*OFFICIAL* Alienware 17 R2/R3 Benchmark Thread

I did an undervolt of 90 mV's and I played Hitman: Absolution and Battlefield 4. During gameplay of Hitman, no throttling happened at all. 0 throttling, clocks were stable at 3.4 GHz however when I try to play battlefield 4 which is known to consume CPU a lot I get a sudden FPS drop after 10 mins and when I check the cpu freq it is around 800-1200 MHz. If I keep playing the game like that I first get a buzzing sound then a BSOD.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I also underclocked the processor by 2x multipler for bf4

 

Okay, at least the CPU's ability to undervolt is uniform, so that's good. All that's left is to rule out whether you have a bad chip, by running intense CPU-only benchmarks while undervolted (like Cinebench and Prime95, XTU memory stress test works as well).

If you're able to run it with the same settings used while playing Hitman, then it means you should wait for the 240w. For games like BF4, consider a more drastic underclock instead (between 4x and 6x).

If it doesn't work even with -1mV undervolt, then your chip has issues - meaning to say, there isn't any margin where voltage is concerned, and any undervolt while under full load makes it unstable (not normal).

 

Well I haven't test 1 mV yet but I did try 90 mV undervolt as I have done in hitman but still no luck. I get a BSOD with the code "clock_watchdog_timeout". Also I lowered the multipler to 28x.

EDIT: I just ran a stress test on XTU for 30 mins. I modified the core voltage by -90 mV's and I've set the current limit to 95 A instead of 85 A (I was having minor current throttling once in a while so I thought it might help) and stress test was passed successfully:


My thoughts on this is that I don't have a bad chip, because it can run high loads just as it should but when cpu and gpu are stressed simultaneously bad stuff start happening

 

(redundant)

Edit: That's great news! Was it stable thanks to lowered multipliers?

 

No, I didn't touch the multiplers. It was constant 3.4 GHz! I am currently running a memory stress test for 30 mins. I don't know what result I should expect but I am just running to see if it fail or something.

 

That brings us back to what I said earlier, since it's stable...

So assuming both CPU and memory stress tests pass (with undervolt), 240w has a good chance of fixing the problem

 

Take a look at this...

 

Kind of makes you wish Dell did the right thing, and got Lord Zog on their payroll to do something. Hell, he was willing to do all the legwork for free... then again, that's Dell for you - "if it ain't broke, let's fix it until it is!"

 

I cannot see the image you have attached but I am guessing it's the information about new BGA chips which perform bad.

 

It's actually an excerpt from Lord Zog on Alienware forums, key point being quote: "As for the turbo boost issue, its not affecting everyone, only certain CPU's so it's like #10 in the priority top 10." He tinkered around with the 2015 AW bios when Dell accidentally released it using Aptio 4, which apparently makes it easier to work with due to leaked tools.

 

So the memory test has just finished without problems (with 90 mV undervolt)! It's good to hear that 240W adapter has a chance to fix the problem. I will report back a few weeks later when I have access to a 240W adapter.

 

Don't get your hopes up too much though, it's just a good chance... not entirely guaranteed to work (although I hope it works out for you mate )

 

I can't understand how alienware can just ignore such a problem. Even if it is 1 laptop in 500 laptops this would still be a major issue. By the way even if it is below the priority list it should have been resolved until now, 9 months have passed since the release of AW 2015 line. Maybe they just don't care, which is unbelievable.

 

The turbo boost issue, its not Affecting everyone. Only Certain cpu's... Dell is not going to fix this although Dell know about this issue. Quite tragic.

 

Of course, I know what you mean. Nothing is guaranteed to work here but as you said there is a chance.

