[Alienware 17R4 / 15R3] - Disassembly + Repaste Guide + Results

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Does anybody use liquid metal on there PCH? Then heatsink

 

iUnlock said not to bother with LM on PCH but if you do make sure to tape it and that your heatsink is not aluminum.

 

Thanks for info stripped laptop down placed a new large aluminium heatsink on after sanding down with just some mx4 as that's what I have, running stress tests as we speak let you know soon looks way better already tho

 

Good to hear, please post your results after.

 

Hi,
if the foam was on a PSU box, that stuff is too thick. I've seen that stuff. You need foam from smaller boxes. This type of foam will compress to literally MICROMETERS. If you don't have it, go to a hardware or crafts store.

 

I did end up getting a small sheet of foam that did compress well but once again it didn't work so I tossed it. The next day I tried PSU foam yet again but made it even thinner and cut the square even larger. Its working perfectly now.

The problem was that I had the foam to close to the cpu/gpu, I had to make a wide opening.

really wide

 

Hmm, realizing I was only getting good temps (max cpu 75, gpu 68) when the system's back is raised (not even that much, about 1/2 inch)... when flat on a desk the temps go upwards to cpu 90 and gpu 85! This is playing Witcher 3 max 4k.

CPU is very balanced with only 1c difference when hitting both 75 and 90c.

Are people getting sub 80c temps for cpu when the laptop is flat on a desk with no outside assistance (such as coolers, raising the back, etc.)?

 

After a repad, repaste, rebalance of heatsink. I do not go higher then 78c flat on a desk. I will test again.


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Late reply, sorry.
So... I tried your guide. Let me start off saying I have an i7-4710HQ and an GTX 970M. The CPU is supposed to boost to 3.5ghz, but it's really 3.3ghz. I have to downclock it to 2.9ghz using XTU to avoid current and power throttling. This isn't a big deal, but I've looked into it.. and it's a common problem with the Alienware 17 R2 power.

Anyways... trying your guide really quite scares and confuses me. My CPU temps don't reach above 82C and GPU not above 63C. Though, using aida64 FPU + heaven, XTU and Throttlestop say I'm thermal throttling though Aida64 doesn't. I am throttling or something since speeds drop even though I have it set to max performance and everything.
I'm so concerned though... why is it thermal throttling?

PS: If GPU temps are low... is there any harm in overclocking? I've heard people say not to OC GPU since mobile GPUs burn out or something.. but maybe thats from temps?

 

Thermal throttling can happen although your cpu don't reach throttling temp. OEMs put in different types throttling algorithms in their cancer firmware (for more than the cpu/gpu). Could be VRM's or even PCH temp who reach their max temp limits. Not easy find out as not all components on the MB will show you the (max) temp in software like Hwinfo or similar.
FYI 4710hq maximum Turbo Boost is 3.3 GHz (for 4 active cores). Multi threaded application like Cpu tests as Aida64 use all 4 cores.

 

What do I do about the throttling?
Should I be worried? I'm quite concerned.
I know it's 3.3ghz on 4 core applications, that's what I was meaning to say,

 

Forgot to mention.
It shows the GPU and CPU thermal throttling.

 

You should have replaced your AW with a working laptop when you had time(RMA). Not much you can do now. But talk with @judal57 as he have first gen AW "Echo" models (Haswell chipset and Maxwell graphics). He can show you a few mods. Even @VICKYGAMEBOY should manage to help you.

 

I never had a chance to RMA it since I bought it used for about $350. A really nice price. I really don't know what to do... even if I message these people, what could they do to help?

 

I'm on a small phone and not easy to point you in right directions. But mentioned tagged have done a few cooling mods who may help. + use of ThrottleStop (uncheck BD PROCHOT). Search up their post or wait for response. Maybe bruh @Vasudev can push you in right direction.

 

I guess I'll just wait... I've only seen this when I've done heaven + aida.
Unchecking BD PROCHOT would allow to fry wouldn't it?

Also, how safe is overclocking the 970m?

 

Uncheck BD PROCHOT doesn't disable Intel's own security for the chips. Regarding Oc graphics... Don't use too high voltage (if you have mod vBios) and be sure you don't run the graphics with all too high temp. Never run your graphics on temp near the throttling point. All too High voltage - temp will decrease the lifespan and in the end kill the chips. This applies both for cpu and the graphics.

