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

I haven't found this to be true at all even though many people keep saying it. Wasn't true with my 980Ti, nor my 1080 and not now with Titan X Pascal. FireStrike Ultra is right in line with what pro tests get.

Here is my result (6860) - 6700HQ, but Titan X at +250/+450:
http://www.3dmark.com/fs/9999091

And Guru3D (6774) keep in mind this is a 5960x, but Titan X is stock clock:
http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/nvidia-geforce-titan-x-pascal-review,25.html

I see no perf hit at all shifting from laptop display to card attached display. BIOS/AGA software/control center/Nvidia drivers all on todays current versions (as of 8/31/16)

 

I tried it today but unfortunately it didn't work either... Windows still reports problems with the driver as it seems not correct for this version of windows
Maybe the quite recent update of the AGA Software of the R2 models is the reason why it works for some without problems. I have an R1 with a 4710HQ and there is no recent update for the AGA software available...

 

Thinking of buying the PNY GTX 1070 from dell for my amp. I have about $150 gift card too. I had tried evga 970 and couldn't get it to work without crashing. So I sold it and got a radeon rx 470 for testing from fry's. It worked no problem but not really enough horse power for me. Is there any issues with the pny gtx 1070? I see there are two models or at least two prices on dell for it one looks to be FE and the other I haven't seen before. I currently have a 15 r2 with the 6700HQ and gtx 970m. I have a feeling the intel on-board video is messing things up when I try to go full screen also.

 

http://www.techradar.com/news/gamin...s-amplifier-to-be-a-one-hit-wonder--1327165/2
This is an interesting read (I linked the page that talks about the Graphics Amp).

 

I don't think you can go wrong with any FE version of the 1070. I have a zotac 1070 FE and it fits perfectly and has worked since the day it was installed. What do you mean by messing things up with full screen?

 

Guys, need your help please.

I can't get a 1070 to work on my Alienware Graphics Amp
it always says that"Windows failed to installed the driver for this hardware, or encountered a problem (something like that)"

So Far I have tried the following 1070:
*Asus Strix
*Zotac Founders Edition
*Palit Dual Fan
*Palit Dual Fan 1060

Here's what's happening:
With the AMP disconnected
0. Made sure that Windows Automatic driver update is disabled (also tried it enabled)
1. Downloaded Nvidia Notebook Driver 372.70 (latest as of aug 30) from nvidia website
2. Rebooted Laptop to safe mode
3. Run DDU to uninstall/clean all current Nvidia Drivers
4. Rebooted to windows normally
5. Installed the 372.70 notebook drivers
6. Rebooted laptop to confirm that mobile drivers are properly installed
7. Shutdown laptop and connect the AMP (with the 1070, all pins properly connected)
8. Turn on laptop and all I from the device manager is the intel 4600 and "VGA Compatible Controller"

Things I tried:
1. manually updated VGA Compatible Controller (this should be the 1070) from device manager and pointed it to the extracted driver's DIR
2. Installed the latest Desktop drivers from nvidia site
3. Installed Mobile Drivers first then connect the amp, then install the desktop drivers
4. tried older drivers
5. Tried connecting to external monitor using HDMI port after installing drivers

Oh and I also tried putting in an AMD HD7850 card, installed the omega drivers which I got from the alienware forums:
1. device manager sees the card as hd7800 series
2. Card is not detected/ I cannot use/select it in games.
3. No luck even if I use the latest desktop drivers

Here's my specs
AW15 r1, 970m, 256ssd, 1tb hdd, 16g ram
Windows 10 build 115(something - not the Anniversary update)
I have the latest drivers installed from Dell
- Command Center
- Alienware graphics AMP driver
- Intel video driver
Bios: A00 (went back from a06 because of the better fan profiles)

I'm desperate, please help

 

My guess would be that you are facing exactly the same problem as I do with the Titan X... and we are both running an AW15 R1. I'm having exactly the same issues... but as soon as I reinstall the 980ti, everything works as it should. I think that the latest GA Software Update (which until now is only available for the R2 unfortunately) is necessary for running a pascal card in the GA. So I guess we have to wait...

 

xbouncing,

did you install the latest a06 bios and the latest graphics amp driver from dell?
when you insert the Titan X, does it appear as Basic Adapter or VGA Controller?

 

Yes, that's whats happening. I tried the A06 and the A00 both with the newest Amp driver and the latest nVidia driver. The Titan is recognized as VGA Controller (I hope I remember correctly). When I ask the Windows Device Manager to reinstall the drivers automatically, it starts, recognizes the Titan X but fails installing the drivers (drivers not compatible to this version of windows).

I'm using Windows 10 - no anniversary update yet.

 

Greetings all. Finally broke down and ordered the 1080 GT drizz recommended. So I'm trying to make sure I've got all my ducks in a row before it gets here.

