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

That sucks you had issues with your Alienware and Dell support. This however is not the "tell others not to buy an Alienware" forum. I have owned 3 generations of the 17 including this one and have nothing but good things to say. My laptop shipped 3 days after I ordered it, and came perfect. I've also never had any issues with Dell support. I had a screen go out on my last gen, then a tech came out the next business day and replaced it.

Not everyone is going to have a negative experience like you. So don't tell them they will.

 

No need to be so dismissive, but its true he went through a very tough time with alienware. It will definitely have to depend where you are in the world and what sort of customer service that you will recieve. I can speak from experience many of the dell customer reps i have spoken to in the past were not that well educated, and all seemed to be from the stereotypical "indian call-house". It is definitely also true that since the shift to dell's own customer service branch, alienware has tanked its customer service relations quite a bit.

 

I mostly agree with both statements. My experience with them so far has been pretty good, no complaints. But it is important to show both sides of the medal. And we shouldn't dismiss one person's bad experience.

At the same time, we also shouldn't use our one bad experience to steer people away from a product.

 

I will post what I want in this forum, I'm allowed to voice my opinion on the laptop that I own myself. Just as you are allowed to voice your opinion, if you don't like my opinion, please feel free to disregard my posts. I've only had pure trouble with them, I'm sorry you don't like hearing the opposite.

As someone with an anxiety disorder, the crap I've had to go through with them has definitely increased my anxiety in a time I don't need it at all. It seems like this is non stop.

By the same logic, not everyone is going to have a positive experience, so shouldn't people stop telling others to buy the same product?
Maybe that's why I'm so disappointed with this? Because I was told how great everything is and yet I'm being ignored as a customer by this point. Only one person actually is listening to me to some degree and they aren't even in the support team.

 

Dont even get me started on my experience with their customer care, since my first purchase less than a year ago. I just got done sending a reply to a forum member... he was wondering how I'm getting dell to replace my 880m series laptop with a brand new 980m series one. The story was 3 paragraphs long. Unbelievable.

 

Voicing your opinion isn't a problem. Telling them they'll hate their experience isn't appropriate - telling them the laptop will suck isn't appropriate. Not because you can't voice your opinion, but because it isn't factually accurate. Plenty of people have had a good experience. You're simply trying to vent your anger by telling everyone who'll listen to stay away. That isn't rational nor logical.

The appropriate course of action is to explain what's happened, and let others judge for themselves. I'm sure plenty of people can sympathize with your bad experience. But you aren't winning any points by continually saying the company sucks and the laptop sucks.

Just tell people you've had a horrid experience and personally wouldn't buy from them again. That's more than enough.

 

People don't have to listen to me, they can take this as my opinion as the rest of the post. I plan on making a post in the near future all the crap that has happened to me with Alienware thus far, but I haven't had the time to type it up. I don't think I told anyone they'd hate their laptop. I don't even hate the laptop, the laptop looks nice, it functions well. But it's half broken so I can't comment on the quality of it yet totally.


I'm supposed to be on break soon from university and I'm finding myself still stuck dealing with this. Can you really see why I'm so annoyed? I figured I'd be ready to game and relax at this point but I can't.

 

I can totally appreciate being annoyed with a broken laptop. I myself would be furious. This kind of issue is not acceptable from a brand like Alienware.

To be honest, at this point, in your shoes, I would probably have just returned the laptop and bought an M5 Pro from Eurocom. I ordered one from them and had no issues, it's a pretty good laptop. Or just go to Costco/Best Buy and "borrow" a laptop for your break from school. Then return it after.

Just remember that the deals you can negotiate with Dell won't be matched by Eurocom. And despite the issues you've faced, the build quality of Alienware is still better than Clevo.

 

I am reposting this because I accidently posted in the benchmark thread.

Has anyone got software g-sync to work on the AW17 with LG IPS screen? Or does the AW17 have optimus, so its not possible? In case you didn't know: http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...ry-display-supporting-displayport-1-2.770187/

 

For whatever it's worth, this is my first AW laptop and have zero complaints on pricing/delivery and build quality. Dell has been good enough..I enquired about the SSD drive screws with tech support chat and they sent 2 free of charge with fedex air. Typing this on my R17 and just finished an hour's session of Skyrim.

BTW, I've had Dell replace components twice on my XPS laptop when I had owned it in the past. Dealing with tech support was usually the major obstacle but once they confirm the defect, the rest of the warranty claim went without hiccups.

Of course, your mileage will vary. Also note, people are likely to post bad experiences on forums more so than a good deed for a happy customer. I drive a 2011 BMW X5 diesel and on the bimmer forums, you'll see plethora of 'X5 issues' threads and people bad mouthing german cars left, right and center and I have 90k+ miles with minor issues.

 

I just went to Alienware website, I couldn't find a laptop with dual GPU ....... am I missing something?

 

Alienware no longer sells a laptop with dual graphics cards. Depending on which country you live in though, some people have said the Alienware 18 is still available for purchase with AMD graphics.

 

Nope, they have no dual GPU laptops out for now.

 

I'm on the fence about buying a new R2, I was wondering maybe if you guys could clarify some stuff about the BGA GPU/CPU.

So essentially, assuming I'm ok with not overclocking and having a 180W PSU, What would happen if down the line, either the CPU/GPU or the motherboard fails when the warranty is expired? Since it's BGA does that mean you have to replace all three since they are all welded together?

 

Pretty much.

 

I feel like my money might be better spent upgrading my M17xR2 in that case.. It currently has 2 x 5870, 8GB ram and an I7-720Q

 

It means that you'd have to spend a lot of money to fix it with a new part. You'd pretty much just be told to get a new motherboard and be charged a lot of money.

 

Well, that was unexpected. Just submitted an order for one of these with the 4980HQ and a graphics amplifier.

 

The Clevo 650se really is a big step down in terms of build quality. I made the mistake of ordering one, before the 15 was announced, and returned it due to the utter cheap build quality. The case just had that "hollow" feel to it, with every finger/palm strike producing a rattle. I have a four year old HP Pavilion (basic consumer laptop) that bests the Clevo, in this regard. I will never be satisfied with brands like Clevo, Gigabyte, or really even MSI due to their inferior designs. I guess power over style is important for some, somewhat similar to say Mustang/Camaro vs Audi/Jaguar/BMW. Yea they are fast cars, but they use cheap plastic bits throughout the interior.

 

Better ask for a new 240W psu with that unless you want to eventually kill your battery and cripple your performance. If you want overclock in any fashion you may need more than 240W. (Assuming you have the 980m)

 

Will definitely do that, apparently you have to request it after you receive it?

 

The inferior TN screen would drive me bonkers, though.......

 

Yeah you can ring them up or they have a document somewhere online to request one.

 

The new Clevo P650SE is better than previous Clevo's in terms of build quality. But they are indeed more focused on price/performance, with quality/support being a secondary concern.

Despite the step down in quality, Alienware is still top dog compared to most others, though the new ASUS G751 are very well built.

 

Hi folks,
It is my first post there.
I just received my M17 R2 with 4980HQ/980m/500G SSD and a matte screen.
It was suppose to be sent with a 240W PSU but it seems that the package was lost or something by UPS, they will send me another one. I am from France region and Dell support immediately agreed to me a 240W PSU.

I updated the bios to v2 and just ran 3dmark first with the 180W and then with the 240W (of my previous M17x r3) after a reboot.
I did not replicate but here the scores:

180W
FS 8158
SD 17843
CG 20942
IS 78056

240W
FS 8328
SD 21932
CG 22376
IS 90489

To compare with my previous m17x R3 (6970m), I really like the new screen which is gorgeous and the laptop is very silent when it is not under load.
I played a bit to Far Cry 4 with everything maxed out but the AA (SMAA) , the tree relief off and shadows on very high. It run quite smoothly from 65 fps to 50 fps in highly woody places. I just mention a weird drop at 20 fps close the fall at the beginning of the game but that all.

