*OFFICIAL* Alienware 17 R2/R3 Owner's Lounge

Did Dell Update application work for anyone? Mine used to show that everything is updated, even when most drivers were outdated and new ones were available on Dell support. Strange.

 

Sadly, neither Dell/Alienware Update nor their RSS feed seem to be of much/any use compared to just manually checking the support page 1-2 times per week.

 

Got my computer back from tech support after the bios screwed it up. Got a brand new mobo and they managed to reinstall windows on my 1tb hdd storage drive instead of my pcie ssd -_-

 

Geniuses at work. Whenever my machine comes back from them I always re-do everything. Nothing quite like having confidence in your own system which #Alienware works overtime to strip from you by building junk to push warranty.

 

So I've got the newest 17" model, and have a question on something. I have a Dell U3011 monitor, native resolution 2560 x 1600. For that monitor to output at that resolution I have to use either the DVI Dual Link or DisplayPort inputs, so what would be the most "convenient" way for me to achieve this? Is there a proper DisplayPort to HDMI cable out there that would work (maybe Monoprice?) or should I consider a USB C to DisplayPort? It would seem to me like either of those would work, I guess I'm just not sure if either provides any real advantage over the other beyond if I use DisplayPort to HDMI, I free up the USB C.

 

I believe one of the great things Alienware did, was include hdmi 2.0. So high res and frames aren't an issue like every other laptop, example my $4000 brand new precision with 1.2. So your choice in port isn't limited by hardware.

That said, I've never used nor really seen (never paid attention) to hdmi to .... adapters. I've always been able to direct hookup for have an arsenal of mini display port to .... adapters.

To your questions, I use the USB c port for thunderbolt and my adapters to dvi and display port. "Waste of the USB c" yes, but barely anything right now uses that port.

But "cable matters" and "aueskies", of my USB c to display/dvi/via all work great. But my cable matters USB c USB hub doesn't work.


Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

Well I know it doesn't matter on the Alienware side, but it does on the monitor side. The HDMI port of the monitor can't do 2560 x 1600.

I guess I probably just need to decide between USB C to HDMI or DisplayPort to HDMI.

 

Well hdmi is probably the worst monitor connection to use, why not use display port on the monitor then?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

The new 17s no longer have a mini display port so your probably going to have to use the type c. Is there an option to do custom resolution for your monitor when plugged into hdmi?

 

I reinstalled windows and now I cant find my nvme ssd in disk management. It shows in the bios but no where else. Any ideas of how to fix this?




Edit: Apparently you have to download the driver. Who would of thought lol

 

Anybody else getting this weird thermal throttling at ~70C? Strange and annoying. Any tips would be welcome!

 

Is my monitor Dying

What i saw First was black screen and vertical colorful lines at Thé left side after i Pressed Windows button during a gameplay..That left side started to Flicker after The restart, went away slowly after each restart and at Thé End it returned ti normal..

After a week, i left my laptop for an hour and when i came back The Windows screen was distorted and again shallow vertical lines background..After a restart it went normal...

Anybody knows What is going on, 17 R2 here

 

Hi Babio,

Sounds like it's on it's way out but it might be worth removing the bezel and checking the connectors. Try moving the screen backwards and forwards to see if it happens when you do that, as that would also indicate a screen/connector issue.

 

Hey thank M8. . Any guides you known how to safely remove bezel to check Thé connectors? Or Removing the base panel is enough?

 

Hi Babio,

On this page for the R2. There's a section on removing the bezel from the screen in the list on the left.

http://www.dell.com/support/manuals...e17_SM-v1/Before-working-inside-your-computer

 

Just an update!

So the performance limit reason per HWINFO is IA prochot and GT prochot. The thing I dont understand is what why is this being triggered while my CPU+GPU temps are just fine. Anybody else with a 17r3 seeing something similar?

 

Try Throttlestop. You can disable prochot in the main window.

 

Yup. Already did that.