I just downloaded BIOS 1.3.6 from the Alienware website. Is that what everyone else is running? I'm still running 1.2.2 at the moment.

Meanwhile, doing a search on the Alienware website, it wants me to install the Intel Rapid Storage Tech driver and the Intel Management Engine Interface driver. I've had issues with these on other computers in the past, so I've ignored them till now. Is anyone else using them for the AGA? Worth the bother?

Finally, I noticed a Thunderbolt driver on the Alienware site. No idea if I'd installed that before, but no devices are showing missing in Device Manager. Guess I'll ignore it unless I hear otherwise.

I know I have the latest Dell drivers downloaded and installed. I know lots of folks go on and on about uninstalling old drivers, installing the card the adapter, then installing drivers. But as long as I have the most recent, shut down, install the card, and power on... shouldn't that be fine?

Thanks for all the help!!!

 

I also own an AW15R1 running on A00 and had 0 problem installing a GTX 1080 in the AMP. It just worked. Before I plugged it in, I updated my NVIDIA drivers to the latest at that time.

Also running on Win10 Anniversary. At first I experienced terrible framerates but after rolling back, updating again, then disabling GameDVR, everything runs perfect.

 

I had a previous 17r2 with an AGA and I could never run anything in the aga. I tried multiple 980ti's but my computer would always just go in to a boot loop and every now and then it would say the gpu is not supported (but still never worked) . I eventually complained about the r2 throttling too much and dell sent me a r3. I still had the same problem with 2 different 980ti's so I decided to to buy a new AGA . Since then I bought a zotac 1070 fe and it worked straight out of the box. I don't know if some of the AGA's they have sold are just **** but troubleshooting has led me to the decision that this is likely.

 

ishtangli, what version of the graphics amp DRIVER did you use?
Did you use the latest for the R1 or for the 15 R2?

and did you need to update the Command Center?

I did everything that I could think of but nothing seems to work. I tried to use the USB ports in the amp and they are all working. It's just that the card could not be detected/installed properly. I want to think that this is driver related but I have the latest drivers. I will try again after doing a fresh install of windows (and updating it to Anniversary edition)

 

I just installed the anniversary update of windows 10... and the Titan X is now working! Jeeeehaaaaaaa!!! :-D

 

I use the latest for the R1. I think it's 1.0.27. I did try to install the latest for the R2 but it says it's not compatible with my system.

I ran into some trouble with the Command Center right after I upgraded to win 10 (the initial switch, not the anniversary one). I suspect it was because of the older NVIDIA drivers. Anyway, it forced me to reinstall the Command Center. Problem didn't go away but it might have been the reason why I haven't encountered into any problems with my AMP. Worth a try.

 

I've had this thing for over a year, so I wanted to ask a question and weigh in the on the performance drop topic.

Regarding the 10% performance hit everyone spouts, this is a 3dmark compare between a 4770k + 980 machine, and my alienware 15 + 980 machine. http://www.3dmark.com/compare/3dm11/11553032/3dm11/11552939

They're identical (Which surprised me).


On to my question: Does anyone elses machine just not shut off when you have the amp attached? My screen shuts off, but all the lights, fans, everything still whirr on forever. I have to hold the power button to shut it down. This happens probably 70% of the time, the other 30 it shuts off fine.

Semi-related, is there any way to power on the laptop without opening the screen and hitting the button? I don't use the laptop screen while it's connected to the amp, so it's kind of inconvenient to open the thing just to close it again.

Thanks!

 

I only notice a performance hit if i use the laptop monitor and no really notable difference if I use external monitor hooked upto the Amp.

I Have a 17r3 and mine wouldn't shut off either but reading on here i noticed that my BIOS was old and there was also new Amp software so I updated both which fixed the issue for me not sure which it was that fixed the issue though?

But now i get Boot looping when disconnecting / reconnecting the Amp but it sorts itself out eventually just annoying.

As for power on I was wondering the same maybe if there is a wake on usb in the bios we could sleep the PC and wake with external key board?, I'm guessing this would need to be plugged into the laptop rather than the Amp though?, I'm mobile at the moment but when i get back home next week going to try it out.

 

Can you link me that new amp software? Don't think I've downloaded anything for the amp since I got it.

Another question, any of you get a card that doesn't fit? Dell says max length of 10.5", but I'm pretty sure the card in mine is more like 11. Don't want to get a 1080 that doesn't fit is all.

 

best to check your compatible (skylake laptops only i think) but here's the link,

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us...5548088&DGC=AF&DGSeg=DHS&ACD=2397220366616845

 

11" cards will fit without issues but you have to watch the height. Some cars have retarded coolers on them and won't clear the case. 1070 G1 Gaming and 1080 G1 Gaming from Giabyte fit.

 

I'm hoping someone can save me reading the whole 222 posts.