I also mention that some part of the keyboard are quite hot when I play Far Cry 4, my previous M17x r3 was way more isolated since I never felt any heat even under OC.

Last point, I mention that there is a very slight vibration on the back of the screen, you can only feel it by gently touching the back of the screen with one finger without pressing. It happens even if the computer is turned off. The only way to get rid off it is to unplug the PSU. It happens with either 180W and 240W, might more significant with the 240W but it is hard to tell. It does not affect at all the display, I am just wondering what it could be...

Cheers

 

Thank you! For a good review. I have the exact same model, but not the 240w PSU(yet).
I'm thinking of updating the bios, but I think it's only in beta still?

 

I don't know it was notified as recommended update on dell website

 

You see that Sky Diver benchmark scoore has significantly increased using 240 W POWER SUPPLY. This means that a 180 W is too weak for new Alienware 17r2 with i7-4980bga and gtx980m even with new hybrid bios..

 

Hi Guys,

Researching the 17 R2 in the UK I contacted a Dell Sales advisor to inquire about the adaptor. Good News! They are now supplying the 240W adaptor with the unit. The website will apparently be updated to support this.

In case your interested, a edited down transcript (Also changed my name to my username here):-


02/20/2015 12:24:43PM
Session Started with Agent (Krity Ranjan)

02/20/2015 12:24:43PM Hjoldir:
"I am interested in purchasing your Alienware 17 R2 at full spec. This would mean that I would be receiving the GTX 980M GPU. The 180W power adapter supplied with the unit would cause throttling issues. I am aware that a BIOS update has resolved part of the issue on the basis that the battery now supplies part of the wattage. This however will shorten battery life. As such a 240W adaptor is what is required. If I purchase your product, would I be able to request a 240W adaptor be sent?

02/20/2015 12:25:56PM Agent (Krity Ranjan):
"Hi there"

02/20/2015 12:26:20PM Agent (Krity Ranjan):
"Please allow me a minute while I check."

02/20/2015 12:26:32PM Hjoldir:
"Hullo and thank you."

02/20/2015 12:31:14PM Hjoldir:
"I would note that the alienware GM Frank Azore did promise to supply the adapter on request via his 'Ask Alienware's GM Frank Azore anything' thread."

02/20/2015 12:32:07PM Agent (Krity Ranjan):
"Yes, you will get 240 watts AC adapter."

02/20/2015 12:32:36PM Agent (Krity Ranjan):
"In case if you have any issues you can always contact our Technical Support dept"

[lost connection with Krity Ranjan]

2/20/2015 12:42:11PM Agent (Mohd Mustafa Khan):
"she is currently Not available , shall i help you with any query you have"

02/20/2015 12:43:21PM Hjoldir:
"She had just let know that I would be able to receive the 240W adaptor. I was curious whether I would receive the adaptor as standard or have to request it?"

02/20/2015 12:43:57PM Agent (Mohd Mustafa Khan):
"it will be received as standart"

02/20/2015 12:44:40PM Hjoldir:
"Fantastic, as on the ordering page it states a 180W adaptor."

02/20/2015 12:45:29PM Agent (Mohd Mustafa Khan): "it will be updated soon"

02/20/2015 12:45:36PM Agent (Mohd Mustafa Khan): "thanks for the Feed back on the Website"

02/20/2015 12:46:29PM Hjoldir:
"Ah ok, than you for your help! Have a nice day "

 

This is something I mentioned in my review as well. Compared to the AW17 Ranger (R5), this keyboard gets really warm/hot. This bothers me tremendously, as I'm used to gaming laptops that keep the keyboard/chassis cool.

 

If anybody in the US/Canada has received the 240W PSU, could you tell us what the part # was? Dell support is telling me they can't find a 240W PSU for this, and are asking for a part #.

 

It gets hot on the keyboard When Dellienware creates new Apple gaming laptops thin as a pancake . . This is logical.

