*OFFICIAL* Alienware Area-51M R2 Owner's Lounge

Macrium Reflect Rescue Media ISO v7.3.5365 (with RAID support and cloning to dissimilar hardware supported).

Spoiler: Changelog

Bug fixes and Improvements v7.3.5365 - 26th November 2020

• Macrium Task Scheduler
  • Scheduling a backup to run as a specific user would sometimes prevent the Power Saving options from working correctly. This has been resolved.
  • Under certain circumstances, restarting Macrium Service would cause the Macrium Task Scheduler to stop running for around a minute. This has been resolved.
  • Schedule start dates can no longer be set later than the year 2999.
• File and Folder Backup
  Deleting a backed up folder and creating a file with the same name as the deleted folder mid backup set could cause a File and Folder backup set to fail to load. This has been resolved.
• Changed Block Tracker
  We've changed Windows event ID 13 - "IOCTL_MRCBT_QUERY_VOLUME_TRACKING_INFORMATION failed on device" to be Informational.
• Exchange backup
  • Exchange backup was not checking for missing DB files to ensure a DB was available for backup. This has been resolved.
  • Mixed case database filename extensions could cause databases to not be backed up. This has been resolved.
• Various
  Various minor fixes and changes to improve Macrium Reflect.

Use RUFUS to make a bootable USB Flash Disk from it







@Mr. Fox @Papusan @Fire Tiger @MogRules @Normimb

Note: I never install Macrium Reflect, I only boot from the USB Flash Disk to create or restore images. That way I have none of its bloated services running in the background.
Be smart...be like Spartan..

 

Thanks, bro.

I have a Windows 10 OS installation I care about and another one that I don't (multi-boot). On the OS that I don't give a rat's ass about, I just let it freely load itself up with all of the unmetered filth that the Redmond Reprobates want to throw at it. There is a constant flow of feces to it from the Digi-Nazi HQ. I install Macrium Reflect on that sacrificial trash OS and create a boot menu option for it. I use the trash OS in a reckless and haphazard manner since I don't care about it, or what happens to it. It's a disposable piece of garbage. I keep the other OS pristine for benching and anything else where having something respectable to use is important. I use that, Windows 7 or Linux on the days that I care about awesomeness. On the days that suck, or those that consist of everything mundane that life has to offer, I figure what the hell... just use the trash OS... everyone else does.

 

Its two sorts of behaviour.

From the article... "With one 330w adapter, the power consumption does not exceed 250w". Wasn't about tripping single power adapter. But tripping the power once you hit 500W load. I split it in two. I' don't know how the R2 works but the R1 couldn't utilize more than around 250w from single adapter.

You need measure maximum allowed wattage with a UPS or Kill-a-watt from the wall. Not the first time Dell have implemented a maximum power cap.

You'll need to test out. The beauty on how to charge more.

Re: Area-51m R2, set your memory to run at 2933MHz?

And Dell didn't listen to Intel and gave the 17R5 option for max allowed ram. They killed it with their firmware/cheap MB Re: 17 R5, 64GB of RAM? Yeah, Dell and ram is a mess.

One thing for sure. 3080 Mobile cards will be castrated vs desktop cards....
How will Ampere scale on laptops?

Ins't it stinky? http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...scale-on-laptops.834039/page-13#post-11060963

Thanks. +rep

 

So what's the basic skinny on the R2? What's the major Dell flaws thus far?

 

Still runs hot. Although manageable with undervolting.
RAM speeds are a joke and 3200mhz speeds are only confirmed achieveable buying dells RAM.
BIOS locked down.
AWCC is still ****.

Apart from that the machine is solid.

 

Correction: 3200 is achievable using HyperX Impact , which has better timings, but only if 3200 RAM is originally ordered from Dell, since they probably lock memory speed using manufacturer-accessible BIOS settings . So one can buy like 16GB of the slow value 3200 RAM from Dell, and then upgrade to HyperX Impact 3200.

 

To make more money of the consumers back

 

The eeprom is encrypted so you even if you could gain access to it, you wouldn't be able to read or write from/to it. It's an typical vendor lock in, something which apple is good with.

 

This is what I meant you have to buy dells stuff in the first place, but obviously you were a lot more clear about the situation.

