Ratings Breakdown (1-10)

The Maxwell cards are not supported in RGBLED M17x R2 systems due to color depth problems. I'm sure pascal would be more of the same, and they don't even support LVDS connections. Later kepler cards had some IRQs conflicts with the M17x R2 that did not allow them to post (780M and 880M will not work).

M17x R2 Available GPUs Second revision version of the m17x, it still offers great video capacities specially with the 5870 crossfire option. But getting a cheap version of this one is the best m17x deal since it has the ability to support unofficialy a 6970 crossfire and posibly a 6990 one too.
Alienware M17x-R2; Dell Alienware M17x-R2 Manuals Manuals and User Guides for Dell Alienware M17x-R2. We have 3 Dell Alienware M17x-R2 manuals available for free PDF download: Service Manual, Product Manual, Specifications.

- Software & Support
- 7
- Upgrade Capabilities
- 7
- Usability
- 9
- Design
- 9
- Performance
- 9
- Features
- 8
- Price/Value Rating
- 6

- Total Score:
- 7.86
- Rating 1 to 10, top score 10

Overview

Pros
- Great design and build quality
- Stellar gaming performance
- Effective cooling system
Cons
- Subpar screen
- Options add up quickly

The M17x is Alienware’s flagship gaming notebook. It features a stealthy design, aluminum chassis, and a customizable lighting system. Our review unit is packed to the gills with dual Nvidia graphics cards, an Intel Extreme processor, and 8GB of RAM. Does the M17x live up to Alienware’s claim of being the fastest gaming notebook on the market? Read our review to find out.

Our Alienware M17x review unit has the following specifications:

17-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) edge-to-edge display
“Space Black” chassis
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300 (2.53GHz/12MB/1066MHz) quad-core processor (overclockable)
Dual Nvidia GeForce GTX 280M 1GB graphics cards in SLI
Switchable to integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M 256MB graphics card
8GB DDR3-1333 RAM (2x 4GB)
1TB RAID 0 (500GB 7200RPM x2) hard drive array
Slot-load Blu-ray reader
AlienFX lighting system
9-cell battery

The M17x starts at a modest $1,799, however our decked-out test machine sits at a lofty $4,649 as of publishing. The Intel Extreme processor ($1,000), 8GB RAM ($800), and dual GTX 280M graphics cards ($600) contributed the most to the end price.

Build and Design
The Alienware M17x is all about design. The M17x represents a step in a new design direction for Alienware; it is their first model to have the all-new ?Stealth? look. This notebook looks and feels like no other; having it on my desk as I type this review is probably as close to outer space as I’ll ever get.

Let’s start the the build materials. The M17x is constructed of high-strength aluminum that is rock solid; there is not an ounce of flex on this machine. It is available in three colors ? Black and Silver are no charge, while Red is currently a $99 extra. The sides, bottom, and back of the lid have a smooth anodized aluminum finish while the palm rest has a smooth, dry-feeling finish. All that aluminum is paid for in weight ? this monster weighs over 13 pounds, making it one of the heaviest notebooks on the market.

The lid is extremely sturdy; thanks to its one-piece aluminum construction it is difficult to twist and no ripples appear on the screen when pressure is used on the back of the lid. The hinges are also rock solid; the lid does not wobble.

Now let’s talk design. The M17x does not have a cookie-cutter rectangular shape. The front and back of the chassis and screen are angled outward and fit together seamlessly. The M17x has clear-cut edges which are nicely finished so they are not too sharp. From the front, the M17x looks menacing; the speaker grills on either side of the palm rest look like intakes. The back of the machine looks like one giant vent for the exhaust air (which it basically is).

One of the M17x’s hallmark features is its fully customizable LED lighting system called AlienFX. There are ten different lighting zones, including the keyboard, touchpad, speakers, Alienware logo, media keys, the power button, and the alien head on the back of the lid. The keyboard itself has four different lighting zones. Users can create lighting themes for every occasion. Alienware says they are working with game designers to incorporate AlienFX into games; for example, certain parts of the computer could change color to indicate health, ammo, and so on. AlienFX is easy to switch off by pressing [Fn] + [F11]. AlienFX adds to the uniqueness of this machine and is an attractive feature.

One last design feature that deserves a mention is the M17x’s screwless design ? there are no visible screws on the M17x (other than the four holding in the name plate). That is quite a design feat and makes the M17x look even sleeker. While not everyone will like the looks, it is hard to deny the quality of the design and build. The M17x is one-of-a-kind and looks much more engaging than past Alienware machines.

Alienware M17x Memory

Screen and Speakers
The M17x has an ?edge to edge? display, which means that the display is covered by a large piece of glass for a seamless look. The M17x is available with two resolutions: WXGA+ (1440×900) and WUXGA (1920×1200); our test unit has the latter. The M17x uses a 16:10 aspect ratio display unlike most newer notebooks that use 16:9, which is a good thing since the M17x has more vertical space by comparison. If the M17x had a 16:9 screen, it would only have a 1920×1080 resolution, or about 10% less pixels.

The display’s quality is unfortunately average. It has dual lighting lamps (as opposed to one on most notebooks), but unless I was told that I would not know. It is neither particularly bright nor vivid. Viewing angles are on par with other notebooks ? side-to-side are good, but from above and below it washes out and darkens, respectively. The display is also not evenly lit, as some areas appear brighter than others (even if the screen is all the same color). None of the issues I mentioned affect gaming or everyday usage, but they are there and out of place on a notebook starting at close to $2,000. I would like to see a better quality display used.

The M17x has two full-range speakers underneath the palm rest. These speakers are as close to desktop quality speakers I have seen in a notebook (save for the Toshiba X205/X305). Bass is noticeable and the mids and highs are far stronger than typical notebook speakers. This machine has several audio output options ? two headphone jacks, HDMI, and surround sound out.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The M17x has a backlit full-size keyboard with number pad. The keyboard is quiet and has a durable matte coating. It feels slightly rubbery to type on which is not a bad thing. There is a slight amount of flex but it does not affect typing. The backlighting feature is convenient in darker environments.

The touchpad has a textured matte surface and is easy to use with dry or damp fingers. The buttons are quiet and have good feedback. The touchpad is automatically switched off when a mouse is plugged in, or it can be turned off manually by pressing [Fn] + [F12].

Ports and Features
The M17x offers a wide selection of ports especially when it comes to video out. HDMI is good for connecting to HDTVs and Display Port to monitors that support it. All picture descriptions are left to right.

Left Side: VGA, HDMI, Display Port, Ethernet, 2x USB, e-SATA, IEEE 1394 mini Firewire

Right Side: ExpressCard/54 slot, memory card reader, slot-load Blu-ray drive, 2x USB, headphone, surround sound center speakers, surround sound rear speakers, microphone

Front: Speakers

Back: Exhaust vents, power plug

In terms of operating system and software, Windows Vista 64-bit comes standard on the M17x; at the time of publishing, Alienware is offering free Windows 7 upgrade coupons. Alienware computers in the past have come free of ju

Ratings Breakdown (1-10)

Overview

Pros

Cons

Alienware M17x Memory

M17x R2alienware User Support