 

A question for someone who requested the 240W, do they require you to mail back the 180W or do you get to keep it?

N

 

they told me i can keep it>

this is the Invoice the Item Number is FHMD4

 

Shoot. The rep who setup my 240w said I have to send the 180W back....Guess it depends on the agent.

I still set it up because I want dell to know how many of us want the 240w and maybe they'll eventually be standard with the 17r2.

N

 

I complained about huge drops of fps on far cry 4 in my last post.
In fact it occurs quite often.... the fps drops from 60 to 20 fps for more or less 10 sec. I do not have a clue if it is related to far cry4 or my rig (4980/980m/SSD/PSU 240W/bios A02).
I might have catch it on a GPU-Z log:

Sans Titre by ufomammut posted Feb 21, 2015 at 1:01 PM

It seems that GPU load and memory controller load were affected for 10sec. The temperatures looks correct.

Does anybody know if it is specific to far cry 4?
Is there a way to diagnose that? I am not very familiar with that.

Thank you

 

Happy for you guys receiving the 17r2 with the 4980 processor. We've been delayed for quite some time now. Also, thanks for the time on the benchmarks.

Extremely mad that I'm still waiting on my system, after having placed my original order on 1/7/15. It has finally shipped and coming next business day...however Dell dragged their tail and didn't ship it out until yesterday (Friday). That means Monday for me, and coming from 100 miles away, dell could have shipped ground and it would have gotten here just as fast lol. Fail on the Friday next business day shipping.

I will say, if it weren't for @AW Khan then it would probably be another 2 months before I got the system. He's been an amazing help, and is very much appreciated here! Still have a few remaining issues (delayed shipment, waiting on a call for promised compensation for all the problems, 240 watt PSU, and m.2 ssd screws). However, if it weren't for Khan, I would have canceled my order a long time ago and went with a Sager. He seriously is the only competent and truly helpful person that I've worked with at Dell. Can't thank him enough for carrying their otherwise poor customer service on his shoulders.

 

Hope yours arrives safely soon. I am really liking my 4980hq model. No complaints other than a warm keyboard during gaming but it's a nuisance not a deal breaker.

Hang in there.

N


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

Yeah the warm keyboard is one of my major complaints.

 

hopefully not too warm, but would be nice on a cold morning too

 

I don't think its too warm, but then again, the last multi-hour gaming sessions I had were on a MSI 870M GS60 and that whole thing was one giant heatsink

For those coming from 2.0" thick and cool machines, its a bit of a shock no doubt.

N

 

Pretty much this. If you're used to gaming on very thin laptops, you won't find this too bothersome (its warm, but not hot to the point you can't touch the keyboard).

Anybody coming from an ASUS ROG, prior AW or even some Clevo models will be shocked at how warm/hot the keyboard is. I know I am.

 

Well you have to figure, that combined heat pipe runs across cpu and gpu across that entire area. I do find that if you use a mouse and wasd, that area is cooler than the mid to right side of keyboard so at least wasd isn't that warm. I considered re pasting cpu gpu but it's a full system tear down.

 

Love My Alienware 17 R2.
I7 4710
Gtx-970
16GB DDR3
512GB M.2 Sata
512GB 2.5in SSD


Sent from my iPhone 6+ using Tapatalk.

 

Awesome I seriously can't wait for mine. I will never stop gaming on laptops and never give up on alienware

 

yeh never gave up huh ? if you are in my place you will>>>> http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...rder-status-thread.771207/page-3#post-9937952

 

I read that I'm really sorry to hear that is happening to you I hope it gets worked out I would be really angry if that happened to me also

 

thank you yeh i know what can i do .....they can NOT even gave me The Estimated ship date !!!

 

Received mine in the mail earlier today. Everything seems alright so far, except that it seems as if sound is only coming out of the left side of the laptop (Left speaker and the subwoofer). Has anyone else experienced this?

 

hi can you please tell me when did they sipped ???? they keep lying to me please answer me there thank you so much
http://forum.notebookreview.com/conversations/alienware.929394/#message-933442