*OFFICIAL* Alienware "Graphics Amplifier" Owner's Lounge and Benchmark Thread (All 13, 15 and 17)

hmmm pretty powerful laptop

 

I am using Silverstone SFX-L power supply (SX500G). It is small enough to fit in there and close the GA. But its gonna require a bit of ingenuity to securely mount it. I'm thinking I will need 6-32 1.5" standoffs in conjunction with the supplied SFX to ATX bracket, and a right angle power cable. Might need to put something underneath to remove the stress in the standoffs.

 

Hey All,
I bought just bought an X51 R3 -- The liquid cooled without optical drive, Windows 10, 16G RAM, i7-6700K. The best graphics card option with this PC is a little sad - so I decided to go with the Graphics Amplifier. For those interested I went with the small tower because I do travel semi-often and want to be able to take it with me easily if I desire. It might actually be less cumbersome than the M18x R2 it is replacing!

So I just ordered:

• Dell 27-inch S2716DG
• The Graphics Amplifier
• gtx 980 ti EVGA classified

I am hoping this will give me a excellent setup at home and a fairly mobile PC I can toss in the back of the car. Not a ton of information out there are people using X51 R3 with graphics amp - only draw back I have seen so far is no option for SLI. I might want a 980 ti on water or something but I am hesitant because I don't have any hands on experience with the graphics amp yet.

I will post my benchmarks once my graphics amp arrives...dell estimates I will have it beginning of January - that seems ridiculously long...hoping to get it sooner.

 

I have the same setup with the 980ti, you will be happy as it works very well. I also got that new monitor last week, 1440P is really nice on a 27 and 144hz is a god send, not a huge fan of G sync but it is nice to have that capability I suppose.

 

Hi Micheal, welcome to NBR

 

Thanks for the welcome! I am really looking forward to getting everything setup! Glad to hear of someone else who is happy with this setup.

I made the mistake of ordering the GA after everything else. I ordered it Dec 1 and it has an estimated arrival date of Jan 4 .... that seems like a ridiculously long time to wait.

 

I do have one question has anyone tried using the graphics amplifier for anything other than a GPU? I have a 10Gbps direct line to my home network and file server and am wondering if i'll be able to drop a 10gig nic in and go. Part of me thinks that it should work as its simply a PCIe slot through a cable but maybe alienware locked it for GPU or has some other protocol blocking its use from other peripherals.

 

You might have a better experience using TB3 for getting 10Gb/sec ethernet into your laptop:

ThunderLink NS 1101 (SFP+)
10Gb/s Thunderbolt™ (2-port) to 10GbE (1-Port) Desklink Device (includes SFP )
https://www.attotech.com/products/product.php?scat=32&sku=TLNS-1101-D00

"The ATTO ThunderLink NS 1101 acts as an external Thunderbolt to 10GbE adapter, connecting all-in-one systems and laptops to 10Gb/s Ethernet storage devices. ThunderLink 10GbE, with support for link aggregation and failover, offer redundancy and high availability for critical network applications. With 10Gb/s data transfer rates and multiple offloads (TCP, IPv4, UDP), Ethernet Desklink devices are the premier connectivity choice for bandwidth-intensive applications such as data back-up and restoration, clustered computing, IP content delivery, medical imaging, and video rendering. With multi-core processors driving the need for higher bandwidth, ThunderLink 10GbE delivers superior throughput to meet that need."

 

This actually worked for me , unfortunately you need the graphics amp but none the less i can record my desktop using shadow play!

 

I have a quick question i want to pick up a graphics amplifier. I was told the gtx 970 has better performance than a gtx 980. anyone have any benchmarks or info on this

 

The 980 is faster then then 970 if comparing apples to apples, a highly overclocked 970 can be as fast as a 980 at stock specs but the 970 still lacks in the V-ram etc. With that said I feel the 970 is a better deal at its price point and If I wanted more then what a 970 can give I would skip the 980 and go straight to a 980ti which is similar in performance to a 970sli setup, the 980ti is a very solid single card setup.Really it all depends on your needs and your budget, All are solid cards you can't really go wrong with.

