*OFFICIAL* Alienware 15 R3 Owner's Lounge

should I even bother opening it myself? Or do you think the hardware needs replaced and I'd just be wasting time and money?

should i buy thermal pads too?

 

Personally I would send it back and order a new one.

But it's your decision.

 

ugh my product tag isnt even recognized yet. I'll call later today.

I can't really just order a new one since my company had to order it through their account. Can I just get an even exchange sent do you think?

 

They will first try and repair if needed before they will replace, and with your temps staying under 100c they will say your system is within the guidelines of performing correctly.

So in your case I would just get it repasted as long as you are happy with the rest of the system build/quality?

 

i like it otherwise. Theres no light bleed (TN panel) and it seems to work well despite the temps. Fans dont go crazy etc, can stream video with minimal processer use and temps around 50 so it's usable. I haven't run any games yet.

The lower screen bezel does have some seperation. its backed off about 2mm along about 1/2 of the bottom right screen. You can't notice it when looking at it from the front, but from the top you can. I can push it down but it pops back. Seems theres some double sided tape there it's not sticking to well. I feel I could put a clamp on it overnight and maybe set it in?

Other than that though...

 

should try exchange, if they don't fix the screen after it has been swapped then you should definitely press for a return

 

Any key words to get them to auth an exchange? I just got off phone. I was driving but they wanted to remote connect and run diagnostics. I couldn't do it now so I'll have them do it later after kids in bed but I feel their diagnostics will just run the CPU at 98 degrees and they will be like "oh it works perfect!"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Does anyone know what the best way is to prolong the battery life for long term use?

I've been told it's good practice to discharge the battery to 40% and then plug it in until 80% or something. I like to keep my laptop plugged in a lot cause of my gaming but I worry that I am stressing the battery leaving it plugged in all the time. Is the r3 supposed to have desktop battery mode because I do not see it on my system.

 

thermal shutdown


refuse remote diag since you have sensitive files pertaining to company work agreement, company network won't allow etc etc

 

It is true that batteries experience more wear when they are charged or discharged at the extremes of their capacities, e.g. between 0% and 20%, or between 80% and 100%.

Years ago, devices would always be running off of battery power. Sure, you can plug in an adapter and charge the battery at the same time, but the computer still drains from the battery rather than directly from the AC adapter. Thus, if you always leave your adapter plugged in, your battery will be constantly microdischarging and microcharging at its 100% capacity, which wears the battery down quickly. This is why people recommended against leaving your AC adapter plugged in.

However, nowadays, devices don't have that problem. Nowadays plugging in your AC adapter will mean the computer gets its power directly from the AC adapter. The battery is no longer an "in-between" step (unless you start drawing more power than the AC adapter can provide, at which point the computer will start drawing from the battery). This means that the previous advice is outdated; you can now leave your adapter plugged in for as long as you want without harming your battery.

Thus, my recommendation is this: if you're at 60%, and you have access to a power outlet for a long time, it's better for your battery to charge it to 100% and let it sit there rather than continuously charge and discharge between 20% and 80% - the latter will wear your battery out pretty quickly. However, if you're at 60%, and you know you're going to go out soon, then only charge it to 80% or so to avoid battery wear from higher percentages.

But don't let this stop you from charging to 90% or 100% whenever you really need the extra juice. These battery charging rules don't make that much of a difference.

 

You might be able to disable battery charging in the BIOS. Run down the battery to about 60% charge level, then make the change in the BIOS to stop battery charging - then charge & use the battery every month or so to keep it 'exercised'. That's what I do with my Alienware.

 

That's weird, I don't have desktop battery mode either on the 15R3.

 

I received mine,

it's an i7-6700HQ.

I did installed occt software and run a test, i saw that max cpu GHZ was 3.0 GHz, i did run the test for 20 min max temps in core0 75c.

Now i did enter bios and changed to performance mode, now max cpu 3.5 ghz but otherwise is staying at 3.09 GHz max cpu temps 69c in core0.

That's normal? it should be 3.6 GHz max boost right?

How i can change that? im new to alienware.

