Call me crazy, but I think this might be a good idea...

[xXButchXx]

Hey guys,

 

So recently the release of the Alienware 15 laptop has got me thinking. At the moment, I have an Asus G550JK laptop with a 500GB SSD in it as well as a gaming desktop (specs are on my profile). Now, my idea that, since the Alienware graphics amplifier exists, I sell my laptop as well as my desktop and purchase an Alienware 15 laptop as well as the graphics amplifier with a GTX 980. Overall, I think that that option will give me more performance in games than my current setup and be easier for me as I can just manage having data on one single computer rather than shifting between my laptop and desktop. It's also convenient to just come home, plug the laptop into the graphics amplifier, and be set to go. 

 

What do you guys think?

 

Thanks! 

 

EDIT: I could also buy a GTX 970 Strix or something... It would cost me quite a bit less and still give me more performance than my current setup

[TheKDub]

I wouldn't go for it as alienware laptops and such are overpriced as fuck, and the graphics amplifier connector is PCIe 3.0 4x, meaning there could be quite a bottleneck in the connection.

 

Also, a laptop such as that will not be able to replace a desktop.

[RichardsD]

I think no, and I'll explain personally why I wouldn't do that.

 

The Alienware 15 laptop is an endgame; I say that in the sense that besides getting a new GPU, you simply cannot upgrade that device's CPU.  

 

It will also run quite hot in comparison to your desktop.

 

If you're having issues managing files, I'd say stick with your current setup, which is really amazing, and get a Dropbox/Skydrive w/e account to sync your files between PCs.

 

Or.. just get a 980 for the desktop?

[teddyteddyteddy]

I wouldn't go for it as alienware laptops and such are overpriced as fuck, and the graphics amplifier is connected by a PCIe 3.0 4x slot, meaning there will be quite a bottleneck in the connection.

 

Also, a laptop such as that will not be able to replace a desktop.

but isn't pcie 3.0 4x the same as pcie 2.0 8x?  and pcie 2.0 8x is fine for current cards right?

[Notree]

I wouldn't go for it as alienware laptops and such are overpriced as fuck, and the graphics amplifier is connected by a PCIe 3.0 4x slot, meaning there will be quite a bottleneck in the connection.

 

Also, a laptop such as that will not be able to replace a desktop.

Not worth it.  just upgrade your desktop gpu and call it a day  

[ReadyToGame]

Don't get an alienware, then prices are jacked up, and they aren't that good anymore. Since dell bought them, IMO, they are just more crappy and more expensive. You're paying for the branding + You could just buy a new laptop + a potable 1TB drive and keep all your precious data you need to use on both PCs on that...

[D2ultima]

You're better off getting a higher end laptop for the price of the alienware. A Clevo P750ZM with an i7-4790K and a 980M will be less than the AW15 + graphics amplifier + 980. If you don't feel like tossing that in there, you could use a P150SM-A with a 4810MQ and a 980M as well; if you think the desktop chip might be too hot.

[TheKDub]

but isn't pcie 3.0 4x the same as pcie 2.0 8x?  and pcie 2.0 8x is fine for current cards right?

 

From what I've heard, PCIe generations are as follows:

1.0 |     4x    |    8x    |    16x   |    16x?  |    16x?  |

2.0 |     2x    |    4x    |    8x     |    16x    |    16x?  |

3.0 |     1x    |    2x    |    4x     |    8x      |    16x    |

 

a GTX 970 requires 1 PCIe 3.0 16x slot, and I believe most cards still function fine on a PCIe 3.0 8x slot, though I doubt they will function as well.

[xXButchXx]

From what I've heard, PCIe generations are as follows:

1.0 |     4x    |    8x    |    16x  |    16x   |    16x    |

2.0 |     2x    |    4x    |    8x    |    16x   |    16x    |

3.0 |     1x    |    2x    |    4x    |    8x     |    16x    |

 

a GTX 970 requires 1 PCIe 3.0 16x slot, and I believe most cards still function fine on a PCIe 3.0 8x slot, but as you can see here, that just simply won't work right for a 980 which is what the OP wanted to do.

I could opt for a 970 as well, It would cost me less that's for sure... And it would still give me more performance than my current setup both at home and on the go.

