Brian

Since our last thread got deleted, I'll start anew: CURRENT OWNERS: Owner Where Purchased Cost Production Date 5150 Joker (Brian) Amazon.com $732 + tax October 2014 [FONT=Segoe UI][FONT=Roboto][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][URL="http://www.asus.com/us/Monitors/ROG_SWIFT_PG278Q/#game-detail"][FONT=inherit][/FONT] [FONT=Cuprum][FONT=inherit]Great Graphics for that In-Game Advantage[/FONT][/FONT] [/URL][/FONT] [FONT=inherit][URL="http://www.asus.com/us/Monitors/ROG_SWIFT_PG278Q/#smooth-visual"][FONT=inherit][/FONT] [FONT=Cuprum][FONT=inherit]Enjoy a Smooth, Stutter-free Gaming Experience[/FONT][/FONT] [/URL][/FONT] [FONT=inherit][URL="http://www.asus.com/us/Monitors/ROG_SWIFT_PG278Q/#gamer-features"][FONT=inherit][/FONT] [FONT=Cuprum][FONT=inherit]Gamer-centric Features[/FONT][/FONT] [/URL][/FONT] [FONT=inherit][URL="http://www.asus.com/us/Monitors/ROG_SWIFT_PG278Q/#game-accuracy"][FONT=inherit][/FONT] [FONT=Cuprum][FONT=inherit]Improved In-Game Accuracy[/FONT][/FONT] [/URL][/FONT] [FONT=inherit][URL="http://www.asus.com/us/Monitors/ROG_SWIFT_PG278Q/#advanced-connectivity"][FONT=inherit][/FONT] [FONT=Cuprum][FONT=inherit]Advanced Connectivity with Smart Cable Management[/FONT][/FONT] [/URL][/FONT] [FONT=inherit][URL="http://www.asus.com/us/Monitors/ROG_SWIFT_PG278Q/#extra-comfort"][FONT=inherit][/FONT] [FONT=Cuprum][FONT=inherit]Gamer Ergonomics – Say Hello to Extraordinary Comfort[/FONT][/FONT][/URL][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=inherit]/websites/global/products/t0Xm6iD2xvngT8tR/img/main/view360-bg.jpg) 50% 50% no-repeat;">[/FONT][FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]360° Product View[/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit] [/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [url]http://www.asus.com/websites/global/products/t0Xm6iD2xvngT8tR/img/main/intro-bg.jpg[/url]) 50% 0px no-repeat;">[FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit] [FONT=Cuprum]The World's First WQHD G-SYNC™ Gaming Monitor[/FONT] [FONT=Cuprum]Forged for Gaming Perfection[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]The ROG SWIFT PG278Q represents the pinnacle of gaming displays, seamlessly combining the latest technologies and design touches that gamers demand.[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]This 27-inch WQHD 2560 × 1440 gaming monitor packs in nearly every feature a gamer could ask for. An incredible 144Hz refresh rate and a rapid response time of 1ms eliminate lag and motion blur, while an exclusive Turbo key allows you to select refresh rates of 60Hz, 120Hz or 144Hz with just one press. The ROG SWIFT contains integrated NVIDIA[FONT=inherit]®[/FONT] G-SYNC™ technology to synchronize the display's refresh rate to the GPU. This technology eliminates screen tearing, while minimizing display stutter and input lag to give you the smoothest, fastest and most breathtaking gaming visuals imaginable. Connectivity is simple, yet robust, with a single DisplayPort 1.2 port to enable NVIDIA[FONT=inherit]®[/FONT]G-SYNC™ and dual USB 3.0 ports for convenience.[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]ASUS-exclusive GamePlus Technology enhances your gaming experience further by providing you with crosshair overlays for FPS games and multiple in-game timers for RTS/MOBA games.[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]The ROG Swift has a super-narrow 6mm bezel that begs this monitor to be used in multi-display gaming set-ups. With VESA wall mount capability and an ergonomic stand designed with full tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustments, the ROG SWIFT is ready for gamers of all shapes and sizes to game comfortably for hours on end.[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]GREAT GRAPHICS FOR THAT IN-GAME ADVANTAGE[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]The 27-inch WQHD Display that Offers Greater Detail and More Onscreen Real Estate[/FONT] [FONT=inherit][/FONT] [FONT=inherit]The ROG SWIFT PG278Q represents the next generation in gaming displays. This WQHD 2560 x 1440 monitor delivers four times the resolution of 720p, with 109 pixels per inch or 109 RGB matrices per inch. This gives you the benefits of greater image detail and up to 77% more onscreen desktop space than standard Full HD (1920 x 1080) displays. These minor details add up to give you a major in-game advantage.[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]Conventional 27-inch 1920 x 1080 monitor[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]Shows less detail and spacing with less room for work bars on the side. Images are relatively blurrier.[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]ROG SWIFT PG278Q 27-inch 2560 x 1440 monitor[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]See more detail and spacing with more room for working bars on the side. Images are much more crisp and detailed.[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]ENJOY A SMOOTH, STUTTER-FREE GAMING EXPERIENCE[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]Incredible 144Hz Refresh Rate[/FONT] [FONT=inherit][/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]Unlock the highest frame rates available, decimate lag and say goodbye to motion blur to gain the upper hand in first person shooters, racers, real-time strategy and sports titles. With twice the frame rate of standard LCDs, the ROG SWIFT PG278Q Gaming Monitor encourages you to never blink again.[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]Fast Frame Rates[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]The ROG SWIFT PG278Q Gaming Monitor delivers refresh rates of up to 144Hz to deliver the smoothest possible gameplay, even in graphically-intensive fast-paced action sequences.[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]Minimal Motion Blur[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]The ROG SWIFT PG278Q Gaming Monitor minimizes motion blur to display more natural movement, making it ideal for first person shooters or real-time strategy games.[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]Incredible 1ms Rapid Response Time[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]Response time and ultra-smooth gameplay are the hallmarks of a true gaming monitor. With a 1ms rapid response time – the fastest available – the ROG SWIFT PG278Q Gaming Monitor eliminates smearing, tearing and motion blur, allowing you to quickly react to your game.