 

Thanks for the info. I had seen some stuff like that but was hoping to figure something out that was a little cheaper as I already have tons of money invested in my network. I'll keep an eye out maybe the price on some of this stuff will come down. I'm hoping as time goes on that 10Gb/s will become more common and provide power users like myself more affordable toys to play with.

 

Can you use the Graphics Amplifier as a Docking Station with no card installed?

 

Yes. It'll just be recognized as a PCIe USB hub.

 

Can you use the AGA with non-GPU PCI-e cards? Like a SAN HBA? quad port gigabit NIC? or...better yet....a SAS RAID card?

 

It was reported much earlier in this thread, but while it may be possible, you won't be able to use a discrete GPU. I don't know how the laptop will deal with a non-GPU PCIe card (any glitches, for example), though, so if you are willing to, you could experiment and report back the results.

 

My 15" R2 just shipped today. When I get it I'll test with my sfp+ nic and see what happens. Crossing my fingers it works. I dont mind if it cant use the discrete card or not. I just need the ability to upload large chunks of data from time to time across my network. Most of the time I plan on having some sort of GPU in the amp. I'll probably just end up going with a basic GTX 980. A huge step up from the GTX 480 I have been using up to this point.

 

Hi guys!

I want to replace a noisy PSU in my amplifier. Any list of compatible models?
As far as I understand the biggest problem is where the power plug is placed.

 

I would make sure the noise your hearing isnt just the stupidly loud fan at the front, i replaced mine, and my AGA is silent

 

Hi Guys

I just locked in a deal for 150$ for the dell amplifier shipped.

I'm leaving the usa htough Jan 5th, and the EDD is for Jan 8th, even though it is in production now.

In your experience, how long has it stayed "in production" before shipping?

Thank you

 

Hello guys,

I'm planning to buy an Alienware 17 R3 with the graphics amplifier and I had a few questions before doing so:

Q1: Will I be able to switch between the onboard 980m and the GPU I put in the amplifier easily? (most probably 980ti)

Q2: Which 980ti's are compatible with the amplifier? I was planning on getting an asus strix, but I think it is too big, so I don't know which one to buy. Is there a recommended 980ti that works well with the amplifier without any problems? (especially ASUS, MSI, Zotac or Gigabyte. as I live in singapore, it's not easy to find EVGA)

Q3: I read people had problems with installing drivers on Windows 10 couple of months ago. Has there been a patch? Is it still problematic?

These are the cards that I am interested in, could someone possibly tell me which ones are compatible with AGA? Sadly and surprisingly Alienware customer support was unable to inform me on this.

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 Ti XTREME Gaming

MSI Computer GTX 980TI GAMING 6G

MSI Computer PCI-Express GTX 980TI LIGHTNING

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 Ti Overclocked 6GB GDDR5 PCiE

ZOTAC GeForce GTX 980 Ti ArcticStorm 6GB

ZOTAC GeForce GTX 980Ti AMP! Omega Edition


Thanks...

 

I had my order "expedited" and it still took a week or so for them to ship it. I would make arrangements for someone to receive it on your behalf and ship it to wherever you'll be after the 5th. If it does come early, great. If not, you're prepared.
Also, if you didn't get expedited shipping that could cause delays. I had mine shipped overnight and it still took two days in transit.

On the positive side $150 is a great deal. I got mine (Dell member purchase program) for $142 and couldn't believe my luck.

 

Thank you very much for your answer.

Well that sucks. Is there any 980 Ti that would actually fit in AGA?

Apparently Alienware was not really truthful when answering the question:

"Will the Alienware Graphics Amplifier support future generation graphics cards from NVIDIA and AMD?
Yes."

