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

Thanks for the revert!
1. I will check the SSD you suggested on amazon.

2. Faced an issue during driver installation - have been unable to install them from the other partition. Earlier I thought there was a security access issue, so I took ownership of the primary (C) and extended drive (Partition D), but that too sadly didn't work. (I re-downloaded just to be sure the download wasn't corrupted, no luck)
I then tried to extract the drivers, but still blank folders. Anyways I copied the file to desktop and although the installer didn't run (gave an error of being unable to write to temp folder), I was able to extract them on the desktop and run the setup.

3. Now after boot, I get the Alienware load screen twice (with the logo), once during normal BIOS load process, and once with a red band on the bottom of the screen, thoughts? (missing boot screen maybe?)

Going forward with the driver setup as of now... Thanks for the support again!
(Sorry for the lengths of my posts but I like to details out what I tried just to minimize any back-forth later!)

 

Guys, im having some audio crank issues with the Soundblaster recond 3Di sotware and drivers installed.
If I unninstall it, the issue seems to go away..

Any advice?
Best regards,

 

I have a question regarding the hdmi port on the Alienware 15 R2. I've heard that the hdmi runs through the integrated card even when using the dedicated card, however, when I plug in an hdmi without doing any gaming my dedicated GTX 970m is showing as being active as well. Is there any way to keep the 970m from running when I have a TV plugged in and I'm not doing any gaming?

 

Hi all! Thanks for all the GREAT information in this thread and this forum! I reinstalled Windows 10 on my Alienware 15 R2 using the Dell Recovery Image from their website and everything went smooth reinstalling the drivers except I no longer have an Intel WiUSB -> UoIP Hub listed in the Device Manager. I've tried all the drivers on Dell's website associated with my computer to no avail. Anyone know how to get that device back? If you have it on your Alienware can you click on it and see what the driver file is?

THANKS!

PS Sopey15 for what it's worth my old Dell XPS 15 has the same behaviour. I think the HDMI is wired from the dGPU.

 

The HDMI port is plugged directly to the dGPU (970m in your case). If you disable it (nvidia) you won't have video out through HDMI, but if you disable the intel graphics, no problem for the output from that port.

 

VinnieT and slayer2333 thank you for the info. That's really interesting that it works that way. I think my old 2013 Blade ran off the integrated card when I plugged in the hdmi but could still use the dedicated card for games.

 

Thats the biggest problem with newer models. You can no longer choose what gpu to use from bios unlike older versions. Now optimus came in...

Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

 

About to get my alienware 15 in 4 days.

First thing I'll do is downgrade BIOS to 1.2.2 and then RAID0 two 512GB PCIe NMVe drives (samsung 950 Pros). Will update progress if anyone's interested!

 

wackyD when your Alienware 15 r2 before you raid your drives can you look at the device manager and see what drivers are for the WiUSB device named UoIP?

Also anybody having display sleep issues with an external monitor connected through the USB-C/Thunderbolt port using a Thunderbolt to DisplayPort adapter? My Dell U2410 monitor tries to sleep but wakes up sporadically every 30 seconds or so.

Thanks!

 

**ultra wide 1080p or 1440p w/ 970m**
-so I want to get an ultra wide monitor for my laptop to use for work and gaming, I am trying to decide if I should get a 1440 ultra wide or a 1080. I am leaning towards 1080 because of the gpu thinking that would be too many pixels to push on 1440. some day I do want to get a graphics amp but I feel like that may be a few months yet down the road, and that will be mostly for my 4k Samsung tv, I ran GTA5 on it and was getting 17FPS on 4k high lol. I am normally a console gamer so 30fps is fine but I do like my games on ultra or high graphics.

 

From an Anandtech review the 970m is 55% to 60% of the desktop 970 so here is a performance chart for the 970 with various resolutions..

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1743

 

Duplicate post. Sorry.

 

Fun fact in case it hasn't been posted already; Dell pulled all bios versions newer than 1.2.8 from their driver pages.

