Dell XPS M1710 vs. Alienware Aurora m9700  

Are you going to be moving it around a lot? Like do you want portability? Can you wait a month if you buy the m9750? I would go with the Dell XPS m1710 right there, but the Dell XPS m1710 vs. Alienware m9750, m9750 hands down...

The primary difference will be a better video card (compared to the 7900GS you're showing in your specs). So, even with a single card (7950GTX as it stands now) ... the m9750 will beat out the Dell. And, you have the SLI option, sot that will give you even more graphics performance.

Then, there is the style difference ... so you need to figure which appeals to you.

Why not get a M1710 like the one in my signature for $3K from a reputable reseller on ebay? I saved around $1000 when I bought it and have the 3yr complete care warranty.

If you want the AW, definitely wait for the m9750 so you can have dual core, but it's going to cost you. The extra card in the m9750 is another $600 but you could always add that later for a cheaper price I would imagine.

Per the m9750, it should not perform any better than the m1710 with a "single" 7950GTX, but definitely will if you get dual cards in a SLI setup. All the premium configurations with SLI that I've seen have been pricey though. If you've got the money, go for it.

You will have SLI straight out of the box - if you order it with that configuration. The m9750 is an upgraded version of the m9700, which has been running SLI since introduction almost a year ago.

Dell underclocks their 7950gtx's I understand, so depending on what AW does, your direct comparison may not be accurate.

If you want a system with good hardware all around, get the Alienware. Dell compromises with motherboards and other components and build to a pricepoint.

Ok, I'm posting on the AW forum so naturally I expect to get ribbed but here you go:

AW m9750 with the same specs in my sig, minus the overclockable T7600G processor because it's not offered runs you $3928.76 after taxes with a "single" 7950GTX.

Identical m1710 from an ebay reseller WITH T7600G overclockable processor runs you ~$3050.00 (no taxes) and you can plug the crazy thing into a docking station. Spend the extra cash on a 24" or 30" LCD.

Also, Dell is the only one (I think) with an overclockable bios for the 7950GTX that can be flashed onto the card. Yes, the memory speed is bumped down by 100mhz at stock, but not the core which means any affect to 3dmark score is practically negligible.

I mean hey, I'll be the first one to tell you that the m9750 is the prettier machine, looks amazing and supports SLI. My only qualm is that I'd rather not pay ~$4K for a machine this close to Santa Rosa launch that doesn't support the technology, but that's me. If you want the SLI and are willing to pay $1600 extra for it along with the custom alienware branding & case, then by all means, go for it.

Good luck on the purchase. You can't go wrong with either. I'm just trying to shoot you straight albeit from my perspective which is usually a "best bang for buck" mentality. I'm a complete Scrooge.

Personally, if I were you and not in a hurry, I'd wait for the DX10 mobile parts to become available. You aren't going to be happy if you spend $1200 on DX9 SLI only to have DX10 cards available right around the corner.

Groove ... I don't dispute the m1710 is a good gaming machine (I have the older XPS 2 version). And, saving some money is a good idea for most. I imagine some people are not comfortable buying off of ebay - but I assume you bought from a reputable seller, and still get full warranty service?

I've bought electronics on ebay before ... but always search the fine print to make sure I'm going to get a legitimate warranty if it's a new item.

If someone is partial to Alienware, and on a budget ... there are compromises that can be made from your config that won't seriously impact performance.

Yep, most of the ebay resellers include the 3yr complete care warranty that covers any accidental damage or theft. They transfer it to your name after you purchase the computer. I completely understand the hesitation with buying off ebay. This was my first Dell that I bought through a reseller, but luckily I had a positive experience. I don't know of any other manufacturer where you can do this sort of thing. I have no idea why Dell allows these back doors to remain open, but they do. For now, at least.

You can see my 3Dmark scores in my sig (I can provide links for conformation as needed) The M1710 is no slouch...

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-...ist.844.0.html

As you can see the SLI 7900 beat the stock 7950 in 05, but fall a little short in 06.

I like my 1710 but if you are going to get one don't go through Dell, use a 3rd party or you will pay the premium

I have a reseller that I use. I will provide you with his name if interested but I'm not going to spam a Dell reseller on the AW board. He provides the full 3 yr warranty including all the goodies.

If you don't feel you'll need SLI, and you can get the m1710 for less money than a base m9750 from a reputable reseller ... than go for the m1710.

Obviously, most people here are going to be pro-Alienware. I'd pick the m9750 (or even the m9700) over the m1710 ... but that's just my personal pick.

If you're in a hurry, you'll prefer the m1710, as the m9750s aren't shipping til end of May. Good Luck with your decision.

As a favor ... if you have specific questions about the m1710, please post them in the Dell section. This has been a nice, civil discussion ... and hoping we can keep it that way

I love my M1710 but if you want the ultimate in performance wait for the 9750...The Dual 7950 cards + them going with the Core 2 Duo is a powerful lineup that the M1710 will not be able to compete with.


If price is an object I would of course side with the M1710, but like Shazza said in is post it's going to be a biased view.
I believe the 1710 is a better performer than the 9700 series myself.

Actually, thats only correct if you are running Windows XP only, Windows Vista drivers out right now don't support SLI

Good point, dhonzik. Didn't even think about the Vista issues - thanks for pointing that out.