[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]Gain a Competitive Edge with NVIDIA[FONT=inherit]®[/FONT]G-SYNC™ Technology[/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]NVIDIA[FONT=inherit]®[/FONT]G-SYNC™ display technology delivers the smoothest, fastest and most breathtaking gaming imaginable. G-SYNC™ synchronizes the ROG SWIFT's refresh rate to the GPU in your GeForce GTX-powered PC, eliminating screen tearing and minimizing display stutter and input lag. Scenes appear instantly, while objects look sharper and more vibrant. Gameplay is fluid and responsive too, ensuring a serious competitive edge.[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]The ASUS Display R&D team works closely with NVIDIA to ensure that everything runs smoothly on ASUS G-SYNC™ monitors. The ROG SWIFT PG278Q gaming monitor with built-in G-SYNC™ delivers super smooth and stunning visuals.[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]Note: G-SYNC features require an NVIDIA[FONT=inherit]®[/FONT] GeForce GTX650Ti BOOST GPU or higher. For more detailed information, please refer toG-SYNC Technology Overview | GeForce | GeForce[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]Without G-SYNC™[/FONT][/CENTER] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]With G-SYNC™[/FONT][/CENTER] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit]Watch Video[/FONT][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit] [FONT=inherit]NVIDIA[FONT=inherit]®[/FONT]Ultra Low Motion Blur Technology[/FONT] [FONT=inherit] [/FONT][/CENTER] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]Conventional 60Hz monitors show extensive motion blur which detracts from your gaming experience. The ROG SWIFT PG278Q Gaming Monitor with NVIDIA[FONT=inherit]®[/FONT] Ultra Low Motion Blur technology* reduces the effects of motion blur by delivering crisp edges in fast-paced gaming environments for perceivable differences in natural movement.[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]*Users can turn on the Ultra Low Motion Blur function from the OSD setting. This works with titles that do not support the NVIDIA[FONT=inherit]®[/FONT] G-SYNC™ technology. Ultra Low Motion Blur technology works only at 85Hz, 100Hz and 120Hz.[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit] [FONT=inherit]NVIDIA[FONT=inherit]®[/FONT] 3D Vision™ Ready[/FONT] [FONT=inherit] [/FONT][/CENTER] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]The ROG SWIFT PG278Q is compatible with the NVIDIA[FONT=inherit]®[/FONT] 3D Vision™ 1 and 2 kits* to support up to three WQHD displays for immersive multi-display 3D gaming experience. ROG SWIFT provides the finest 3D gaming and content viewing experience and thanks to the ever-growing library of over 700 3D Vision™ ready game titles, as well as 3D Blu-ray movies and YouTube 3D Playback support. See everything in a new dimension with the ROG SWIFT.[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]*Requires NVIDIA[FONT=inherit]®[/FONT] 3D Vision™ kit, sold separately. Go to www.nvidia.com andwww.3DVisionLive.com for further details.[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]GAMER-CENTRIC FEATURES[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]ASUS-exclusive 5-Way OSD Navigation Key[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]The intuitive 5-way navigation key allows you to select OSD settings with just a flick. Switching menu settings have never been so easy.[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]ASUS-exclusive Refresh Rate Turbo Key[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]The ROG SWIFT features a dedicated hotkey to toggle refresh rate on-the-fly without needing to access the graphic driver control panel. Quickly select from 60, 120, or 144Hz refresh rates and go back to gaming.[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]Keeping It Cool with a Smart Air Vent Design[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]The ROG SWIFT PG278Q Gaming Monitor is designed for marathon gaming sessions. Its smart air vent design aids heat dissipation to keep things cool for extended periods of time.[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]Awesome LED Light-in-Motion Effects[/FONT] [FONT=inherit]The ROG SWIFT PG278Q Gaming Monitor comes with a mysterious and intricately-patterned base that can illuminate with an LED Light-in-Motion feature.[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]IMPROVED IN-GAME ACCURACY[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]ASUS-exclusive GamePlus Technology[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][/FONT] [FONT=inherit][/FONT] [FONT=inherit]The ROG SWIFT PG278Q Gaming Monitor features the ASUS GamePlus hotkey with crosshair overlay and timer functions. Select from four different crosshairs to suit your gaming environment, and keep track of spawn and build times with the on-screen timer that can be positioned anywhere along the left-hand edge of the display.[/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY WITH SMART CABLE MANAGEMENT[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]The ROG SWIFT PG278Q Gaming Monitor includes DisplayPort 1.2 for native WQHD output and dual USB 3.0 ports for convenient pass through connectivity. A cable management design feature found on the back of the monitor allows you to organize and hide your cables to keep your gaming area tidy.[/FONT] [/FONT] [*=center]Power [*=center]USB 3.0 Upstream [*=center]DisplayPort 1.2 [*=center]2 x USB 3.0 Downstream [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=Cuprum]SAY HELLO TO EXTRAORDINARY COMFORT[/FONT] [/FONT] [FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]The ROG SWIFT PG278Q Gaming Monitor is specially designed for long marathon gaming sessions. Its slim profile and super-narrow 6mm bezel makes it perfect for almost seamless multi-display setups. The ROG SWIFT also has an ergonomically-designed stand with tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustment so you can always find that ideal viewing position. It can also be VESA wall-mounted.[/FONT] [/FONT] [*=center][FONT=inherit][/FONT] [LEFT][FONT=inherit]Swivel (+60° ~ -60°)[/FONT][/LEFT] [*=center][FONT=inherit][/FONT] [LEFT][FONT=inherit]Height adjustment (0~120mm)[/FONT][/LEFT] [*=center][FONT=inherit][/FONT] [LEFT][FONT=inherit]Tilt (+20° ~ -5°)[/FONT][/LEFT] [*=center][FONT=inherit][/FONT] [LEFT][FONT=inherit]Pivot (90° clockwise)[/FONT][/LEFT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT]