 

That's new as just this weekend they had the latest bios posted.

 

I figured it had to be recent, I literally went on yesterday or the day before and they were there.

 

Sopey can you look in your device manager and see if you have WiUSB listed? If so can you tell me what drivers you have for the item under it UoIP?

Thanks!

 

Sure, where would that typically be listed under in the device manager?

 

Nevermind, I didn't realize it was its own section. I don't see that listed in my device manager.

 

The item Intel WiUSB -> UoIP was listed when I first turned on my Alienware 15 r2 but after reinstalling Windows and adding Dell drivers it's the only item I can't get to appear :-( I have the Intel AC-8260 Wireless card.

 

I reinstalled Windows 10 right when I got my computer and haven't seen that the whole time (I never checked for it before reinstalling). I put an Intel AC-8260 in after purchasing my system. Maybe there is a driver on Intel's site? I'm not really sure but now I'm curious to find out about it too.

 

I looked for the driver but I could've missed it. There was a software application installed named "Intel Wireless Bluetooth" (I'm guessing it's the Bluetooth drivers) so maybe that has something to do with it. Here is a screenshot of original installed programs.

 

Sure, will do!

 

I too am curious as I have the Intel WiFi card....

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So I went with the LG 34UM68-P Amazon prime day had it for $350 it is a 1080 ultra wide but for that price I can sell it on craigslist if I do not like it for about what I paid. we will see how gaming is on the ultrawide just do not think it will be the best for text and working but we will see.

 

I saw that deal and was debating at the time...because I'm looking for a 34" LG wide screen right now...specifically the 2016 model, which the model # ends in 98 I think.

Let us know how it goes. My buddy has the 34" wide screen (1440p) and he said you'll never want to go back to 16:9.

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DAFUQ .. The 4k touch glossy panel of R1 is back on R2 :| !!
i was forced to buy a 4k matte screen !! Dell is frustrating.

 

Oh man, I feel your pain. I had to go on for a screen replacement due to the horrible out of box bleeding but the replacement was even worse..

Had requested dell to give the 4k glossy but they said it wasn't produced any more. Had to settle back for the original

Bad timing I guess. Could there be any chance we can try for a replacement now?

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

 

I dunno whether they would do it now..
Though i dont have any bleeding issues .. i am kinda happy with the screen .. but i would definitely love the R1 glossy screen on my r2.(dont mind paying 100 extra as per the website))

 

scottdrmyers posted a link on the Alienware 1.2.14 bios thread. Apparently bios 1.2.15 was shared with someone having graphics amplifier issues. Maybe it will be posted on Dell's servers soon. http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/13-r2-bios-1-2-14-15-r2-17-r3-bios-1-2-14.792528/page-5

 

Just received my Alienware 15 r2 UHD with the HK processor and 980M. Got a few questions and issues

1. My BIOS version is 1.1.5, do I update, there's been a lot of comments bad BIOS versions. What will bethe most stable version to upgrade to?

2. My system came up practically 30mins ago but it seems warm already, keyboard area is clearly warm, vents and bottom plate of the laptop is getting hot, I can't tell if the fans are working

3. I have the 4k screen, the seller I bought it from says it was refurbished, and this screen is matte, I understand factory screens are glossy, I got this using HWiNFO64

Monitor Name: Sharp [Unknown Model: SHP1450]
Monitor Name (Manuf): LQ156D1 [DELL P/N: KY9JH]

Is this good or bad? Can't seem to find anything reviewing it online

4. I'm about to install a 500GB Samsung 850 EVO and use the recovery USB included in the package to setup windows there, anything I should know before I proceed?

Thanks

 

Just received my Alienware 15 r2 UHD with the HK processor and 980M. Got a few questions and issues

1. My BIOS version is 1.1.5, do I update, there's been a lot of comments bad BIOS versions. What will bethe most stable version to upgrade to?