Can someone advise which GC fits the amp case and runs all games for the R3 17 and R2 13? I'm hoping I can go between the 2 if possible with a 970 or 980 but they vary.. I did try a R9 280X black edition which I had lying around but that got the computer says no at bios :/ Thanks in advance.

 

doing a fresh install of windows 10 then updating to anniversary edition worked for me. Thanks everyone

 

Is your Titan X recognized by 3dmark? Mine is recognized as Generic VGA Video Card... :-D
http://www.3dmark.com/fs/10059016

Is yours already watercooled? The stable boost clock is around 2050Mhz at 46 degrees for me. I need to learn more about the Boost 3.0 but the OC potential should be quite good.

 

Full ISOs are here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO/

Saves time, just clean install.

 

The good news. My video card arrived today. Brought it home, unpackaged it, installed it in the Alienware Graphics Amp, plugged it all in, started up the laptop (which I upgraded to 32GB of RAM), and the memory was found and working, Windows 10 booted up fine, and I checked the video card to see...

The card is being reported as a 980 Ti, not a Gigabyte GTX 1080 G1.

 

Is the graphics card a GTX 1080? I know it sounds like an obvious question, but if you got the wrong GPU, I would get that resorted ASAP.

 

Mine is a Palit Dual GTX 1070 and yes it is being recognized as a 1070 by 3dmark.
No it's not watercooled, just stock fans. It's kinda hot in where I am right now so no OC for the moment.

I noticed that mine reaches 80C when playing crysis 3 then it stays there unless I stop the game. Fans are running at 56-60% with those temps. is that normal?

 

yup this is what I used to install windows. This ISO installs windows 10 + anniversary edition for you

 

Take a photo of it. Maybe you got duped.

 

My 1070 was running at that temp but I just don't like that high of temperature. I did a custom fan curve to keep my card around 60 at 80% fan speeds

 

Yeah, needless to say I wasn't very happy. I pulled my AGA out from under my monitor stand, opened it back up, pulled the power and screws, and pulled it out. Seems clear to me someone decided they wanted a 1080 GTX without paying for it, so they bought the same brand of card, put their old 980 Ti in the antistatic bag and returned that video card to Amazon. Then Amazon Warehouse Deals gave it a once over, didn't notice that the heatsink was a different design, or the backplane didn't have the proper connectors (2 DVI instead of 1), etc... so they resold it and shipped it to me.

I immediately went out and indicated I'd received the wrong item. Only option was a return, so of course I took it. And I brought it into my office to ship back to them today. But it's a shame that someone stole from Amazon, and what's worse I get screwed over as a result. I hate to think there are people like that in the world, though I suppose it's naïve to think it doesn't happen. So much for my new video card.

 

Well, I was considering ordering the Gigabyte G1 from Newegg, but I thought I'd take one more look at Amazon. Someone has an ASUS non-Strix edition, non-Founders with a single fan for $609. And then I saw there is a ASUS 1080 GTX Founders being sold as "New" from a "reseller" with a 93% seller rating for $599. With $6 shipping and no tax, I decided to give it a try. Might not be quite as fast as the Gigabyte, but if it fits and works, I'll be quite happy.

 

What are the experience with the EVGA 1070/1080GTX FTW cards in the AGA? I heard its a bit too tall card. But I wonder how much too tall. It might fit with low profile 90degrees angled power connectors but I need to know how much clearance there is.

 

Since DSR doesn't work on the AGA, did a bit of research and found out that you can actually force a higher resolution by manually creating them on the Nvidia Control Panel and activating GPU scaling.

Tried with DOOM last night and it worked. Scaled 1440p and 4K down to my TV's native resolution of 720p (yes, that is pathetic but it worked).

Not sure if this has been mentioned before. If anyone needs instructions, let me know.

 

You can also do overclock the refresh rates as well, if permitted. I can run my 1080p144Hz monitor at 1800p120Hz and 1440p144Hz without a problem.
AMD GPUs should also have a similar option, but VSR works with the GA, so it's up to the user.

 

tbh the founders cards tend to be just as good performance wise as any after market ones (certainly any that will fit in the AGA anyways) I have a EVGA FE in one of my desktops and it clocks way better than a G1 gaming i had , the G1 was really poor and wouldn't go anywhere near what the FE card would, silicon lottery I'm afraid.

 

It really depends. My evga 1070 ftw boosts are 2000mhz on stock already. I havent seen any FE their by itself without overclocking. But it doesnt clock as high as past maxwells unfortunately. I could take my old msi 970 from sub 1000mhz all the way up to 1600mhz.

