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

I guess we should start caching the current driver in case they update their black list.

 

Whot!? The Rx 6800 works! Nice!

I can't wait to see the RX 6800 XT or even RX 6900 XT!

lol

IF I can't get my hands on one!

 

Great stuff!!!

 

There's another user who seems to be able to achieve it consistently by plugging the power to the AGA after Windows boots.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Alienware/comments/k6pku4/alienware_graphics_amplifier_with_msi_ventus_3x/

 

That would satisfy me, but I would still trashtalk Dell when any opportunity came up haha

 

anyone help with installing the AGA for area 51m R2. can't find any drivers that work. It turned on and the RX 6800 turned on but laptop doesn't recognize them anywhere. In device manager it doesn't show up anywhere. I do get an error symbol on PCI Express Upstream Switch Port. Thanks for any help. Searched this thread but cant find anything for this.

 

Dell says its incompatible. Go ask why on the forums and some weird dude will angrily be like "Check the sticky" lol. Jokes aside, at least one person has said the 6800 works fine. Maybe yours is a XT? Or maybe there was some kind of update they released for your laptop that stopped support for the 6800

 

Well I haven't used the AGA before and I think my current roadblock is getting my laptop to recognize the AGA first.

 

I never tried a 6000/3000series GPU, but Dell said 3000 series is not supported. And they haven't confirmed support of 6000 series afaik. Considering how quick their forum manager is quick to deflect and deny any questions, don't waste your time going there for help. Someone on reddit got a 6800 working, but they basically just said they did the normal process - plugging it it.

I never used a AMD GPU in my AGA, but you could try :
- plug in AGA
- Download desktop 6800 drivers
- Reboot safe mode
- DDU clean all GPU Drivers + restart
- install 6800 drivers
- reboot

That will remove your laptop GPU drivers though. But I mean if your goal is to see if your AGA works or not, that's what I would do. If it turns out it works, you can install the Nvidia drivers as well. I would say install the Nvidia drivers with the AMD GPU connected if its working, but like I said I never did a AMD + Nvidia AGA setup.

Also, his profile now says Liason/Mod, wasn't he an admin? Wonder if they demoted him for being completely useless.
https://www.dell.com/community/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/153533

 

Admin or not, looks like he is responsible for the AW section of the forum. Clicked through a couple of threads, usually there is no input from him or anyone else from Dell. Don't quite see the point of that forum in presence of NBR. I guess there is a non-zero chance of getting some Dell response, if only one of entertainment value, whereas here the chance is virtually zero now.

 

Haha awesome, that's about where I thought I was at with it. I just picked up a RX 580 to test out as well since it's on the official list. I'll see if I can even get the aga to work and with an AMD card as well as at the same time as nvidia. I uninstalled my nvidia drivers and tried that step last night with no luck, but I couldn't get the drivers for the amd to install. Is there a way to get drivers to install from and without seeing a qualified hardware? So far they say error can't find hardware that matches.

I'm not giving up yet, I'll report back after this rx 580 test. I'm starting to suspect Dell put the AGA port on the back of the area 51m r2 as a joke.

 

Yeah, someone pointed it out here but I experienced it myself - instead of them helping in the threads they simply ask you to PM them. Or a bot PMs you. Which does nothing whatsoever for anyone else with the same questions

I don't have much info to help you cuz I never tried one, but this link shows info from someone that got theirs working and it seemed pretty straightforward. Maybe the Area 51s are even less compatible than older notebooks? Whether intentional or unintentional, that would be even more scummy.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Alienware/comments/jxvnga/project_opencaldera_exploring_adding_unofficial/

 

It doesn't look like global Dell policy. Check out the Precision forum - much more Dell partiicpation Perhaps the guys there get paid more.

 

I posted on that thread and PMd author to see what he was able to do to get it to work and what system he is using it with. No response yet.

I am really starting to think Dell threw the AGA port on the 51m as a joke.

 

My AGA was plug and play with my RTX Titan. I have an Alienware Area 51m R2, too. That’s the thing. I don’t remember having to do anything special to get all 3 to work right out of the box. I think the nVidia mobile drivers enable video card support in the AGA. I didn’t need to install the desktop drivers.

for comparison I did clean install Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 1909 Enterprise, along with the drivers for the Area 51m R2, and the only app I installed was AWCC (alienware command center).