2. My system came up practically 30mins ago but it seems warm already, keyboard area is clearly warm, vents and bottom plate of the laptop is getting hot, I can't tell if the fans are working

3. I have the 4k screen, the seller I bought it from says it was refurbished, and this screen is matte, I understand factory screens are glossy, I got this using HWiNFO64

Monitor Name: Sharp [Unknown Model: SHP1450]
Monitor Name (Manuf): LQ156D1 [DELL P/N: KY9JH]

Is this good or bad? Can't seem to find anything reviewing it online

4. I'm about to install a 500GB Samsung 850 EVO and use the recovery USB included in the package to setup windows there, anything I should know before I proceed?

Thanks

 

Hey, congrats on the purchase. It's a very nice machine and I have a similar spec to you except for the 4K screen.

The BIOS with the least amount of issues is version 1.2.2 (thats what I'm running) and can be found here - http://downloads.dell.com/published/pages/alienware-15-r2.html

There seems to be a Beta BIOS kicking around; ver 1.2.15 but I'll wait to get some feedback after it's been used for a while.

As for your temp issue, Dell and every other manufacturer are not known for their great pasting skills and it could well be you have a bad paste job. Most if not everyone here will have repasted their machine. There are a couple of threads that will really help on this front:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/2016-alienware-17-r3-re-paste-guide.788431/
and
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...liquid-ultra-pro.791489/page-10#post-10292219
and seeing as you have the HK CPU:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-settings-for-4-0ghz-to-4-3ghz-stable.787791/
Though, I would get your temps in order before OC'ing.

As for using the recovery, personally, I would use the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft and do a proper clean install, Dell seem to have created a rather buggy stock install so it is considered best to just give yourself a clean slate and install as many drivers from the relevant manufacturers as possible (Nvidia and Killer especially)

As for your matte 4K screen, on the R2's that's how they come. The R1 had the glossy touch version.

I hope that helps, by all means ask for any help if you need it. There are some really clued up guys here with similar machines who have all been through the hoops ( @iunlock , @DeeX , @Mobius 1)

 

Congratulations on the purchase! I have the 6700 with the 970m but the same 4k screen. The screen is great as long as it doesn't bleed. Mine does and I have been through hoops with dell. The replacement was even worse so had to keep what I got.

For the bios, go as sirlee had advised. I have the same one and is mighty stable.

Also the Microsoft image with a clean setup is what I did as well (sirlee and vicky guided me through)

Of your temps are problematic repasting is the way to go (although I haven't done it as yet).

It's a great machine (i curse myself for skipping the 980m )

Enjoy it!

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

 

I expected glossy but got Matte screen. Also, not as bright as a I thought. Finally, yellowish hue to it?

My question to the board is whether its worth going through the hassle to get Dell to send new unit. Besides the yellowish tint and not as bright as my Razer Blade 2016, it seems ok. No bleeding etc. So will I just get the same kinda and be wasting time?

 

Hi there, I just got mine too.

I have the same screen:
Monitor Name: Sharp LQ156D1

Monitor Name (Manuf): LQ156D1 [DELL P/N: T41VN]

I expected glossy but got Matte screen. Also, not as bright as a I thought. Finally, yellowish hue to it?

My question to the board is whether its worth going through the hassle to get Dell to send new unit. Besides the yellowish tint and not as bright as my Razer Blade 2016, it seems ok. No bleeding etc. So will I just get the same kinda and be wasting time?

 

Ok

I recommend 1.2.8, not sure if Dell has pulled this from their site or not, but it seems like the only non-problem BIOS recommended by
@iunlock and @DeeX

That's fine, the fans are disabled on certain temperature ranges, and will kick in whenever necessary. The fan curve is very aggressive, which is another positive thing (mine goes fullspeed 6k RPM @ GPU 65c). What you feel, the warm, is only from heat buildup since the fans are not running, but the CPU and GPU have perfectly fine temps.

I'm not sure, and I don't have much info regarding the 15" 4K, panelook has multiple hits on your display model. Not sure which one is the correct one.
http://www.panelook.com/modelsearch.php?panel_part_number=LQ156D1+

You're good to go

4K 17" non touch? Try the calibration here -> http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...file-display-calibration-aw17-4k-igzo.793751/

I'd push for a replacement if the tint annoys you.

