M14X BIOS A08 Released 1/5/2012

Get the latest BIOS for your M14X.

Code:

http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriversHome/?c=&l=&s=&cs=

 

What does it do?
EDIT: File not found

 

Here is the link. M14x A08 BIOS, the fix and enhancement description said " update new VBIOS for N12-GTX2 graphics card " I wonder what is that "N12-GTX2"?

I also notice that there's a link to the A07 version where it fix "Modify SATA speed limit to SATA2"

EDIT: I do some googling, found out the the N12-GTX2 is a codename to NVIDIA's 500M series GPU, so what the A08 do is the update the VBIOS for the 500M series. That might fix those who have problem with unable to install the NVIDIA driver I guess. For the File Not Found, that's Dell's problem and I've let them know the problem, it should be fix in few days.

 

downloadling for A08 doenst work right now.

same discussion on T|I M14x BIOS A07 and A08 released


edit: link is broken, try dells ftp: ftp://ftp.dell.com/FOLDER00224974M/2/M14xR1_W74_A08_ZPE.exe

 

should i download this over my a06? can anyone confirm that the download works now?

 

Aww sad to hear that, oh well maybe because of you're not a hardcore PC gamer, because we PC gamer all have to endure that problems, for me I'd rather switch to the M17x instead of MBP, because tbh, it is a dead end for gaming, as for console, I also like to use them but for some game, you wont get the full potential out of it, for e.g like BF3's 64 player and Skyrim's countless mods.

 

Seems like Dells HTTP Link is broken. Found the Bios on their FTP Server tho:

ftp://ftp.dell.com/FOLDER00224974M/2/M14xR1_W74_A08_ZPE.exe

 

Does that mean if i update my bios to A08 which surpasses A07 my Sata Speed would stay at SATA2 even if I take out RST?

 

svl7 at tech inferno has already released unlocked versions of A07 and A08 guys [testing needed] - M14x *unlocked* BIOS A07 and A08

Enjoy

svl7 has also released volt modded version to help with the GT555m overclockers out there.
[Mod] Voltage increase Nvidia GT 555M - Page 7
Once both are tested thoroughly he will release unlocked and voltmodded versions of both

 

Any chance either of these new bios fix the boot up issues with certain peoples SSD setup's?

Sadly I don't have much faith

 

Hi guys (and gals )

1- What does it do?
2- My M14x runs perfectly for me, I have no problems. Should I update anyway, or wait until there's trouble?
3- How to install?

 

Not sure, but it is unlikely though, because the A08 is an addition changes to the previous BIOS however still chance that SATA speed is change so the only way to know is to try it.

 

A08 "should" have a different/modded vbios, but it doesnt. that most certain the reason wy the http link is broken. so we will see as soon fixes A08 properly, till then its probs the same as A07.

 

the link is working as of 10am CST (atleast it is on my downloads page from dell w/ service tag lookup)

I can say, it didnt change much heat-wise for me... running the throttle-stop bench (throttle stop off) and furmark at the same time, I hit 99C solid which happens to me normally. It seems hot to me, but meh, I have 3 years to burn out the CPU/GPU before I am out of warrenty, so we shall see

 

I flashed from unlocked A03 Volt mod to A08 unlocked Volt mod.

The Difference:

The only difference thanx to Dell was that my SSD suddenly ran SATA 3Gbps instead of SATA 6Gbps. So no deal for me. Also I ran Crysis 2 for 20 min. and the 'quieter fan tweak' on A08=A05, so quieter system, but extra 5-8c in temps for CPU. GPU stayed about the same. I was GPU OC 750/1050. Next I ran WEI to register system changes and on A08 it showed 7.6 compared to 7.8 on A03, which is clearly a result of SATA 3Gbps speeds on A08. Then, I ran Kombustor trying to see a difference, and YES. On A08 max/average fps were lower by 10 fps. So no deal again.


Possible A08 real world 'fixes':

-People having GPUs dissapearing with inability to install Nvidia Drivers.
-SSD users with SATA 3Gbps SSDs having problems to start Win7 or BSODs.
-SSD users unable to run SATA6Gbps SSDs at all (never heard of).
-And SSD users who are tired of Win7 startup issues with SATA 6Gbps SSDs willing to sacrifice the speed for stable Win7 startup (however I can not confirm that A08 fixes Win7 startups with SSDs).
-And people wanting to have quieter and warmer systems.


Result from my point of view: Dell please, this is not what I need lol I would like to get the Win7 start-up issues fixed while running SATA 6Gbps.

p.s. My SSD runs under MSAHCI, I have not tried installing Intel RST to see a change in SSD speeds A03 vs A08. However, if SATA 6Gbps is disabled in Bios A08 (as it is lol) then no Intel RST will make it faster I think.

 

My M14x arrives today and I was wondering which BIOS version I should install on my computer. I'm looking to keep the temps at an acceptable rate without having to constantly monitor, tweak and modify settings in various places. Just looking for a good all around setup that will deliver when I need it to.

 

I would keep the installed one for some time to see if it is really stable. It might have fixes which are recommended for currently produced M14x. My M14x is April 2011. A08 is not for my machine (so far).

 

The A09 bios thatis shipping with the new m17x r-3 Is the same way. All it does is disable SATA 3 and Reverts it to SATA 2. Remember people, newer is not always better, especially with dell bios. If you current bios is working fine don't upgrade.

