from bring it back and forth to classes that annoy me every time I look at them. It still works fine for simple tasks like web browsing or MS Office use, but I'm thinking it's time to invest in a new desk top replacement for the future.

Right now I'm looking into desk top replacement type gaming rigs. I'm not that much of a PC gamer, but I figure that if I buy a decently powerful machine right now it will be more "future proof" and allow me to get a decent amount of life out the machine. I'm a console gamer at heart, but I enjoy the occasional PC game or stint on WoW, so I want something that will still be at least capable down the road. I'm also not really a tech guy, so for me it's mainly buy a per-built machine, use it for around 4-6 years, and then buy another.

Anyway, the specific model I have in mind right now is the Alienware M17x R4. Some might not care for them, but I can't help it, I like the case and the lighting effects. I also like the consistently high reviews, the supposed lack of bloatware, and the alien controls sound extremely interesting. The top end $2500 model is too rich for me, but I'm thinking about this particular package:

Intel Core i7-3630QM
17.3" 1920X1080 WLED Display
8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM @ 1600 MHz
500 GB 7,200 RPM SATA Drive
AMD Radeon HD 7970M

Now for a few questions:

I can upgrade the memory to 12GB for $50 extra. Would I see a real benefit from this upgrade performance wise? I understand that you can buy sticks of RAM for around $12, but I don't know how easy it is to add or replace them on the M17x.

There's also a $175 option to add a 750 GB 7,200 RPM SATA drive with a 64GB mSATA SSD drive. I understand that these SSD drives can increase overall performance, but I really don't know that much. Would this upgrade be worth the price?

And lastly, these still come with Windows 7 but an upgrade to Windows 8 is free. I know there are other places to debate the merits of 7 vs. 8, but since I'm planning on keeping this for a while I'm guessing the smart choice would be to go with the latest OS and save myself a little cash in the future when 7 is phased out. Please feel free to correct me on that one.

Any help would be appreciated!
 
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Sleepingforest

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 2012
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Extra RAM won't be that helpful just for gaming (most take up 6-8GB), plus, you could get your own 4GB RAM for just $30 or so (very easy to install--just uninstall a back panel and slide in a stick). The SSD will be helpful for loading and boot times, but not much else--you can install your own 128GB SSD for roughly $100-110, so don't get the SSD option if it's more than that. Windows 8 is a bit more battery efficient, and you don't really have to deal with Metro if you don't want to--I'd go to a Best Buy or something and try out a Win8 laptop just in case, to see if you personally like it or not.
 
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Auto426

Junior Member
Mar 22, 2013
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The rig will be used for some gaming, though most of my serious gaming will be on console. Still, I want something that will handle most newer games well and continue to perform decently for the next 4-6 years.
 
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Sleepingforest

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 2012
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You'd need a $300-400 graphics card for it to have any kind longevity like you want. Or you could get a $150-200 card every 2-3 years, which also works. The XPS 8500 Hubb1e recommended is pretty solid and has the PSU to support a $100-200 graphics card like the 7790 (not available on Newegg yet, but soon) he recommends.
 
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Hubb1e

Senior member
Aug 25, 2011
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Getting longevity is not a good plan for gaming computers. For example, the 8800GT was pretty much the fastest graphics card available 6-7 years ago. It's now beat by Intel integrated graphics that you get for free with your processor. Graphics cards need to be replaced every 2-3 years to stay relevant, while the CPU can last 5 years or so. The Dell I recommended is equipped with one of the fastest CPUs available and is the CPU I run in my machine, though I overclock mine. Even for high end gamers (of which you are not), they spend around $1000-$1500 for their rigs. This Dell I suggested is $700 and is the basis for a very nice machine. You'll WAY overpay for a GPU in a off the shelf desktop so go get the Dell and drop in a 7770, 7790 (when available), or a 7870 if you really want to drop a lot of coin on a piece of hardware you'll never use. But, seriously, the best gaming CPU right now is only $230 retail so there is no reason to overspend on your computer.

Also, you've listed an 18" monitor. That's tiny. If you've got that kind of budget go drop some coin on a nice monitor. That will last you 10 years while that computer you listed won't.
 
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Hubb1e

Senior member
Aug 25, 2011
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mfenn said:
That's a desktop. The OP is looking for a DTR laptop.
Click to expand...

Oops, I missed the "Replacement" part of "Desktop Replacement". This should also be in the Laptop forum too. Well then, I can't help you, laptops are a whole different ballgame and I'm not that knowledgeable about what's out there.
 
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Sleepingforest

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 2012
2,375
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A gaming laptop will not play games at even low/medium that well after 6 years (likely 20-30 frames per second with everything extra off). What makes you need a laptop? If you're just traveling between 2 places, an mITX case with a lower level, $800-900 computer and a monitor at each place will work fine (and probably cost the same overall and perform just as well).

For example, mfenn's $1000 build, plus a mITX case instead, a monitor, a cooler, and an OS is roughly $1500 total.
 
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