*OFFICIAL* Alienware 17 R4 Owner's Lounge

This isn't the whole truth... Most brands models will be fixed with a simple thermal paste change. You don't need to fix a design flaw on heatsink as you need on the new AW models. This is a big difference!! You shouldn't need to bend or do other changes on the heatsink to receive very good processor temperature A simple re-paste should be more than enough!! A lot of people can and will change the thermal paste, but most of them isn't willing to customize the flawed three legs heatsink.

 

Just received my new 17 today. GTX 1080 and 1440 P screen. Been playing Rise of the Tomb Raider for about an hour or 2 and here is the screenshot of the temps.

 

So finally had a chance to play around with my 1070 and 6820 quad core and UHD screen. Installed some of the benchmark tests, hwinfo and intel's extreme tuning etc. I tried to overclock it based on some of the settings I've seen posted in here. Tried doing 36 on each core in the bios and the 100000 power limit. Also changed the settings in the XTU and ran the cpu tests. They passed in the XTU program, however they would shut down the PC when I ran the firestrike or timespy or whatever that one is called. HWINFO showed max of 99 degrees c on 2 of the cores. Seems like my machine is suffering from the typical thermal paste issue correct?

Now I'm a former techie you could say, built my first PC when I was 15 back in 95 or 96. 386 dx. Was a beast until I realized it couldn't play warcraft lol. I had been building PC's up until my last one 5 or 6 years ago. At this point my job and family takes up way too much of my time and I don't really feel like spending half a day to tear it down to repaste it and put it back together. Do you think I can get someone locally to do the repaste (I live in denver metro area), or would Dell be willing to do it by sending out a tech? Just curious what this group suggests might be my best bet.

Thanks!

 

Here is a screenshot of my Firestrike score

 

Yes. Hitting those temps will shut the computer off. Happened to me once playing around with an OC and fan speed being low. Repaste should allow the computer to run as designed. Just not sure a Dell tech would be the answer...should be. Show them the Temperatures and hell most likely go through the repaste routine for you.

 

So if I'm able to show those to the tech, he would be the one willing to do the repaste the way it should have been done to begin with? Ideally with my own choice of paste?

 

Are you happy with this?

 

Don't know.

You should do this but using AW built in OC settings to show it can't use the lowest settings. This computer should work as advertised out of the box. Using say OC lvl 1 and it overheats, that should be under warranty to fix

 

Anybody can you tell me how to switch to Battery Desktop Mode to protect the battery in 17 r4? Right click on battery icon in the bottom right don't work for me. I have installed Osd application... pls help!

 

Barely over 20K aka 20,329 Fire Strike Graphics. This is far too low. Should be closer to 21,500 to 22,000 with stock Gtx1080 as other laptop models. Is this because Dell has put a too low TDP limit in vbios? AW Ceo Mr. Azor claims that they use full operating criteria for the GPU and other OEM's cripple the TDP limit on their 1080 graphics http://www.techradar.com/news/mobil...we-don-t-feel-that-benefit-right-now--1327167

 

True, but the new AW is among the best built systems so for those who are planning on keeping it for a long time and want to make it work, then the point here is that there is an option.

Nothing comes close to the build quality of the new AW line. The cooling system is very good as well.

For anyone that knows how to repaste, bending the tension arm a little is not rocket science so please don't make it sound like it is some big task LOL...that's just silly.

 

Haha...I'm laughing at your remarks about Dell, but regarding the TDP, no....the 1080 is unlocked to 180W. I'll have some data up soon.

If the TDP of the GPU were to be ToysRUs'ed, then a 1070 would be a better option for the new line of AW's.

 

As expected. It's not a surprise LOL...

Welcome to the 100C Club.

Now it's time to get it to where it should be....

 

Do not forget that the majority of buyers will not or don't want customize - bending the tension arm on the flawed three legs heatsink, but will get help from Dellienwares hired outsourced local technicians for re-paste. Even if the tech use your own decent thermal paste, will the results not bee good enough. All those Aw owners will be screwed!! The norm is that a re-paste should be more than enough

I just referred to what Mr. Azors said and that the crippled low graphics score that was posted in the thread is much lower than normal. Or is a bit over 20K the normal?


Edit. Aorus X7 DT V6 reviewed on Notebook Check Review got nearly 22K in Fire Strike graphics. This is also a thin laptop models known for heat and throttle problems http://www.notebookcheck.net/Aorus-X7-DT-v6-Notebook-Review.183986.0.html
http://www.notebookcheck.com/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX-1080-Laptop.171175.0.html

 

Yes, the majority will not want to haggle with it, therefore, I recommend them to NOT buy the Alienware in that case, unless they are open to have someone repaste it for them, which I along with @Mobius 1, @zergslayer69 and @DeeX have been providing.

