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

with an external monitor connected to the Aga graphics card by hdmi I get 100% bandwidth? But in the internal display will be limited to the bandwidth of the pcie 3.0 x4? I understood correctly?

why both GPUs (1070 iGpu and 1080ti eGpu) say the same 8.0 GT/s of PCIe Link Speed with HwInfo.

 

I got quoted, so I should probably clarify.
Yes, the bandwidth is the same PCI 3.0x4 going to the internal screen or external screen. That's the most of what is allowed from the AGA (the AGA cable and ports only have 4 lanes). Both are "100%".

However, using the internal screen is like doing double duty, or more work compared to not using it and connecting a Display Port, HDMI, DVI, or VGA cable to the graphics card. Data is being sent back and forth, and the end result is worse performance. So if you want to most performance, use an external screen.

As for why both GPUs are showing the same bandwidth, it is entirely possible that the AGA port uses 4 of the lanes dedicated to the discrete GPU. A max of 8 lanes are wired for the internal discrete GPU, so if the theory holds, when using the AGA, that drops to 4. I'm not certain about this because the new line of laptops might be different from the Echo line (2015 laptops) when it comes to lane allocations, and there could be an entirely different reason.

That said, since both GPUs are showing up, I assume you have a G-Sync panel on your laptop?

 

Hi,

Does anyone know if I can use the AW Graphics amplifier with the AW 17 R4 using the laptop screen or can only use on an external monitor??

Its 7820HK, GTX 1070 with 1440p 120hz gsync monitor..

Thanks in advance!!

 

You can use the laptops screen with the AGA as well. You just won't get the max performance you would with an external monitor.

 

How exactly? It won't let me because the internal 1070 is stuck on the screen, tried disabling it and it goes mental. Only way I can get GPU in the aga to work is on external monitor..

Do you need special drivers or something??

 

Yeah your right, you cant use the AGA to boost the internal screen IF its The G-Sync panel.

Mines the same the AGA only works to the external, something to do with the way the Gsync panel connects to the main board also disabling the Nvidia optimus option as well.

Using the AGA to boost the 1080 / 4k panels works fine AFAIK

 

Yeah I thought so. That's a shame. I wonder what would happen if you take out the internal GPU (1070)? Laptop probably won't work then because the Intel integrated graphics won't work with the gsync panel.. That would be interesting. Lol

 

I'm curious what would of happen if you put a now gsync panel in a gsync system is that possible?

 

What if you guys disable G-SYNC first in control panel. Then try connecting the amp after?

 

Hi guys,

I've ordered an AGA recently and will use it with a 2017 13" (7700hq, 1060).
Can somebody please confirm if the evga sc2 1080ti hybrid would fit as its predecessor did with an ability to close down the lid?
In your opinion would that be the best 1080ti to go for if the aim is to have a quiet experience and have the lid in a closed position?
From the air cooled ones I've read that the msi gaming x is quiet but due to its thickness the lid would stay open, hence why I'm looking at the sc2 hybrid option.

My other question was about the power supply and the fan that alienware use. Could somebody please recommend a power supply that would fit and stay quiet most of the time, I've read that the Corsair semi-modular 650W is a good choice, is that the case?
And lastly, what noctua fan do people normally get to change out the oem one?

Sorry for many questions but massive thanks in advance for your help!

 

if it doesn't fit take the entire top off. its really easy, that is what i did for the EVGA 1080ti ftw3. (problem with height)

 

Thank you, but that's not really what I was asking. I do know it's possible to only close it half way or take it off completely but I aim to have the lid closed.

 

I think the bigger issue will be mounting the radiator, the way the screws are threaded they are screwed back to front not front to back. That was the first thing I noticed when I installed my temporary RX580 since I had intended on water-cooling at some point. That said you can mine using an AGA with minimal MH/s loss FYI.

 

This card should fit with the lid closed, looking up at the dimensions:

https://www.evga.com/products/product.aspx?pn=11G-P4-6598-KR

I don't know how well the radiator will fit, from looking at my AMP, it SHOULD all fit.

I'll be testing VEGA 64 next week with the amp.

 

Found a nice way to pay for my AGA setup, got a temporary RX580 in it now, waiting on my Vega56

 

Hi guys

Sorry if this is off topic but I'm going mental here with the GA. First time trying to use it and it keeps setting the laptop into a loop on power up. I have seen people say that the bios is at fault. I had 1.3.12 , removed it and installed 1.3.10. Still doing it.

Anyone got a AGA running stable? What bios version should I have?