 

Wait wait wait... if it doesn't disable Intel's.. then why does it exist? Thanks so much for all the help btw.
I didn't plan on using any extra voltage for GPU and I would keep temp below 75-80C... so it's fine to overclock then? Basically no risk as long as no voltage and temps are cool?

 

I told you in previous post that OEMs put in throttling algorithms for more components than the pure cpu. Re-read previous posts. Some OEMs put more restrictive limits than others. Less RMA and less cost for the OEMs, but you get more crippled hardware!! Aka throttling start sooner than you expect. Give good thanks to Dellienware for the throttling mess!!

75-80-85c is ok for Maxwell graphics. But try hold lowest possible temp. Regardless if you Oc your graphics or not. I expect you will reach the max Oc limits for your graphics due not enough voltage before you get a problem with the heat. And don't forget, you can't see max temp for all the other components on the graphics. Only for the graphics core.

 

Any tips for 13 R3 besides repaste?

 

Undervolt with Trottlestop and elevate the back of the laptop.
Also mod the PCH if you're going to open the machine anyways.

 

Well... I tried disabling BD PROCHOT, and it stopped the throttling. Something I've noticed while benchmarking though, is heaven will stutter after awhile and even freeze from time to time with aida64 running.
Is this normal?
I may just keep BD enabled for safety and I don't run into this issue unless I'm testing like this.

 

What size aluminum fin did you use?

 

Dell's firmware or BIOS throttles when CPU hits 95C and PCH at 85C sustained loads.
You can ask @judal57 for custom fan curve in HWINFO.
IIRC, @judal57 told me that he can OC to 4GHz but it gives off so much waste heat that OC'ing isn't viable, so he set all cores to run at 3.1GHz. Maybe you can try the same using ThrottleStop to use 30x multipliers, uncheck TDP level controls. Also lift the back of the PC using engineering scale or a stand or a cooler.

 

The CPU doesn't hit 95C and the PCH doesn't hit 85C...
I don't need a custom fan curve as the one I have is good.
I tried setting all cores to 3.0ghz which is what I wanted, but it power throttles. I can fix this by increasing the turbo boost power max from 47w to 58w so that it matches the turbo boost short power max, but I have no idea how safe this is.

 

Unchecking TDP levels even safe?

 

don't worry its safe, BTW I was talking about TDP control found in TPL settings. Uncheck Clamp option too.

 

I just built a custom laptop cooling pad for the 17, if anybody is interested feel free to ask me for specs.

My PCH when on MAX doesn't go above 50 degrees that's after 1 hour on system stress testing.

GTX 1080 never over 60 degrees @ 190 watts.

Overall pretty chuffed - on a fan controller 2 to adjust volumes...

 

It's hard to get the things I need for the repaste in the country I am in,a friend is visiting shortly so am Amazonign what I need to them. I decided to go with Kryonaut as it's lower risk than LM.
-The thicknesses of the thermal pads: have the recommended thicknesses changed? vs OP? just want to get the right pads ordered. I have been through many pages and can't see a change.

AW 17R4 GTX 1070 i7-6700HQ
Fujipoly 11.0 W/mK
1 (100x15x0.5)
2 (100x15x1.0)

Since I'm using paste are there areas where using paste is preferable vs pads?
Any observations from the temps below?

Many thanks, and thanks to all the people who have been taking time to help others.

I posted a while ago in this thread with my heat issues and CPU performance mode helped somewhat but after an hour of gaming with the rear raised I still hit 100 degrees, thermal throttling constantly.





Idle is around 38

 

This is an important question, to set the correct baseline and expectation. And it doesn't seem to be mentioned very often.

Are people reporting temps with the back raised or on a laptop cooler, or is it sitting flat on a desk?

There is a HUGE difference in temps for me, -15c on core and -20c on GPU, if I raise the back. I'm on the verge of sending my system back for replacement mb/heatsink, but it would be a waste of time and money if it won't improve anything. I've already repasted repadded.

 

Yeah that was puzzling me as well, but some seem to be getting sub 80c temps for CPU and sub 70c for GPU with the system FLAT ON DESK...

