*OFFICIAL* Alienware 15 R1/R2 Owner's Lounge

Huh didn't know this existed. Thanks! So many choices. What to download, what to download....lol

 

Haha! Yeah they have had an FTP forever but they kept changing the address!

 

@ Alienware-L_Porras

Can you give use some information regarding the SSD reboot bug or a way of reflashing the bios if a bios update fails?

 

Hi all is there an effective way to disable the Intel GFX? We're trying to connect an HTC Vive and having problems that may be related to the graphics ports (hdmi). We've tried prioritising the Nvidia card (980M) and disabling the Intel card in the device manager. On my M17x R4 there's an option to switch bios mode into discrete only. Is there such an option on the 15 R2? Thanks in advance

Note to Alienware: Please give us this option if it can easily be implemented.

 

There isnt such an option. But what type of error are you getting?

 

It's probably an issue with Vive, but any ideas would be welcome.

 

I thought about uninstalling the intel and nvidia drivers then reinstalling only the nvidia driver - anyone tried this?

 

is the HDMI port not connected directly to the GPU..???

im sure while using my 15R2 dedicated monitor it runs off of the intel GFX, but when im running my external monitor it runs on the 980m even in the 2d environment..

im not sure the IGPU is even running while using HDMI... (could be wrong)

 

The iGPU is always the passtrough unfortunately. That is why the monitor can also be not overclocked.

 

Hi all,

So I had submitted the laptop to a DELL center to further on the backlight bleed issue on Saturday. The guys checked and said that it is an issue.
Now today, I got this mail -
--------------------
As per your issue, of bleeding display and other issue, we checked your system completely.

Its working ok.

And for the issue of bleeding we have send all the information to our Head Office and we have find that it’s the functionality/behaviour of this LCD,in which parts cannot be replaced.


Apologizes for the inconvenience caused.
--------------------

So basically, they are even refusing to acknowledge it as an issue in the first place!! And they are refusing to replace or refund me as well
Is there anything anyone can advise to help me solve this issue for good?

Kindly advise,
Chetan

 

This screen GATE will be the same as the previous PSU GATE. Dell will not admit that this is a problem... Return your laptop and claim your refund or requests a replacement.

 

I dont think it is a Dell issue but the support in India seems to completely suck.

There is no screen gate. It is not as every user out there has backlight bleed. But backlight bleed always has been an issue when you want to return the laptop with such a problem.

 

When I talk about the screen Gate, I mean inferior screens in full. There is an enormous amount of writings on the web, which tell about inferior screens on the last model. Aka lots of writings about the lower Nits and backlight bleed. Just see in the forum and compare the same problem with previous model or for other brand's models. I do not think you will find as much posting about the same problem.

 

I have seen screenbleed issues for every brand and also in reviews.

It is true there were some bad panels used (samsung ones) but the others are pretty okay. Screenbleed incredibly common.

I am lucky I recieved the LG panel version in the AW15R2 and its pretty okay. Just 250nits compared to the previous 330nits though but the rest is good.

This only is a case for the AW15R2 though. THe AW17 series always come with outstanding screens.

 

What was the main reason that Dell wanted deliver rebadged Aw15 with a worse display than its predecessor? It's always a reason... Either a bad QC or a better deal with the screen manufacturer (on rotten screens - aka more money to its shareholders). It's same as CrApple would go from Retina to something old they use before... Laptop screens should be better and not inferior when an OEM upgrade a model...
And yes, IPS screens suffer from backlight bleed but not as bad as the one delivered for AW15R2..

 

The AW15R2 bleed issues are not widespread but I do remember from reviews abotu for example Clevo barebones where showing bleed issues, MSI, Asus etc also.

But the problem now is and pretty much every major manufacturer has to deal with it. The main manufacturers are now creating panels with less blue light because of some controversy surrounding the effects of heavy blue light on the eyes. At the same time Dell, MSI etc all received lower nits panels and all have a more yellowish tint. It has nothing to do with quality control but the way the panels are made are actually different in terms of technology. This has not been confirmed by any bigger manufacturer in public though. But trying to get for example a LG 156WF6SB1 panel which has been an excellent panel is fairly difficult now. LG, Samsung & AUO are simply not making these panels at this moment.

