*OFFICIAL* Alienware Area-51M R1 Owner's Lounge

Go with option 1. The CPU has enough power to drive any modern game but the RTX 2080 will give you way better performance than the RTX 20709 especially with Ray Tracing enabled.

 

Strange issue....
When I use my A51-M at home it is plugged into my graphics amplifier with a 2080ti. Lately I've noticed that anything running in windowed mode would stutter. I was keeping my lid open due to some extra cooling vents, but it seems if I close the lid all of my stuttering goes away. I guess I'll monitor temps and see how it goes, but I wonder what is going on. The extra monitor (even though disabled in the control panel) being hooked up to the notebook's 2080 may be causing issues?

 

Did you ensure you are using the latest Graphics amp driver?

 

If you use an AGA you should only project to an external gaming monitor imho. Also, use something like msi afterburner to create a gpu fan curve. I have had to do this with mine in order for my 1080ti blower to actually Blow.

 

Yep I'm def. using a custom fan curve using MSI Afterburner. I had it set to only project to the monitor(s) attached to the AMP.

Is there a separate driver for the AMP itself? I'm trying to think if I installed one. Everything seems to be working properly including the USB devices I have attached to it (just keyboard / mouse).

 

Alienware Graphics Amplifier Driver v2.0.16.0_A01

PS: I've messaged Alienware support to see if there's an even newer one since that one is dated back to January of this year.

 

Says this package is not compatible with this computer.

 

Alienware tech support informed. Standby please

 

Anyone know if the LG Calibration Profile will work on the AUO?

Someone posted the AUO profile awhile back and i tried to use it but it wouldn't work at all, not sure if its because the person who posted it didn't have G sync and I do? No idea but i tried everything and it would not work. When i went to click the profile and add it, it just wouldn't do anything.

 

I could not get the posted LG profile to work either tried several times step by step. Finally just bought a spdyerX Elite and very happy with results.

 

@SacraficeMyGoat, do you need AUO calibration? I will prepare and upload for you if you want it

Also, can you give me the link to where you got your said failed AUO calibration? Just curious

Sent from my MIX 3 using Tapatalk

 

Hmm. Strange! Yeah I may have to "rent" one or something if possible. I'll have to look around.

If you don't mind, hopefully it will work!

Page 729 is the calibration profile I tried using.

 

Libraries often have loaner hardware like display screen calibrator, power wattage meter, basic home tools, along with other things like - camera's, telescopes, microscopes, etc - depending on the library system you might need to ask to have it sent to your local library or you may need to drive to pick it up at the host library.

It's a nice added extra benefit of libraries, besides all of those nice books, DVD's, Blu-ray's, magazines, newspapers, and laptops + computers + Wifi hotspots for loan.

 

Huh, really? Been ages since I've been to a library. Didn't know they had these sort of things there.

Could definitely try calling my local library and see if they have one, though I doubt it.

Thanks!

 

Long ago it was suggested to me to check my local library, was surprised to find they indeed had a wattage meter to borrow. Went in and they also had a display calibrator.

Over time I've seen lots of stuff added - and I have been to a few different library districts - it's worth a try to call around directly to the other libraries in the district if you don't find what you need locally.

YMMV when getting a knowledgeable person at the other end of the phone, so don't give up if the first person you talk with over the phone has no idea what you are asking for, I dropped by myself to verify the first time when I didn't get a firm answer on the phone.

One of our new libraries has an automated kiosk that dispenses laptops, and all you need is your library card. You can then ask at the desk for a wifi cellular hotspot to borrow - that includes free air-time prepaid. And, of course free wifi in the library. Wild.

Pretty soon maybe we'll be able to "check-out" a self-driving car from the library parking lot. They are already putting in a dozen high power charging stations. It would be an innovative situation to make the library a hub for such things.

As of a couple of summers ago you could already get bicycles at the library, and I heard a rumor about powered scooters too - it's all changing again for the new summer coming.

Libraries are the cool place to be, in the summer quite literally.

 

Why are we content with this? Nobody should be, and especially not those that own an Area 51m. Folks should be expecting support for DDR4-3000 at minimum. Clevos supported DDR4-3000 going all the way back to 7700K, so there is no excuse for anything less than that with a desktop CPU. It's ludicrous that it was released without it, but somewhat understandable only because it seems nobody that works in the Alienware engineering department knows anything about overclocking.