But was just wondering whats the root cause of this.
Almost near the end of my warranty period...now's the time if I wanna get a mobo replacement

 

Definitely extend your warrant. My mobo took a **** 2 months after my original one year warranty was up. Luckily I extended it and was able to get a new (not refurbished) mobo

 

So can someone explain a "Return to Depot" warranty to me? I've seen laptops that I've purchased directly from Dell and their warranty description when I put in the service tag is a little different than what I'm seeing here. Is Return to Depot just a basic level warranty that whenever I have something wrong I just have to send it back for repair within the warranty time?

 

That sounds a lot more like the GPU than the monitor to me. Take some pics and post them also run the hardware diagnostic see if it passes all tests. Do you see the same problems when you connect the laptop to an external monitor? If yes, definitely the GPU.

 

I decided to re-install the OS on my 17R3 ( until the brand new replacement arrives which is now on back-order because they are out of stock on motherboards [wtf]) using the original Dell USB they sent me with Win10 Pro on it. Booted through F12, instructing it to load the USB. A clean OS installed from the USB but on my HDD instead of on my PCIe SSD as the OS was installed on the SSD when I got it, not the HDD. At no point was I given a choice to choose what drive I would like it to install on.. Even worse my PCle SSD isn't even detected now. This is so stupid and a big waste of my time. I now have to download the drivers to hopefully detect the SSD, then re-install the OS on said SSD.. *Bangs head against wall*

My question is how do I do a clean install on the PCle SSD using the original Dell USB and not on the HDD which it automatically selects completely on it's own?

This stuff used to be very simple... PCle makes it much more complicated. Advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Blah! Should have looked this up before I decided to rush the OS re-install... Could have saved a lot of time.. In case anyone else is interested; here is a LINK to clear instructions.

 

I had the same damn issue when I got my laptop back from the factory. They had installed windows on my hdd for whatever reason and it took me a couple hours to figure out how to load the driver during windows install

 

i have an aga,, i saw Thé same thing with both of them

 

Connect only the laptop to an external monitor via HDMI without the AGA. If you see what you described on the external monitor that means your laptop's GPU is messed up. Restart it and keep tapping F12, select the diagnostic option and let it run all tests, it may pick up the GPU failure (even though sometimes it doesn't). Depends how bad the damage is.

After that try the AGA to external monitor if you still see it then your AGA's GPU is the problem because the AGA disables the laptops internal GPU while it is powered on.

Make sure you see the issues on an external monitor and NOT your laptops LCD.

Hope that helps you figure out exactly what is causing it.

 

BTW if both the internal 980M & external AGA's GPU replicate the same issue on en external monitor it could also be a motherboard issue.. It is very unlikely that both GPU's are acting up.. If you can-try & test the AGA's GPU on a desktop to see if it replicates the same problem.

 

So it occurs on the laptop screen, and on an external screen with an AGA?

 

Most likely your GPU in the AGA is malfunctioning. It could also be the AGA, but more unlikely IMHO. If I were you I'd test the GPU from your AGA on a desktop PC.. If you see the same problem-that means 100% it's the AGA's GPU. You'll need a new one, or try to see if there is warranty coverage on it. If after you test that external GPU on a desktop PC, you don't see any problems, it is probably the AGA, with a possibility of the motherboard causing issues.

If it turns out you need an AGA (unlikely) I have an extra (brand new one) if you are interested PM me. I also have a brand new GTX 980 I can part with. I could do a good deal on both.

BTW, if you are not seeing these same problems on an external monitor without the use of your AGA; that means your internal laptop's GPU is fine.

 

Hello everyone, I'm just new in this forum and I wanted to ask you question... Actually I'm thinking to buy an alienware r3. However I'm just stuck between alienware and msi gt72. Here is the cons and pros of them. Please help me out

If we compare msi gt72 with alienware r3, what would be your choice? I mean alienware has 6820hk processor, intel wireless, offical alienware case, win10 pro on the other side msi has 24gb ram, 256 gb ssd and also g-sync (alienware has 16gb and 128gb ssd and no g-sync). Both price are almost same. 1900$.

I'll mostly play game in this computer. Weight doesn't matter.

I have 2000$ budget. Please help me out

Note: There is a discount like 300$ in alienware r3 if you interested guys.

