Reginal

Will I still be able to return or exchange my M18x even if I've replaced RAM and HDD and no longer have stock ones?

Maybe buy cheap replacements just to fill in the blanks? or Could I do that even without RAM/HDD?

Thanks!

Yep it's very nerve wracking and be sure you check all that bezels tabs when you finish because one of mine at the bottom broke off after opening it 3-4 times. I'm going to create a video guide of how to tear down an M18x soon, probably tonight if time permits and I'll toss it in the review. Decided to keep my M18x order and have them send me a replacement. Need my system for school and can't wait on a refund + reorder. Here's hoping my next one doesn't have any GPU anomalies!

I didn't cancel my order btw, because I actually remembered something while browsing NBR. PRICE factor, I totally forgot about it; all I thought about was having new GPUs lol. If it arrives with any problem that annoys me, then it's heading straight back.

Cancel button, here I come! xD

Seeing what Brian went through with his temperature issue, I'm honestly tempted to cancel my order. lol xD

Did you see any real difference in temps before and after repasting?

Are both GPU fans running at the same speed?

It depends on what you think you need. The new GPU options are just a rumor right now and usually Alienware takes a while with testing so I doubt they're going to introduce the M18x just now and release new faster GPU's in one month. However, right now I only see the 560M making an appearance, not the black comb xtx for GTX 580M. I think the latter two will be slated for the M18x-R2 along with some other enhancements (maybe chipset change to Z68 and ivy bridge). Best SATA 3 brand with emphasis on stability is an Intel SSD, either 320 series or 510.

Based on your M18x experience, would you still give the green light?

I'll be ordering the same configuration as yours - minus the wireless HD transmitter (since I'd probably never use it), and will be installing an SSD (most likely an M4) and an 8GB 1600mhz kingston (2 DIMMs).

Grats! Can't wait for a screen/noise impression!

What about the M4?

1. Should I buy an M18x now or wait? I mean would the new GPU options completely overshadow 6970CF?

2. What's the best SATA3 SSD brand for the M18x/M17x R3 (with emphasis on stability and compatibility)?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to T|I's forum. We weren't given a release date, only "May". So it's anybody's guess right now and mine is around 5-24.

Thanks! I've been stalking this beast even before Eric G. announced it. I'm so addicted to it, I've been going through all kinds of reviews of anything that is Alienware. This beast will be replacing my 6 years old AMD Athlon 64 x2 Dual Core 4600/ATI 1950 xtx desktop, and it will be my first laptop ever.

Actually, I've been planning on buying an Alienware ever since I've started watching unboxing videos of it on YouTube 9 months ago, which led me to watch a comparison video of yours regarding 5870m vs 4870m. Yes, I'm THAT much hooked.

On a side note, I'm really happy about the IGP, but I'm not sure how I feel about the screen. My own 4 years old 24 inch LCD suffers from washed out colors and LOTS of backlight bleeding. I hope it's nothing less than gorgeous.

Since I'll be replacing my desktop, I don't care about size or weight as long as it's somewhat portable, so I'm hoping they won't downclock anything for the sake of a 240 watt power brick. However, I really hope heat isn't an issue, as I will be going with 2x 6970m.

Also, I've seen one too many processors benchmarks to know that the 2920xm is overrated; 2720 offers amazing performance, which is almost comparable to the 2920, for a lot less $.

Last but not least, I hope purchasing an M18x R1 won't make me a lab genuine pig for a way better M18x R2.

Is it just me or does the screen look like shit in the boot up speed video?

So, when will it be released?