*OFFICIAL* Alienware 17 R4 Owner's Lounge

Yes I had a tech come and repair my system that I had repasted. He kept trying to find out if I opened it. I used my words to say no and the evidence inside my computer to say yes. He pretty much knew that I opened it but I just never admitted to it. By the end of the repair he was saying stupid things like i7 has 7 cores just to try to throw me off and make me slip up but I played dumb until the end. System was repaired no problem.

With gpu boost 3.0 when you adjust the frequency base you are shifting the frequency points at each voltage setting. You can actually see the curve in msi afterburner. Click the thing that looks like a cellphone reception icon by the mhz slider. The card will still adjust up or down until it is at or under its voltage power and heat limits. So say you're under the voltage limit in the game you're playing. That same voltage point will use less power due to the frequency being lower. And the card will probably just hop up voltage points until its using close to the same power just at less frequency.

An easier way to think about it is that overclocking is likely to be like undervolting and underclocking is likely to be like overvolting with only a small shift in actual frequency or performance. The way to get around this is to go into that graph and make the whole graph different. If you really want to save power by lowering performance then you might have to level the whole graph out so that it doesn't go above whatever frequency your card was using in that game. Its a pain in the butt, but it may be the only way to test like you want to.

No solutions here but I can tell you that your cpu is throttling down at the same time. And when the cpu cant provide the gpu with instructions, it will shut down as well.

 

Thanks, great post that really helped, i bought an AW 17 R4 6700/1070 with IPS 1080p off Dell Outlet UK on thursday with 15% off code for just £1233, they sold out of all 1060's/1070's on friday with 20% off code.

Dell say i should get it by May 4th, just hope it doesn't run too warm and i get a LG panel, if it doesn't is it easy to buy one off ebay and attach it yourself?

Really wish @iunlock was in the UK, seems if you have heat/throttling issues he can fix it.

 

Killer 1435

That's my next step. I tried disabling it but now I think I'll try removing it completely, just to be sure. I've had weird issues with Killer cards in the past, but they're usually sound related and don't affect my GPU.

 

I'm not convinced it's CPU throttling. The graph looked pretty steady in all my other tests and there were no throttling flags. I even disabled turboboost in my last test and still have the problem.

 

Who has freezes - try more detailed analysis: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/wi...c-latency-issues-wpa-windows-vista-7-8-a.html (ADK for Win 10: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/windows-assessment-deployment-kit)

 

Ok so I uninstalled the Realtek HD Audio drivers and made sure Alienware's Sound Center was also deleted.
Downloaded the latest HD Audio drivers from Realtek's site, and IT WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY!
I was able to play a full game of Quake, f*cking finally!

But now I rebooted and somehow I have Alienware Sound Center installed again, any idea on how to get rid of it for good?

 

That's good, I'll try and do the same and see how it works for me.

I'm not too hopeful though because of all the things I've tried today. I did a fresh install with a SATA SSD, no HDD, Wifi card disconnected and new RAM. I never installed Alienware sound center and just used the default drivers Windows 10 installed. Tried Witcher 3 again and it acted up after about 20 minutes. I've got all the stock components back in it now. I'll give it one more go with the sound drivers uninstalled and we'll see what happens. Otherwise I'm trading this one in.

 

Have you checked if Dell have a newer version? If not kill it from startup or disable it in Autoruns.Exe

 

Windows will install the Sound Center via Windows Update. In fact, if you remove the driver then reboot, Windows Update will reinstall it again for you too, IIRC.

I am confused though, because I have Sound Center installed but do not experience the freezes. However, I do have a 6820HK which could have a slightly different version of the audio chip.

 

Yeah I have the latest.
Nice thanks for that.

I disabled Windows from automatically installing devices and I think it stopped. I still need to test it more, haven't had the time to game for more than 15 mins today, that's not a propper test

 

You can Blacklist specific drivers from re-install in Gpedit. The Windoze X is pure trash!!

 

Why not disable automatic Windows updates?

 

My issue is 100% not completely gone, but it's MUCH less frequent, I can game a bit now.
I'll try going with simple killer drivers next

 

Yeah, I had the same experience. It's a little longer but I get the same result. It's even longer if you disable the sound drivers all together, but who wants that. I don't think Killer drivers will help - I didn't see any difference at all from removing the Wifi card completely.

I'm thoroughly convinced this is due to heat buildup now. My CPU usage is a lot better without Alienware Sound Center and those drivers. I've run about 8 tests now and the external temps when the issue starts are almost identical. The internal ones are also kind of consistent but the CPU temps are all over the place when the issue happens. I'm starting to thing that if this wasn't a 120Hz QHD screen, the GPU wouldn't be pushed so hard and this wouldn't be an issue at all. But the Skylake version had this screen too, didn't it?