This still only applies to the AW15. ALl other models have outstanding screens. The AW17 received a new 17inch fhd panel which is actually really good. Seems the days of fhd 15inch are gone pretty much now with these mounting points. Bezelless displays like the XPS15 has are terrible in terms of input lag.

 

Have got the machine back now.. They say its the same way in every model, hence not an issue.
It irritates me the way they are just waving their responsibility on this matter.
Dell support sucks here in India.I am thinking of raising this to the DELL US, don;t know if that would help though

 

Well i can say for sure with the pictures you showed in this topic The bleed is excessive. I can imagine though they checked it in a super lit environment where it is hard to see. But still backlight bleed is only normal to a certain level. But yours was fairly extreme.

 

I have tried to raise the issue (with all details) at the Alienware Arena.

 

Send us an email to [email protected] with your PC's service tag and a brief description of the issue. We will forward your info to the team in India to try to get it solved. However, I can't promise that it'll happen because they follow different guidelines.

You can link the thread on Arena or explain the details and mention that you're in India.

 

Thanks for trying to help. I had already raised this with dell India.
The result of numerous calls, visit to the Dell center and so on was only them categorising this as a behavioral effect of the screen. And they denied me the replacement.

I am thinking that maybe they don't have any idea why this issue is in so many 4k screens in this very model.

So it could be the replacement is no different. Hence they are avoiding it in the first place.

Just my thoughts on this.

Anyways I will surely mail again with Complete details like you said and photographs as well.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

 

Appreciated! We'll look into it when we get the info.

 

Hi. I got the reply from dell on this -
------------------------------------
Hi Chetan,

Greetings from Dell!

We have reviewed your complaint and our teams have noted the points you make therein. Firstly, we regret all the inconvenience caused to you and appreciate the time you have taken out to write to us. We have gone through the case records and as per the product group and our service engineers the screen is functioning as designed therefore a screen replacement is not required at the moment.

We understand that our escalations team has also been in touch with you and explained the position and we differ to their stance.

Once again, we do apologize for not meeting up to you expectation on this occasion and trust you will understand our position on this matter.


Thanks and Regards
-----------------------------------

I am not hopeful beyond this mail now, what do you suggest now please?

Thanks,
Chetan

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

 

It seems like the team in your country won't go beyond that even when we try internally. I'm truly sorry about the inconvenience man.

 

Yes, it seems I have just witnessed the other extreme of the normally excellent Dell service.

Just imagine I am even yet to setup this machine! Was just avoiding the backup / restore cycle so common with warranty service issues.

I am so sick and tired of all this running around. Should I tweet/mail to Michael Dell account? Would that help?
Someone please suggest!

 

So it look like they brought the 350nits TrueLife UHD Touch panel back as an option

 

Just want to say thanks to everyone who takes the time to contribute information. I have been reading the alienware threads for a few months just signed up to get some advice. Been drooling over the 15 inch for some time now. They are now offering a free GA with purchase and optional 4k touchscreen with 350nits. I am really ready to pull the trigger but wanted some insight on screen choice and hd configuration.

I definitely would like the 4k screen, but should I spend the extra 150 for the touchscreen with 350 nits?

I am also on the fence about with hd config to go with. looking to future proof a little spend least as possible and just swap them myself. Should I go with the m.2 or pcie sdd? and which size should I get from alienware without getting ripped on price.

I thank you in advance for any guidance and really appreciate the time..hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. thanks

-Chris

 

Why not start to offer its customers a better cheap screen than the trash with +180 nits? Dell force people to purchase more expensive screens. A great way to earn more money. Either you have to live with a miserable screen or clean out your wallet.

 

I purchased in December, and the only option was a 220 nits screen, which is far from impressive. I want to upgrade the screen. What is the best screen taht the machine can handle? Is this governed by the gtx970m? Can someone recommend a model and brand of a 4k screen?

 

If your machine has a 1080 panel (I'm assuming as much since you state 220nits) then I'm afraid it is not a simple swap. In short you'll need the entire lid as the mounts are different and you need the 40 pin eDP cable to drive the 4K display (1080 uses 30pin) and you might also need the bezel.

Personally, I would stick with 1080 and just upgrade that panel - http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/alienware-15-r2-display-panel-mystery.783055/

 

Thanks for the reply. Ive been scanning that thread but havent found a clear cut solution. Is the UHD plug and play, so to speak? When you say "panel" are you talking about the screen within the lid?