On 100% load on CPU and GPU for at least 1 hour+, I can only get those kind of temps when my system is raised. I too have a staggering difference of -15c for cpu and -20c on gpu if I raise the back.

Which also makes me wonder what kind of testing people are doing to get temps. Battlefield 1/Witcher 3 at uncapped FPS and maxed settings to fully utilize 100% load in sustained 1-2 hours of gameplay is different than playing Overwatch for 30 min. I think.

 

Here's a 40 minute Aida64 run on an old laptop cooler, no OC, and -.120 undervolt. It still can't hold turbo boost, likely due to PCH temps, but overall the CPU/GPU temps are fantastic at 76c/70c. This is with Kryonaut and 11w/mk fujipoly. Without the laptop cooler, cpu/gpu temps are 90c+/88c with the same settings.

I can't believe an old 14" Zalman laptop cooler I was using with m14xR2 can make such a huge difference, because it did NOTHING for that computer.

I still can't decide if I should send the laptop for a MB/heatsink replacement, that will take at least 5 weeks for me because I'm overseas...



Edit:

Running Deux Ex for 30 minutes, temps didn't go over 72c on CPU and 68c on GPU. Before repaste/repad and sitting flat on the desk, my 17R4 would crash within 15 minutes after hitting 96c+.

If most of the people are reporting their sub 80c temps while running on a laptop cooler or raised rear, I would say my repaste/repad was absolutely successful. We need more data...

 

Rather put up Aida64 like this. I'm sure you will see higher temp than abowe.

 

CPU temp was the same, and GPU temp was actually cooler by 2c. I already had FPU ticked on my previous test.

 

Probably because the chips can't exceed max allowed 45w TDP. With unlocked Power settings I'm sure the temp would increase further. BTW How high was the clockspeed?

 

The only way someone is getting sub 80c on the CPU after an hour is if it's 7700hq. After repaste repad, balanced heatsink - I get 81c after 30-45 minutes flat on desk in overwatch. The benchmark tests would be higher I would think since they are not realistic. Unless the CPU is throttling. And if we aren't talking max temps my averages are well within the ranges you speak with spikes into those temps, once or so.

@iunlock want to chime in here?


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+1, I'm wondering if @iunlock ran any tests while lifted/flat.

I'm just looking for a benchmark to go against, to see if my repaste was successful or I need to send it in to replace mb/heatsink.

 

I can test what you want me to test.

11 minute aida64 gpu and fpu temps never more then 81/82 ish on max temps.


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@iunlock thx 4 your guide. Repasted my Alienware with 7820HK and GTX1080 with thermal grizzly conductonaut and also changed thermal pads for grizzly minus pads, but didn t do PCH mode. After that temperature didn t change at all! I had 83* CPU and 80 GPU in watchdogs 2 and now I have 81* CPU and 79 GPU. Could you tell what can be reason for this?

 

I would assume your heatsink was balanced if you had those temps out of the box, LM should have made little more improvement then that. 81c CPU flat on desk gaming I would say is pretty standard after repad repaste. Not sure if the Demands of that game.


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Post the Individual core temps please.
The "CPU temp" that is reported is ALWAYS the temp of the HIGHEST core.

You could get 64/65/73/80 and it would be reported as 80.

 

I know, I just said 83 to be short. Really the temperature was 85, 79, 82,83.

Thx 4 your response. Maybe I have to balance HS more( Was really encouraged with 50* CPU and GPU in overwatch by ionlock, but got only 70* by my self. What is the best way to balance HS? I was guiding only by prints on thermal pads and they were not very clear) And PCH mode drops only temperature of PCH or also affect CPU or GPU?

 

Ok looks like I was wrong about the temp then. At least on MSI boards, the CPU temp is the temp of the hottest core.
You definitely need more pressure or a more even mount. You have a 6C core difference. You want to aim for 4C or lower. It's extremely difficult to get really good temps on Alienwares without a professional modder doing it for you properly, because the unbalanced Tripod is really a pain. One reason why IC diamond is recommended on tripod heatsinks. You can also try Phobya Nanogrease Extreme as it's thicker than Kryonaut, which helps worse fitting heatsinks. But before you spend more money, experiment with what you have first.