I think I'm just going to exchange mine and see if this is a defect or if it's widespread.

 

Alright guys. After airport trip with the slappa backpack, 2 zippers broke. Barely used this thing. Do not recommend for the cost of it. Will see what they do for me. This thing also bulks up pretty fast.

On the other hand, decided to buy the Alienware backpack and it is nice. The 17r4 fits it alot better.

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Nice, I was thinking of buying the Alienware Vindicator V2.0 backpack with the 3% I'm getting back to my rewards account. Are the straps comfortable? Does it have a lot more room after the laptop and charger? How solid does it feel?

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I got the AW Vindicator 2.0 backpack, I think it's perfect. The straps are comfortable to me and there is plenty of room for other things even with the laptop and power brick in it.

 

After 2.5 hours of troubleshooting with tech support, it looks like they are going to do an exchange so that their engineers can take a look at my machine. Looks like it's probably a hardware issue. We did a bunch of firmware updates and driver updates and still the same problems persisted. They remoted in to watch the freezing in Witcher 3 and DOOM and confirmed it's a problem big enough to replace the machine. Hopefully the next one isn't the same issue... I'll keep you posted.

 

Hey boys, got a bit of trouble on my hands here. Anybody have experience with external monitors when the lid is closed? Performance is fine when the lid is open. Soon as I close the lid to my laptop, my FPS drops from 100 to 0-5 for at least 10 seconds. doing just about anything remotely taxing including opening applications will yield the same result for a short period of time. Had a quick peak at my power settings, got it set to performance mode and never sleep. I'm missing something here and i don't know what. I'd leave the lid open but just made a pretty nice looking under table mount if I do say so myself.

 

Do you people also get consistent 'Audiodg.exe' crashes reported in SupportAssist? Although my sound seems to be working fine though

 

Hi everyone! this will the first time I post a comment in this thread which, btw, I've been reading since page 205 (mid-December), because it was back then when I decided to get an AW R4 and now it's the perfect time for me. It's been a pleasure reading and learning about all the problems and solutions related to this laptop. Right now I'm having some difficulties in getting one. I will try to explain the story as short as possible. Also I wasn't that sure if I should be posting this here because it's not related to any laptop's issue (I tried to PM a couple of you guys, but it wouldn't let me because I've just created the account), so I apologize if I'm doing wrong.

I was given a scholarship to study in France and it allows me to buy any laptop I want with a limit price of €2500, so I decided to buy one from Dell USA (there are plenty of reasons why I prefer getting one from USA and not from France, starting from the fact that it lets me get more for less $$ and that there is more variability in customization options). Unfortunately, they don't accept any debit card made outside the USA and same thing goes with paypal accounts! (I wonder why, bu that's Dell's policies...). And here comes the problem: this scholarship will only validate the purchase if my french residence address (already registered in their data) is shown as "Billing Address" in the invoice. So I'm stuck. I have a friend in the USA who was going to receive it, check it and bring it over here because he is coming to France at the end of this month. Now the only thing I can do is get it form a third party seller, but the problem is that it won't be customized with what I wanted it to have. So I come to you for help, guys. I really want it to be from the USA because it's way cheaper and more customizable. Do you know if there is a third-party seller willing to get an AW R4 with the exact specs I want it to have and then sell it to me?. Do you think there is a remote chance that could be possible?. Is there a way easier solution I am not thinking about?. My friend's flight is exactly in 3 weeks and time is running out (I knew it I shouldn't have waited that long ). Thanks in advance for your help!.

 

If he orders from Dell it will take about 2 weeks after you customize it. I ordered mine on the 18th of April, and it's going to arrive Wednesday the 3rd. It's been 2 weeks, so they take a while. Buying from Dell is the best option because they have a university discount and 10% codes you can use to save more money off the laptop. Otherwise, I think you could find a Kaby Lake 17 R4 on eBay with like 16 or 32gb of RAM and an SSD, but the shipping will probably take a week.

There is also XoticPC that sells customized laptops, the extras like RAM and SSD's are more expensive than buying it yourself though. I think anything you decide will have to happen in the next couple of days, or you will miss your window with your friend being able to bring one over.

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This is the problem of the new (overclocked) vBIOS It is very dangerous! Do not flash it. (it can not be rolled back T_T). The driver replacement or replacement of the thermal interface will not help (I replaced the cooling system twice). Only replacing the motherboard in the service center will help you.
P.S. In Ukraine, a service center can not replace a motherboard or laptop. Unfortunately, I can only throw my unit to the dump. Dell Support Service in Eastern Europe just terrible.