 

max is actually 3.1 for all cores if it's loaded, not really sure on the single thread performance

@D2 Ultima

 

Thanks for the info, then i don't have any temperature issue with the laptop, running under performance mode 2º difference in core0, i have been very lucky or they fixed the issue in line factory.

This lappy is huge.

Will test now with the witcher 3.

 

Agreed but then I don't think 5% is an industry accepted standard on these machines. And if it really is, then I am shocked beyond words because 5% is just too high a percentage for acceptable failures.

Thanks buddy and though some people may not be bothered by it, I think I certainly would be, especially when this thing costs the kind of money it does. I am surprised as to what Alienware has come to these days; just a fancy name, with a Mag alloy chassis and some fancy lighting with poor QC...I am seriously thinking of giving MSI a shot this time with their GT73VR series.

 

Max 3500 MHz on single core. Of course FULLY LOCKED!! http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Core-i7-6700HQ-Notebook-Processor.149420.0.html
One of the worst LOW ENTRY BGA I7 IN HISTORY!! No extra turbo bins as previous low entry models.

 

Well Alienware themselves state it is around 1% which might be true. But the industry is around 5%. Independent sources give an average of failures when a laptop reaches 3 years of being in use.

 

Looks like the 6820HK/1080P IPS/1070 configuration is back now.

 

Anyone know what drive Dell's using for the 1TB SSD's? I see the review units are using toshiba drives for the smaller ones. I'm interested to know if they're on the 961 Samsung' for the 1TB though.

 

Not aware of any samsung units

We've heard either skhynix or toshiba with samsung chips @DeeX @iunlock @zergslayer69

 

Disappointing considering the upgrade cost, thanks for the reply!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Ordered this system on 12/6

i7-6820HK
Windows 10 Pro
GTX 1070
15.6 inch UHD (3840 x 2160)
32GB
256GB PCIe SSD + 1TB 7200RPM
Killer 1535
4 years premium
4 years accidental damage

Original delivery date was 12/12

Order status still said `confirmed' this morning so called up Dell. Got bounced around a bit. Eventually got a rep who told me there was a part shortage, estimated delivery was now 12/15 but that was just a guesstimate, but that they would `expedite' the order and get me regular email updates. No actual solid delivery date, no info on what part was delaying the order.

Sigh... just here to vent a bit...

 

We have practically the same configuration, same purchase date and EDD. LMK if/when your's ships!



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Will do ;-)

 

Decent deal going on the 15, 275$ off if you use a link through Retail Me Not and stick in the coupon code: alienware275

Start here: https://www.retailmenot.com/view/alienware.com

Then click the link for ALIENWARE 17 link (yes the 17 link will take you to the 15, the 15 link is broken)

If you try to go through any of the configurations on the Alienware website directly the coupon code won't work.

 

That's great news, hopefully production is fixed now, as this is the first actual "good" temperature / core differential report I have seen "out of the box" from Alienware.

 

Talked with Alienware tech on twitter today. Turned off all my undervolting and ran support assist as recommended by Alienware tech and it shut down at 61% during the graphics test and said "unable to run" after throttling 3 cores the whole time lol.

My service tag is still not in their system though which makes this warranty stuff really annoying. Now sure what's up with that.

My order lookup by number clearly states 1 year premium warranty. But my packing list on the box doesn't list the warranty anywhere, is that typical of the packing list?

Edit they want to send a tech do look at heat sink and maybe repaste. Should I let them or just try it myself?








Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Even I have the exact same configuration and I have been told that there is a parts shortage, which is expected to be resolved by 16/12. So, I don't think if the delivery can be made before the last week of December.
The only reason I have not yet cancelled the order is because I am not sure about which alternative I should put my money on. People around me have advised against MSI saying they have a crappy QC.

 

Your service tag has not been recorded in the system yet since it is new. Wait 24 hours and call Dell if the number isn't in the system yet.

Service should be ok, you can ask Dell tech to use own thermal paste such as ICD or Grizzly Kryonaut (non LM).

 

Ok cool. I thought that was he reason behind the no service tag. I got it on Saturday so it's been 48 real hours but not business hours so yea.