 

Solid states and ram are always easily added and/or changed . Don't let any of the easily changed stuff sway a decision. Your $2000 is buying the laptop itself (case screen keyboard etc) and cpu/gpu. Things that can't be changed, in most cases.

Ive had msi gt70, countless asus models and a few Alienware. The build quality screen cooling keyboard and experience on it is great.

Msi vs dell, build I'd give edge to dell. Gsync is the biggie. I've never had it so can't say anything, but you do loose Optimus because of it. Optimus I like and gives the alienware good battery life, msi will have horrible battery. That's for you to decide.

The screen on Alienware 1080p wise is an edge above quality of msi, but to close to care. Alienware 4k is best laptop screen I've ever used. But 1080p wise they're close.

Cpu/gpu, all things similar. My biggest thing would be gsync vs lack of optimus. If one has a 6700 vs 6820k, ..... well they're both good, but 6820k would be better and us ovetclockable. 980m. I think they both have it then great, if one doesnt....don't buy that one.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

Classic Dell Retards. Sorry to hear mate.

I think we've all had our fair share of SMH moments.

Powered by: Quad Core Exynos + 6820HK

 

That's one thing I give major kudos to for the AW having a HDMI 2.0...

Even some expensive rigs don't have HDMI 2.0....crazy right?

Powered by: Quad Core Exynos + 6820HK

 

Hello dblkk; thanks for your opinions. Yes both of them has gtx 980m. Actually i fell in love with the alienware however there are too many rumors that say "alienware is not the worth of money". I'm not here to start fighting however 2000$ is a lot of money to give laptop. What you can say about your computer build quality

 

Build quality is second to none. Extremely solid, everywhere, great feel to the keyboard deck, lid is premium, bottom is extremely solid. Even the little flap that opens (2 screws) which gives access to ram, hhd, 2x m.2 sata us great.

There isn't a single thing I would rate below average and not a nit pick about it. The only thing I can think of I wish dell had done different, was to add a mini display port. It has hdmi 2.0 which even my precision 7710 ($4400) laptop is only 1.4, it has USB c with thunderbolt, but mini display is on all other laptops I have to which I have at least 2 of every type. But...I've now got USB c to everything, so yea. But that's my only nit pick, which is really a stretch and easily/cheaply fixed lol.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

On the $ amount note, straight my opinion.

I'm not a huge gamer on my laptop (some doom and cod) I use to video/photo edit, and as workstation for work (multiple vm, autocad, and heavy typing). I bought the BB model for $1500, 4k, 6700 8gb ram and 970m. 4k and battery life were mybiggies. I dropped more on 2x8gb (which is now 2x16gb) for ram, a 950 pro, and a x400 1tb, along with a 2.5 1tb 850 Evo. I love my laptop. Best laptop I've had. I had a Asus rog 17" with 860m, the black stealth one, I loved but cpu cooling couldn't sustain full boost while rendering, gpu was fine all day. But that laptop feel look use was great. This, is even better with still the best screen I've personally seen. Better than my precision 17" 4k, LG 4k ips monitor, and my BenQ 4k monitor.

For price, I sold my 6 month old extremely top end msi gt70 ($3200) for $1100, to get this to replace it. And I still think $1500 is/was a steal. True I dropped another grand for ram and ssd, but all said, no regrets. Yea, the 6820 and 980m would've been nice, but I didn't feel them needed for what I use it for.

I've got 2 friends with older msi gt72, and you can upgrade gpu (not soldered on), still good feel build quality. But battery life without optimus was horrible, and build quality still easily goes to dell. Bottom of the msi is also all vents, and only the very back of the bottom on the dell is. Cooling is tad better on msi, but alot louder. And upgrade gpu is nice (but usually $1000-1400) for the next .80m jump. The alienware amplifier is truly where I think upgrade is at. Horribly cheaper, and way better performance. Albeit not as mobile, but I don't game on the go, if/when I do, I'm always in a position to plug in an amplifier.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

I love you! After reading this I've decided to buy alienware. You've opened my mind. Thank you so much

 

Np, I'm super picky and glad to share my experiences so others don't have to buy and return a bunch of things to find things out.