So H1Z1 is out and I think they finally managed to iron out their log in issues. If you don't know what H1Z1 is then I'll explain. It's a persistent open world survival game that copies the concept Day Z created and expands on it with Sony's take. It's based on the PlanetSide 2 engine so people are hopeful it runs much smoother than the ARMA engine does (which it should). Anyhow, for those that have it, we should find a common server and meet up. I have a Team Speak server I run that we can all join as well if needed (ts3.kgbgaming.com).

Doesn't seem like 1230 ram would kill a DDR chip, not unless you were applying some insane voltage to them. Regardless, sucks but I guess now you can grab a 970/980m.

Yeah NVIDIA is lagging with DSR. I still can't use it in SLI mode with my Titans.

Well if the laptop trend is to move away from MXM, then AW's move to the e-GPU may be the next logical step. Although I still fail to see why they would opt out of a socketed CPU. Even if they had soldered the GPU but offered socketed CPU + GA, then at least people would still have a good upgrade path albeit a more limited one. Ha..at the rate phones are going this might be true someday.

Well as long as you can continue plugging MXM GPU's into it, it should hold up fairly well. The M15x seems to be still going strong after 5-6 years. The CPU on the other hand will be very outdated but given the slow progress we're making on that front, it won't be a huge problem. But more than that, I'd just like it as a collector's item, something to put on a shelf and point to when I say, "this is how gaming laptops used to be from AW".

I kinda wish I had the extra cash laying around for an AW M18x-R2 (red) just so I could hold on to one of AW's last great laptops as a collectors item. Too bad, a once great brand that will now fade into the sea of mainstream mediocrity.

Hey great job w/the mod, that's the kinda out of the box thinking we like to see around here. Hope to see more details on it in your follow-up posts.

The socketed CPU part kinda sucks if you like to buy the system w/a cheaper CPU and use an aftermarket socket one from eBay. However, as long as the initial purchase has the top end CPU then I don't see a problem for using this laptop long term, especially with it's MXM GPU support.