 

Appreciate the input Spiralzz. I'm trying not to be anxious, as I was SO disappointed when my 1080 wasn't a 1080. Helps that I picked up Recore digital edition, and I'm able to play that at 1080p on my system using the internal 970M until the 1080 GTX FE arrives. But I'm also still playing Madden '17 on my Xbox One, and simulating the games. I deal with trades, free agency, injuries, and occasionally deal with the stadium - whether building a new one, or setting prices on Corn Dogs so I get the best ROI. Definitely want to get NBA 2K17, maybe NHL since the review sounded really promising (despite my lack of skills at anything since NHL '93), and more is coming with the holidays around the corner.

 

Pretty much what i said "(certainly any that will fit in the AGA anyways)", silicon lottery and an FTW wont fit in the AGA properly as its too high, at least I thinks that's the case may be wrong though.....

 

I have seen some posts saying the powercables prevent the lid fron clothing. Do you know how much space there is left between the lid and the PSU? Because with that information I can calculate the space left.

 

Anyone able to get 4k at 60hz/fps from mini displayport to hdmi 2.0? I still havent had any luck, I did buy a Graphics amp so I can someday purchase a 1080 and do some serious 4k gaming but the 980m would play most of my older games ie fallout3/nv/borderlands/bioshock remastered all at 4k 60fps .. they all look great at 4k/30hz but 30fps just doesn't cut it.

 

Hey guys! I'm wondering if anyone using a Titan X pascal can link the results they got using an external monitor without overclock in FIrestrike. I got something like 6,5k on Ultimate and 11,5k on extreme - I really figured this card would pull bigger numbers than this.

 

sounds about right, gotta be overclocked.... ;-)
stock;

http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/14924333?

overclocked (air);

http://www.3dmark.com/fs/9871150

Water;

TBC .....

 

Just a quick post on my end. My ASUS 1080 GTX arrived and was still sealed in the box. Opened it up, and all appeared brand new. Mounted it in the AGA, connected the yellow power cable, and plugged everything back in. Computer definitely appears to take a little longer to boot with a card in the external enclosure, but then the system boots normally, and the first positive sign was my 24" Sony display connected via HDMI off the video card came up shortly thereafter. Device manager confirmed it's a 1080, and the ASUS overclock software installed from ASUS website works great.

Not having kept up with the best testing software, I first pulled up The Division and tried setting everything to Ultra at 4K resolution. Even with the 1080, this returned a benchmark score of 10 fps, and the top left quadrent of the four "areas" of the screen was the only one clear and bright enough to see graphics correctly. Figuring I was outkicking my coverage, or had a setting wrong, I went back in and asked The Division to choose my settings for fog, shadows, etc. Most settings went to high, with only one going to medium. I then re-ran the benchmark, and it came back with a proper image, and 45 fps on the internal display @ 4k. This was with the card set to "gaming" in the ASUS software, and not "overclocked". I'll test that at some point going forward.

I also went into Recore on my PC, set the resolution to 4K, and because it had no "recommended settings" button bumped everything to Ultra. But no idea what settings I should use, I went out to the MS forums and asked under a Recore page. I'll head there after this and see if folks think the game looks better at 4K, isn't designed for it, etc.

In any event, glad my AGA is working and to have a card that should make 4K frame rates reasonable. Thanks to everyone who's offered suggestions or advise here, and I'll keep an eye on things in case I can learn more from you folks!

Sincerely,

A proper member of the Alienware AGA club now.

 

aww the new alienware laptop is coming

 

So while seeing what I could do to improve my laptop performance today I turned on CPU and FAN Performance mode. DAMN. The thing nearly lifted off my Ergotron laptop stand the fans were so loud. Don't think I'll do that again.

 

Fan performance mode means unfortunately 100% fanspeeds all the time i stead of a more aggressive fancurve .

 

Is that what CPU Performance mode does to? And if so, do I HAVE to run the fans in performance mode or risk issues because of heat?

 

CPU Performance mode can be On even if Fan Performance Mode is off. Better to use HWInfo instead of Fan Performance Mode as with that software, you can manually run the fans to 100% if you wanted to without having to go back into the BIOS.
CPU Performance mode not on the i7-6820HK is weird. In the 13 R2, it increases the TDP and voltage (maybe) of the CPU. Might do the same to the i5-6300HQ and i7-6700HQ.

 

Rather that. Thanks man. For the time being I've turned both back off. I didn't realize the diff between the 6820 and the 6700 might be or is a big deal until I got my Alienware 17 R3 for a pretty great deal off Ebay. Wasn't even expecting the 4K screen, and then it came with that too, so I've been pretty happy. And as I think most folks here have come to realize, at least with the R3, with updated AGA software, the latest BIOS, and testing external cards on the Internal display (all I use) vs. an external... things seem pretty great now. And in fact, when looking at The Division, it's framerate test told me I was maxing out my video card performance (1080 GTX), but NOT my CPU. So overall I'm pretty damn happy with my system. Course the 32GB of RAM I upgraded the 8GB to recently probably helps a little too.