 

Wow thank you for that info that helps a lot. I may be having an issue with AMD vs Nvidia drivers. I'm almost home and going to try the "approved" RX 580 and see what happens.

 

Just got home and I was able to install the RX 580 and first boot it recognized it as a GPU and loaded the AMD drivers on its own and became functional. I installed the AMD Radeon software as well. I was able to get Cyberpunk to load with it and it was about 10FPS with RTX and DLSS off since they werent supported. Basically not playable on ULTRA lol.

This means the RX 6800 isn't functional in the AGA yet with this setup.

I will try to uninstall the RX 580 and install the RX 6800 now that the PC has the ATI drivers and software installed. Maybe I will get lucky. I'll report back.

 

Ok so attempting to put the RX 6800 back in and reboot was not successful. Same issues as before. It's not being recognized as a GPU. Same PCI Express Upstream switch port error. So that being said, anyone interested in an MSI RS 6800 cheap. I paid $750. Guy I bought it from camped overnight at microcenter. He paid $660 with tax. I have original receipt for warranty. Make me a good offer.

 

Now that's weird. I can't see neither you or Shidell on reddit lying for no reason. I can't confirm what exact notebook Shidell has since it doesn't seem like s/he said what they had. But this is their benchmark and I don't think a Area 51m would have a 9750H. So why would a Area 51m and a previous notebook support different stuff

 

Oh I wouldn't call anyone a liar, I'm just saying I can't get it to work. I would love to see what they did to make it work so I can get mine working before it sells haha.

 

I was just saying, I trust you and Shidell more than I trust Dell, I guess I just worded it badly. Either they made 2 different notebooks that conveniently support different GPU in the AGA, or they did something to intentionally make GPU incompatible in the Area 51m. I guess its also possible your 6800 could be faulty too, unless you have a desktop to plug it into?

 

So I was able to get my hands on a nice gently used EVGA Hybrid 2080TI. It worked correctly the first attempt. Cleared and reloaded drivers for it with clean install. Stock it was slightly better than my overclocked 2080 Super 200w mobile card. Then I put a moderate 150mhz core and 650mhz memory overclock on it and wow. I feel like I got my money's worth for this upgrade. Its about a 30% improvement in passmark and feels about the same improvement in Cyberpunk visual. Makes the game look premium for sure.

I did have to go into the Nvidia Control panel and change the surround PhysX to the 2080 TI to get the DLSS to work in Cyberpunk. With it set to Ultra on everything RTX on, and DLSS off it was about 20FPS. With DLSS on Auto it is about 50FPS and noticeably better graphics than the laptop 2080 Super. During the 3D mark test it didn't get above 55C so I think the thermals will behave nicely with the hybrid water setup in the AGA. Oh and speaking of that, I didn't make any modifications to the AGA, I was able to tuck the hoses and cables out of the way, including the corsair 650w PS extra 8 pin cable.

passmark score: https://www.3dmark.com/3dm/54771955?

 

The cost of most 2080Ti is likely unreasonable, but if you got a good deal then that's awesome. A good deal on a 2080Ti seems like best case scenario for AGAs. Worst case scenario is just building a desktop. Not about to build a desktop for a handful of subjectively enjoyable single player games but I did hope the 3000 series was going to work to play RE8 in 4K

 

Haha, there's nothing reasonable in 2020 or anymore now that the manufacturers are seeing what people are willing to pay. I didn't go after a $4k laptop or another $1k in graphics amp and card worrying about a few bucks lol. I work away from home 80% of the time. I'm not going to drag around a desktop or a monitor for that matter. I think the 51m R2 will play cyberpunk just fine on its own 1080P screen. But when I am at home and can play on my 34" AW 1440p screen I wanted it to be just as crispy! And the 2080TI did just that. Just letting anyone else know in case they were interested in the same setup. Hell, it's not like its buying a 3090 or Titan RTX at $2k+ haha.

 

Looks like someone figured out a work around to get the new high end cards working https://old.reddit.com/r/Alienware/...are_17r5_with_aga_rtx_3080/gfzmlxc/?context=3

Does someone with a 3000 series or RX 6800 want to give this hack a try? If this works maybe there is a way to do a permanent hardware mod to the AGA to disable whatever chip or mechanism that is preventing non white listed cards from working.