 

You're could be right, it's possible that the BIOS detects when it's run for the first time, and then - and only then - enters the build mode. Afterwards, the door is shut, and there is no way to reset the flag, and fool it into thinking it's build time again. That said, I find it hard to believe there is no maintenance backdoor in case they want to move the mobo to a different unit for example: my guess there is some "secret" key combo that brings up this mode, ideally protected by a well known rather than mobo specific password. Probably the best way to get more colour would be to chat up an engineer performing mobo replacement.

 

I think you're on to something. I've never looked at the bios myself. Probably would be able to only extract the hex codes which could be translated theoritecally to the bios calls it employs. But to be able to read the hex codes I would need to have an bit (Bios Information Table) which I could use to search for any remaining development/maintenance/God mode flags to enter the bios as root.

It would then be able to read the whole memory and translate al it's functions and if there was write permission available, the bios could be altered on OEM level. Meaning unlocking the full feature set of the current lock down crap dell employs. The work is relative "simple" (you just need an spd programmer for reading/writing, or you could place the bios/eeprom chip in a breadboard and alter the values from there)

The biggest deal breaker is obtaining the encryption key of the bios chip which is unique for every machine (or they where stupid enough to just use the OEM level to edit, and use the same encryption key in all their mobo's). If Prema hasn't bothered with it neither would I. To edit a bios you need very deep understanding of the said microachitecture the bios supports. You're taking about being able to alter the microcode of the CPU directly which can impact performance serverly (like adding or excluding CPU instruction sets) but those eventually can be disabled or enabled on bios level which is why the spectre/meldown patch had such severe performance penalty.

Seems like Prema is having fun with the new Clevo X71-SMG. Just like @Mr. Fox which made another masterpeace.

 

Well, that sounds a bit complicated to impossible due to the encryption. I would try the good old physical route first - arrange a mobo replacement, get the tech a coffee, a bit of friendly banter, maybe send in any attractive household members/neighbours/friends if available as a distraction lol, film the tech to learn any keyboard shortcuts etc.
I have a vague recollection of the tech pressing some key combo to enter into the build mode....

I mean the fact that we are even talking about this Dell nonsense makes me think it's time to go desktop with a thin RDP client laptop going forward, the security is a bit of a concern there though, it could be a drag on any limited data plans, and ultimately connectivity is not always there....

Yeah, I would look in the Clevo direction if needed at DTR, however, I tend to require and enjoy more portable laptops with decent battery life.

 

The X170's biggest shortcoming is Insyde BIOS. They should have stuck with AMI/Award BIOS. Insyde H20 is very much a compromised Achilles' Heel that should not even exist. It's deplorable that idiot decision-makers at Clevo and Alienware should select this trashy firmware vendor. Know why? Cheaper. They cut corners on "flagship" products. This is why laptops suck and why none of us can have nice things. Because OEMs are dumbasses and cheapskates that never waste an opportunity to screw consumers.

 

They will not. Dell/Alienware only allows upgrades in same generation. So unfortunately if you want 3000 series upgrade you will have to get new Area 51M R3 notebook.

 

Are the 17" panels across both the 17m and Area 51m lineups identical in terms of physical dimensions? Or are they different?

 

Maybe there is hope. R2 has significantly better cooling compared to R1. R1 was basically flawed because of it and also it was a first generation product. You never know. R2 owners might get lucky this time around. I most likely won't upgrade as I am happy with 2080S. But having the option to feels nice and gives a sense of security for your very expensive purchase.

 

Hey! Great performance i must say..what voltage are you setting your CPU at?

 

Thank you. This pretty much confirms the AW A51M R1 will be my last AW after this nonsense. Going Lenovo Legion next go round if I ever need another game laptop (I don't travel in my new job which made it a necessity before).

 

5.2ghz stock voltage
5.1ghz -50mv
5.0 ghz -100mv (my 24/7 clock)
4.9ghz -125mv

 

rumor has it that the 3000 series cards will start working in the AGA when Nvidia releases the 3000 series mobile drivers. there is a guy on Reddit that did research into it and found the 3000 cards are supported by the amp, just not by Nvidia's drivers. the problem seems to be with Nvidia and not Dell/Alienware. btw the new AMD 6800 cards are already found to work in the AGA. the 6800 xt won't fit, but the 6800 does.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Alienware/comments/jxvnga/project_opencaldera_exploring_adding_unofficial/

 

@Spartan@HIDevolution

Do you happen to know if the sound card in the R2 is similar in shape / size as the R1? I do have the speaker pop issue on my R1, I am wondering if the card from the R2 is any different. Have you happened to check when you have been in there?

