Dell XPS M1710 - GeForce Go 7900 GTX 512 Mobile Gaming, Part 1
by Jarred Walton on April 18, 2006 9:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Laptops
Test Setup
Since this is the very first notebook that I've had the opportunity to review, and it's also the first notebook we've received with the new GeForce Go 7900 GTX GPU, I felt it would be better to compare this against a couple of similarly equipped desktop computers for starters. Most of our readers are more familiar with desktop performance, and since this is a DTR notebook it seems fair to compare it with a couple relatively current desktop computers. The two desktop computers are also equipped with a 7900 GTX graphics card, at both stock clock speeds (650/800) as well as clock speeds matching the laptop's GPU (500/600).
All three systems have 2GB of RAM and dual core CPUs, helping to keep things "fair". Of course, the T2600 processor in the laptop costs about twice as much as either of the desktop processors, and if you were to overclock the desktop CPUs you could likely get another 30-40% in clock speed. Basically, this is not an apples to apples comparison, but the two desktop systems are thrown into give you a better frame of reference.
We ran a typical battery of tests, including games, applications, and a couple other areas. Time constraints limited the amount of testing we could get done before the NDA lift (and it's already a few hours late), but we will be providing a follow-up article with further testing and information. That said, if there are any specific areas that you'd like to see tested, feel free to e-mail me or leave a comment.
Since this is the very first notebook that I've had the opportunity to review, and it's also the first notebook we've received with the new GeForce Go 7900 GTX GPU, I felt it would be better to compare this against a couple of similarly equipped desktop computers for starters. Most of our readers are more familiar with desktop performance, and since this is a DTR notebook it seems fair to compare it with a couple relatively current desktop computers. The two desktop computers are also equipped with a 7900 GTX graphics card, at both stock clock speeds (650/800) as well as clock speeds matching the laptop's GPU (500/600).
All three systems have 2GB of RAM and dual core CPUs, helping to keep things "fair". Of course, the T2600 processor in the laptop costs about twice as much as either of the desktop processors, and if you were to overclock the desktop CPUs you could likely get another 30-40% in clock speed. Basically, this is not an apples to apples comparison, but the two desktop systems are thrown into give you a better frame of reference.
| Dell XPS M1710 | |
| Processor | Intel Core Duo T2600 (2.16 GHz 2x2MB) |
| Chipset | Intel 945PM 64-bit Dual-Channel |
| Memory | 2 x 1024MB DDR2-667 |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GTX 512MB (500/1200) |
| Hard Drive | 100GB 7200 RPM |
| Intel Socket 775: ASUS P5LD2-E Deluxe | |
| Processor | Intel Pentium D 920 (2.80 GHz 2x2MB) |
| Chipset | Intel 945P |
| Memory | 2 x 1024MB DDR2-533 4-4-4-12 |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX 512MB (650/1600) |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital SATA-2 250GB 16MB 7200 RPM |
| AMD Socket 939: DFI Infinity | |
| Processor | AMD Athlon X2 3800+ (2.0 GHz 2x512KB) |
| Chipset | NVIDIA nForce4 |
| Memory | 2 x 1024MB DDR-400 (2-3-2-7 1T) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX 512MB (650/1600) |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital SATA-2 250GB 16MB 7200 RPM |
We ran a typical battery of tests, including games, applications, and a couple other areas. Time constraints limited the amount of testing we could get done before the NDA lift (and it's already a few hours late), but we will be providing a follow-up article with further testing and information. That said, if there are any specific areas that you'd like to see tested, feel free to e-mail me or leave a comment.
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rqle - Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - link
i rather take 2 Dell 17inch w/ 7900GT then one 15.4 apple w/ 1600xt.Or rather take 2 non XPS w/7900GT then one with 7900GTX
Quiksel - Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - link
what are you smoking? The 17" PBG4 is only 6.9 lbs.http://www.apple.com/powerbook/specs.html">Specs for the 17" PowerBook
8.8lbs. is crazy heavy. Nice performance, but DAMN, that's heavy.
NullSubroutine - Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - link
i have an E1705 which is a xps without the cool lights and currently has 7800 go, instead of 7900 go gtx (but i will be purchasing). i believe mine weighs like 7 or 8 lbs, and i take it with me to class, unless its just because im buff guy, 8lbs isnt that heavy.ProviaFan - Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - link
...but I'm not going to use this in favor of my Athlon X2 4400+ workstation with 4GB of RAM, multiple hard disks, and a 21" Samsung LCD. While it would be "good enough" for most photo editing (certainly has enough CPU), and it would totally kick ass for LAN parties, it doesn't dethrone the workstation plus smaller laptop that is actually portable setup for people who need more expansion flexibility with some portability as well.Trisped - Friday, April 21, 2006 - link
So you would spend your $1000 mobility tax on a laptop and use the rest of the money to buy a desktop. That makes sense. The only disadvantage is if you need mobile power, but I think that would be rare. So you would spend your $1000 mobility tax on a laptop and use the rest of the money to buy a desktop. The only disadvantage is if you need mobile power, but I think that would be rare.Trisped - Friday, April 21, 2006 - link
Sorry about the double print, just follow the second lineKeypoX - Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - link
can i have onePeteRoy - Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - link
I want one too.JarredWalton - Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - link
And I don't want to send this one back! :( LOL