 

50
CPU is probably with elevated back for one... two your CPU only hit 70 in overwatch? I hit 81 max.. we are talking max CPU here not averages (which are far more important). 81 max is flat on desk.


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I don't see where he gets 50c max. His temps are with elevated back not flat on desk. Here are his temps in post one.

I would say 65c elevated is probably the same as 81 flat on desk.




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Hi Guys

If anyone in the UK, more specifically in London needs help with re pasting and re padding their alienware by a professional please let me know, i have a lot of experience with these laptops as i have worked on over 50 of them and even have the job sheets to prove it. So yeh, if you want to know want to know anything else or are interested pm me.

Cheers

 

No, you were right, I just told average temp between 4 cores and called it CPU temp) Ok, ten it try to balance HS at first using conduonat.

I was talking about averages, I have avarege in overwatch all around 70s GPU, CPU and pch flat on desk after repasting.

In iolock guide I so stock temperatures CPU 81, 73, 79, 72 and 62 GPU (I suppose flat on desk)
And after repasting CPU 54 53 56 55 and GPU 56. I assumed that it was also flat on desk. So it was a lot of sense in repasting. If you are right and second results are with elevated back, than elevated back is more important then repasting by the way, any cooler pad must be even better then simple elevating or not?

 

For one all the pictures at the start of this guide are with the 6820hk. Here is the stock one.

I don't see any stock temps hitting that low while gaming in overwatch. I would say stock mine where low and that was 91-92 on a 7820hk. To hit 54-55 on the CPU while gaming I would say is not possible in overwatch even with he back elevated. With elevated back and repad repaste I would say mid
To low 60's is good. I think mine hits around 62. With 1" gap. Flat on desk I hit 81 gaming after about 45 minutes and never go above that even after two hours.

There are a lot of temps in this thread, some 6820hk some flat on desk others elevated.

I hope this helps. Post details on your cores and testing methods and I am sure others can help validate.

I actually had @iunlock work on my system.

I would say overwatch is a good test for stressing entire package in real world applications. Adia64 you can always make temps high even with repad and repaste if I clock to 4.2 and flat on desk I can get temps to 91c while having throttle stop running. However it doesn't thermal throttle.


Edit---- just noticed you are talking average temps. They are very subject I found it easier to baseline off
Max temps and try to improve there. Average can be skewed if the test is stopped then waiting a few Minutes before checking avg. temps.

I would say the averages cannot be flat on a desk for overwatch. I average in the 70s. Peaks only hit 81.


Edit 2---- important to note that is max fans from bios too.


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If those temps are flat on desk, that's amazing. Are you in Siberia with no heater?

 

I finally got around to repasting and repasting my 17 R4. It's my first time tearing into this chassis and I'm very supposed how easy it is. I really do hate how you have to take out the motherboard to get the fans unplugged; that was a terrible design. Other than that, I find it very easy to work on. I had an M18X R2 previously and upgraded the hell out of it. I know I can't do much with my 17, but I'm content now. I don't mind it not being upgradeable as long as it's working. For reference I've got a 7820HK & 1080 GTX.

I picked up some Fujipoly pads, Conductonaut, and a heatsink for my PCH (actually 10 as I couldn't find just one for purchase). Although I did buy 3 cuts of both 1 and .5mm pads, I found I only needed 2, so I've got some spares in case I need to replace any in the future.

As far as the Conductonaut goes, it went on pretty smoothly on the GOU die and the heatsink, but I did have some issues with the CPU die. For some reason it just seemed to not want to adhere on one spot. I finally got a consistent amount to stick, but I'm not feeling fully confident. I did clean the hell out of both dies with alcohol, but perhaps I wasn't as thorough on the CPU. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on temps and repaste if I need to.

I will say that I am very happy with the results I have. On stock clocks I am not seeing temps above 68 (that was max temp and only hit that for a sec), my average temps were in the lower 50s. I am seeing temps in the low 80s on the stage 3 OC (BIOS), but it's a hell of a lot better than seeing 100 on stock clocks.

Note: I did just get a BSOD while running ArcheAge on the stage 3 OC. Temps didn't go above 83, but I still find it strange. The BSOD did say Memory Management, but I've ran the memory diagnostics and it didn't have any fails. Hopefully it's just a fluke or I just need to reseat my RAM sticks.