Working on it? Why weren't they working on it while they were working on it? (Talking about alpha and beta stage working on it.) Well, I can tell you why... because the thought never occurred to them because they don't know anything about overclocking, and they don't have anyone that does know properly test their products before throwing them at the wall to see what sticks. That's why.

And, don't expect a mickey mouse RAM overclock like 2666 to ever work right if they don't expose the memory controls in the BIOS except by any means other than random luck. You guys should all be raising hell about this and sending machines back for refunds since they don't function correctly.

 

I appreciate the absoluteness lol really do... but I think you've missed the point on the many examples given here. It'd be best to leave the issue to rest... it's not that serious.

Nice! Congrats.

They are more so two different types of protocols..one newer and one old... so no they are not the same. A native bios that supports 32bit is still different than an emulated bios that runs with uefi for 64bit. As mentioned above... it's not that serious... I can't believe it has even evolved this far into still talking about this lol...

As for the Sammy SSD yup...more and more confirming still yet... there's nothing to prove with the compatibility.

Yea lol... it just works.... the main objective was to nip the FUD at the bud... Even I can't believe it has gone this far... sigh... lol

8700K w/ 2080 all the way. I have the 8700K in one of the systems and it runs great with the 2080 with very respectable temps.

 

It is absolutely Ludacris I agree to release such a system with a 2400 cap when other lesser systems can support higher. There is indeed zero excuse.

This is a by product of the stubborn mindset that most engineers have in thinking they've got it all figured out when in reality they don't.

On the positive front at least they are taking measures to address it. Slowly but surely... (Although it's something that shouldn't even be needing to be addressed in the first place.)

 

Yeah, but why add it in one of their apps and not in Bios?

 

Any idea how to fix this. Would be useful for a presentation i got tmrw...

 

I have no idea, maybe you should ask them? I don't like the AWCC or the stock AW apps as I don't use them.

 

Did you use mobile connect before ssd swap?
If so is it possible to avoid if wait to use until after swap - I plan on using stock to ensure build strong before swapping out ssds (1 Tb 970 pro , 2 TB 970 evo and 4 TB 860 evo)

 

Faster ram does increase heat and put bigger load controller. Maybe it’s to try to limit heat as much as possible?

 

Or the motherboard is the culprit. Traces / paths not good enough for high clocked ram. Often a problem on Notebooks.

 

They have combined notebook ram with desktop chipset right? I'm not saying that's hard but it means the board was custom engineered. 9th gen chips are wired for 2400 or 2666. Probably they started the design when the 8th gen was out and thus did the design for 2400 before 2666 became the next gen default. But they are using z390 so 2666 should have been practically built in.
Seems so basic to enable 2666 in the bios.

 

Let's hope when they do release it, they release it with no issues. Should be a simple process, but they make things seem harder than they are, that or their engineers are just incompetent.

Been waiting to purchase 32GB til they drop the update though, as they may surprise us with support higher than 2666. That and I'm still not sure what brand to go for. Thinking either Corsair, Hyper X, or Ballistix.

Happen to know what CL timing comes OEM? C18?

 

New BIOS OUT!

Fixes & Enhancements
Fixes:
- Fixed the issue where the graphics card does not get detected when the Alienware Graphic Amplifier is connected for the first time.
- Fixed the issue where PowerDVD18 shows error code 21002 while playing Blu-ray Disc through HDMI output.
- Fixed the issue where the system fan does not run according to the custom profile settings configured in Alienware Command Center.
- Reduced fan noise during BIOS update process.

Enhancement:
- Updated Intel Microcode version to 906ED_0000B0 .
- Updated Management Engine (ME) version to 1.2.0.30.1425.
- Generates correct warning message when system is connected to AC adapters with low wattage.
Version
Version 1.5.0, 1.5.0
Category
BIOS
Release date
30 Apr 2019
Last Updated
30 Apr 2019
Importance
Urgent

https://www.dell.com/support/home/m...wt64a&productcode=alienware-17-area51m-laptop

@GizmoSlip im sure you will be very happy with this release.
@Johnksss maybe this will finally "enable support" for eurocom's 780W PSU? LOL

 

Try this: Message from @AlienwareTech: While we continue to confirm the correct driver version, please try this one https://t.co/4rHd3saJvi

Edit: Never mind, even this one doesn't install for me. Awaiting Dell's Reply

 

Notice any difference in performance after updating?