However, even with a repaste and not bending the tension arm, the temps will decrease by a good amount to where even with a core temp differential, it'll be better off than where it was before.

Ex. If my temps are in the 90C's out of the box (79C to 99C), after a repaste if the temps are 59C to 69C, that is not something I'd be too worried about.. See what I mean? After a certain point, it doesn't matter. Yea it stinks to still have the temp differential from Dell's Tri-Retardedness, but in reality...come on... It's unfortunate, but the only saving grace for the new AW is it's build quality and good cooling system that can do very well after a repaste.

As for the GPU scores....SMH....I know I know.... just hang tight...let me get some scores up. I know what the problem is....

 

HaHa. Yes most of the Aw buyers who are dependent on Dell's outsourced loqal useless hired tech... Is and will be Screwed.

I mean stock Fire Strike graphics score, and not overclocked. What is the problem? 1080 should manage up to 22K out of the box and not 20K. What is the culprit?

 

Hang tight..soon enough soon enough Working on some things right now...busy week, have 5 units (2x 17R4, 2X 15R3 and 1x 13) to fix up. I will barely have time to spend on my own unit haha... it's okay though as this will bring in more data.

 

@Papusan, it is sad though when the AW1080's are chasing my AW1070 numbers. (<- which anyone could achieve with some tuning as others have as well...my point is how sad it is for those who don't plan on getting under the hood to be outpaced by a 1070.)

16312 - Fire Strike (GTX 1070)
http://www.3dmark.com/fs/10923571

6026 - Time Spy (GTX 1070)
http://www.3dmark.com/spy/795874

SMH....Dell Classic.

 

@iunlock : What do you think about this type of solution : https://www.amazon.com/Omall-15x15m...F8&qid=1479499804&sr=8-4&keywords=copper+shim ????

I think with thin one that increase pressure on cpu yes or not ?
That this solution could cause damage on the third screw ?

 

Dell classic or not... Stock 1080 Shall provide better performance than a nice overclocked 1070. What happened with the promises from Mr. Azor @Alienware-Frank? Fully maxed 1080 with higher TDP limit than its competitors(see previous post)? All other OEM's models with 1080 have shown better results than a wimpy 20K in Fire Strike graphics

 

0.3mm is too thick.

Try to find 0.1mm and make sure to use traditional paste only. Recommended -> Grizzly Kyronaut.

If done right, this will surely even out your temps. I've tested it already, but I still prefer LM so I did not go with the shim route.

 

It'd be nice to interview anyone at Dell responsible for such bold claims to see how they answer. I'm sure they'd want the same if it was the other way around? Or is that giving Dell too much credit?

 

Yeah, It's not very smart to give out statements... When they can't guarantee that these are 100% correct. This applies to all laptop OEM's. This turns back like a hammer in the head. Dell and Mr. Azor Claimed zero throttling, zero heat issues and graphics cards with higher TDP limit than other's so called crippled 1080. What a letdown Maybe someone could talk with Azor on social media and received an explanation?

 

You're right, 1mm will be better.
What is LM? (I'am french) I don't know what is it...

 

I believe that is in the works...

Most say, "Talk is cheap..."

Well... in reality and as demonstrated, "Talk is FREE."

 

LM = Liquid Metal (like conductonaut).

Salut !
(attention 0,1mm et pas 1mm)

 

Sorry slightly confused here, in other post you mentioned the shim makes you lose tension but here you say it works you just prefer LM instead. Can you clarify please?

Do you have a guide for how to install the shim? Haven't seen this anywhere

Any particular reason for recommending Kryonaut over ICD? Seems they are identical and sometimes ICD is actually ahead

Also would really appreciate if you could take a look at 6820/6700 thread as I posted a bunch of questions which I'm hoping to get answers to soon so I can be ready for incoming 17 r4 this Friday

Thank you

 

Sure thing. 0.3mm is too thick and if using anything thicker than 0.1mm, I believe it to be too thick to where it may start to make the tensions on the arms weaker.

Therefore, use 0.1mm ... @sarou, please take note that the correct size is 0.1mm ....NOT 1.0mm

Apply an even layer of thermal paste on the die, then place the shim on top of it. Then apply more thermal paste on top of the shim.

As for the thermal pastes, more so than personal preference, there are more superior pastes than ICD. Kyronaut is my #1 pick at the moment for traditional paste.

Yes I'll take a look at your questions.

Cheers.

 

Just to make absolute certain.....

The correct size is 0.1mm ....NOT 1.0mm

bonne chance!

 

Thanks!

LM-> Liquid Metal : i'm tired...