 

So I just want to confirm for everyone that A08 does restrict you to SATA 2 (3Gbps)

I recently installed my Samsung 830 128Gb Sata III SSD and it ran out of the box at Sata III speeds on A05 with absolutely no isues or hang ups.

View attachment 74392

Today I installed A08 and recieved the following results.



My WEI did not change, it remains at 7.9 but I will still be switching back to A05 for now.

 

lol i feel ya! Haven't done console gaming since the ps2 and that was ages ago..Ever since I built my first gaming computer, an old pentium 4 witha radeon card in it, I never looked back.

Never a problem with an alienware either both my m11x and m14x r3 works like a dream.

 

Please can you check if your A08 Bios values are at DEFAULT? Or set them at default?

It might make a difference, but it is too late for me to try as I reverted to A03 .

 

maybe the new vbios fixes issues with games that dont whitelist like sonic, anybody wanna try it out? im just curious is this new vbios will work properly with the 1v mod on the gt 555

 

whitelisting is a pure driver issue, so i dont think it might help there.

 

I use newest beta driver. I don't have a game that I can not whitelist. Haven't played Sonic. I have BF3, MW3, Hard Reset, Crysis 2, AVP DirX11 currently installed, all whitelisted manually. I guess these games have no such problems.

 

c69k... I have already reverted to A05, but I have never done any tweaking to the BIOS so I assume it was all at DEFAULT.

 

I flashed my BIOS to A08 it was A06 previously.

I have start up issues sometimes with my intel 320 SSD, going to see if this is a fix Il report back after some usage.

 

Saved me time re-flashig, thanx for info. +rep

 

No more SATA3? A05 it is then for the rest of this machine's life.

 

I am going to complain, how dare they remove sata 3. All they need to do is fix the fan issue and everyone will be happy...

 

Hmmm i wonder if dell have run out of the sata II drives they sell with the m14x and because sata III is not 100% stable they've mad the bios always revert to sata II

 

Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States]
A07 BIOS = Modify SATA speed limit to SATA2 (They say it's a fix and an enhancement.) EDIT : Confirmed, my drive was really slower in benchmarks.

Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States]
A08 BIOS = update new VBIOS for N12-GTX2 graphics card (I'm pretty sure they are downclocking the card probably) EDIT : No downclocking of the card.

Again, DELL+Alienware disappoints me to the most.

 

Then you also confirm that A07 and A08 with the ssd and hd SATA3, are reduced to SATA2.

Hi

 

Confirmed.
SATA2 speed.

 

Meh, all I have is a Samsung 470, so no biggie for me

 

thanks

I take this opportunity for another info.

I just put a Seagate Momentus 750GB XT2, which is SATA3, but it is not an SSD and not come to saturate the SATA2.

If you upgrade to the A08 bios I have some general improvement of M14x? , Or I would have reduced performance compared to now, why not exploit more SATA3 XT2.

hi

 

Seriously, what are Dell thinking?

For other manufacturers, update firmware normally means optimization. Dell has done nothing but keep capping m14x performances from A01 to A08, from battery/shut off issue to this SATA3 issue.

There is no way I am buying a M14x R2 or M17x R4, Dell is useless and I had enough. Just bought a 3960X with 32GB ram, still shopping for mobo and sound card. At least mobo makers wont cap my SATA speed or OC limit for sure

 

yeah, i should have gotten a god damn lenovo. Also, Optimus is a piece of excrement.

 

I am with you too. I was so happy I got another Alienware only to end up disappointed... This is the last computer I will buy from Dell ever again.

 

im happy with my laptop, although i use an unlocked custom bios, i still hate dell but hey this laptop plays everything i throw at it, if you dont like the new bios stick with the old

 

Hi, unlocked custom BIOS A08 has he locked the doors SATA3 on SATA2?

thanks and Ciao

 

yes SATA2 only at A08.

 

I don't have any drama's. I don't see why people are slagging it so much. its brilliant.

but like everything in technology some are prone to more faults.

I use to hate seagate hdd's cause every one i have had has died, then i have a friend that doesn't buy WD cause he had the same prob and only buys seagate.

you will get the same thing no matter what you do eventually.

so i say enjoy one hell of a powerful and portable laptop while you can or get dell to fix it/exchange it

and yes dell changing the sata speeds is crap....so dont update your bios :|

 

I love the computer so much the SSD issue just annoys me and makes me wonder why it's so incompatible with so many drives. And of course no explanation or fix.

Either way I'm keeping my machine

 

I agree with most of your comment. But when I contacted Dell cs about the issue and they told me F off and they don't care about the problem, they had the money, I made my choice and I am on my own. (well of course they did not and will never use the F word, but it feels like talking to robot just repeating "Sorry there is nothing I can do" until I hanged the phone)

When I paid 2x more than a lenovo/hp for nearly exactly same spec, I am really expecting more. People say Alienware's build quality is one of the best on the market, but incompatibility with a storage drive is a joke.

And about the on site repair service, when my optical drive broke down and took 5 minutes to boot up. Instead of sending a technician carrying all potential damaged parts to my house, Dell sent a carrier to collect my laptop and took it away for weeks. Just like what any other manufacturer do.

When a company lack of abilities to design a proper product, and cannot provide a top class service, but charge a big premium on the price tag, I am not convinced and why should I keep buying their product? Yes it is a good laptop, but does it offer anything more than a cheaper XPS?