 

Too bad Dell is apparently EOLing the AGA, with " zero internal discussions" about its successor.

 

They are the same physically. Would it work? probably but I cannot guarantee unless you give it a shot.

 

I am probably going to give it a shot, just need to get ahold of the part number. Worst case scenario I can't see it physically hurting anything. I also need to of course find one.

 

Wife used her Cricut machine to make an awesome vinyl for my 51m R2. I hate decals but I think this looks like it belongs!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kihdZkZnd1ngeJBF6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9V2hgM9oGsESEzTM7

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qxpdKv6Q61byvd8E7

 

That looks pretty awesome! You could 100% sell those and people would buy them....

 

That looks amazing. Does the cooler below the laptop really help with the temps?

 

I'd love them, too...but am afraid they can run afoul with copyright infringement if they sell

 

My Area 51m R2 came today! Ordered on 15 Nov.
Specs: 10700K, 2070 Super, 16GB PC3200, 300Mhz display, 2x256 SSD, DSOTM. I got a great deal with some stacking discounts and thought I did ok...but now I may send it back anyway.

First, the good:
I can confirm that 32GB HyperX 3200 memory (specifically, HX432S20IB2K2/32 ordered from HyperX website) does indeed work at both 3200 (CL20-22-22) and 2900 (CL17-19-19) and even defaults to 3200 without enabling XMP.

Edit: I stand corrected. I reset the bios to defaults and now I no longer have access to the 3200 profile of the hyperX memory. It is "stuck" at 2933 and no amount of swapping between profile 1/2 has any effect. The ability to turn XMP on/off in AWCC is now also gone (the little slider doesn't appear anymore under memory). Tomorrow I will try putting the "stock" memory back in and then switching back to see if it works at 3200 again. I wonder if they're doing some kind of "whitelist" in the bios to allow enabling of XMP only for memory that they ship, but then their crappy bios code isn't smart enough to check when you switch memory, only when you do a reset.

The memory that came in my system was some cheap ADATA sticks I can't even find a spec sheet for, I guess Hynix was getting to costly so Dell switched?

Temps are ok-ish. 50-65C average running Timespy @ stock settings (97-100 during CPU portion), with fans on full. Held a steady 5.1-5.2Ghz the whole test until the CPU test where it only dropped to 5.0-5.1. I scored a measly 9511, but again this was "out of the box". We can't all be @HaloGod2012

Fans are much quieter (or lower pitch at least) than my m15 R3 at full. At idle I never hear them at all, which I wish could be said about the m15.
Bios is still on 1.3, which is kind of odd since I ordered well after 1.4 came out but I guess its a good thing?
Keyboard is pretty good, essentially the same style island KB as the m15 R3 + a numpad of course.

The bad:
First boot I didn't even get past Cortana's little intro speech. she finished talking and there was no "next button". I let it sit there for 5 mins before powering off and trying again.

I ordered with 2x256 SSD which of course they put in a RAID 0. I used macrium reflect (thanks @Spartan@HIDevolution !) to image and then swapped to my Samsung 970's. For whatever reason I can only get the system to boot with RAID mode on (even though there's no RAID built, they're separate disks), IIRC that's WIndows / RAID vs. AHCI driver issue though, not really Dell's fault (I'll still blame them for only offering RAID 0 though, I miss the days you could actually configure a build!).

The SSDs it shipped with were 2230 Kioxia (Toshiba?) KBG40ZNS256G. I didn't even think to test them before pulling them out so sorry, but doubt anyone cares about 256GB SSD speeds anyway. Something I did notice when swapping them out - there is a bracket that looks like it will fit both a 2230 and 2280, with an extra "stud" for the 2230 screw in the middle. You MUST remove these if you are installing a 2280! It will seem like they fit but if you look closely that middle stud (that is used to mount the 2230) is pushing up and flexing the 2280 just slightly, which is probably not good especially as things heat up. They actually mention this in the service manual but not really clearly (they say to remove them when removing the 2230, but not to remove them before installing a 2280).