 

It's more believable if you factor in the opportunity for RMA, where they send another unit instead of fixing the problem

Considering the previous OC for that sad 180w PSU... although it's not guaranteed, your chances are good enough to be reasonably enthusiastic in the meantime, especially since your CPU is fine

 

http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/8626818
So, I ran my score and its at 8000 score.......wtf is going on? I have 980m...and 240 psu already

 

The others are using the vBIOS with disabled throttle:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/index.php?threads/780158/

 

I got my system in June and switched to the 240W adapter right away. Made no difference. Machine throttles on demanding titles. Was playing Shadows of Mordor yesterday. Thermal throttling kicks in about once every 10 minutes for about 2 minutes. FPS drops to about 1/3. I've tried every available BIOS, throttle stop, deactivating allowed throttle states in Win10, unparking cores, prayer. Nothing makes a difference. I think at this point I'll have to return the machine. The throttling has been the largest but not the only problem with the system. I have to reset the wireless adapter upon startup every time I turn on the machine or I get terrible rubber banding on MP titles. About one in ten times the machine starts the screen image is badly corrupted and requires a reboot. The left speaker buzzes. I think I got the runt of the litter. Anyhow, I am not sure if EVERY 17 R2 throttles like this or if it's just that only some of us notice. I am not at all looking forward to going through an RMA process, but not sure what else to do with this one.

 

Pretty certain you got a real lemon (or "runt") - 240w isn't fixing that. As for the throttling, I have the same config in an AW15 chassis which can run at 3.5ghz * 4 cores, so it doesn't make sense for it to throttle more in a larger one: most likely poor QC / component quality to blame.

 

I want to love it so bad! But alas....poor Yorick.

 

If you want to diagnose it, change power option settings to "High Performance" first. On balanced, it can dip the moment you alt-tab out again. If that still persists, drop some undervolting on it.

Otherwise, you are SOL if none of the above worked for you - RMA is your best option as of right now: swapping to Prema's vbios won't help with this issue, because it lets GPUs burst higher (which has a tendency to make the CPU perform lower).

 

Thanks! I am running High Performance right now. I tried with an undervolt. 50mV. Perhaps I should try more. That didn't help either. Balls.

Was hoping the vBIOS might help. But I suppose you're right and the best option might be to send it back.

 

If you're RMAing, it might pay to be careful. Preferably, get some assurances first from Alienware support, and ensure it ends up at the right place. Good luck with it!

 

My scores with Fire strike:
Graphics score: 9798
Physics score: 7194
Combined: 3455
( http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/8672801?)

I honestly don't know what's wrong with this laptop , it heats up so much, I even bought some fans so it could handle the heat ( http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master...id=1443054919&sr=8-1&keywords=coolermaster+u3)

I have the 980gtx with the 240w psu BIOS A00, does anybody know how I can improve my computer? Thank you very much in advance!

 

That's a band-aid solution.. a proper working unit doesn't need an external fan to function alright with the 4710HQ - might be best to see your support options.

 

Well, I had dell support change my motherboard, HDD and HDD cable that wasn't functioning alright, but other than that I don't know what may be the problem.

 

How about the heat sink and thermal paste?

 

I'll call dell support and see if they can replace the heat sink and apply the thermal paste I just bought

 

BIOS A06 and gpu OC BaseClock+300mhz, MemoryClock+540mhz, GPU temp dont pass 72°C and CPU temp dont reach more than 75°C. I use hw info to increase the fan speed
http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/8730681

 

I have slight edge bleed on mine too - my fix is I just lower the brightness one or two "clicks" (Fn - F9) and it almost disappears while still maintaining a good level of brightness (I'll guess around 270 NITS instead of 300)

 

My best stable OC is at 150 core and 300 mem. Gives me +8-10FPS on Heaven 4.0

 

FWIW, I got probably the last AW17R2 on the planet (the day after I ordered mine, the AW17R3 came out) and I have NEVER experienced any throttling. Not once.

I read through this and a million other forums / threads before it arrived, so I made sure I had the 240w PSU, and I got Prema's vBIOS for my 980m (which among other things disables throttling). I love my 17R2. Hope any of you with throttling issues get them resolved so you can enjoy your system as much as I enjoy mine!