At the moment i'm not sure ti use this way for repast... I found it on Reddit or another board. I would like to know what you think about it.

Clearly i receive my AW 17 GTX 1080 the 21th december so i will try to repast after Christmas. Whith Grizzly Kryonaut in a first time (i'm affraid to disassemble my Alienware, it'd look like very hard)


Thanks for answers!!

 

Of course! 1mm will destroy all the system !

 

Just follow the guide and take your time.

Organization is key. You'll be fine...

 

Which security lock will work with the aw17? I got a simple logilink numberlock, but it wont fit in the little hole? Any ideas?

 

I cant find the exact size for the cooling pads, can I cut them to size?

Edit. nm I can just cut them to size

 

You dont happen to have a link to where to buy a .1mm shim do you? Id like to give it a shot myself to see how it compares to a normal repaste but i cant find anything under .3mm. I watched that interview video you did and mentioned you tried it. Did you get better results? Can that be used as a alternative to bending the arm? Thanks

 

On ebay. Many vendor for 0,1mm

 

I turned off G-sync and ran Firestrike again.. I am happy that I don't have to lug the amp around anymore.. The performance I get gaming with no amp is extremely faster than my previous alienware with a 980m.. And the screen tearing was driving me nuts. That is why I went with this 1080 gtx / gsync combo.

And by the way, Rise of the Tomb Raider runs MUCH BETTER on DX12 with this laptop.. If I turn DX12 off, it runs like crap maxed out. My older setup it didn't make much a difference at all.

 

How high did you have to OC to get those scores? And is that stable?

 

So it seems that GTX1080 is a waste of money this time in the alienware 17, its capped with no overclocking headroom. I can also get very easily 19k graphics score with my GTX1070 overclocked and the power consumption is lower. Also the power brick is slimmer and easier to carry around
If we can also flash a custom bios with unlocked voltage to the 1070 it will get crazy scores because its working very cool now.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-pcs-15m...eatsink-Cooling-Copper-Pad-Shim-/141653497297
or
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/121710369358?rmvSB=true

 

I spent a good amount of time with a GT73 VR a month or two ago at MicroCenter ... feature wise? It's pretty amazing. Fit and finish? Compared to the AW17 it feels, literally, like a Toys R Us piece of plastic ****e.

I was drawn to the GT73VR because of the sheer value of the gear internally. For the same cost as my AW17 1070 model, I could have gotten a 1080, twice the RAM and twice the SSD space. But looking at the garish (really badly realized) pseudo red chrome h ighlights and generally hating the fragile build quality of the GT73VR? I easily chose the technically less powerful AW17.

And the GT73VR has it's issues as well, folks reporting the double sided tape on the bezel coming loose (as with certain AW17 users).

But I bought for longevity and I tote my AW17 about daily and so the brick like construction of the AW17 easily won me over.

...

BTW: if you can handle the "toy like" nature of the GT73VR ... I will say this ... the 120hz TN panel is rather exceptional. As with my still much loved MSI GS70 Stealth, it has a slightly "cool" cast to it but could be easily remedied with calibration.

...

 

The GT73 only loses to the AW17 in not being made of solid metal, but is superior in every other category.

It also has the best screen available on the market, which alone is worth the price of admission.

 

Thanks for the link. If I can't track one down in the US I'll have to buy one from there.

 

I got the new AW 17 1080GTX and yes, it has the overheating 90 degrees plus issue. I decided to give it a shot so I asked for @iunlock to use his service by him repasting the unit. His results are outstanding so I gave it a shot. I will give you my results after I get the unit next week.

 

The verdict may still be out on the GTX1080. iunlock says he has some nice findings that may make it worthwhile.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Newegg and Amazon have it on sale for $2078 with a 6820HK, 1070, 128 SSD, and 120hz screen. It gets good reviews and the pictures I've seen of the internals are impressive. The cooling solution seems more robust than the AW and it looks like it would be easier to repaste for even better performance. Oh, and the CPU has 4 mounting screws.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/MSI-GT73VR-6RE-Titan-Notebook-Review.172916.0.html

 

Question: I'm still in the confirmed status and my build phase says, "Your custom-built item is complete".

What does this mean?

I have a ship date of 09Jan17 - 17Jan17.

 

Hey guys I am new here and just placed an order for the Alienware 17 R4 with the GTX 1080. Can wait! def going to do the thermal repaste!
Alienware 17 | i7-6820HK | 32GB DDR4 | GTX 1080 8GB | 120Hz QHD | 512GB Samsung 950 Pro / 1TB SSD

 

Hello iunlock could you possibly contact me in regards to your services as well.As i will be receive the 1080, Thank you!
[email protected]