 

Yes even i have the yellow tint. Sadly any amount of calibration only reduced it but couldn't get rid of it.

I haven't been able to find a icc calibration profile of it as well.

That said, If you don't have any bleeding it is a better screen than the rest (if not the best!)

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Thanks for the info! Will look into repasting

I went through so much trouble getting the Samsung EVO to work, went to bed at 3AM and continued on it at 7AM, finally got it to work by setting BIOS boot to legacy mode, was a struggle

I'm happy with the rest of it so far though, still getting used to the 15" factor, I used a more compact ROG 46VW before this.

 

Thanks for the info! Will look into repasting

I went through so much trouble getting the Samsung EVO to work, went to bed at 3AM and continued on it at 7AM, finally got it to work by setting BIOS boot to legacy mode, was a struggle

I'm happy with the rest of it so far though, still getting used to the 15" factor, I used a more compact ROG 46V

 

Yeah, I noticed the yellow immediately I got into windows, tried calibrating but I wasn't sure I knew what I was doing, so I just left it alone. And you're right about the brightness, outside of those it looks good.

 

Anyone else very satisfied with how well these laptops run DOOM? In OpenGL mode mine usually sits at 60fps @1080 on Ultra settings. In Vulcan mode it's base is high 70s and hits into the triple digits. Really couldn't be any happier with that!

 

Hey everyone I recently got my Alienware 15 R2 a few days ago it's the 965M i7 model and i noticed while playing Overwatch that the right fan isn't spinning as fast as the left fan. When I put both my hands on the back, I felt heat blowing out from the left vent and on the right side I did feel heat however it doesn't feel like it's blowing out or the right fan is just really weak. Is this a common issue?

 

I take it that you have the 980M? Yes the laptop runs games very well...such a treat.

Have you fiddled with over clocking? Try pushing it to even +135, which is nothing at all strain wise, but will yield you a few more frames.


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Yeah I have the 980. My friend has a 960 and he said the games runs extremely well too. I haven't over clocked the card yet because I haven't really had to. The day will come though. In the BIOS I changed the fan profile to performance and that keeps the computer cool and I haven't seen any thermal throttling yet.

 

Its not an issue. The fans spin according to the temperature of the chip that they need to cool. The gpu becomes less hot compared to the cpu thus it doesnt need to spin that fast.

 

So over the past few days I've noticed a few things, if anyone can help confirm or proffer solutions, it'd be happy

1. Battery drains a little fast, I've only used it for about 2hrs and I see its at 60% already, I got this from the US and I'm in Africa, so returning it out of the question, question is, outside setting the power profile to "Power Saver", is there anything else I can do to extend the battery life?

I feel bad not because I already sold off my ROG 46VW, I used that thing for 6hrs easy.

2. On battery, when I click battery icon to check its percentage, if I do that once, not an issue, I click it again and the system freezes, I practically have to put it to sleep for it to become responsive again (on system wake)

Lastly, if I were to go for a replacement battery, where will you say is the best place to buy these online? I'd hate to get another defective product.

 

That sounds right on the money for power consumption and you are not getting better than that. The Alienware is significantly more powerful than your other laptop.

 

Hmm... Please can other 15 R2 owners also confirm this..

I got this over the Aorus X7 Pro because of the Graphics Amplifier and the suggested 6+ hrs battery life according to Notebook Review and Trusted Reviews. 2hrs @60% suggests about 3hrs usage, which is a wide deviation

I tend to be away from power outlets for extended periods, this will be a really bad downer for me if this is all I get on the 15

 

What are you using it for when on battery? Where is your screen brightness at? I have the 4k screen and find it to be very bright and usually have it around the lowest setting. Even when connected to power

 

On battery only thing I do is work online (mostly Chrome) and listen to music. I do reduce the screen brightness when I'm not gaming, they give me a headache on full brightness for extended use.