Alienware 17 R5 (R1) BIOS Unlocked!

Hello!

I have been working with @Ashtrix to have the best version of our Alienwares!, so talking about our model, we decide to have an unlocked BIOS.

So this time an expert support us to have this complete:

This is his email (if you wish donate):

[email protected]

I'm sharing this if anyone wants to try it.

Note:
Does anyone knows what settings to change in order to have the GPU FAN always on!

Please let us know what do you think

AND THE BIOS:
*BIOS has been removed since some users were not changing the Service Tag.

If you are going to use the Javers updated version, change for your own ST.

Update the Service Tag is a MUST!

 

@Papusan , @Nomad , @MahmoudDewy , @loafer987 , @MogRules & all Alienware 17 Ranger Owners..

Unleash your beast with this long awaited Unlocked A14 BIOS !! Use the same Sleep bug and flash & you can always roll back if you need any warranty support.

Much thanks to Striker for this, He has been really proactive for pushing the Zotac mod and this, +rep bud for the invaluable contribution.

- Remember this BIOS Mod is made for the Striker's 4940MX CPU so when you are flashing this onto your machine make sure you are doing an NVRAM reset first to let the BIOS settle for the default values for your CPU /RAM HW before it bricks itself upon changing the custom values, Make sure you know what you are tinkering with, NVRAM reset on these machines is a PITA.

OR

Please request the modder/hacker to do the same for you with a little of donation which keeps them pushing for this kind of work.

- Also I had requested another hacker to share his work on Techinferno for the support of this machine to host an Unlocked sBIOS, It was a month back. If anything comes up I'll keep it updated.

Below are some of the quick links for getting out most of your Alienware 17 R1 Ranger

- Cheatsheet for the Alienware 17 regarding Windows 10 / Pascal / Maxwell / Fan mod / EDID etc
(The above linked site "TechInferno" has Crypto miner, It might infect your machines with malware, Caution Advised, risk. It has so much info please use AV if you want to use this site, thank you sorry for the trouble

I will try to move that info to NBR here, thank you for your understanding)

- Booting with Maxwell / Pascal without "FULL UEFI" without Dell's support is very hard unless someone ports the code from the Alienware 18 to the Alienware 17 like Swick did it for the M18x R2's updated Unlocked BIOS mod.

- A few more tips for this machine - Dolby driver, OC tips (old thread), Resource Index Mr. Fox, Win8.1+ DSE tips, Win8.x tweaks by Mr. Fox, Alienware 17 Teardown pics by Mr. Fox, Battery tip for maxing the life, Looking to mod the battery cells ?

- NVRAM reset Step by step by Mr. Fox

- Blackscreens - 980M ? (This thread has more useful info too which can help with other GPU upgrades or issues)

- 120Hz upgrade for Alienware 17 by Mogrules - A must if you want to run Pascal I suppose.

- Pascal MXM upgrades >> Quadro P5000 M17x R4 Upgrade (Should work with AW17 too but need 120Hz) / Zotac 1070 Upgrade / MSI 1070N upgrade

- (2020 update) NBR Cooler Mods on Notepal U3 - thread 1, thread 2, post 1, post 2

@Mr. Fox, @woodzstack & @svl7 finally the Alienware 17/ 18 got the unlocked BIOS thanks to the exploit in the secure flash lol.

Update #1
Intel DPTF & the Custom Fan tuning via BIOS (Only for MX/ Extreme Unlocked CPUs)

Update #2
Service Tag fix in case you already flashed the provided update by Striker instead of a personal BIOS mod

Update #3
Updated Intel Microcode (v22) BIOS, the effect on OC/UV isn't tested on this machine at the time of updating this. PLUS also how it fares vs the Microcode bug hack on Haswell is yet to be determined.

Update #4
How to Recover from a "Corrupted BIOS" + Knowledge on Recovery BIOS defaults <- Very very Important. Please read you'll know what to do after performing this Recovery task without ending up with a GPU related Beep code, especially on a dGPU only machine.

note: this is different from the traditional NVRAM reset on Haswell Alienwares.

Update #5
Updated Unlocked BIOS (A14+), New Year gift from @javers , Has nice updates for the 'BIOS Recovery' + a lot of stuff baked in. Check post for more juicy details.

Update #5.1
As since the original zip isn't there with all files, Please use this zip ( SHA -1 b08b095640236b52636078903f2034fc78e20d30) which has all the files required for the "bios.bin" unlocked BIOS flashing, make sure you extract the A14+ bios.bin to this zip contents and then copy all files to C:\ then proceed with the instructions below (posted from the original readme.txt file you can find in the zip)

Code:

flashing:

use the Sleep Bug !
Unpack the archive and copy the into C: HD root place !
Then open Comand Promt with Admin Rights (CLI window C:\), put your laptop
into Sleep Mode and then Wake-Up It, atger this execute these comands from
CLI window :

fptw64 -f bios.bin -bios

Note - this zip doesn't have bios.bin, please use the above (update5) / below (update6) for the bios file.