I'll have him come hopefully soon then.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Could be the issue, Dells been kinda inconsistent lately. @Kyle English

 

Really anything the tech uses besides white thermal grease will be a nice improvement over the factory stuff, that has to be applied with a machine vs anything the tech will have in his bag.

 

I heard mayonnaise works

 

you just thought that was mayonnaise

 

Yup the 1TB are the toshiba.

 

Received my laptop yesterday. Had no time to do proper tests, only had a 20 minute run of OCCT. Cores 0 and 2 once hit 79, cores 1 and 3 were 71 at the same time. The rest time temperature below 70 with a 5-6 degree difference between cores, core 0 is slightly hotter than others.

Will try to do a longer test today, but it seems that they have improved QC (hopefully).

 

Anyone could comment on the quality of the 120hz 5ms TN AUO panel?

What is your system spec?

 

And I´m still thinking about to place a new order for the AW15R3 UHD 6820 1070 and am still not sure, but if i see the current temps for "out of the box units" i will give it a 2nd try, or did i´ve missed something^^

Was there any official reply from alienware in the meantime regarding "fixed charges" ?

 

Not that we know of.. They are aware of the problem but honestly it sounds like they know but don't really give a fck

 

The lower temps are due to the bios 1.0.8 which all the systems are being shipped with. That bios limits the power limit so the temps that a reflection of the lowered power limit, which for some who are casual users it may be ok, but for everyone else putting limitations on the power limit is a big no no.

If you are curious if your system will over heat, I'd be more than happy to do a team-viewer session with you to show you the temps going into the 90C's and very likely 99C; for the sole purpose of you knowing what it will be like in the future if you do wish to Overclock the CPU and GPU without power limitations.

 

iUnlock this is really interesting.. I myself am a filthy casual so I don't need to OC but does the power limitation mean that the CPU and GPU perform under the reference spec or just means that no OC possibility is given? Thank you for your great work!

I mean to get the 15R3 with 1070, 6700 and 120hz screen

 

There is only so much Dell can do at this point since the systems are already built. Changing out the thermal paste of the new systems being shipped would be one. They've of course responded by crippling the bios which is a huge bait and switch. What is essentially happening is that for those buying the 6820HK and GTX 1080, your system is being crippled to where it is no better than, actually worse, than a unit with a GTX 1070. Many people on here can comment on this and confirm what I am saying... @richiec77, @Mobius 1, @DeeX, @zergslayer69, etc...

 

You're very welcome. In regard to the crippled bios, it's no different than a Ferrari rated to go 200MHz being crippled by an ECU reprogram to cap at only 75MHz. If you plan to over clock later, you still can, but will have to flash back to 1.0.2 bios in order to achieve your desired over clocks without being capped.

 

Ah edited too slow.. I mean to get the 6700hq CPU so no OC needed just meant to ask if it's programmed to perform slower than a usual system with a 1070 without OC in order to maintain temps.

Overclock doesn't really interest me at all. Just don't want a system that actually performs worse than stock.

 

But will this bios affect normal performance? I've lost interest in OC a long time ago, so as long as normal performance is not affected I'm happy with this.

 

6700, 1070 with IPS panel

 

Ah ok. I suppose that I should have asked.

Well even with the 6700HQ's the performance can be affected with any type of power limitations that are put in place. However, with the 6700HQ having a TDP of 45W, it should be in the 60's tops as anything more than that is not the best that can be achieved.

For those with a 6700HQ, I'd like to test some things out so if interested, PM me and we can chat more in detail when we can link up via TeamViewer.

Cheers

 

That's actually quite encouraging.. Seems for normal users the problem got mostly fixed. Probably still best to repaste even with 6700HQ but not a boiling issue anymore

 

The problem is that, there really isn't any other 'Tier 1' OEM that makes a gaming laptop out there. HP's OMEN line is getting better every refresh but, they're still trying to cater to the lower end value segments and, don't refresh their lineup frequently enough.
Asus has been the most successful with their gaming laptops but, they have their own problems and quirks(their 17" 1080 DTR is running a 1080p panel..) and traditionally terrible warranty support.

A week or two of waiting time in the grand scheme of things, is a minor annoyance.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk