Quote Originally Posted by Warsaw View Post
The GTX260M would probably get you a good 10-15 more fps in Crysis than the 9800M GT. The GTX260M is essentially a smaller, overclocked 9800M GTX.

Also, while you could upgrade, you'll just end up making up the difference in price between the two systems if not more, since there isn't exactly a huge market or supply of MXM laptop GPUs floating around, especially high-end ones. On top of that, you don't know how well the Alienware will cool it or power it.

The specs on the Asus are better, but the Alienware has a prettier case. It's up to you which way you want to go. Personally, I'd take specs first. All those lights on the Alienware just serve to draw more power and generate more heat.
GTX 280M installed in an Alienware M15x:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/show...highlight=M15x

Seems simple enough, though as you stated the temps are obviously quite a bit higher.

Aftermarket GTX 280M:
http://mivasecure.abac.com/rjtech/me...Category_Code=

Aftermarket GTX 260M:
http://mivasecure.abac.com/rjtech/me...Category_Code=

All you really have to do is install the HSF from your existing graphics card onto the new one, and use the recommended "copper mod" (sheet of thin copper between the CPU thermal paste and the HSF thermal paste) to increase the cooling capability of your old HSF. I see what you mean when it comes to pricing though, the two cards I linked were at least $400 each, therefore making up the price difference.

Still, I want this to be portable, as in something I can take with me wherever I go without hassle or the requirement of a power outlet. The Alienware has a 2 hour~ battery life when in "Stealth Mode", and you can further increase that by disabling the 9800M GT and using the integrated Intel GMA POS.