 

Another option would be to purchase the laptop via HIDEvolution. They should be able to get any configuration available on the Dell USA website, and are able to ship globally. They can also do customization like repasting and SSD upgrades which may be cheaper than getting from Dell directly. You would still have to pay import taxes, but it may be a good way to get the configuration you want.

 

Brutal, if that's really what the issue is. Dell support actually flashed the OC vbios and it was already installed out of the box. So you can't go back? Why is that?

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I do not have the old version of Vbios (the support service not have it too).
The problems started after I flashed a new vBios (Before that the laptop was completely functional)

 

That makes no sense. Your warranty case I mean.
Mine came flashed with the new BIOS from the factory. No way in hell I'm going to accept an answer like that from Dell.

 

My laptop was purchased through a reseller (Amazon). I can not transfer the guarantee and can not use it it fully.
P.S. It's sad but this is life in Eastern Europe.

 

Open a dispute with Amazon

 

hey guys, how do i claim the free promotion nvidia game ? also any recommendation on which one to pick? lol

 

Hey guys, realistically, how long does your battery last non-gaming? I'm getting 2 hours out of this thing with light web-surfing, a little youtube, and a word document open. Not gaming at all. Was hoping for at least four hours so I could use this as my daily computer.

 

PM me

 

Depends on which battery you got and whether or not Optimus is enabled. If you got the 68Whr battery with the gsync model, 2 hours is about right.

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I can't figure out how to pm, sorry. I have the 99Wh version as well. Thinking about returning it. I need something with at least 4 hours.

 

Well 4 was the max I got I'm my testing, but it relied on being at a low screen brightness and only doing light tasks. I have the QHD model though. The UHD model should be a little more efficient since it has Optimus enabled.

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Hi all, if i'm not wrong, the Aw 17 R4 takes the air from sides and not from bottom like previous models. Correct?

Is it better for cooling?

 

Ya I have the FHD version. Still getting like 2.5 hours, low brightness, pretty much idling.

 

@Flaick no that's not correct. It takes most of the air from the bottom and i think a little bit from one side but i don't know exactly form which side.

 

Read the final conclusion from Laptop media reviews of the new AW models regarding the battery life.

 

Intakes are on the bottom and the right side only. Back and left are exhaust.

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If I right click on the desktop, and go into nvidia control panel, I can set the preferred video card to "auto". Isn't this what Nvidia Optimus is? Switching between the two cards?

99whr battery should not drain after 2 hours on auto. Wtf.

 

I have until today to return it. Trying to decide if it's worth keeping. I got it open box for $1350, with the 1070, so this felt like a dream come true.

 

Non-Gsync panel with Optimus and 99whr battery will net you roughly 4 hrs of battery time with display brightness to medium. I had this and I was getting between 4-5 hours with casual working load and browsing. Switch graphics by hitting Fn+F7.

 

Something isn't right. Graphics are switched. Damn I don't want to return this thing but here we are.... Thanks for all your help guys.

 

Just got mine and I'm using it now, the tobii eye tracker gave me trouble out of the box. Wouldn't work during the set up and the red lights were flashing after the error. They also sent me a power cord for Brazil when I'm in Florida...

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I also received a Brazil powercord. I've contacted them for a replacement and they still haven't got it right.

 

Hello all ! Does any one know if it true you cant use the amplifier with a 120hz display . It will only work with a external monitor. Has any one gotten it to work with the 120hz?


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These are my initial CPU and GPU temps and issues with the R4... The computer is a beast, speakers sound clear and get really loud. The screen is beautiful, love having QHD resolution at 120hz for gaming. I do have a dead pixel out of the box though. I tried to fix it, but I think it's dead and not a stuck pixel. My backspace key is also a little click, making a different noise when I press it than every other key. The Brazilian power chord for the charger is also depressing, I should have been sent the U.S one. They also almost sent me a 240w adapter replacement which I caught, when I need a 330w adapter to run this monster. I'm just worried about the dead pixel, and backspace key now. They can send me another charger in 1-2 days, but they would need my computer to take it apart and install a new screen.

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... and I thought "I" was the only "lucky" one!?!?


CT USA

 

You can insist on them changing the screen at yours, however it's a gamble, you might get one with more errors or light bleed. My screen with 3 pixel errors was replaced with one that had 7... They are sending a third (replacement) laptop... First had pixel errors, 2nd had no sound even after on site repair, can't wait for this one..... You paid for a premium warranty, they can do it at your place.