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    A02 bios is not the solution. Proof inside

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by starrk, Mar 1, 2015.

  1. starrk

    starrk Notebook Consultant

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    A02 does improve performance, however it's not a fix. Here's the real world proof:

    Real world example. With desktop mode disabled, standard charge set in bios (express off), A02 bios, and 180 watt PSU, my system can't keep the battery charged up while gaming. It's literally sucking more juice down than it's taking in. Last night I gamed for a few hours with the above settings. Battery drained down to around 65%. I also noticed a number of drops in fps, so I suspect this is where the 180W PSU is struggling to both charge the battery and feed the system, and the battery is draining trying to supplement the weak PSU. I haven't tried express charge in bios yet to see if this will keep the battery topped off...but that's a poor choice anyway given the extreme punishment that will put the non-removable battery through.

    The A02 bios really is a band aid for this problem. Only the larger PSU will actually resolve it.
     
    starrk, Mar 1, 2015
    #1
  2. MSGaldenzi

    MSGaldenzi Notebook Deity

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    AW 13? Broadwell or haswell?
     
    MSGaldenzi, Mar 1, 2015
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  3. Game7a1

    Game7a1 ?

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    Neither. the Aw13 does not use Hybrid Power Technology since it has a big enough PSU.
     
    Game7a1, Mar 1, 2015
    #3
  4. MSGaldenzi

    MSGaldenzi Notebook Deity

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    Thanks. I just noticed that the AW 13 had a02 available and was wondering if OP was talking about that one.
     
    MSGaldenzi, Mar 1, 2015
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  5. jivemaster

    jivemaster Notebook Consultant

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    Hi Starrk, this is what I'm experiencing too. However my aggravation with this is not necessarily with the hybrid power tech, but with the fact that it doesn't always kick in. It seems almost random when it's running and when it isn't. And when it isn't, things throttle down resulting in a bunch less frames.

    They should have just shipped the unit with the 240W adapter and it would all be a non issue.
     
    jivemaster, Mar 1, 2015
    #5
  6. bnosam

    bnosam Notebook Evangelist

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    Only offering a 240 PSU to some saves $$$$$$ Plus dead batteries that won't charge = $$$$
     
    bnosam, Mar 1, 2015
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  7. Splintah

    Splintah Notebook Deity

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    Would A00 bios still cause throttling if used with a larger PSU? I want to avoid A02 all together I believe it may be causing blue screens
     
    Splintah, Mar 2, 2015
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  8. Splintah

    Splintah Notebook Deity

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    I still get 8400 firestrike score with A00 and 180 watt power supply btw
     
    Splintah, Mar 2, 2015
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  9. Kirenaj

    Kirenaj Notebook Consultant

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    I think thats OK.
     
    Kirenaj, Mar 2, 2015
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  10. Red Pyr4mid

    Red Pyr4mid Notebook Geek

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    I'm also curious about this, being part of the AW17 owners club tomorrow :)
     
    Red Pyr4mid, Mar 3, 2015
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  11. Game7a1

    Game7a1 ?

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    I think we confirmed no on the throttling with a bigger PSU.
     
    Game7a1, Mar 3, 2015
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  12. Splintah

    Splintah Notebook Deity

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    Thank you, I was pretty sure it was no but I've read so much on it that I confused myself.
     
    Splintah, Mar 3, 2015
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  13. knightp25

    knightp25 Notebook Consultant

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    Give them some time im sure there will be another release soon, that will correct the issue, plus provide more improvements


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    knightp25, Mar 3, 2015
    #13