leeshjnn

When I looked up vBIOS for 780M on Techpowerup VGA BIOS collection, I found two vBIOS files for 780M from Dell/Alienware. The difference is the Alienware branded vBIOS has slightly lower core clock than the Dell. I thought Dell and Alienware are the same so why the two vBIOS? And my 780M can run Witcher 3 using Alienware branded vBIOS with no error while I always got white screen using Dell vBIOS in every 15 or 30 minutes. Does anyone know the difference or why it behaves like that? Thank you for your help. Here is the link to Techpowerup site: https://www.techpowerup.com/vgabios/index.php?architecture=NVIDIA&manufacturer=&model=GTX+780M&interface=&memType=&memSize= The Alienware vBIOS is 80.04.71.00.00 with Core/Mem 719 / 1250. The Dell vBIOS is 80.04.AF.00.03 with Core/Mem 771 / 1250. I use M17x R4 with i7 3610QM, 12Gb RAM and Windows 7.

Well, I've heard good story if you talk to the rep and try to negotiate with them. Seeing how your config is almost top of the line, I guess they can take a few things off, as well as offer you some good promotion for your next purchase. Otherwise, buying a refurbished model can save you the $400 difference. Dell offers the same warranty as new model, you just won't have the personal tags like when you are buying a new machine. I bought my M17x R4 two years ago as refurbished model and it stays going strong, nothing wrong whatsoever. So my experience is actually very good . And of course, Alienware looks awesome!

My brother also owns a Sager. Can't really go wrong with this machine. It probably has the best bangs for bucks you can get. Just know it will be very heavy if you have to carry it around the campus. You are looking to carry at least 15lbs because your laptop won't be sufficient running off its battery. And counting in the books and binders, the weight can make a difference if you are going to live in a big campus.

GPU is fairly easily to replace. I cleaned my machine once per 3 months so taking out GPU and repaste it is very easily. First time you do it, you will get nervous. Just have a guide detailing the steps next to you and slowly do each step. Once you know how to do it, the next time becomes very easy. For upgrading GPU, you need a compatible GPU such as 780M or 880M. Make sure you do research and read threads from R4 owners who have successfully upgraded their GPU. There are like tons of threads out there. Be prepared to do some software mods as well.

Just dropped by to say Thank you so much !!! My keyboard is broken so I cant' enable/ disable the integrated graphics. With the unlocked BIOS, things are easier now .