Gaming Laptops 2011: Asus G74SX vs. Alienware m17x R3

Let's start with how they are similar. They both offer 17 inch screens and both systems include the latest Sandy Bridge quad-core Intel Core i7 or i5 processors, but Alienware offers the ability to customize your processor to your specific needs, whereas Asus has a number of pre-configured models on the market.

Each computer has four USB ports and top-of-the-line ATI Mobility Radeon HD or Nvidia GeForce GTX graphic cards. Equally, both computers offer a maximum of 8 gigabytes of RAM so you won't have to worry about running out of system memory any time soon. The main difference here is that Asus ships its G74 with 8GB of RAM pre-installed. As a result, equipping the Alienware with 8GB is more expensive.

You will be able to burn DVDs with both computers, as each one comes equipped with a DVDR burner, but as an additional feature on the Alienware computer you can opt to include a Blu-ray combo or Blu-ray burner as well. While you're gaming you can enjoy the built in speakers offered by each of the computers but integrated in the Asus computer is also a built-in subwoofer. That's about where similarities end with these two great computers.

Are you interested in the differences between the two power house gaming machines? There are many differences that set these two computers apart and make them completely unique. Asus sports an 8-cell 14.6v battery while Alienware comes equipped with a 9-cell lithium-ion battery, both ensuring a reasonable amount of battery life, but while you play games you cannot expect the battery to last any length of time anyway.

Each computer comes with Windows 7 Home Premium preinstalled, but once again Alienware allows you to customize your operating system and offers Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate. Mutually, both computers come in a sleek black design that everyone will envy, but as far as your vanity is concerned, Alienware outshines Asus with the capability to customize the color scheme of your laptop's keyboard and other features. Furthermore, it is available in lunar silver, space black, and nebula red, so your new Alienware is sure to be eye-catching.

Each color option includes the matching illuminated keyboard, so your keys will stand out against the crowd, ensuring you have the most popular laptop around. Another interesting option on the Alienware laptop is a customizable, laser-engraved name plate. However, Asus also includes a custom backpack and a gaming mouse.

The G74SX comes with an Nvidia GTX 560M, while the Aliensware can be equipped with either an Nvidia GTX 460M including a 3D Vision kit, or a choice of AMD GPUs (with no 3D support) - the Mobility Radeon 6870M or the 6970M. The Mobility Radeon 6970M is hands-down the most powerful graphics card of the bunch.

Either computer you chose is sure to be an exceptionally fast and an envy point from all your friends and gamers. You will have the strongest and fastest computer around which will ensure your gaming experience for years to come. Whether you want sheer power or power and customizable features, these two computers are sure to catch everyone's eye.