 

Other users are reporting success with this as well.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Alienware/...g?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

Not the prettiest "fix" but it does not require hard modding at this point so hopefully it keeps working for those that want to utilize it.

 

Wonder how long before a forced BIOS update puts a stop to this, since Dell has said they "aren't supported", its not uncommon for companies wanting to enforce 'features' across devices. And with Dell being one of the only companies to force voltage lockouts through MS pushed BIOS updates, that would suck so much for anyone that has a device that allows that.

Also, anyone with a modded PSU can just flip the switch I assume, which is way less annoying than plugging and unplugging a AC cable.

 

Well, I tried those solutions with an RTX 3070, but no dice for me.
I actually got two different error codes. Code 12 (not enough resources for the GPU), and Code 2 (no drivers present... despite the drivers being installed). I'm more willing to blame my laptop as both the AGA and the RTX 3070 do work, but yeah. They do not seem to be universal fixes.

 

There was a new update for AWCC in Microsoft Store as of recently. I wonder if the people on reddit are using the latest AWCC or not

 

I expect so. If they didn't try they wouldn't complain

AWCC, Alienware Update and SupportAssist, all still broken

 

The thing with AWCC is the newer version is meant for the more recent models.
My model can't use that version of Alienware Control Center.

 

Thanks for posting the link to the Reddit post, from that I got my M15 R2 and 3080 working.

I’m doing some tests and benchmarks and should have something put together on performance and a more consistent way to make this work posted later.

Any asks people have or want me to include?

 

It would be cool if there was a list of proven compatible laptop + GPU models. It's not something I will make, since I am done with Dell, but it would be cool to see some kind of patterns. Like is EVGA supported/unsupported? Do more zotac cards work than MSI? Etc. Probably won't get enough sample info to even come to a conclusion since Dell is telling everyone they are unsupported, but it would be cool info, since someone has reported they couldn't make a 3000 series work with their notebook despite trying the reddit method. Or maybe that new Nvidia driver released recently adds some compatibility

 

Won't be able to do multiple cards since I only have the one but hope others will chime in as they get their AGA's up and running!

Created a How To post here - http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...plifier-working-how-to-and-benchmarks.835001/

TL;DR: Start your Alienware laptop with AGA plugged in and powered. Once fully into Windows, pull the power to the AGA and restart the laptop. As soon as the Alienware splash screen comes on plug the power back in for the AGA. MUST be done before the spinning animation starts!

 

Oh I didn't mean just you. It would take the work of many people willing to add their laptop model + GPU model. I don't see it happening cuz many of us that won't take "its incompatible" for an answer pretty much don't care about Dell anymore. I mean, this gives us even more of a reason to dislike them. Proof of them lying, but not only proof of them lying but also More proof that they take away compatibility and features to sell newer products.

 

I have an older Alienware 15 R3 with an i7-7820HK CPU and a NVIDIA 1070 (g-sync version) built in. The built in NVIDIA card can't be turned off on this version of the laptop. I have an ASUS TUF 3080 OC working in the AGA using the stock power supply and the AGA case left open.

I couldn't get any of the methods that required shutting off the power to the AGA to work but I stumbled upon a method that works for me every time. My laptop has separate drivers for the AGA (They are not part of Alienware control center.

Steps I use:

1. Boot the laptop with the graphics amplifier plugged in and powered.
2. Load up device manager (Will see the usual code 31 error in device manager).
   
3. Unplug the AGA data cable (NOT the AGA power cable) and wait for the 3080 to disappear from device manager. Note: I have to unplug the laptop power cable on my laptop to get the AGA cable unplugged just because the two ports are right next to each other (put the laptop power back in after the AGA cable is disconnected)
4. Plug the AGA data cable back in. IMPORTANT: The lights on the cable should not come on. If they do unplug the cable again, wait a few seconds and plug it in again. I've only had to unplug again a few times to get the lights to stay off.
5. In device manager select scan for hardware changes (either under the Action menu or by right clicking). Windows will find the 3080 with error code 18 (drivers must be reinstalled). Just wait a few more seconds and windows will apply the driver and the 3080 will be fully working.

To get the above method to work I ended up using DDU from Guru3D to remove all NVIDIA drivers. Windows automatically installed some basic 1070 drivers on the next boot. I then installed the DESKTOP 460.89 windows 10 64 bit international drivers. The first time I got it working it took windows a long time to apply the drivers to the card in step 5 (~around 30 seconds). After the first time it only takes a few seconds.

