Is the Alienware m17x worth it?

My question is to whether or not it is worth getting the Alienware M17x, I would be upgrading the CPU from the i7 2630qm to the 2720qm. I need the extra speed for running Dolphin and 3ds Max. Does anyone know if the price of the M17x is worth it? I would also like to upgrade RAM as well but that is more money out of my wallet. Is it cheaper to buy the laptop then upgrade the RAM myself? Can anyone think of a less expensive alternative to the Alienware altogether? I thought about Asus however the upgrade to the 2720qm is $400 dollars. Is that a freakin joke? jeez asus, that is a steep upgrade price. Any advice would be appreciated.