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    AW M17xR4 + 3D screen and 780m, anyone?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Red Line, Jun 17, 2013.

  1. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    Hey there) there are a few good places to buy m17xr4 with 120hz display for me for much lower price than the new aw 17. All i thought is if anyone tested the 780m gpu in such machine and it worked fine for him?

    Might just end up buying last gen machine with current gpu. There's still no graphics switch option for 3D model so i don't really care about improved battery life)

    Regards

    Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
     
    Red Line, Jun 17, 2013
    #1
  2. mikecacho

    mikecacho Notebook Evangelist

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    mikecacho, Jun 17, 2013
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  3. HaloGod2012

    HaloGod2012 Notebook Virtuoso

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    I was able to upgrade to the 780m but I do not have a 3d screen. Not sure if that will make a difference right now.
     
    HaloGod2012, Jun 17, 2013
    #3
  4. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    Tnx guys) the thing is that when just to swap a gpu is easy, but you might loose 3d functionality after an upgrade. Same happened when R3 3D users switched to 680M... May be this time it's different)

    Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
     
    Red Line, Jun 18, 2013
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  5. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Yeah, I would not expect the 3D to work :( but I hope it does! That is where I will go if I do not loose 3D.

    There is (why???) a 3D certification list in the main BIOS that lists the supported cards. Dell only put cards they sell with the model in there. Much pressure was applied but dell will not budge. BIOS modders (Svl7) have been working on it for the 680/R3 but no fix yet - and then you will need a different one for the 780m/R4.

    Fingers crossed ;)
     
    MickyD1234, Jun 18, 2013
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  6. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    That's what i thought too, tnx a lot for the info)

    Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
     
    Red Line, Jun 19, 2013
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  7. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    3D will probably not work.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Jun 19, 2013
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  8. widezu69

    widezu69 Goodbye Alienware

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    I'm guessing that 120Hz will work but 3D will not.
     
    widezu69, Jun 20, 2013
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  9. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    That's right) tnx for the replies fellas!

    Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
     
    Red Line, Jun 21, 2013
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  10. j95

    j95 Notebook Deity

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    j95, Jun 21, 2013
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  11. chaungo

    chaungo Notebook Enthusiast

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    I actually have a M17x R4 with a 3D 120hz screen, and was wondering if it'll work if I ordered the card from eurocom?
     
    chaungo, Jun 21, 2013
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  12. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    AFAIK, as long as you stick to NV cards the machine was sold with, 3D should work whoever you get it from. Go for something like a 780m on an R4 and ATM you're out of luck with ANY fix to get the 3D to activate :(. The only reason I haven't done it already!
     
    MickyD1234, Jun 21, 2013
    #12
  13. widezu69

    widezu69 Goodbye Alienware

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    Micky is correct. My M17x R4 is 3D with the GTX 680m, I'm using a Clevo version (the same that Eurocom sell) 680m and I still have 3D. I have no doubt that the GTX 780m will allow 120Hz but no 3D. If no one gets one before I do, I shall report my findings.
     
    widezu69, Jun 21, 2013
    #13
  14. chaungo

    chaungo Notebook Enthusiast

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    I was thinking of selling my M17x R4 and getting the new Alienware 17, so I don't have to go through all that stuff.....but i'm not sure if it's worth it, since I'll probably get 2500-3000$ max for my laptop and the new 17 will cost somewhere around 3800$-4000$
     
    chaungo, Jun 21, 2013
    #14
  15. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    I wouldn't be surprised if the value of a good R4 has increased a bit since the release of these bland (IMO) new designs :D
     
    MickyD1234, Jun 21, 2013
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  16. chaungo

    chaungo Notebook Enthusiast

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    So question is, should I just get the 780M, and save myself possibly 1500-2000$ or just go all out and get a brand new 17?
     
    chaungo, Jun 21, 2013
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  17. j95

    j95 Notebook Deity

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    Clevo version *** Please take note that this video card DOES NOT work with 3D enabled notebooks. We are working on resolving this issue and till take this notice down when we have it up and running ***

    Alienware M17x M18x New NVIDIA GTX 780M 4GB DDR5 MXM 3 0B | eBay

    Probably similar vbios issue http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...drivers-issue-blank-screen-9.html#post9247593
     
    j95, Jun 21, 2013
    #17
  18. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Magic 8 ball time. Mine said 'Outlook is bleak', yeah I now it (M$Outlook) is but what about my potential purchase? :D
     
    MickyD1234, Jun 21, 2013
    #18
  19. chaungo

    chaungo Notebook Enthusiast

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    Guess we're both debating whether or not to get it.