The ugly:
There's some minor (not bad, but definitely noticeable) backlight bleed along the bottom of the screen, it seems to be from the bezel pressing against it and pulling the bezel out a bit makes it mostly go away, still ridiculous for such an expensive laptop. I had high hopes since the 15" version of the same panel is in my m15R3 and is absolutely stunning to look at.

And why I'll likely send it back now - There is a 3/8-1/2" long "scratch" of damaged/dead pixels in the top right corner of the LCD. At first I thought it was a smudge but its definitely in the lcd matrix itself. Its really only noticeable on a white to light gray background, but once you see it you can't help but notice it all the time.

Oh and AWCC is of course utter garbage. Right now its telling me my CPU is running at 0Mhz and 0C. Oddly XTU is telling me the same (I guess it makes sense though, AWCC seems to use XTU service as a backend). Thankfully HWInfo and TS have no problem reporting the correct status...

 

What would you guys think about this trade?

I sold my Area-51M R1 about a year ago and now have this desktop :
https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/H7YtQD

I am being offered this maxed out Area-51M R2 with 3 years premium warranty for it.
https://www.dell.com/en-ca/shop/pdr/alienware-area51m-r2-laptop/na17a51mr2_s08e?selectionState=eyJPQyI6Im5hMTdhNTFtcjJfczA4ZSIsIk1vZHMiOlt7IklkIjozLCJPcHRzIjpbeyJJZCI6IkdOVkw2S1IifV19LHsiSWQiOjYsIk9wdHMiOlt7IklkIjoiR0lNNTNCMCJ9XX0seyJJZCI6OCwiT3B0cyI6W3siSWQiOiJHRjJNWjlEIn1dfSx7IklkIjoxNDYsIk9wdHMiOlt7IklkIjoiRzVBRkRFViJ9XX0seyJJZCI6NzQ5LCJPcHRzIjpbeyJJZCI6IkdZOElSTlMifV19LHsiSWQiOjc2MCwiT3B0cyI6W3siSWQiOiJHRkxITjFVIn1dfV0sIlRpIjoiIiwiRGkiOiIifQ==&cartItemId=

You guys think i should do this trade?
On paper/price wise it looks like a nice trade but 2080 with no upgrade path VS 3080?
I need some input before i make my mind.

 

Came across what looks to be a list of intel certified XMP RAM/system board combinations?

https://www.intel.com.au/content/da...intel-core-processors-datasheet-20200731.xlsx

A particularly interesting one being 64GB of 3466Mhz certified for the Alienware Area 51m R2...

 

If you can work with a desktop i'd always use the desktop for cheaper upgrades and expandability and no Dell shenanigans.

It would be a bad idea to trade imo especially as the GTX 3080 is way more powerful than the mobile 2080 super.

 

Do you need a laptop vs a desktop? What specs are your desktop?

 

That's a pretty sweet desktop, with a latest gen graphics card. Talk us through your thinking. Why on Earth would you want to swap it for A51M? Do you need a non-portable DTR laptop for some reason?

 

Look: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dbr...dition/apd/ab206487/gaming-gaming-accessories

 

How to switch from RAID to AHCI without formatting

1) Launch Command Prompt as Admin

2) Type this command and press ENTER: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal

If this command does not work for you, try bcdedit /set safeboot minimal

3) Restart the computer and enter BIOS Setup.

4) Change the SATA Operation mode to AHCI from either IDE or RAID (again, the language varies).

5) Save changes and exit Setup and Windows will automatically boot to Safe Mode.

6) Right-click the Windows Start Menu once more. Choose Command Prompt (Admin).

7) Type this command and press ENTER: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

If you had to try the alternate command above, you will likely need to do so here also: bcdedit /deletevalue safeboot

8) Reboot once more and Windows will automatically start with AHCI drivers enabled.

 

Someone tried to play with ram spd's using Taiphoon burner?
Is there a trick to bypass the spd write lock without doing a bios mod?:



tnx in advance

 

Can you switch from AHCI to RAID?

 

yep) buy hardware spd burner or use sodimm to dimm adapter and other pc

 

Thanks I hadn't really thought of such a simple solution, I'll look for a sodimm / dimm adapter!

