Alienware's M17x R3: An Antidote to Clevo
by Dustin Sklavos on June 20, 2011 9:06 AM ESTHeat, Noise, and Battery Life
Examining these metrics is where you'll find the major differences in the Alienware M17x R3's internal design as compared to other gaming notebooks available. The 90Wh battery included is copious on its own, but the switchable graphics and smart cooling design (there are two intakes on the bottom and two exhausts just behind them) allow the M17x R3 to run cool, quiet, and long.
Despite offering a switchable graphics solution, the M17x R3 still can't keep up with the Dell XPS 15 and its Optimus-enabled GeForce GT 540M. That in mind, it's basically untouchable compared to the other gaming notebooks. Only the Clevo P151HM is able to come close, and that's with a weaker GPU and a smaller screen.
Where noise and thermals are concerned, the M17x R3 is as close to a model citizen as you can find when it comes to high-powered gaming notebooks. Only the ASUS G73 series really compares in terms of the low noise levels when the system is under load. The fan is definitely audible, but it's a low hum and nowhere near the hairdryers that many of the Clevo units can be when they're stressed (the X7200 is particularly nasty that way.)
With the hard disks in RAID 0, it's next to impossible to get thermal readings from those. What we're left with are a GPU and CPU that run admirably cool. The CPU is roughly where one expects a Sandy Bridge quad core to run in a notebook, but the GPU's thermals are fantastic. 79C may be hot by most standards, but for a top-of-the-line mobile GPU it's remarkably frosty.
I have a friend of mine that tends to run his gaming notebook on his lap or on whatever surface is available. For the most part that works out (although it makes me more than a little nervous), but with the M17x R3 the basic advice is: don't. Ignoring the fact that the notebook is nearly ten pounds on its own, the bottom is where the intakes are, and it gets hot. That particularly nasty hot spot in the center is the personalized nameplate, which can become downright painful to touch.
The interior surfaces are far more accommodating though, with precious little in the way of hot spots. Your hands aren't liable to sweat while using the M17x R3, so as long as you're using the notebook the way it's intended (on a flat surface) you're probably going to be perfectly fine. I also appreciate that the notebook vents heat out of the back instead of either side, thus avoiding cooking your mousing hand.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
84 Comments
View All Comments
TEAMSWITCHER - Monday, June 20, 2011 - link
Why can't alienware make a laptop that doesn't look like it was beaten all weekend with an ugly stick. I don't care how powerful it is - i'll never buy one - and no-one else over the age of 14 should either. FAIL!therealnickdanger - Monday, June 20, 2011 - link
BUT it has 2 l00k leik a 5T34L7H FIGHT3R!!!!1!The only thing that holds me back from buying the M11x is that it is hideous. I've been wanting an relatively inexpensive SFF gaming notebook (with balls) forever! But when I finally get it, it's the size of a humidor and looks like a snaggle-toothed pug. Oh well, I'm glad it's a free county and I can choose not to buy it!
synaesthetic - Monday, June 20, 2011 - link
The LG P330 looks like the best bet for small form factor gaming laptop. It's really not much larger than the M11x and it looks far less ugly. It also doesn't use a ULV CPU either, but a standard mobile i5 SNB processor. Video is the 555M, which should be better than the 335M in the M11x.The0ne - Monday, June 20, 2011 - link
You're complaining about a company with the name of Alienware making its systems look like an Alien or Alien form? Are you serious or just fooling around? There are other more normal gaming laptops if that's your taste, Asus, Clevo and so on.headbox - Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - link
They don't look alien, they look childish. Or will we be invaded by Hasbro aliens? My kid's Leap Frog toy computer looks more sophisticated.khimera2000 - Thursday, June 23, 2011 - link
Alienware is to taste, some people like it others dont. I have one it works pritty well. It dosent look that bad. Alienware has always had a distinct look, you can love it or hate it, but it hasent changed that much since i dont know... since alienware wasent dell?Complaining about something based on looks is just like complaining a car is slower because its not hotrod red. Its not going to make a differance. People will still get it because it looks neat to them.
O ya the backlit keyboard is a god send >.<
Sabresiberian - Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - link
You're the one that EPIC FAILs here, for telling everyone else what they should or shouldn't like in the appearance of their gaming laptop. You don't like it, fine, but get off the high opinion you have of yourself and quit telling other people how to think and what to do.Personally, I think the M17x looks great. I also happen to be 55 years old. Would I carry it into an executive board room meeting? Probably not, but it's a gaming machine, and not intended to look like Mr. Businessman.
Astoria85 - Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - link
Alienware doesn't need you buy one of their laptops ;) I'm 21 years old and I work every day with new guys who ask me where i have found a laptop like my M15x, and if it's as powerful as it looks cool! Obviously your point of view is not the point of view of the major part of the people... FAIL!yyrkoon - Thursday, June 23, 2011 - link
I agree.I was just last night looking for a replacement laptop, and just because of the looks I wont even consider any of these. Useless " features" that add only cost; serving no other purpose.
Too bad you can not get an XPS with similar hardware, but as it stands looks like I will be shopping with someone else.
5150Joker - Monday, June 27, 2011 - link
You were beaten with an ugly stick, not the AW.