When using the laptop with the AGA windows does not show the sleep and hibernate options. This could be due to the desktop drivers I used but since it works now I don't want to mess with it any more. After a reboot without the AGA the power options come back.

I hope this helps someone.

 

You have to do this everytime to make it work? I mean after a **** down?

 

Very likely. After a shutdown or restart it basically does a fresh connection with the AGA (for lack of better words). For example, if I shutdown/restart my m15 or my 15r3 when I had it, the LEDs would behave as you'd expect. However if I would connect the AGA mid-laptop-use, the lights on the cable might blink nonstop or just be solid. It was kinda annoying, but can't say I'd ever care if those LED died.

 

This solution albeit it works from what is stated would be a nuisance. I will hopefully wait for a better solution hopefully if dell finally gives in to our demands and not fall on deaf ears

 

I'm sure they think don't update it so people have to upgrade laptops, but what they don't realize is how many laptops they sell because of the ability to upgrade with an AGA. Sure that number doesn't show up with the actual AGA sales numbers because a lot of people don't end up purchasing the AGA. But it does sell a lot of laptops due to the ability to upgrade. When the average user buys a $3k+ alienware laptop they google and read a little bit. When they read that they won't be able to update this laptop it will affect Dell's sales of alienware at some level. Hopefully they are smart enough to see this. Probably not.

 

The AGA was a selling point for me. When their laptops lose the AGA, they lose their uniqueness. Even worse, they lost their trust to the people that have been made aware of their lies.

 

Yes you have to do this every time you want to use the AGA. It's not that bad since all you really have to do is unplug/plugin the AGA data cable and tell device manager to scan for new hardware. What worries me a bit is wearing out the AGA port since that connector looks kind of fragile.

I agree with others here that the AGA was a big selling point for me and I would have gone with some other brand if it didn't exist.

 

That's what I am thinking is good about the desktop PSU, the power switch. But those too aren't meant to be flipped daily. Or are they? Either way. Maybe the only way around this is to spread awareness throughout media (YouTube, Reddit, FB, IG, Twitter, Anything) that the compatibility is there and Dell are liars. Maybe they would fix it for this current gen of notebooks/laptops and GPU if they were completely put on blast for lying so badly

 

It’s really just a simple firmware update to make it work and I can’t believe Dell is not offering this to their loyal customer base. Sad really.

 

My whole entire household of 3 desktop and 1 laptop is Alienware products. Well over 10k in products from them and TBH I don’t know if I would continue because of their support these days

 

isn't the case also unable to house a RTX 3080? Dell should release a new AGA able to hold the new graphics card form factors up to 32 cm long and 3 PCI slots

 

They could easily add a new update with a disclaimer like "Yo, so the PSU is trash, the space is limited, install and use this at your own risk we are not liable". And that is that. You know, like every single BIOS update, pretty sure even Dell's, will blame the user for any damaged caused by a failed flash.

 

I understand your point of view. But if the AGA can't physically fit a 3080/3090 and it's power supply is also not suitable, from Dell's perspective the compatibility issue is beyond a firmware update (and I share that perspective to an extent). But there is no excuse for the 3060 Ti and some of the 3070s not to be compatible. Dell should release a new firmware for those graphics cards. I hope Dell's costumers remember this situation the next time they are going to buy a new laptop, specially when it comes Dell's promises about the upgrade capabilities of the system.

 

With the EOL of this AGA and the fact that Dell still puts the port in the new laptops i'm really hoping they release a new aga. CES i'm looking at you...

 

I have a 3070 Twin Edge, it is so small and I am sure fits (bought a few 3070s and 3080s to scalp and get a free GPU lol, I should probably just learn to coin mine). That is how we know Dell is just being scummy. We could have the smallest and most efficient card out of any Nvidia/AMD GPU and they still would have made this choice for whatever reason they have. Remember, most gamers buy the midrange and lowrange GPU ( https://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/videocard/). Those 3080s/3090s/Titans are a small % of people. At this point it seems like there are more crypto miners using them than gamers. Honestly, I had a 2080 and the 3060s were looking like a solid buy, not to mention 3070s being a clear upgrade.

It's your money, but do you really want to buy a new Dell product knowing they will eventually lie to you and take away compatibility and features?