Alienware M11x R2: A Legend Reborn
by Jarred Walton on July 9, 2010 4:05 AM ESTGaming at Various Detail Settings
In contrast to previous reviews, we decided to list only results for 1366x768 minimum detail in our main charts (our standard for entry/midrange laptops). We want to find some "recommended" settings for comparing the M11x and the R2 release, but first let's look at what happens in the various titles as we increase the details, including PhysX and 4xAA where practical.
All of the games are easily playable at settings beyond the minimum, but some titles are still more strenuous. Batman can handle Very High Quality, and if you're willing to dip slightly below 30FPS at times you can even enable PhysX. Bad Company 2 and Crysis are not so kind, with scores that drop well below 30FPS once we go beyond Medium/Mainstream. All of the remaining games are able to handle high or very high detail settings while staying above 30FPS, though dropping a few settings down a notch might improve the minimum frame rates. Still, the M11x and R2 are definitely able to handle most gaming needs. You won't be maxing out Crysis—or most other games for that matter—but you can certainly enjoy gaming. It's just a shame that the display you end up looking at is so average when everything else about the M11x impresses.
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beginner99 - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
this.There is also a 13.3 timelineX with the 5650 radeon. no optical drive tough. I don't need one anyway for what?
I think it's also the same weight as the alienware but bigger screen. imho much better bang for the buck.
Roland00 - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
Do you have the model for that timelineX? I can't seem to find it on acer's website (that doesn't mean it doesn't exist though). Personally I rather have a 13 inch and I have seen the AS3820T-5246 in person and I am impressed with what I seen so far (the joys of selling computers).bakareshi - Thursday, July 15, 2010 - link
ppft... optical drive. Still holding on? I don't hold it against Alienware for being at the front of the paradigm change. Optical drives no longer add value, they just consume real estate and sway customers to buy who haven't realized DVDs are no longer a necessity.Akv - Friday, July 9, 2010 - link
The concept of "gaming laptop" still sounds like an oxymoron to me.I game with a large tower with large fans, and a large 27" screen.
I would be more interested in a review about new laptops that don't heat and don't make noise.
Shmutt - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
I understand that the review is done on the best possible config for the M11x R2 and thus has the core-i7 CPU.However, on Dell's website, it is stated that the option with the core-i7 does not have an integrated gfx. I have confirmed this in a live-chat with a Dell sales rep. I'm guessing that Optimus will do nothing in this case?
So it was the main reason why I went with the core-i5 option. Supposedly, it will have a better batt life as discrete GPU will be powered down if not needed. I hope Anandtech can get its hands on a core-i3/i5 specced M11x R2 and see if this claim is correct.
JarredWalton - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
Whoever you spoke with is clueless. LOL. The i7-640UM (and the i7-620M) are both dual-core Arrandale chips with Intel HD Graphics; they're just clocked higher than the i5 variants. So Optimus is fully functional. It's only the quad-core i7 chips that don't have integrated graphics.Shmutt - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
Oh ok! Damn! Thanks for clarifying that.fire_storm - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
HiI am planning to buy an m17x in a week or so, is there any upgrades worthwhile in the near future?
should I hold on this until its out if any?
Thanks!
beelzebub253 - Sunday, July 11, 2010 - link
Can anyone confirm what the max resolution the m11x R2 will output to external display (using DisplayPort). The website doesn't seem to specify. In particular, can it display 2560x1600 such as on the Dell 3008WFP?Jarred? Anyone?
Death666Angel - Wednesday, July 14, 2010 - link
The Displayport will be able to hit the 30" resolution. HDMI not.