 

Any reference GTX 980 ti will fit. Some EVGA ACX GPUs will fit in the GA as well (such as this one), and the Gigabyte WF GTX 980 ti may fit just fine. Just because a cooling design doesn't fit in the GA doesn't mean it's not supported. It may mean that you'll be unable to close the GA.
To answer you other questions, the driver issues in Windows 10 haven't popped up as of late, and you can do seamless switching between the GTX 980m and GTX 980 ti.

 

Thank you very much for the informative answer.

Is there any way that I could somehow ask someone which specific GPU fits&works and which does not? Should I contact Alienware or the manufacturer of the GPU? I have tried to get this information by chat and phone support of Alienware and I couldn't get any answer.

I think Alienware should update the list of GPUs supported here: Alienware Graphics Amplifier FAQ

It has not been updated since Nov 2014 and does not have 980 Ti on it.

 

The list doesn't need to be updated because of the quote you mentioned. It certainly would be helpful, but it's not necessary. As well, Alienware doesn't even touch that FAQ anymore or any of the FAQs it has created. Not sure why.
Honestly, the best way to note which GPUs will work is to get the recommended dimensions of the GPU for the GA. Alienware may tell you (they would tell you the safest dimensions), but otherwise, those in the community will point you in the right direction. There was a notion on here to note which GPUs will fit, but I don't think we even started it.

 

To be honest, I think it definitely needs to be updated. AGA is an Alienware product specifically designed for the use of mobile gamers who are looking for desktop graphics performance on a laptop that they can carry around with them. This product's only purpose and function is for a gamer to increase graphics performance with an external GPU.

That being said, and as 980 Ti is one of the best GPUs on the market right now, Alienware should be able to provide the information to the customers who are considering to buy an Alienware product. I owned 2 Alienware laptops before this. I like Alienware. I already ordered my 17 with AGA yesterday. But not being able to get a straight answer from the AGA FAQ on Alienware's official webpage, or chat support (x2), or by phone seems just too amateur for Alienware and Dell.

I want to state this one more time. This product's only function is to hold a GPU inside. Without the GPU, it would be worthless. So one of the first questions of a potential customer would be "Which GPUs can I use with this product?". One of the first things I would do is to give the sales representatives a list of GPUs that actually fits and/or is supported. Because when I google this, I encountered so many different experiences and opinions, which was confusing. Alienware should be able to supply me with exact information, without me going into this much trouble and confusion.

Thank you

 

Hi guys, I have a problem. I bought Alienware 13 R2 recently, and found a graphics amplifier on eBay. I placed an EVGA GTX 970 4GB GTX FTW card into it, connected all cables, but when I turn on the laptop the amplifier does NOTHING. Just sits there. I tried pushing down the power test button, and it turns on then, but the second I let go the amplifier turns off again. What am I missing? Is it a faulty amplifier?? I tried to do some research but it's been rather fruitless. I apologize for my newbness, and would appreciate any advice.

 

Hi Guys,

I have been following and reading all the post since it was started. I have been using AW for years and have updated to the latest and greatest every year, except this one.

My current AW17 2013 version which i have updated from a flawed 880m to a 980m with modified drivers and its working great. I like the idea of the GA, but i have a feeling its a bit limited due to the constraints of the connection it uses. My question is what is the performance bump i would see getting a new AW15 or 17 and a GA with a 980ti installed?

The other thing that has put me off the new AW range is that the GPU are soldered to board and i would lose the ability to upgrade the internal gpu in the future.

Just looking for current users experiences

Thanks alot

Ian

 

Can you use the GA as a usb hub at the very least (remove the GPU in the GA). If not, then most likely there's something wrong with the GA's PSU.

 

Yeah, when I plug in keyboard/mouse into it, those work just fine. But it just doesn't turn on.

 

Hmm...
Try and reinstall the latest Alienware Command Center and the Graphics Amplifier Software (it's best to uninstall the current ones). As well, update to the latest BIOS for your laptop. All of these can be found on Dell's Support Site.

 

OK, I've done all that. Still no go....when I go to Command Center, it's as if the GA doesn't exist. And the unit stays turned off. But mouse/keyboard that are plugged into it are working just fine.