[teddyteddyteddy]

From what I've heard, PCIe generations are as follows:

1.0 |     4x    |    8x    |    16x   |    16x?  |    16x?  |

2.0 |     2x    |    4x    |    8x     |    16x    |    16x?  |

3.0 |     1x    |    2x    |    4x     |    8x      |    16x    |

 

a GTX 970 requires 1 PCIe 3.0 16x slot, and I believe most cards still function fine on a PCIe 3.0 8x slot, though I doubt they will function as well.

just googled it, and came up with this:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GTX_980_PCI-Express_Scaling/10.html

and this

http://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Impact-of-PCI-E-Speed-on-Gaming-Performance-518/

 

it looks like pcie 3.0 at 4x is just as good as 8x or 16x with a gtx 980.  

[TheKDub]

just googled it, and came up with this:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GTX_980_PCI-Express_Scaling/10.html

and this

http://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Impact-of-PCI-E-Speed-on-Gaming-Performance-518/

 

it looks like pcie 3.0 at 4x is just as good as 8x or 16x with a gtx 980.  

 

Hmm, alright.

 

Still wouldn't recommend the alienware though.

[xXButchXx]

Hmm, alright.

 

Still wouldn't recommend the alienware though.

I know alienware tends to be overpriced, but this time the prices aren't looking half bad. I'm not a fan boy or anything, but I'm just thinking of going with alienware because they are really the only ones at this point that have a "graphics amplifier" type thing on a 15 inch laptop... I'm still heavily considering it.

[TheKDub]

I know alienware tends to be overpriced, but this time the prices aren't looking half bad. I'm not a fan boy or anything, but I'm just thinking of going with alienware because they are really the only ones at this point that have a "graphics amplifier" type thing on a 15 inch laptop... I'm still heavily considering it.

 

Fairly sure the graphics amplifier itself costs another $300, so you'd have to get the laptop, the amplifier, and the 970 or 980.

 

Looking at your specs in your signature:

CPU: Intel Core i7 4770 | Motherboard: Asus Z97-A | RAM: 8gb (2x4gb) Corsair LP @1600mhz | GPU: EVGA GTX 770 4gb SC ACX Double BIOS | Case: Fractal Design Define R4 | Storage: 250gb Samsung 840 EVO and 1TB WD Black 7200rpm | PSU: Corsair CX750M | Display: Samsung Syncmaster 226BW 1680x1050 | Cooling: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO and default case fans |

 

the laptop will be nowhere near as powerful as your desktop, I'd say just upgrade your desktop GPU and monitor, and maybe sell your current laptop and buy a better one.

 

Also, I noticed you have a Samsung Syncmaster 226BW, I happen to use a Syncmaster 225BW , same resolution too.

[xXButchXx]

Fairly sure the graphics amplifier itself costs another $300, so you'd have to get the laptop, the amplifier, and the 970 or 980.

 

Looking at your specs in your signature:

CPU: Intel Core i7 4770 | Motherboard: Asus Z97-A | RAM: 8gb (2x4gb) Corsair LP @1600mhz | GPU: EVGA GTX 770 4gb SC ACX Double BIOS | Case: Fractal Design Define R4 | Storage: 250gb Samsung 840 EVO and 1TB WD Black 7200rpm | PSU: Corsair CX750M | Display: Samsung Syncmaster 226BW 1680x1050 | Cooling: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO and default case fans |

 

the laptop will be nowhere near as powerful as your desktop, I'd say just upgrade your desktop GPU and monitor, and maybe sell your current laptop and buy a better one.

 

Also, I noticed you have a Samsung Syncmaster 226BW, I happen to use a Syncmaster 225BW , same resolution too.

I actually think the laptop with the graphics amplifier will get higher frames than my current desktop setup but I'm not 100% sure... And great monitor eh? 

[TheKDub]

I actually think the laptop with the graphics amplifier will get higher frames than my current desktop setup but I'm not 100% sure... And great monitor eh? 

 

Thats why I'm suggesting a GPU upgrade, I doubt the laptop itself without the graphics amplifier would perform as well as your desktop.

Also, you're comparing the laptop with a external 980 to your desktop with a 770, of course there will be a difference.

[ReadyToGame]

I know alienware tends to be overpriced, but this time the prices aren't looking half bad. I'm not a fan boy or anything, but I'm just thinking of going with alienware because they are really the only ones at this point that have a "graphics amplifier" type thing on a 15 inch laptop... I'm still heavily considering it.

I really highly suggest that you just upgrade stuff on your Desktop, rather than buying all the extra stuff PLUS a laptop, which will run you quite high, and plus even more for all the things you need to buy along with the laptop. Your best bet still, as before suggested that you upgrade to a better desktop.