I love my Alienware, it ticks off every box I need and only missed a few items on what I believe the "ultimate list". The msi is a great laptop. If your requirementd are stationary play, wanting gsync, and require mxm boards, then it's the way to go. But for laptop, then in my eyes Alienware some clevo or acer predator are better options. Build quality on asus will blow those away, but you'll pay a few hundred more for it. Which on something you'll want to last, is way worth it.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

How do the thickness and weight of the MSI compare to the Alienware?

 

not something to be concerned with unless you don't lift

 

Thickness I believe the alienware is thinner, weight as well. But it's not by much. I do believe the msi is wider as well. But again, not by much.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

Hey, I'm lazy!

My 17R3 is much lighter and thinner than my M7130 was. I'm wondering if some of that is due to the non-socketed CPU/GPU.

 

Indirectly I'm sure. Soldered chips vs separate board don't really add to thickness, it'd be more width. But soldered does make cooling a tad easier, which could make it thinner. I think MSI being thicker, is all to do with the fact they offer a 980 desktop class configuration, with same laptop chassis. Added thickness to improve cooling. 980m vs 980 I'm sure is quite the cooling requirement difference.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

actually solder chip don't help with thermal, the 6xxx series have the same tdp as 5xxx, 4xxx...

or if you consider that intel crippled the thermal limit for 5xxx and 4xxx.... ok it makes a difference, but negatively affects performance at the same time

 

This is totally wrong..., 6xxx series have lower TDP!! Aka 45 vs 47W for the older chips. Skylake is more energy-efficient and can therefore have lower TDP. Intel go this route because some ODM/OEM's prefer to shrink their laptops!! Thinner models mean always weaker cooling!! Slimmer models isn't always the best route...
See the explanation in the image for gpu!!

 

but then there would be no notebook thinner than a dime with gtx 1070m!

 

Never said soldered helped with thermals. I stated it helped with cooling, making the cooling system easier as its directly tied into one and the same motherboard, vs needing to be able to be completely removes to make removing a mxm board.

Thicker doesn't always mean better cooling, as slimmer doesn't mean poor cooling.

TDP is and always TDP. Something requiring 45w will always need to dissipate 45w. Mobile vs desktop chips, have several TDP differences.

It has been leaked but not confirmed, that the pascal series won't have mobile and desktop vairients. Laptops will run same desktop chip, with throttled frequency. Some to do with cooling, yes, but my main guess is desktop over clocked gtx 1080 requires 180-250w. Without even including anything else in the laptop, that's already past 90% of laptops power delivery system already and power bricks. Very few systems (especially in 2016) are capable of handing 250/300w or higher.

I can run my 'thinner' 17r3 can run 100% cpu/gpu load while never getting above 70° cpu or gpu. That's way better than my gt70 or g750 before this. Yet my even more powerful precision 7710 can sustain even lower max temps.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

+82 degrees processor temp in a simple Firestrike bench with dGpu disabled is too high... Remember the shared cpu/gpu Heatsink in Aw Echo models only cool down the processor when you use the graphics in G/A!!! See image of Firestrike bench
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...ll-13-15-and-17.770323/page-167#post-10280364

 

Just giving a suggestion here. I'm pretty sure you already have $2000 ready to spend on a new 17 R3, but if you're open to the option of saving up some cash you can always opt for a refurbished model. They look just as new and comes with the standard warranty as well. The only thing you will lose out is the fancy Alienware box and the fact that the laptop is not fresh out of factory. Personally it doesn't matter as long the laptop works out of box and is like new. I would put the extra money into extended warranty or the AGA.

IMO it's also not worth it to spend too much on a Maxwell laptop now since Pascal is just around the corner.

 

Hello zeneticX; thank you for your opinion. Is the refurbished section is avaliable in dell website? Because I couldn't see. Or do we have to go to the store?

Actually I know Pascal is just around the corner, however I just need to buy this laptop in one month. Because I'm returning to my homeland. So there won't be any chance to buy it (Actually I can buy but it will be cost 1000$ more at least)