Just curious before I flash it.

 

Just got an update..will be getting system replacement...

 

Exactly. Just who the hell do they think they are... licensing their apps to specific factory-installed drives. If it is accurate, that is both insane and evil.

 

I did not use before the swap

 

Ok, so both BIOS 1.5.0 and VBIOS 1.0.0.2 is out... do we know what they do?

 

@Mr. Fox I totally agree. This proprietary madness is insane. What makes it worse is the whole uwp rubbish and this whole immoral marriage between apps and M$. Heck even nvidia is getting worse and worse with every driver release (more proprietary than ever)...

This all reminds me of how gaming consoles went down the drain with forcing people to use/buy M$ LIVE or PS Plus subscriptions just to play multiplayer online with the games they've already bought! What is that?! = Total robbery mode.

The integration of some of the stock AW apps requiring the M$ store is just crazy. It's without a doubt we're nearing the end times even in some sectors of the computer world with all this corruption. As we know in the end times, the wrong will become right and the right will become wrong + accepted by the herd. So sad...

Our saving grace is Linux ... and it's ramping up with game development by the day which is great to see. Here's the latest good news... Check this out....

"Linux 5.3 at least is what should be in Ubuntu 19.10, Fedora 31, etc and will presumably be the first kernel with mainline Radeon Navi support."

 

Told you so bro. There's no way in hell they'll offer an refurb! At this point, I doubt there's any refurb available because all the returned laptops must be dead! Hehe

I wish there's another system available at the market with such specs (not interested in Clevo/Sagers, had one 2 years back, ugly ass plasticky laptops with great performance but with dreadful overseas support, Premamod FTW though).

My head tells me to wait for Rev 2 of this laptop but my heart won't listen, hopefully I'll be one of the lucky ones like the few guys here whose system is working flawlessly since day 1. At this point, buying this laptop is like playing Russian roulette, isn't it?

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

 

With all the crummy support complaints I've been reading lately (from those mostly outside of the US), I thought this was interesting...




So far with my experience with Dell USA, the actual customer service is top notch and very fast. Now the third party techs and the workmanship is another story. Not to confuse the two lol...

 

Yupp... i too wish same.. although this time i asked then dark side of moon clr and extended warranty due to this... hope so they give that..

Sent from my SM-A505F using Tapatalk

 

@clayton006 @ssj92 @iunlock

New BIOS and VBIOS Released just now

Alienware Area-51m BIOS v1.5.0

Spoiler: Changelog

Fixes & Enhancements
Fixes:
- Fixed the issue where the graphics card does not get detected when the Alienware Graphic Amplifier is connected for the first time.
- Fixed the issue where PowerDVD18 shows error code 21002 while playing Blu-ray Disc through HDMI output.
- Fixed the issue where the system fan does not run according to the custom profile settings configured in Alienware Command Center.
- Reduced fan noise during BIOS update process.

Enhancement:
- Updated Intel Microcode version to 906ED_0000B0 .
- Updated Management Engine (ME) version to 1.2.0.30.1425.
- Generates correct warning message when system is connected to AC adapters with low wattage.

GeForce RTX 2080 200W VBIOS v1.0.0.2

Spoiler: Changelog

Fixes & Enhancements
Fixes
- Fixed the issue where McAfee scan engine displays warning message when user launches the tool.

Enhancements
- Not Applicable

 

One thing that I do know for a fact is that the majority of people out there "with money" usually lack basic skills needed to handle this kind of hardware in this form factor. I will believe in this "failure is a norm" argument when my unit fails which I doubt it will. I don't buy the opinions of hooligans on reddit who don't know how to handle a machine and are too lazy to inspect the thermals and then come up complaining when the thing dies. However, I agree that Dell is at fault in one department here. They should have advertised that this is a system only meant for professionals and not children or those looking to buy only because "ooooo it looks so coool" or have money. Plus, they should have pulled the lemons completely out of the market instead of letting them float freely.

 

The VBIOS is the exact same version in a new packaging. No need to install it if you have the 200W VBIOS installed already.