    I'm honestly waiting for a poll vote, democracy go.
     
    chaungo, Jun 21, 2013
    #19
  20. j95

    j95 Notebook Deity

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    Previous post, besides disabling 3D it might not detect the card or blank screen right from the start (Clevo version).
     
    j95, Jun 21, 2013
    #20
  21. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Well since the hew designs are very meh, I'm gonna wait a little longer to see how they perform in the real world. ATM I'd probably just go for a 680 to get a performance hike and keep my 3D.
    Still mourning the loss of the grills, AW power button, media bar, and virtually unlimited config options. Along with the boring looking new keyboard - not a fan as far a looks go for sure. :mad:
     
    MickyD1234, Jun 21, 2013
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  22. chaungo

    chaungo Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well the cooling of the 17 is apparently VERY good from what I hear. I currently own a 680M and it feels like it's missing a bang with it, so I'm wanting to see if the 780M has drivers yet.....
     
    chaungo, Jun 21, 2013
    #22
  23. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    I think drivers will be the least of your problems. Probably have to go for a modded one from LaptopVideo2Go: Drivers (or ask J95 nicely ;)). I have seen some R4 owners testing the 780 over in the overvlocking thread but no 3D users I recall.
     
    MickyD1234, Jun 21, 2013
    #23
  24. Froddo

    Froddo Notebook Enthusiast

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    Any probably to have 3D option with the R4 and gtx780m?
    I want to change my gtx675m....but I love the 3d!! :(
     
    Froddo, Jun 27, 2013
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  25. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    In the same boat. All the evidence so far is that it is not possible without a friendly bios modder helping out. Probably go for a 680m since I can keep the 3D ;)
     
    MickyD1234, Jun 27, 2013
    #25
  26. widezu69

    widezu69 Goodbye Alienware

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    Update: It works! Boots up, clocks up, drivers installed with a bit of inf tweaking. 3D no show obviously but 120Hz works. Game testing coming up.
     
    widezu69, Aug 11, 2013
    #26
  27. r3pul5iv3

    r3pul5iv3 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi widezu69, did you have to flash the unlocked bios to get the 780m working?

    Cheers,
     
    r3pul5iv3, Aug 13, 2013
    #27
  28. widezu69

    widezu69 Goodbye Alienware

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    No the 780m worked without flashing the unlocked vbios. I just flashed it because I wanted to, I didn't have to.
     
    widezu69, Aug 13, 2013
    #28
  29. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    Niceee) which drivers and inf did you use?
     
    Red Line, Aug 13, 2013
    #29
  30. widezu69

    widezu69 Goodbye Alienware

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    The latest ones 326.41 and I modded the inf myself.
     
    widezu69, Aug 13, 2013
    #30
  31. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    Can confirm that as well. M17xR4 + Clevo 780M + Windows 7 + Modded vbios and inf + 120Hz (no 3D) running great. Lots of driver issues with Windows 8, though...
     
    Red Line, Aug 15, 2013
    #31
  32. j95

    j95 Notebook Deity

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    For driver issues try http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam...9-single-step-display-driver-uninstaller.html select second option (highly recommended) w/ reboot, modded .inf included 119F.0551.1028 = NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/672230-m17x-r3-680m-compatability-91.html#post9309783

    Windows 8 disable driver signing.

    cmd (admin) type :
    Code: 
    bcdedit /set {current} testsigning yes
    >reboot.

    Exit test mode :
    Code: 
    bcdedit /set {current} testsigning no
     
    j95, Aug 15, 2013
    #32
  33. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    j95 Tnx for the heads up) my device id is 119F.057B.1028 so i had to mod it myself. What i did was - installed clean OS and the first thing i did was to install modified drivers with driver signature enforcement off. It goes just fine but one in a while after reboot the screen is just blank and i have reboot it 5-10 times to go into windows. Have ZERO problems inside OS, but as soon as i reboot it's heads or tails, really.

    So i went back to Windows 7, did exact same procedure and 24hrs no problems whatsoever) It might be UEFI i was running before or Win8 itself, dunno... But now it runs pretty smooth, no complains. Only thing is that the GPU fan won't crank up until 780M GPU reaches 60C, so i'm idling around 58C and gaming at 68C)
     
    Red Line, Aug 15, 2013
    #33
  34. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    This (black screen) is also something that has been happening to people on the later NV drivers. 314.22 is the last known good working one.