With Alienware now fully becoming mainstream by discontinuing their enthusiast M18 and shifting focus to BGA soldered CPUs/GPU, what are your thoughts on this? Do you think a slightly slimmer notebook that requires the AW Amplifier (its a proprietary e-GPU solution) for expandable performance is a wise decision or something that will cost Alienware customers and good will in the long run? Personally as a consumer and enthusiast, I think they made a big mistake. I'll copy/paste what I wrote on another forum here: There just doesn't seem to be any logic behind what they are doing. Being over 1" thick still makes them too big for the Apple oriented consumer and their "bling" makes professionals shy away from the brand so WHO exactly are they marketing these pieces of junk at? Certainly not the old AW enthusiast crowd. What the geniuses at Dell have done is effectively cede a good chunk of sales and good will to Clevo who still seems to be catering to enthusiasts w/out any serious compromises. If AW had a smart management team and wanted a bigger market share, then they could have taken this solder BS and applied it to their XPS line and make them sub 1" and sell a Dell equivalent of the AW amplifier to them. Then their customer base would have more choices - those that want on board performance 24/7 w/out compromise and aren't afraid of some extra weight, bling and dimension w/the option of the AW amp for added desktop performance or the XPS customers that could get a nice Apple wanna be laptop and also have performance on tap at home. Sadly Dell will eventually fade away as another wanna be IBM (but never be 1/10th as successful) after they spin off their notebook divisions. I knew AW was shifting in this direction back when they started cheapening out on the packaging w/the new AW 18s and jumped ship. AW is done, time to move on to either desktops or a Clevo. So let us know what you think and if you do decide to bail as an Alienware customer, do you plan to purchase a Clevo? If so, Tech|Inferno recommends purchasing from Mythlogic since they offer discounts to T|I Elite members and non-Elite (see their subforum here).

Well those cores are desktop ones at a lower clock so it's not surprising. Have you considered building an itx desktop? The foot print wouldn't be much different. You'd just have to pack the monitor on your trips. But a 19 inch monitor these days is very slim and light.

Alienware charges for name, slightly better build material and better warranty. As of now though it seems Clevo is the more configurable and expandable of the two.

Welded CPU? Nasty..wonder why they'd go that direction...

Looks like MSI is going all out in the notebook gaming space with their new GT80 Titan SLI. This beast features a mechanical keyboard with cherry switches, a trackpad (that also has touch buttons), a top panel that's removable for quick upgrades and a pair of 980M GPUs each with their own cooling pipes. Don't worry about a pussy PSU because this thing features a massive 350W supply which should keep it fed. The panel is a 1080P Samsung PLS which will have nice viewing angles but is NOT ideal for gaming despite many people's love for all things IPS/PLS. IMO, an 8 bit 144 Hz TN panel would have been far superior to a PLS panel for a gaming system. @Mr. Fox what do you think? Is this your next beast now that AW is disappointing?

Are you able to run the 980M's in the R1 as well?

Once again our sincerest apologies to the community. We're going to be working overtime tomorrow to speed up our plans to migrate to an entirely new software platform and are re-writing our backend from scratch. We anticipate a complete upgrade of T|I in about 2-3 weeks. Unfortunately, the data we lost is not recoverable by us so we'd appreciate it if you could repost any relevant threads. We are taking steps to ensure this does not happen again. Thanks

Yeah it doesn't work well for me either and I use wireless ac. The connection just drops out completely after a short time, pretty disappointing.

I'm just going over some of the Guardians of the Galaxy music cuz it brought back memories as a kid: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=guardians+of+the+galaxy+soundtrack

Congrats on the upgrade and nice run there.

Try resetting the CMOS and if that doesn't work, boot using igpu and reflash it.

BTW for those of you that don't know, Popcorn Time is a great application - just make sure you use a VPN if you're in the US/Canada since it uses a torrent system to stream the movies. Saw Guardians of the Galaxy the other day and THAT is a great movie (going to buy the Blu Ray)! Loved the retro 80's music (grew up on that shit) and the general campy feeling the movie conveyed, definitely one of the better Marvel movies in a long time. Kinda sad that I missed out on watching it in the theater when it was released since I initially thought the idea of a raccoon and talking tree were stupid. :\

Not really, the entire premise of a dusty world ignores top soil management that's been around for decades. In addition, their 5th dimension of manipulating a dark hole was also completely made up. It tries to be a deep movie and to the layman it comes off that way but it's really a pretty weak storyline - I've seen more interesting stuff from Dr. Who.

Sweet! Nothing beats desktop gaming.

Saw interstellar and thought it sucked a fat one. The story wasnt very imaginative and the premise was based on flawed science. Just an overall shit movie with too much hype behind it.

Congrats on the win buddy, looks like a very nice prize!