Alienware M18x review featuring M17x-R2/R3

[Brian]

Ok guys here's an update on what we'r doing: Initially we had all the benchmarks ready for R2 and R3 using Catalyst 11.4 and we just needed to do the M18x to finish off the results and then do the write up. However, with the release of 11.5, we're seeing a large enough gain that we feel it would be better to re-run the benchmarks on the R2/R3 with the latest drivers. That way you guys have the most up to date results.

So what do you think? Would you be happier with the 11.5 results or want to settle for older Cat 11.4 results that you could get your hands on sooner? Difference in releasing the review will only be about 2-3 days.

Edit: The review is out : http://www.techinferno.com/2011/07/07/alienware-m18x-review-the-fastest-18-notebook-in-the-universe/

Edited July 9, 2011 by Michael

[StamatisX]

I voted for the 11.5, it will take the review a bit back but I think it's worth the delay cause drivers make a good difference here

[Brian]

Yeah I voted the same.

[mw86]

I am all for 11.5 but if you guys use results from both 11.4 and 11.5 on all systems then we really will see a lot of useful data such as the gain from 11.4 to 11.5. I believe you should bench the little you need in 11.4 and do all new tests with 11.5 on all the systems. That's just my opinion and am indifferent to the end result.

[iloveb00bs]

let me know if you need benches from me, since i have 11.5 on my r3 already.

[svl7]

11.5 would be great, especially along with the 11.4 results!

[Michael]

Currently running 11.5 benches on my R3 for the review...

[mw86]

Yeah if the only run for 11.4 to have results accross the board maybe Brian can throw it back on his M18X just for the couple of benches quick.. could really show how ATI improves performance on almost every driver release.

[Nospheratu]

With a difference of 2-3days my vote goes for 11.5

Are you going to use the RC3 hotfix or the standard 11.5?

[Brian]

With a difference of 2-3days my vote goes for 11.5

Are you going to use the RC3 hotfix or the standard 11.5?

Standard 11.5

[mw86]

Welcome to the Tech | Inferno Nosferatu. There seems to be a delay in the review due to gpu 2 overheating issues.

[DR650SE]

I voted 11.5. Does 11.5 show improvements over 11.4 enough to make a differance? If so I might take one of my days off for some good ole R2 benching if I can throw a few points on top of my top scores. Not going to be able to hold a candle to the Avenger, but still might be some good fun. If I remember right I was close to 22K on Vantage on the R2. Not sure if 11.5 would be able to make up for the +/- 300pts I was from 22K. But I'd definately like to see the review based on the most recent drivers, since that is what most people will be interested. Especially if it maximizes performance at stock clocks. Thats what the Aleinware crowd would want. IMHO anyhow. Either way, looking forward to the review. An 18xR2 may be in my future. Especially since from the ORB Futuremark benches, the site lists the mobo as 18xR1, I figure an R2 is sure to come down the line. Ok I'm ranting, enough beer for me. 11.5!

[faiz23]

You better release the 11.5 review soon before 11.6 leaks out and you post up another thread about waiting

[Michael]

just an update:

benchmarking is going good. we are 90% ready with the R3 11.5 benches

[Nospheratu]

Welcome to the Tech | Inferno Nosferatu. There seems to be a delay in the review due to gpu 2 overheating issues.

Thanks mw86, been here a while now and prefer it to NBR. These guys seem to know what an enthusiast wants/looks for in tech.

I'm on 11.5a RC3 at the moment but I think I'm going to drop to the standard 11.5 to see where I fit in with my clocks.

[hidz7]

So guys, how does the review going?

Would like to know the progress.

[Brian]

So guys, how does the review going?

Would like to know the progress.

Benchmarks are nearly done, we still need to take some photos/vids and then do the write up. I might order a temp sensor gun but I'm not sure how much people would really care about temps since the system feels fairly cool to the touch.

[iloveb00bs]

yeah i think it should be fine, a temp gun is a lil extreme, hahahah

[hidz7]

Benchmarks are nearly done, we still need to take some photos/vids and then do the write up. I might order a temp sensor gun but I'm not sure how much people would really care about temps since the system feels fairly cool to the touch.

Good to hear that, this review will be a great indicator on the systems' pros and cons.

[hidz7]

Still waiting for the review, are you guys going to do the test with 11.6 first?

It's going to take a while again I think.

[StamatisX]

LOL yeah it would take "a while", we will stick with the 11.5 for now cause it is too much to do all the benches on all 3 laptops again and then redo all the graphs and editing....

[hidz7]

Is it possible for you guys to release the review before July?

I'm thinking of buying one of these laptop, this review will help me to consider the pros and cons of each model.

[StamatisX]

I am working on it so we can have it ready within the week, standby folks

[hidz7]

I am working on it so we can have it ready within the week, standby folks

Great!

Can't wait!

[hidz7]

Sorry guys for interupting, how does the review going?LOL sorry if I sound impatient, but this review is very important for me.