Inviato dal mio LYA-L29 utilizzando Tapatalk

 

1) Install the latest IRST Driver

2) Clone your OS as an image using Macrium Reflect and make sure you have a bootable Macrium Reflect Rescue disk to boot from

Macrium Reflect Installation/Usage Guide = http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/macrium-reflect-installation-usage-guide.804746/

3) Go into BIOS, switch to RAID, save and restart

4) Go into BIOS again, 2nd tab, last option at the bottom (Intel Rapid Storage Technology)

5) Create the RAID Array (64K Data Strip Size is recommended)

6) Save and Exit

7) Boot off the Macrium Reflect Rescue Disk

8) Restore the image onto the RAID Disk(s)

 

Halo I think you won the lotto on both CPU and GPU silicon lol. That's me creeping up behind you on Timespy but I'm tapping out. I yield good sir! This one is getting returned due to a faulty display, so maybe I'll get another shot. CPU scores we're pretty much neck and neck, but I can't break 2100 on the 2070S without crashing.

Are the CPU clocks you listed above all cores? How about your GPU?

I've found my best all around performer to be -
10700k: 52x;52x;51x;51x;50x;50x;50x;50x with -100 core/cache and 45x ring; memory at 3200/CL21*
2070S GPU is at +194Mhz (stable there but seriously 195 crashes 100% of the time lol) and 1000Mhz memory clock. Have had it up as high as 1100 but gpu scores actually dropped.

*Note this is all with the stock 16GB Adata 3200 memory, I pulled the HyperX out to prep my return.

 

Hmmm... Now this is all unconfirmed rumor of course, but April for a possible release of an Area 51m r3 with mobile versions of nVidia 30xx Ampere GPU? Wonder where I've come across that before?

To those who were thinking Christmas time for the release of a mobile Ampere it doesn't look like it's gonna happen. What say you @Papusan?

Spoiler: Maybe here?

@HaloGod2012, in response to Dell coming out with an Ampere based GPU for Area 51m R2 I don't believe the odds are in favor of that happening considering Dell's altered response on how the Area 51m r2 is only upgradable within its own generation of parts. nVidia Ampere 3xxx RTX cards would most likely be considered Next Gen at the time of this post.

 

@kylera

Alienware Command Center v5.2.100.0

Alienware OC Controls v1.3.11.1300

Spoiler: Alienware Command Center Changelog

 

Has anyone been able to get the graphics amplifier working with the 51m R2? I can't seem to find any drivers or get any of the other laptop (17) driver installers to work. Have an RX 6800 card that is supposed to work installed. Can't get my laptop to recognize the pci slot. PCI Express Upstream switch port shows up with an error.

 

I've seen the PCI Express Upstream Switch Port error on other machines when trying to use a thunderbolt dock, not sure this will do anything for the AGA but go into the bios and enable:
Advanced->"Thunderbolt Boot Support"
and
Advanced->"Enable Thunderbolt (and PCIe) pre-boot modules"
also make sure "Thunderbolt Adapter Configuration" is set to "No Security" (should be default on an AlienWare)

Yes I know AGA is not thunderbolt but this setting apparently applies to PCIe too to prevent a security vulnerability in bitlocker.

On the off chance you are using bitlocker and/or may have a GPO/local security policy set, take a look here:
https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/HT507550 this is where I found the fix for the dock, though it was the bios setting not the GPO.

HTH

 

I was able to get the USB to work on the AGA. But still no lights or anything else. I will boot to bios and check that out. Thanks for the great suggestion. I'll report back.

 

Well no luck. Made the exact changes you suggested only. No bitlocker turned on either. Any other good ideas? I messaged the guy with the open caldera project that said he had the RX 6800 working to see what his setup is and how he was able to get it to work. If I cant get it to work I may have a graphics amp and a graphics card for sale lol

 

Did you confirm the 2 components work independently, i. e.
1) The AGA works with a "supported" graphics card
2) The 6800 card works in a desktop or another eGPU enclosure
From 2), you don't necessarily need to give up on the 6800 even if AGA doesn't work. If you are a 4K gamer you should be able to achieve similar results with a TB3 eGPU. See the AGA lounge for more details.