 

When the GA is connected to the laptop without a GPU, the laptop recognizes it as a PCIe USB Hub, not the GA. Thus, Command Center won't detect it. It's normal for this to happen, but what isn't is the GA not powering on with a GPU in it.
In other words, it works as USB Hub (and technically it is powered on), but the GA's PSU can't seem to power the GPU. I would ask for a replacement Graphics Amplifier.

 

I see...that's what I was afraid of. Thank you for trying to help me, I appreciate it!

 

Well decided to splurge on an aga and an msi 980ti. I hooked up everything and the system recognized the 980ti right away. First thing I did was run firestrike and the computer bsod. Now I everytime I try to start the computer with the 980ti installed it just restarts over and over again. If i take the card out and hook up the aga it turns on just fine. Any idea wtf happened?

 

What was the BSOD code?

 

Driver failure. I had so many driver issues with it. I was only able to play a game with it for maybe 10 minutes before it happened again. I have read all through this forum and tried everything people suggested. DDU the original drivers and install new ones etc. It was such a pain in the ass that I just turned it back in and got my 700 dollars back.

 

I have the 17 R3. Will the Oculus rift work with the Graphics amplifier on this laptop? I have done alot of research and everyone says it wont work with laptops, but the graphics amp is seperate? How will this work and has anyone tried it?

Thanks

 

Someone on AWA confirmed that the Oculus Rift works when connected to the Graphics Amp. After all, the OR will be connected directly to the desktop GPU.

 

This is good news. I have been concerned about this as I mainly bought this laptop to use Oculus in the future

Is there going to be a better Graphics amp coming? One that uses thunderbolt as this would have better bandwidth?

 

I wouldn't know, but I would assume no. Not in the near future.

 

Too many GTX 980ti cards out there. Which one should I buy for my GPU Amplifier? I'll be gaming on a 4K TV and the Oculus Rift. The Amplifier can't take any care more than 10.5" in length (I don't know about the width/thickness though)

ZOTAC GeForce GTX 980 Ti AMP! Extreme at $678
or
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 Ti Overclocked Windforce at $599 (overclocked and cheap = good, right?):
or
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 Ti G1 Gaming at $668
or
ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 980TI Overclocked at $670

 

I can confirm that Oculus rift does work with the GA, when the rift is connected to the GA. I think however, you also need an external monitor (not the OR) connected to the GA and have the external monitor as the main display. The rift no longer behaves like a secondary monitory. They only have direct mode now.

 

The zotac and asus won't allow the lid to be closed. They are too tall and the zotac protrudes past 2 slots in depth. The Gigabyte windforce and G1 gaming may have no issues with the lid. The EVGA cards (SC+, SC w/ ACX2.0 coolers) fit perfectly. If the height and depth of the 980ti is similiar to those EVGA cards, it should work. Length should be fine in nearly all cases.

 

Although TB3 is 40Gbps, 8Gbps is reserved for display port signals. So it actually only has 32Gbps, just like alienware GA. What remains to be seen is when using the laptops internal screen, whether TB3 egpu protocol allows the display signal going back to the laptop to be sent over those 8Gbps instead of the 32Gbps.

I wish TB3 came out earlier last year. The plug and play, slim connector and long cables, supposed interchangeability with other laptops is just very nice things to have vs the alienware GA.

 

Does anyone have Alienware 13 R2 benchmarks with the GPU Amplifier? I'm trying to figure out the Core i7-6500U's bottleneck limits with high-end desktop GPUs like the GTX 980ti

 

For those looking at Alienware Arena's Graphics Amplifier FAQ, I've updated the list of GPUs that work (no vendor specific things though except a mention for those with Hybrid Cooling solutions). I getting it through approval just to make sure everything is a-okay with Alienware.

 

Anyone else REALLY interested in the FireStrike numbers on a 980Ti in the new Razer enclosure vs the AGA?

My latest number is a 12.6K in Fire Strike on the 361.43 (stock clocks).