The previous model provided the ability to run at stock speeds or at a set CPU overclock of 1.73GHz, but with nothing in-between there was little scope for tweaking. Overclocking remains an intrinsic part of the Alienware’s appeal. The previous model with its Core 2 Duo SU4100 overclocked to 1.73GHz managed just 0.85 in our benchmarks the Core i5 cruised to 1.10 at stock speed. TurboBoost is capable of shunting the processor up to a maximum of 1.86GHz and, while it’s a mere dual-core processor, those two physical cores are accompanied by virtual Hyper-Threaded cores allowing up to four processing threads at once. Dump the SSD and you’ll save £505 right away more than enough to afford the £180 upgrade to the 1.2GHz Core i7-640UM.Ī processor rated at a mere 1.06GHz might sound like a return to the days of the Pentium III, but the Core i5-520UM has all the usual tricks up its sleeve. Our review unit came with the more affordable 1.06GHz Core i5-520UM, 4GB of RAM and a stupidly overpriced Samsung 256GB SSD. Where Nvidia’s Optimus adds some finesse to the proceedings, Intel’s Core i5 and i7 ULV processors add a bit of brawn. Fire up Microsoft Word, and Intel takes the lead. Fire up a game, and the GT335 leaps into action. It’s Optimus that now allows the M11x R2 to switch seamlessly and automatically between the power-frugal Intel HD graphics and the power-hungry Nvidia GT335 chipset. As a laptop destined to lead dual lives – one-half energy-efficient ultraportable and one-half mighty gaming pipsqueak – Nvidia’s Optimus makes the perfect partner.

Alienware intel core 2 duo 2.4 ghz