 

Hey Atomic,

So glad to hear it. Good to know that there are version of the system that work. I think I got a lemon. I have tried EVERYTHING to get it to stop throttling. I upgraded the Power Supply to 240. I made foot extensions to elevate it. I reinstalled the OS. I undervolted. I reinstalled the Video Drivers. I installed the Prema vBIOS. I cleaned it. I stuck it beside a window with cold Fall air coming in. I tried Throttlestop. Nothing. So, today I'm telling Dell to take it back. Who knows, maybe they'll send me an R3

 

Have you tested updated Throttlestop 8 beta 3? Launched 3-4 days ago. Ask @unclewebb to be the guinea pig. Maybe work on your Aw. New VCCIN voltage controll.

 

Nah, I give up. If the unit requires this much wrestling to work properly, I'd rather get a new one.

 

If you're lucky. Dell can argue that throttling is normal. Everything within reasonable limits. Anyway worth trying out beta 3.

 

Just got off the phone with them and they confirmed the throttling is not typical

 

It depends on who you talk to at Dell support. Nothing is better than getting a computer that works as intended.

 

Ok guys, since this is the "official" benchmark forum, and we've gotten quite a bit off-topic in the last 50 pages or so...

I finally got around to finalizing (well, it's never final is it? ) my tweaks on my AW17R2 (Ordered August 18, and delivered September 9, 2015) and benchmarking the results.

First, my specs:
i7-4720HQ (Funny - I ordered it with the 4710HQ but it shipped with the 4720HQ. Happy surprise!)
980m video card (Prema vBIOS and 358.50 nVIDIA driver released Oct 7, 2015)
16GB 1600 RAM
1TB 7200 RPM HDD (only for archived photos, etc. - I still don't know why they are shipping these systems with HDDs!)
128GB Lite-On SSD (shipped with system as OS drive - I cloned the drive to a Samsung 850 EVO 500GB drive and moved it to M.2 slot #3 - I haven't used it since. It's a bit slower than the 850 EVO)
2x Samsung 850 EVO SSD's (500 GB each) I wanted faster SSD's, and these things ROCK! (So, I have 4 drives - one slot still open, but it's the slower SATA 2 M.2 slot, so I probably won't fill that one for a total of 2.128 TB storage)
HD 1080p screen (matte finish)
Coolermaster U3 laptop cooling pad (a MUST HAVE - this drops my temps an easy 10°C and it's super quiet and looks sexy - Amazon has them for $25-$30, which is a steal for what you get)
240W PSU (I called the day my system arrived with the 180W PSU and they promptly sent me the 240W. It arrived NEXT DAY! Now THAT's customer service!)
I also use a NetGear wireless HDMI transmitter (Full 1080p uncompressed video, with 5.1 surround WIRELESS connection to my 52" Sharp Aquos TV - pretty F'ing cool I think)

Ok, so here are the numbers...

Time from power button pressed on to playing games, etc. = ~23 seconds (From blue Windows 7 "Welcome" screen to desktop = 2 seconds!)
FireStrike 1.1 = 9482 Link: http://www.3dmark.com/fs/6233653
SkyDiver 1.0 = 24504 Link: http://www.3dmark.com/sd/3434357 (BTW, this is the #1 score on there with 4720HQ and single 980m card! Can I get a "WHOOP WHOOP"?!?!?)
CloudGate 1.1 = 24078 Link: http://www.3dmark.com/cg/3113026 (#2 score - Almost there!!! )
IceStorm 1.2 = 86432 Link: http://www.3dmark.com/is/3289835

I have Prema's vbios installed and overclock the 980m +150 core and +275 mem. (completely stable) I've gone higher, but noticed some anomolies like random flashes of green and other weird **** that made me take it back down to +150/275. Haven't touched the CPU yet - that'll be my next task...

Temps run around 68°-70°C on CPU / 58°- 62°C on GPU sustained. Max temp I ever got was 76°C on GPU but that was only for about 2 seconds - then my internal fans kicked on full blast and dropped it quickly to 60°C.