    I just had dell replace my 675 as it got so bad I could only get into windows in safe mode, and a driver rollback did not help :(
     
    MickyD1234, Aug 15, 2013
    #34
  35. j95

    j95 Notebook Deity

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    Then 0551.1028 is the 60Hz model, try disabling UEFI/secure boot it only brings issues + modded VBIOS and drivers, Enter the BIOS>Secure Boot>Disabled then install windows 8, with the R3 I get white screens / black screens due to IDT sound card compatibility it only works by disabling the integrated sound card so I'm upgrading the MB (R4) it should work with Secure Boot option disabled.

    Edit: you can disable UEFI option later on.
    Windows 8 safe mode option (F8) cmd (admin) type :
    Code: 
    bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
    >reboot

    Restore default Win8 boot option:
    Code: 
    bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard
     
    j95, Aug 15, 2013
    #35
  36. rjtnag

    rjtnag Notebook Evangelist

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    @j95

    could you please tell me the inf code/device id for 680M R4/3D(win7) and where to put it?

    the unlocked svl7 vbios breaks my 3D
    even the non OV vbios, doesnt let me enable 3D

    going back to stock now
     
    rjtnag, Aug 15, 2013
    #36
  37. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    j95 I love Win8 for it fast boot, other than that Win7 - FTW) I might give it a shot later on but it looks like i'll stay with Win7 for a while. That was probably the reason for the issues, UEFI. Had secure boot disabled, though. 120Hz is a sweet spot)
     
    Red Line, Aug 15, 2013
    #37
  38. j95

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    Dell unlocked VBIOS ?
    Device Manager>Display Adapters>Details>Hardware Ids>DEV.11A0.057B.1028 ?
     
    j95, Aug 15, 2013
    #38
  39. j95

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    Then hopefully its only driver related and not the integrated sound card like the R3, Clevo 780m ?
     
    j95, Aug 15, 2013
    #39
  40. Apoxxx

    Apoxxx Notebook Evangelist

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    Can someone explain why it gives driver issues compared to the 680m? Why can't you just use normal Forceware Win8 drivers?
     
    Apoxxx, Aug 15, 2013
    #40
  41. j95

    j95 Notebook Deity

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    @rjtnag DEV.11A0.057B.1028 matching Ids ? for those it's not required.
     
    j95, Aug 15, 2013
    #41
  42. j95

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    j95, Aug 20, 2013
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  43. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    Red Line, Aug 21, 2013
    #43
  44. buellersdayoff

    buellersdayoff Notebook Enthusiast

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    About to do the upgrade on my r4 3d, do i really need to mess around with modded bios/drivers, how about the latest beta drivers for bf4? Anyone using them?
     
    buellersdayoff, Oct 5, 2013
    #44
  45. rjtnag

    rjtnag Notebook Evangelist

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    using the latest 331.41
    no issues so far
    havent tried bf4 so far, ironically
     
    rjtnag, Oct 6, 2013
    #45
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  46. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Should be a straightforward swap on an R4 since it's a listed part. It's the R3 and earlier that need BIOS work and modded drivers ;)

    https://forums.geforce.com/default/...-driver-feedback-thread-released-9-30-13-/35/

    Some winners some losers, and still a lot of unhappy users with the latest NV drivers...
     
    MickyD1234, Oct 6, 2013
    #46
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  47. buellersdayoff

    buellersdayoff Notebook Enthusiast

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    buellersdayoff, Oct 7, 2013
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  48. j95

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    j95, Oct 7, 2013
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  49. buellersdayoff

    buellersdayoff Notebook Enthusiast

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    that was fast thanks...
     
    buellersdayoff, Oct 7, 2013
    #49
  50. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    J95 comes through again! +rep ;)

    Yes, you will need modded drivers always. It's because dell did not supply NV with the deviceID/machineID combination for inclusion in the laptop driver hardware check. They only supply combinations they sell for a specific model.

    I've always got them from here (watch out, the inf is a separate link and you have to manually save it). The .inf name sometimes changes on this site but with over 30 of them in the default driver install I guess more than one will work.

    LaptopVideo2Go: Drivers

    Oh yeah, for win 7 read win 8 on this site...
     
    MickyD1234, Oct 7, 2013
    #50
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