The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
← Previous pageNext page →

    *OFFICIAL* Alienware 17 R4 Owner's Lounge

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by katalin_2003, Oct 24, 2016.

  1. QuillP

    QuillP Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    52
    Messages:
    384
    Likes Received:
    161
    Trophy Points:
    56
    it's a new installation with an iso that I download from the microsoft web
     
    Vasudev likes this.
  2. Wiz bit

    Wiz bit Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    232
    Likes Received:
    86
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Has anyone bought the new Alienware 17 r4 with 4k gysnc screen ?

    Do you know who the panel is made by ..?
     
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2017
  3. Spybreak

    Spybreak Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Pretty sure its the same AUO panel as before, but now GSync certified. Some other laptops have had the certification before using the same panel and there doesn't seem to be any other 17" 4k panel that has Gsync in the market.
     
    Rei Fukai likes this.
  4. Rei Fukai

    Rei Fukai Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    1,048
    Messages:
    983
    Likes Received:
    1,302
    Trophy Points:
    156
    Although the 1080 is not enough to push 4k ultra @60, EVGA has refreshed one of their laptops this year with a GTX 1080 and a 4k g-sync panel. It's the EVGA SC17. The panel would come to it's use faster with a sli 1070 or 1080, but it's nice to see that manufacturers are trying to push 4k more and more
     
  5. Spybreak

    Spybreak Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Honestly I'm not worried about playing in 4K but I like not having to worry about tearing when playing 1440p thanks to GSync. I might swap my 120hz QHD panel on my R4 for the 4K but I would definitely want to make sure I get a GSync capable one.
     
  6. Shark00n

    Shark00n Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    110
    Messages:
    902
    Likes Received:
    414
    Trophy Points:
    76
    Today I have another "date" with a dell support technician.

    For the third time in one year, this time I'm getting a new battery.

    When I turn my 17 R4 on I get an ePSA warning saying the battery isn't detected or it's a "non Dell battery" so it won't charge and it won't work without being plugged in.
    Reseting the battery works for a few minutes. Upon restarting for the second time I get the same warning.

    My question is, how can the battery get like this? Can it be a heat issue? Is it simply a defective battery? Or could it have more serious motherboard issues? I'd hate to get a 4th motherboard...
     
    Vasudev likes this.
  7. Vasudev

    Vasudev Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    12,050
    Messages:
    11,278
    Likes Received:
    8,816
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Maybe it was defective, its quite rare that ePSA flagged it. Either way you're lucky not to face Note 7 like battery issues.
     
  8. Shark00n

    Shark00n Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    110
    Messages:
    902
    Likes Received:
    414
    Trophy Points:
    76
    yeah... lucky me...
     
    Vasudev likes this.
  9. Shark00n

    Shark00n Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    110
    Messages:
    902
    Likes Received:
    414
    Trophy Points:
    76
    New battery in! Everything seems tip top now!

    Fingers crossed it was a faulty battery and nothing else.
     
    Wiz bit, Maineiac12 and Vasudev like this.
  10. Pete Light

    Pete Light Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    172
    Messages:
    1,052
    Likes Received:
    643
    Trophy Points:
    131
    How do you know that? I run my 4K HDR OLED TV of my R4 all the time. BF1 ultra and Destiny 2 (high) both look great and run 60 FPS average, min 50 now and then

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
     
    Wiz bit and Vasudev like this.
  11. Wiz bit

    Wiz bit Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    232
    Likes Received:
    86
    Trophy Points:
    41
    I have the 4k panel made by auo with a 1080 and while some games (ghost wildlands) manage around 45 frames on ultra/high that is enough for me. I don't need 60 frames. But I can achieve 60 frames on games like GTA 5 and battlefield 1 (max settings) and witcher 3 if I turn some settings down ... having had every alienware 17 r4 with all 3 display panels ..In terms of visual quality and overall experience I'd never go back now to less than 4k not just for image sharpness but colour quality of the auo panel is great. The Sharp 4k panel is ok too but I had stuck pixels with that and also it had panel tearing which I hardly get with the auo panel. I would say the 1 benefit with the Sharp panel is it has slightly better blacks.

    What would be great would be a 4k gysnc semi glossy panel. Maybe we may get that option on the next a17 revision. Both the Sharp and auo panels have a hard coating anti glare finish.

