Aurora with GTX 780 timeline?

Question

I've decided to upgrade my 3 year old Alienware, but with the recent release of the GTX 780, I'd really like that video card in it (or two, rather). But I can't seem to find anything about an expected release of the 780. Last time I got an Alienware, I ended up having to swap the video cards a few months later, as I was right on the tail end of a generation there.

Anyone have news on when we might see the GTX 780 offered?

Tesla1856 · Answer

They appear to be in-stock at Newegg www.newegg.com/.../ProductList.aspx

RobertYork · Answer

I saw that, which is why I was curious.

Last time I researched a computer was several years ago, and back then, Alienware was often the first to carry new video cards upon release. Sometimes well before they were generally available, so I was a bit confused when I saw them on sale, but not available in an Alienware. Back in those days, I also had run into a problem of compatibility with some components on my computer (I think it was a Dell XPS at the time). So, to avoid all that, I would rather just buy the system with the video card I want.

My other option of course, is to buy it with some cheap card and replace the video cards after I got it. But that seems a bit wasteful.

Alienware-L_Por · Answer

The best way to go would be to wait until it is officially released and upgrade it.

Tesla1856 · Answer

1. I would rather just buy the system with the video card I want.

2. My other option of course, is to buy it with some cheap card and replace the video cards after I got it. But that seems a bit wasteful.

1. That's what I usually do also (the best offered or one step down from the extreme card). It's easier, and the tech class and warranty matches the rest of the system. The Cons are that some OEM cards are sometimes slightly downgraded (clock-speed, etc.), and retail cards like XFX or eVGA have lifetime warranties. Video cards do have a tendency to fail (after being hammered for several years straight).

2. This used to be an option (and still is if you are lucky). It seems that since about a year or so ago, installing a retail video card in a Dell, XPS, or Alienware is a roll-of-the-dice. Seems the compatibility problems started around the time things like PCIe-v3.0, UEFI, and Secure Boot were introduced.

As for your actual question ... I've always thought Dell kinda drags behind. I always attributed that to them needing to get their OEM "Reference Design" cards sourced, built, and validated .

RobertYork · Answer

So to sum up: Yes, I want to wait until Alienware sells a system with the GTX 780 on it. However, I don't want to wait -that- long. I'm impatient. At some point I may just try and get a 780 to put into my current system if it takes too long.

Was anyone paying close attention to how long it took to get the 680 or 690 on an Alienware from when it was released to the public?

Any ideas if this E3 announcement may hold some new desktop hardware toys (which I would hope would include the latest video card offerings)?

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Aurora with GTX 780 timeline?

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