Question:
Alienware m5750 and speaker/subwoofer setup
Hi-
I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm glad that I found this site. It helped me a lot decide on whether to choose the m9700 vs the m5750, for a notebook that would be primarily used for gaming. I eventually chose the m5750 because of the newer chip (core 2 duo). I've been very satisfied with the gaming performace (company of heroes, bf2, fear, dark star one, oblivion and more). My specs are listed below:
[1] Area-51® m5750
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7600 2.33GHz 4MB Cache 667MHz FSB
Operating System (Office software not included): Genuine Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 2
Display: Alienware® m5750 17" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD - Saucer Silver
Motherboard: Alienware® Intel® 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
Memory: 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz - 2 x 1024MB
Hard Drive: Extreme Performance (RAID 0) - 320GB (160GB x 2) Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s 5,400 RPM w/ 8MB Cache
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24X CD-RW Combo w/Software
Video/Graphics Card: 256MB ATI Mobility™ Radeon® X1800
Sound Card: Intel® 7.1 High-Definition Audio
Wireless Network Card: Internal Intel® PRO Wireless 3945 a/b/g Mini-Card
Communications: Integrated 10/1000Mb Gigabit Ethernet & 56K V.92 Modem
Mouse: Logitech® MX™ 1000 Laser Cordless Mouse
Bluetooth: Bluetooth™ USB Adapter
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service
External Storage: Seagate 400GB Pushbutton Backup External Hard Drive
Desktop Enhancements: Exclusive AlienGUIse Theme Manager
I just wanted some help from this forum because I can't get my external speaker setup correctly. I have a Klipsch 4.1 analog (4 speakers and 1 subwoofer). It has two connectors, one for the front set of speakers and the other for the rear speakers. Unfortunately, the realtek software for the intel audio doesn't recognize more than a 2 speaker setup. Alienware wants me to reinstall my OS, but there's no way I'm doing that (don't have the time or patience). I wanted to buy an Audigy2 ZX, but this laptop doesn't have a PCMCIA slot. Maybe I can buy the Audigy2 NX? What's the experience of others out there?
Thanks for your help.
-Red
Answer:
Re: Alienware m5750 and speaker/subwoofer setup
I have a PCMCIA Audigy 2 ZS but, like you said, the Core2Duo series of Alienwares don't support the PCMCIA platform. The PCMCIA is the only "card" you can insert into the notebook. The NX is not available in the US unless you pay BIG* bucks. External *IS the way to go at this point for you. Take a look at finding a Sound Blaster Extigy from Creative Labs. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find it, but it is there somewhere. I understand that it is really good. :)
Answer:
Re: Alienware m5750 and speaker/subwoofer setup
Hi. Thanks for your reply. The SB Extigy is the older version of their external sound card. The NX is the newer version. I was able to find the NX at tigerdirect.com, compusa.com, and even amazon.com for ~US$50.
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Labs-...333741?ie=UTF8
It sounds great!
-Red
Answer:
Re: Alienware m5750 and speaker/subwoofer setup
I tested the Area-51 m5550 a while ago and found the internal audio to be excellent. Wait until you get the notebook and try out the audio before you go and buy a card. You might not need to. ;)
Answer:
Re: Alienware m5750 and speaker/subwoofer setup
Unfortunately I spent 3 hours with AW technical support, and they wanted me to reinstall my OS to get a 4.1 speaker setup to work. I'm not sure if everyone else wants 4.1 or 5.1 setup on their laptop. I said no thanks to the OS change, and just went out and bouth an external SB card.
-Red