    Different bios can impact the battery and some drain it (bios 1.012) did for me.
    Glad you had a good experience with dell support. :)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 29, 2017
  12. Lakshya Shankar

    Lakshya Shankar Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    55
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Hey guys i have noticed that many people who have been having problems in the 17R4 recently(in newer models) have the i7-7820hk model .
    What i wanted to ask was how are the the i7 -7700 hq gtx 1070 models? DO they still have throttling or is it resolved with the newer models?I dont know how to repaste and i think i will damage my laptop doing that. So should i not consider buying this 17 r4 if i wont repaste??
    Please reply as soon as possible as i have only a week left to buy it .
     
  13. Vasudev

    Vasudev Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    12,050
    Messages:
    11,278
    Likes Received:
    8,816
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Or ask @iunlock if he has any AW units willing to be sold? You can opt for traditional paste though if you're afraid of LM.
     
  14. Lakshya Shankar

    Lakshya Shankar Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    55
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Ummm.. didnt the traditional paste caused problems due to being of poor quality compared to all the grizzly, LM ,etc.
     
    Vasudev likes this.
  15. MogRules

    MogRules Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    1,228
    Messages:
    1,649
    Likes Received:
    973
    Trophy Points:
    131
    I think he means traditional as in non conductive as opposed to the Conductonaught. Don't confuse traditional paste with stock paste.which tends to wear out sooner and not be as effective.
     
    Maineiac12 and Vasudev like this.
  16. bestseany

    bestseany Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Does anyone know where the tron lights in the lid connect to?

    My right side one has started to work intermittently. I had this on one on in the base a while ago and the cable just needing pushing in properly on the motherboard.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  17. Rei Fukai

    Rei Fukai Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    1,048
    Messages:
    983
    Likes Received:
    1,302
    Trophy Points:
    156
    With @60 fps ultra I mean locked at 60 fps with a minimum of 60, max 60 and average 60fps.

    That's enough for you, I get that. But I'm not talking about a Max of 60fps, I'm talking about a minimum of 60fps. For 4k @60fps everything turned on (in every game) the 1080 is not sufficient to push 4k locked at 60 without going beneath 60fps. Sure it can push 60fps with some settings turned down but if you turn everything on and resolution scale to Max on games like battlefield and assassin's Creed you bring the 1080 to it's knees. And benchmarks on the internet support what I'm saying


    http://www.trustedreviews.com/revie...-performance-benchmarks-and-conclusion-page-2

    https://www.tomsguide.com/us/nvidia-gtx-1080-ti-benchmarks,review-4241.html

    https://www.tomsguide.com/us/nvidia-gtx-1080-ti-benchmarks,review-4241.html

    https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nvidia-geforce-gtx-1080-review/1100-6439863

    all of these benchmarks support my claims. the GTX 1080 t.i. IS 30% faster and the T.I. can't handle @60fps ultra settings in 4k.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 29, 2017
  18. nemoris

    nemoris Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    66
    Messages:
    536
    Likes Received:
    133
    Trophy Points:
    56
    I'm not so sure. The new one says its 400 nits, the old UHD screen is 300 nits. I really want to know if the "new" one has the same color range as the old one.

    Price is the same, so I feel like there must be some sort of drawback of going for the new one??
     
    Last edited: Oct 29, 2017
  19. iunlock

    iunlock 7980XE @ 5.4GHz

    Reputations:
    2,035
    Messages:
    4,533
    Likes Received:
    6,441
    Trophy Points:
    581
    Indeed, I recommend traditional paste as well for those who are new to repasting.

    Yes, those are connections are located on the upper rear part of the mobo. So that black piece in the back, it's right under the middle section if you were to remove the plastic part.

    It is common for those ribbon wires and/or plugs to not be fully secure...
     
    pathfindercod and Vasudev like this.
  20. Shark00n

    Shark00n Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    110
    Messages:
    902
    Likes Received:
    414
    Trophy Points:
    76
    Hey guys.

    I've been using an external display with my 17 R4 connected via HDMI and it's so laggy... Anyone else experiencing this?

    My unit is a 1440p 120Hz and the display connected is a 1080p 60Hz unit. I have the desktop extended to it. Any idea on how to fix it?
     