 

I had a similar issue myself at first but I fixed it and now looking back I understand why it happened.

The AGA disables the onboard dGPU which is why it requires a reboot and it does this by redirecting the PCIE lanes to it.

All of the rear ports on the laptop itself minus the Ethernet/Thunderbolt are tied to the dGPU. So if you’re a dummy like I was an had a Mini-DP plugged into the rear like I did it will loop and refuse to boot until you remove that cable and connect all display devices ONLY to the AGA or use the internal display.

The moment I did that it has been fine ever since.

 

Few questions to current AGA owners:

1) Are you still able to use the internal display with the AGA?

2) It says on AW website only reference cards are supported. How are people getting cards like Classified, Strixx, etc working? Do most just work? If they don't work, what method do you use to get them to work?

That's all I can think of for now.

 

1) Yes
2) Size limit, reference is just a recommendation. Not all 3rd party ones will fit with the lid closed

 

Thanks Sentinal

I figured out out, thanks to you. I was not the same thing as you with the graphics inputs, it was the USB hub. I have a Dell monitor that acts as my usb hub. If its plugged in, it wont boot. So long as i remove the USB before boot its fine.

Crazy how they cant get this sorted.

Thanks again.

 

Of course glad it worked!

 

Assuming size isn't an issue..

I've seen some posts from awhile ago on other forums saying how custom cards like the Classified cards that have different vBIOS don't work? If they do work later on does that mean they're added through nVidia drivers themselves then?

I could always just remove the cover and fit any size card but wouldn't want it to not work.

 

I haven’t heard this the only way that makes sense is if it interferes with secure boot somehow. I wouldn’t think it does given most manufacturers strive to be compliant and even if it did all you’d have to do is flash a compliant card’s bios and you’d be OK. Guess we’ll find out when my Vega56 arrives next week

 

Same, I'm waiting for my AW13. Already got the amp and Vega64 ready =D

 

RX Vega 64 doesn't work with the internal display most likely due to drivers, but works fine on external display:

https://www.3dmark.com/3dm11/12360752

 

Nice! That’s all I need

 

Does anybody able to get the graphic card run at PCIe x16 3.0 lane with AGA? Mine currently is running at PCIe x4 3.0 with ASUS GTX 1080 Strix and 15r3 (i7 6700hq, 1060). Is it normal?
Also, are you guys using the latest WQHL 385.41 from NVIDIA? Is it stable and working well with AGA and Bios 1.1.9?

Thank you all for reading.

 

The AGA only has 4 physical/electrical lanes so it isn't possible unless there is a new AGA designed for 16x which would require a new AGA and Laptop. As for the lastest WQHL yes it's fine just uninstall Geforce Experience and you should be good to go.

 

Thank you so much!

 

Oh and another question. Should I download the laptop or desktop version of nvidia drivers? (For the aga and external gpu). Thanks!

 

Desktop

 

https://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-TRIPLE-Graphics-21275-02-20G/dp/B074HCCWW9

Vega 64 for $749.00 VS

https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce...504771935&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=evga+1080ti

EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti SC2 for $807.14



Why would you get a Vega 64 on a Alienware? unless you are using a Mac I can't think why you would want to buy one. A 1080ti is better with better cooling (the one i linked at least is) for about $50 more.

 

In my case Macs outnumber PCs in our household and I need AMD for VM work plus I got a 56 for $399 with the $100 black pack

 

RX Vega 64 was my friend's card that I tested. I have no interest in any of the current gen cards. They are all slower than my laptop's 1080 SLI. I'm waiting for Titan V.

 

SLI?



I prefer single GPU over Sli. As for Titan Vp..... you will be waiting a while because Nvidia realized they d not have any real competition.

 

lol....you act like this is my first time with computers. Almost all of the games I play support SLI(OW, DOA5, Xenoverse, PUBG, BF1, . Only Naruto: Storm 4 doesn't and I can already play it with a single 1080.

Single GPU over SLI will always be better for max compatibility, but when you're trying to run 4K @ 60fps+ maxed out, it's pretty much needed to have 2 GPUs.

I know Titan V probably won't come out until earliest March/April, that's the point I was trying to make, my amp can sit empty as a usb hub until then LOL

 

Anybody have a clue why the performance on my AGA is so low. I've got a GTX 1080 Ti in it.

Getting **** FPS unless I actually go to the Nvidia website and download the desktop GTX 1080 Ti drivers, Then my performance is fine, but this wipes out the drivers for the 1060 that's built into the laptop, so if I wanna game on mobile I have to re-install those drivers. Constantly having to go back and forth like that is ****ty ass.