I'm pretty damn happy with my rig now.

If you want any other info, just ask!

Happy gaming!

-Atomicbear

*EDIT* I'm running A06 BIOS if you were wondering
*EDIT 2* I'm running Windows 7 Pro - I paid the extra $80 for it so I wouldn't have to suffer with 8.1 or 10 yet, and I'm glad I went that route.
*EDIT 3* In case you were wondering, with stock clocks on my 980m I was running at constant 52°C with A06 BIOS and 240w PSU (with cooling pad)

 

RE: Throttling solved??

So, I posted earlier that I was having throttling issues as many others had posted about. On a regular basis my CPU would dip to 800mhz and FPS would drop. I tried everything...except I realized there was one thing I hadn't tried...not elevating the system.

I had an M18x R1 for about 4 years. That thing ran hot and temps internally dropped by about 10 degrees if I was using a passive cooling pad or simply just propped the back end of the system up. Because I have been so used to doing so, I did the same with my 17R2. I had a passive cooling stand it sat on. When I didn't have that available (Because I might have left it at work) I simply used a quarter inch piece of cork that sat under the back end of the system but not under the intake grills.

So...for the heck of it, I was like...let's run all the same tests without using the cooling pad or the cork and viola. No throttling. Now, the interesting thing is that none of the internal temps are ANY different. And yet the system is not throttling. It's a repeatable test. With the unit elevated, it throttles. When it is flat against a surface, it doesn't. But temps at the CPU and GPU are pretty much the same. The only thing I can think of is that when the unit sits flat, air is drawn more evenly along the rest of the laptop's bottom surface and keeps the average temp within the unit, which I understand is also monitored by the system, lower.

Now...that being said, I see that the GPU occasionally is loosing GPU load and FPS drops. This happens in Heaven and on Some games. Anybody know more about that one? Have seen several fixes like disabling shadow stream on Nvidia but that doesn't seem to work. Thoughts?

Would also love to hear if anybody else cures any CPU throttling issues by not using cooling stands or raising the system.

 

I've just started my first game on my R3 (Witcher 3), and the laptop seems to automatically decrease the brightness when I alt-tab out of it/increase the brightness when I alt-tab back in. Does anyone know how to stop this? I have poor sensitive eyes...

 

deactivating the adaptive brightness, in the advanced options of the energy plan.

 

Thank you very much, but unfortunately it's already turned off there and the option that is mentioned online as being in the Intel Graphics power options doesn't exist for me. There's a thread on the Dell forums that notes that it's apparently a new firmware thing and can't be modified at the moment :-(

Just realised I sorta invaded the wrong thread too, apologies!

Edit: it was Bitdefender lmao

 

17 R3, 6820, 1 TB PCIe, 980m, UHD, 16 GB.

3dmark 8335, Graphics 9667, Physics 10011, Combined 3649

Graphics Test 1 - 47.13 fps
Graphics Test 2 - 37.94 fps
Physics Test - 31.78 fps
Combined Test - 16.98 fps

Their stats say that puts me better than 61% of results - which seems quite low to me.

 

Can you run the bench test again but this time with Dells promised maximum processor dynamic overclock? Run also 3Dmark11 with same processor Oc settings if you have downloaded the benctest.

 

So... gonna drop this here again.

All you SKYLAKE owners, please come abuse brutalize destroy test your processors for me? I really need more data from sacrificial pawns guinea pigs fire fodder poor souls generous time-giving individuals so I can keep my mobile CPU guide which can be found in my signature up to date! CLICK HERE FOR THREAD.

 

Sure - I'll work on that later on today. I've never overclocked before so it might take a bit to figure the BIOS configuration out.

 

That's quite a long thread for such a short time! I'll read through it and see what I can do to assist with my 6820HK proc.

 

All you need is to read the first post and run the detailed tests there, then reply normally to the thread with the results. Everything you need to do is listed there.