  21. openglcg

    openglcg Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    20
    Messages:
    240
    Likes Received:
    118
    Trophy Points:
    56
    I did a "side by side" input lag test of my old monitor and new monitor using a cell phone camera and https://www.testufo.com/flicker. Due to the limited ports on the 17 r4 I had to use display port for one and HDMI for the other. So I swapped back and fourth to average out the lag difference from each port. I found that the HDMI port was almost always about 15ms slower than the display port. On each monitor it was the same. HDMI was just shy of 1 frame behind displayport at 60hz.
     
  22. openglcg

    openglcg Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    20
    Messages:
    240
    Likes Received:
    118
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Is anyone else experiencing the system taking a LONG TIME to get to the bios password? Sometimes my system will take about a minute now just to ask for my bios password.
     
  23. Vasudev

    Vasudev Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    12,050
    Messages:
    11,278
    Likes Received:
    8,816
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Check display settings in Nvidia? Check driver version too.
     
  24. Shark00n

    Shark00n Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    110
    Messages:
    902
    Likes Received:
    414
    Trophy Points:
    76
    It's a weird sort of lag. I get input lag but that doesn't surprise me and I think it's mostly because the external display is a slow 60Hz IPS. But some software, like Chrome, gets super laggy. If I select text in chrome, e-mail or Word, the mouse cursor moves quicker than the blue selection highlight and that's very very weird...

    Yeah everything is as it's supposed to be and I'm already on 388 driver.
     
    Vasudev likes this.
  25. Rei Fukai

    Rei Fukai Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    1,048
    Messages:
    983
    Likes Received:
    1,302
    Trophy Points:
    156
    my keyboard suddenly stops working after going to sleep. yesterday i've already reseated the ribbon cable's underneath my laptop. is it also recommended to check the ribbon cables in the back ? cause today it started to show me the same behaviour again (aol up key down key and some others won't work after windows 10(1709) resumes out of sleep. after a minute or so the keys start to work again. it is something trivial butvery anoying. anybody a idea ?
     
  26. Vasudev

    Vasudev Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    12,050
    Messages:
    11,278
    Likes Received:
    8,816
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Look for any update for keyboard TACTX formware through AW Command Center.
    Wipe the gold contacts and cable with a clean cloth, keep them aside for sometime and put them back and check ePSA or any WinPE.
     
    Rei Fukai likes this.
  27. l4k3rkb

    l4k3rkb Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    54
    Messages:
    132
    Likes Received:
    111
    Trophy Points:
    56
    After a horrific experience from @Meaker@Sager (not him specifically) and XOTICPC, (maybe I'll make a rant post later) along with some help from the buying advice forum, my 17 R4 arrived yesterday. Since I've laid my eyes on it, I've been nothing but beaming, everything about it is so great. The audio, display, performance, and of course the AW classic design and build quality. Even Tobii is kinda cool. Happy to be a part of the Alienware family.
     
  28. pathfindercod

    pathfindercod Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,940
    Messages:
    2,344
    Likes Received:
    2,353
    Trophy Points:
    181

    Congrats! Great gaming machine.
     
    Vasudev and l4k3rkb like this.
  29. gunbolt

    gunbolt Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    10
    Messages:
    72
    Likes Received:
    21
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Hello guys, I am here to tell some good news.

    Today, after 2 weeks waiting for the new heatsink kit that came abroad my wait was worth it.

    The Dell technician came and the first thing that I noticed is the size difference of this new heat sink from CCI (Fans are still SUNON) compared with my previous one.

    One is 85W and the other one is 125W

    During the replacement I removed all the crap paste of Dell and put my new Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut (only a thin layer on the die of the CPU and the GPU), all thermal pads came properly.
    now my worst temp was 82 celsius , idle now reduced to 37-42 CPU, GPU is alwaus under 40, stressed 71 at most
    I am very happy the results, now my CPU can sustain 3.9Ghz without any Undervolt.

    Quick facts
    CPU BEFORE(Celsius)
    Idle: 57-60
    Full 92-99

    GPU BEFORE(Celsius)
    Idle: 57-60
    Full 92-99

    CPU AFTER (Celsius)
    Idle: 38-45
    Full: 67-71

    GPU BEFORE(Celsius)
    Idle: 54-60
    Full 78-84

    My 3D Mark benchmarks have also increased. :)

    I will run my tests and let you know.
     