Isn't the Command Center supposed to automatically install the correct driver for the card inside the AGA?

 

I have a 1080 so I don't know about this, but I thought nvidia driver for 1080ti includes 1050 1060 1070 and 1080

 

Download the desktop drivers and modify the inf to include your 1060, I will probably also do this. That why it uses the same driver set for both. Performance should stay consistent.

 

Where is this inf located? Also how do you modify it. Attempting to access anything inside the folder nivdia drivers create after the unzip happens results in permission errors.

 

C:\NVIDIA\DisplayDriver\385.41\Win10_64\International\Display.Driver

This might help:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/installing-nvidia-drivers-by-modding-inf-files.746245/

I'll probably do a guide on it later if I end up buying a Titan X from someone in a week.

 

Apparently you have to reboot your system once more after turning it on from being shut down when you disconnect or reconnect an AGA.

That solved my problem. Kinda frustrating honestly. But for everything else this machine offers, I'm willing to put up with it. Boot time is nothing, so no big deal.

 

Now this could be because I'm on AMD but I am not having that issue all I have to do is hit the undock button or shut down. Granted I get a long POST when swapping but nothing like you've described

 

Goy my Titan X (Pascal) in. Thought I would show the difference with the new "3x" drivers compared to the older drivers after AMD released Vega Frontier Edition and nVidia magically unlocked quadro level performance for the Titan X cards.

Cinebench R15 OpenGL 384.94:



Cinebench R15 OpenGL 385.41:



SPECviewperf12 384.94:



SPECviewperf12 385.41:

 

My Graphics Amplifer box has been collecting dust for a couple years now. I think I'm ready to get a card for it and hook up a couple monitors. What card should I go with that is ~$500 or less? Looking for something that I can close the lid with.

Will this card fit and is it a good card for the price?

EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 FTW GAMING ACX 3.0, 8GB GDDR5, RGB LED, 10CM FAN, 10 Power Phases, Double BIOS, DX12 OSD Support (PXOC) Graphics Card 08G-P4-6276-KR
https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce...rd_wg=U3po2&psc=1&refRID=M4JJMFEQFCCYNYVTX0MX

 

That card is tall. I recommend trying to look around for a 1080.

https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/products/10series/geforce-gtx-1080/

 

Agreed reference is always the best option, they're always overbuilt and use the highest quality parts rather than the 3rd party modded ones.

Give us an idea of what you have now, the GTX1070 is the most obvious choice but there are other things to consider such as mining, are you going to use any type of virtualization or compute based programs? If so AMD is a better choice. Right now you're stuck between a rock and a hard place if you want to upgrade now. Mining has driven the price up substantially on the cards you should be looking at aka Vega56 and GTX1070 and depending on what you have currently it may not be substantial enough upgrade to justify it's cost. Plus you've got Vega11 coming within the next 6 months that will replace the RX580 and should be faster than the GTX1060 and NVidia is likely to launch either a refreshed Pascal series or volta to replace the current 10 series cards.

 

Thank you all for the feedback thus far. At this point, I do not have a card for my AGA. I'm using my 17 R3 exclusively. I don't do a whole lot of gaming, but do pickup a game here and there. I primarily want a decent enough card to play games if I choose and be able to hook-up dual monitors for all my other needs whether that be for business or personal use.

If it makes sense, I can wait it out even longer. I've gotten by for a couple years without it.

 

There is a 1070Ti rumored to come out late October, I would wait for that if you don't mind.

 

Just got a setup an AGA myself. I wanted a PSU and fan that weren't garbage so upgraded both.

Using a Corsair CX650m PSU and it fits fine and 99% lines up with the power plug hole. I say 99% because the actual plastic housing for the plug is like 1.5mm taller than the garbage Dell PSU but the stock screws were able to span and close that gap fine. Zip ties will be needed but it can be made neat. I also got a Noctua 92mm fan because they are the best. Since I have the better power supply, I can just plug the fan direct into a 4-pin Molex and not have to mess with the custom dell connector on their PCB.

So far so good, lot quieter and I trust the PSU a LOT more to run a high end GPU. Should also be more efficient, if you care about power bills.

Went with a blower style GTX 1080 Ti. The Asus I got just came back in stock which is nice and is reasonably priced at MicroCenter ($700) not insane due to the cryptomining stuff going on. Would have preferred an EVGA FE but this will do fine, they will perform identically.