Principe Nero said:
I have a couple of questions on the Alienware m17x
- does the 6990m have a graphic switch option like optimus for nvidia?
-there is the possibility to add a generally named 256gb Dell SSD. Is it worth the premium?
-is the Intel® Core i7 Processor 2630QM (2.00Ghz, 6MB, 4C) enough or i need to upgrade?
-i think the 1600x900 resolution screen could be better gaming performance wise, but i saw that many in this thread have choosen the full hd option, what do you think?
I could always plug the laptop to an external full hd monitor, right?
1) SSD does not improve game performance. It just significantly boosts loading and opening applications and programs. If it's worth the premium is up to you, but I personally love it. I think going back to HDD for C drive, would make me feel that the computer is slow. I love how every program opens instantly. But as I said - It's not a premium that is gaming related. And what a premium it is. Very expenssive. For those money you could several games, or a really good pair of headphones that will actually add greatly to your gaming preference.
For a budget gamer, I would not suggest. Only for someone going mofo all out.
2) That's a good CPU. One of the fastest from Intel I believe.
3) If it was me, I would go with 1600x900 - There is a rule of thumb that it's best to play in your computers native resolution.
It's true that scaling resolutions, have improved, but some people say that you still have image reduction if you play in less than in your monitors maximum resolution. In other words - if 720p is your maximum resolution, you should play all your games in that resolution.
Furthermore, since 1080p will tax all your games significantly, - particularly years from now, it might make it sooner you will have to crank down settings to play. It's much easier to play Crysis 2 max at 1600x900. and on a relatively small(compared to desktop 27'' and 30'') 17, do you really get that much out of going 1080p?
On the other hand, going 1080p will give you more screen real estate when not gaming. This means a larger workspace, more desktop, more ground, more productivity, and that certainly is also a good argument for going it.
If it was me personally; Since Skyrim and BF3 are the most taxing games I am looking forward too, I imagine that I would go full 1080p and be an optimist, that cranking down resolution wouldn't be too bad in the coming years.