    Attached Files:

    Vasudev likes this.
  30. Wiz bit

    Wiz bit Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    232
    Likes Received:
    86
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Glad you had a good dell customer support experience. Do you have gtx1080 or 1070 as the heatsink with wider pipes is usually reserved for the 1080. If you have 1080 your gpu temps are superb (71c) if you have the 1070 you gpu temps are just abit below stock average - but satisfactory. Cpu temps is ok, undervolting will lower further upto -10c ..
     
    gunbolt likes this.
  31. gunbolt

    gunbolt Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    10
    Messages:
    72
    Likes Received:
    21
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Hello Wiz, yes they sent me the 1080 heatsink.
    Running further tests here I found out during game the gpu temp never goes more than 67 celsius.

    No undervolt at atll since the change, I will do that too and see how it goes.

    :)
     
  32. MogRules

    MogRules Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    1,228
    Messages:
    1,649
    Likes Received:
    973
    Trophy Points:
    131
    They were talking about switching the heatsinks up a level across the board. 1060 would get the 1070, 1070 gets the 1080 etc....not sure if it ever came to pass but this would suggest maybe they are going ahead with it finally.
     
    gunbolt likes this.
  33. jamesjacks22

    jamesjacks22 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    15
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Hi Guys,

    Just purchased a 17r4 from the outlet for £1500ish

    Spec

    I7 6820hk
    GTX 1080
    16gb ram
    256ssd
    QHD G Sync display

    I’m think it was a pretty good deal for the specs of the system, just bit concerned about the cpu over heating and the potential banding issue on the display but I’m guessing Dell will sort this out if there’s an issue?
     
    gunbolt likes this.
  34. Blank3k

    Blank3k Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hey everyone

    I recently purchased an AW17R4 with a UHD (Non-GSync) display:

    Sharp [Unknown Model: SHP1446]
    LQ173D1 [DELL P/N: CK7T7]

    And I've noticed ghosting while doing day to day tasks, its not so much of an issue in games (I'm not an FPS player) but it is there, I've spent a few weeks trying to get used to it but I still notice it a hundred times a day - especially on dark screens I can see the icons etc move in an almost fluid/animated way.

    I've contacted Alienware, who are willing to send an onsite engineer to replace the screen but "we're not sure if this will remedy the issue" which leads me to believe this is probably just how the screen is.

    So I'm wondering anyone else has the same screen and can confirm that's just the way it is or if it's even possible that mine could be 'slower' that it should be.

    I know some people are more intune with this sort of thing than others, but I've never really noticed motion blur/ghosting on anything - until now.

    I know a photo isn't ideal but my 1080/60 video camera doesn't really do it justice.
    https://imgur.com/a/qpTbx
    This was taken while scrolling at a perfectly "readable" pace.
     
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2017
    gunbolt likes this.
  35. Pete Light

    Pete Light Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    172
    Messages:
    1,052
    Likes Received:
    643
    Trophy Points:
    131
    I have a 1080 and my GPU temp doesn't go above 64-65C. This is with LM though so I suspect that under 72C is ok for traditional paste (but not exceptional imo)

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
     
  36. Pete Light

    Pete Light Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    172
    Messages:
    1,052
    Likes Received:
    643
    Trophy Points:
    131
    Banding yes, temps no. If you get stuck let me know and I can help :)

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
     
  37. kqmaverick

    kqmaverick Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    55
    Messages:
    273
    Likes Received:
    30
    Trophy Points:
    41
    I noticed laggy external display on both HDMI and Miracast after updating to Windows 10 Creator's Fall Update. I just figured it was due to needing to wait for a Windows Update or Updated Intel/Nvidia Drivers.
     
    Shark00n likes this.
  38. Shark00n

    Shark00n Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    110
    Messages:
    902
    Likes Received:
    414
    Trophy Points:
    76
    Anyone with a changelog for the new BIOS?
     
    gunbolt likes this.
  39. l4k3rkb

    l4k3rkb Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    54
    Messages:
    132
    Likes Received:
    111
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Alienware 15 R3/ Alienware 17 R4 System BIOS
    Fixes & Enhancements
    1. BIOS ROM security enhancement.
    2. Tobii Camera behavior improvement.
    3. VR devices support enhancement.
    4. PCIE SSD device compatibility improvement.
    Version
    Version SKL1.2.0_KBL1.2.0, SKL1.2.0_KBL1.2.0
    Category
    BIOS
    Release date
    03 Nov 2017
    Last Updated
    03 Nov 2017
    http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/drivers/driversdetails?driverId=KPCGM



    To ensure the integrity of your download, please verify the checksum value.
    MD5:
    e5e04979556f57a47afccb3b462d206a
    SHA1:
    8178b77e2e39df687b14289805fe34cf5e683737
    SHA-256:
    a610d33efae0f9f12a1b81597740808a0fb4805e2586e904a3d5c997ff13945b

    I just updated to this BIOS and everything is working fine.
     