 

Well I installed both already, all good

 

u r late to the party. already posted here

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...m-owners-lounge.826831/page-953#post-10903782

 

I don't care what anyone says. They can use whatever technique they want to use. This doesn't make it a standard. I have been doing it and without any issues for many years. Long before intel Core V Pro CPUs came around. It's EASY to put some liquid electrical tape on the lid of the socket after stuffing it with kneaded eraser around the CPU IHS and seat a perfectly cut thin piece of foam on it which has been sealed from the outside edges with silicon sealant. Then put some liquid electrical tape on top so that it bonds with the heat sink when it is seated and forms a tight seal. You have to be creative to deal with any glitches that might come, not necessarily follow people around.

Go with the 2080 and upgrade the CPU later. Just make sure though that the MOSFETs on your 2080 are NCP-303150 or higher spec than this. Don't get one that has NCP-303151. You should ask seller to strictly make this thing sure otherwise you might end up with an older GPU that has lower spec parts on it.

 

Does the VBios increase performance significantly? Does it cause power throttling on other components like cpu, now that a larger portion of the 510 watt is allocated to the gpu? (altough I still have the adapters of my burnt laptop, so I do have the option to use 2x330 watt) Or is there enough headroom to begin with?
How much does it affect temperatures?
Also what is the easiest way to see what mosfet I have on my 2080?

 

So I received 150 dollars in refund from HIDevolution over the lousy thermal upgrade job that they did. It did compensate for the upgrade part costs but the time wasted will never be compensated.

The VBios will only matter if you intend to overclock the GPU. If you are not looking to overclock it and just run it at stock, it will not create any difference. In fact, you could go ahead and undervolt the GPU and overclock it at the same time which I have done. Lower temps with higher than stock clocks. In any case you definitely need to undervolt this GPU if you want manageable thermals without liquid metal on your gpu.

In order to take a look at the mosfets on your GPU, you'll have to take it apart and look underneath it where the smaller black heat sink thermal pad makes contact.

 

I got 2 x 330w... worked perfect till it lived

Sent from my SM-A505F using Tapatalk

 

Thank you, Well I most definitely won't take it apart anytime soon. Don't want to tinker with it now that I have satisfying results.

About undervoting. After asking around here and looking online examples, with the minimal info I got, and essentially doing changes according to other without knowing what I did, the results were as bad as they were. reaching 82 degrees consistently.
So I properly looked things up myself, did lots of testing, and figured out what the best undervolt would be in my case, because the stock values are really variable due to the insane Nvidia boost frequencies, The on the fly thermal throttling of the boost frequencies, and hitting power limits.
Nonetheless I explained it all in detail in my previous posts.
Essentially dropped my temps with 9-10 degrees when 100% usage, 3D Mark timespy score increased with roughly 200 points.
In my case did a downvolt to 861mv and an overclock of 135Mhz at that point, reaching 1845Mhz.

I am VERY happy now with my laptop, and hope it stays like this.

FYI, this is a replacement laptop I got 2 weeks ago. As my 1st one burnt down. mid march

 

Why doesn't this laptop support XMP?? It is an Intel standard?
I should have done more research before ordering the 51m. Clevo supports XMP.
Alienware really need to think hard about who their core audience is.

 

Hi, anyone having issue area 51m trips the circuit breaker just by plugging it in? It happened twice in the last two days. I was using it for 2 weeks without any problem. I am not sure its the cable of power brick 330 one.

 

Hello all,

FINALLY received my new machine. (9900K / 2070).

I didn't think I could have hated W10 as much as I do. When I usually encounter it (working more with Linux Red Hat Enterprise lately), it is not for too long. But it just didn't feel like my machine, it felt like a company cellphone, all locked down, and adverted-up like a Android handset. Trying to do too much / spoon feed me.

Despite the 200+ processes, it runs games well, but not out of the box - I had to 'Reset PC' to get the games to run. Each time I launched, it sort of frooze, necessitating a log-out & log-in to get it running again.

My instinct to go with just the 2070 proved right on, it plays my most-played game flawlessly.

I also noted the following:


Above was changing out the 180W for my dead AW18's 330W, both using Spyware 10. Pic on the left is with 280/330W, note greater multi threaded perf.

Being so happy with W10, I purchased W8.1 Pro, and yes I'm having 'fun' with drivers. However, even with just the 330W connected, look at the difference in single threaded performance (and this is with FW / Anti-v etc installed):



This is all stock settings / no overclock anywhere.

Just some info for y'all.

Nobody come up with Win8.1 drivers yet (Edit - GPU, I mean), or have you accepted your spy-ware fate?

Peace.