Forum Discussion

sephroth's avatar
sephroth
Explorer
9 years ago

Alienware 17 R4 w/1070

I just picked up an Alienware 17 R4 with the 1070 card and the QHD 120hrz gysnc display. All I can say is DAMN! This laptop is a monster! I was able to get a 10 with the SteamVR performace tool. I still have to try this thing out with The Climb, but so far nothing else even gets noticed. The only downside is there are only 2x USB 3.0 ports, but there are 2 USB-C ports, one of which is Thunderbolt 3 compatible. I have a powered Thunderbolt 3 4 way USB 3.0 splitter on its way to try out. 

Anyway, now it is much easier to bring the rift and touch to other places for more people to try out!

8 Replies

  • xWandererx's avatar
    xWandererx
    Heroic Explorer
    9 years ago
    Now the only problem you have is tripping over 2 camera cables instead of 1 headset cable - you Were gonna strap it in a backpack.....wernt you ? :)
  • zboson's avatar
    zboson
    Superstar
    9 years ago
    I recently got an Alienware 13 R3 with a GTX 1060.  It works great with the CV1 and Touch (though I need  two USB Type-C to Type-A converters).  The OLED screen is awesome. I finally got to try Touch after nearly a month but sadly I am two busy to try it again for another two weeks.
  • sephroth's avatar
    sephroth
    Explorer
    9 years ago
    I should get my powered USB-C(Thunderbolt 3) adapter tomorrow. I'll try it out with the Touch tomorrow. If it works I'll let you know, it was only $40 on Amazon. 

    The display is pretty nice, even now as I'm typing this I'm amazed at how bright the display is at 75% brightness. 
  • zboson's avatar
    zboson
    Superstar
    9 years ago
    I used a Dell Dock WD15 connected to the USB Type-C (Thuderbolt 3) port on the back of the Alienware 13 R3. This gave me several port USB Type-A ports. This worked fine with Rift+sensors+xbox.  The only problem is that I can't charge the Alienware 13 through the USB Type-C port which means  I need two power supplies which is quite annoying (one for the computer and one for the docking station).
  • sephroth's avatar
    sephroth
    Explorer
    9 years ago
    So the USB hub I ordered didn't work. Couldn't even provide enough for the two sensors while powered. So back to Amazon it go's. I'm probably going to end up with the Targus 4k hub as it has Thunderbolt, it is powered, and it gives 6 USB 3.0 ports. Even if I can just get 2 sensors to work, it shouldn't be an issue to add my mouse, Logitech headphones, and xbox adapter to it. Should still leave me with 1 USB 3.0 and a USB C connector on the laptop for later. 
  • zboson's avatar
    zboson
    Superstar
    9 years ago
    @sephroth

    Why don't you go with the Dell Dock WD15? It's cheaper and I already told you that I know that it works with the Rift (at least it works for me). I read up on charging. The Alieneware Laptops (at least since R3) need more power than can be provided through USB-C currently.
  • sephroth's avatar
    sephroth
    Explorer
    9 years ago
    @zboson

    I want to try the Targus because I need the USB ports. I want to get another hotas soon, that will be at least two more USB ports, if not three. Plus at least two for the rift, plus one for my headset. Elite dangerous will need 5-6 USB ports for me.
  • CrazySinnester's avatar
    CrazySinnester
    Honored Guest
    8 years ago
    Can anyone confirm that the dell wd15 works with 3 sensors, the rift HMD all connected to it that it reads fine on a alienware 17 r4, as I have tried many usb c hubs all cause problems the minute I try to connect the HMD usb cable sensors flickering to resources not available messages all while plugged into the back thunderbolt 3 plug