    Vasudev and Shark00n like this.
  40. Bear Legion

    Bear Legion Newbie

    Reputations:
    10
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Not sure if it's entirely the bios update to the SSD, but my god adding heatsinks+bios makes a huge difference. Performance is great and everything seems overall snappier.
     
    Vasudev likes this.
  41. alberto0987654321

    alberto0987654321 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Hi I want to add a 8gb ram in my alienware 17r4 and i cant find the brand of it as i have heard that it is better to pair them up with model brand speed ect. Does somebody know what brand of ram alienware 17r4 late 2016 i7 6700/fhd/gtx 1060 has? or if it doesnt matter and somebody has make it work with other brand which brand should i get for 1 x 8gb ram?
    thank you for any replys
     
  42. Papusan

    Papusan Jokebook's Sucks! Dont waste your $$$ on Filthy

    Reputations:
    42,747
    Messages:
    29,856
    Likes Received:
    59,723
    Trophy Points:
    931
    [Confirmed RAM List + Feedback] - Alienware 17 R4 / 15 R3
     
  43. IXVIXXII

    IXVIXXII Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    37
    Messages:
    145
    Likes Received:
    158
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Could someone please remind me how the cores are placed in the 6820HK. I have 2 cores (1 & 3) that are a few degrees hotter than the 2 others (0 & 3). Preferably when you face the stripped motherboard, It would be nice.
    Thank you !
     
  44. bcpl

    bcpl Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    16
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    6
    What's the performance of the 17r4 with 6820hk/7820hk and gtx 1080 in games like witcher 3, battlefield 1, assassin's creed syndicate/unity/origins? Can't find any proper vids on youtube.
     
    gunbolt likes this.
  45. Rei Fukai

    Rei Fukai Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    1,048
    Messages:
    983
    Likes Received:
    1,302
    Trophy Points:
    156
    cpu layout is:

    [0][2]
    [1][3]
     
    Vasudev and IXVIXXII like this.
  46. Rei Fukai

    Rei Fukai Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    1,048
    Messages:
    983
    Likes Received:
    1,302
    Trophy Points:
    156
    like any 7700k on stock speeds paired with a 1080. the 7820HK is essentially a 7700k for notebooks. the only difference between the chips is: a few mhz different speeds and they pull different Voltage opposed to the clocks. also is the 7700k 95 watts and the 7820HK 45 because it is a notebook chip. but at the same speeds, the scores are the same (when performing a cpu benchmark)
     
    Vasudev likes this.
  47. alberto0987654321

    alberto0987654321 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Thank you for your answer. I just found one post confirming he upgraded his 17r4 with 1 stick of crucial 8gb guarranteed compability without knowing whicy brand was the other stick it shipped with, he said it worked but nothing else,
    Can somebody confirm the crucial stick 1 x 8gb to be paired with the other 1 x 8gb ram it shipped with the aw 17r4 working properly. I really want to upgrade it tomorow but scared to do the wrong move. Any help really apriciated.
     
  48. IXVIXXII

    IXVIXXII Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    37
    Messages:
    145
    Likes Received:
    158
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Thank you !
     
    Rei Fukai likes this.
  49. l4k3rkb

    l4k3rkb Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    54
    Messages:
    132
    Likes Received:
    111
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Anyone experiencing the Windows device disconnected sound that happens when you unplug something upon closing the lid? When I open the lid back up, the device connected sound plays. What is this?
     
    gunbolt and Vasudev like this.
  50. Vasudev

    Vasudev Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    12,050
    Messages:
    11,278
    Likes Received:
    8,816
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Check if sleep mode is enabled whilst the lid is closed?
    Are you on W10 FCU?
     
← Previous pageNext page →