EDIT: Seems UHD is 4k? I have 1920x1080 labelled as FHD. Is that the best Im going to do? I keep seeing problems with 4k scaling, and I dont want to swap the whole lid. I want to get a better screen with more brightness and hopefully crisper resolution without having to swap lids.

 

THen buy a panel like the LG 156WF6 SB1. A 300+ nits panel with excellent color repoduction. Still has some screen dithering but the one compatible 8bit screen panel is hard to get on this market.

 

Thanks for the reply. Out of curiosity, which model is the 8-bit?

 

This one http://www.panelook.com/LTN156HL06-C01_Samsung_15.6_LCM_overview_24666.html

but it is very difficult to get.

 

The 8Bit panel is a Samsung - LTN156HL06-C01

http://www.panelook.com/LTN156HL06-C01_Samsung_15.6_LCM_overview_24666.html

I'm currently searching (worldwide) for anyone that has one but no luck yet. The panel that @rinneh specified is a real good replacement for your FHD panel.

 

A quick search turned up the screen for 65 USD? Does that sound right?

EDIT: It was a compatible screen. Ideally the screen with 8bits is best, yes?

 

Nope, @sirleeofroy received a cheap AUO panel instead for example/ It is very hard to get.

I tried it too and after actually buying one I received a message I would receive a compatible AUO panel instead.

 

Ah man, I wish I got an AUO panel!!

A Chi Mei TN panel is what I actually got!! @Elctbreaks - You will find that Samsung 8Bit panel listed all over the place but take my word for it, no-one actually has it. I'm pretty sure I have put the most work into finding this particular panel and I am no further ahead than when I started. You can be sure if I actually find one, it will be posted here in an instant!

 

Yeah you received a horrible panel. This one wasnt much ebtter either a 200nits AUO panel.....Instead of a 300nits LG panel.

 

Hello I'm wondering if someone can help me with a issue i'm having with my Alienware 15 (2015 model I believe), I did some research on it while it was being shipped to me and found out about the fan control issues. So when I got it I installed HWinfo64 and had the sensor setup correctly to use a fan profile and monitor the temp readouts for the CPU and GPU. Now I can no longer see the temp readout for the GPU, I don't know if setting the 970GTX to the default card via the nvidia control panel interfered with anything or if starting intel graphics panel via the intel graphics options selection from the desktop. I've tried everything to get it back how it was originally working, to no avail.

Spoiler: HWinfo64 Settings 1

Spoiler: HWinfo64 Settings 2

 

I'm working on buying an AGA and I'm stuck on what to get for a graphics card. $500 is ideal, but I can go up to $600. My main goal is 4K gaming on my HDTV. I'm definitely thinking about doing an AMD FURY X, since it does about the same as a 980ti with slightly lower performance, but I'm not sure if it will fit. I'm using an AW 15 R1 with an Intel i7 HQ and 16 GB RAM.

 

Wait for Pascal. Is now right around the corner.

 

Yes definitely wait for pascal. rumored to be announced in june or july.

 

But Pascal is probably going to be around 1K+ for their 4K cards. I can't really justify spending about half of what my laptop is worth on a graphics card. I'm not trying to top benchmarks, I only need something that can do AAA games in 4K on Maxed or near-maxed settings.

 

what you just said kinda makes no sense lol

"can't justify 1k to spend on a card but wants to play AAA games in 4k maxed or near maxed settings" lol

 

There is no card on the market now that can do that with decent framerates. Always around 30fps on max or near max settings and that one a 980TI that costs around 650~750bucks depending on your location.

It will probably be the same as the last generation. The 970GTX just outperformed a 780TI and the 980 was around 10 to 15% faster.

I think you will get a similar scenario now. So for around 550 bucks you will get something that will perform 15% better than the last gen top card that costs a lot more.

 

Perhaps you don't remember the big step from Gtx880m up to 980m, but I do None yet know the step up from 980m to Pascal mobile

 

From your sig, i see that you owned the xps 15, which had a beautiful 1080p screen. Is it somehow possible, that the xps 15 1080p screen could work on Alienware 15 R2?

 

Not possible unfortunately. Different mounting points. But the lg 156wf5sbe1 is an excellent screen to get.

 

Yeah, that was a great screen alright! I have the Samsung panel in my R1 and I really like it!