Update #6
Happy New Year 2019 fellow Rangers, a revision A16 for the lovely lady 17 is here from @remek002 with v22 microcode only and driver module upgrades. So no Spectre performance downgrade. Also mind you there seems to be a few BIOS defaults that might differ to the A14+ and remember to change the service tag.

Update #6.1 *Only for Windows 10 users*
If you are running an sBIOS even with a lower microcode = v22, there is a high possibility that your Win10 installation automatically updated your microcode to the latest, meaning your CPU will have all mitigations for the Spectre and Meltdown, which will cause significant ST (Single Thread) performance loss, so to avoid that, before doing anything on the Windows10 installation, just disconnect the Internet and please follow below, clicking both the links below.

- Controlling the Microcode update file in System32 folder, thanks to Unclewebb
- More information on the same, thanks to Papusan.

They will allow you to control the Win10 OS level BIOS Microcode patches instead of MS.

Archived Links for future reference ( one, two, three), also just an FYI, Haswell 4th gen Core processors are not effected by Plundervolt (SGX issue) which causes to lose the ability of Undervolting.

 

Holy crap that's awesome news guys! Amazing work!

 

I will wait and see if someone manages to set custom fan profiles, since for me doing a NVRAM reset is horrific because I have ram modules on both sides of the mobo. So it really have to be worth it

 

I already have it, but I do not know where to find that section, is DPTF Section?

 

The information that I could find on the AW18 forum is that even when you change the values, the actual fan behavior remains the same.

 

Only raidriar was able to get it working...Plus the sensors also play a role..

 

I'm sorry. At the moment the risk of the nvram reset isn't worth the risk. Having to completely tear my laptop down is too much time I don't have at the moment if that worst case happens.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

 

Anyone have try IT With a non mx CPU?

 

Update on the BIOS thanks to @utumkodur for this.

 

Would this bios be able to bypass power restrictions on the 17r1? Apparently the mb can not ultilize more than 230w and will throttle even with a 330w psu. I get very slight cpu throttle with my 4930mx at 4.3ghz and my zotac 1070. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

I didn't knew that AW17 had a hard lock on the Power like AW18 which cannot take more than 400W and useless when using 980M SLI + OCed Haswell, Are you sure about the max power limit on the mobo ? Did you measure the peak power pull using a UPS or any power supply source ? If that's the case, we are SOL there's no method that can bypass this lock afaik prolly from the software way. Need blueprints to mod the mobo or professional hacker like Svl7 to achieve this task, his Alienware 17 was the only machine which had a real Unlocked BIOS due to modified BIOS chip.

Plus this BIOS only does unlock the hidden options in the InsydeH20 BIOS. Same like the Alienware M17x R4 and M18x R2's Svl7 mods, but the recent progress on the M18x R2 with the help of Raidriar & Swick allowed to it get Maxwell support for non-UEFI BIOS option and a few other additions due to not being secure flash locked. Since this one has that secure flash I suspect we cannot modify the BIOS on that M18x R2 levels..& the power limit might be inside the EC which probably even without secure flash we cannot unlock..M18x R2 didn't had any power limits.

Makes me feel so bad when I recall about the Alienware M18x R2 vs the machines which came after her..not to even think about the current Alienware standards.


P.S - Since the 330W PSU capability of power delivery before tripping out iirc is around 400W and the 240W PSU could be over 280W and when we use the M17x R4 with an MSI 1070N + 3940XM the 240W PSU drops the GPU Firestrike scores and CPU/GPU utilization factor, So I'm guessing something might else be at play or the Ranger has a hard cap vs Voyager...

P.S 2 - "aw17 can not hold max clock more than 30sec when cpu is highly loaded if cache ratio is oced more than x40" this is the case, this is an issue with the AW17 Are you above that ?

 

I do not know for a fact. Loafer told me that there is a limit and I do see that my cpu throttles under load but only during demanding games and only slightly. it will drop from 4.3ghz to 3.0 for a split second then run as normal for a bit then repeat. my cache ratio is x39 in xtu. I assume it is something that is set in the bios. It seems to fit what dell decided to do with their machines but I don't know for certain. Under intense load my gpu will draw 110 watts and my cpu upwards of 85 to 90. but that is only in my osd. Total I am not sure. Ill see if I can find my outlet meter. I am going to be attempting a 1080 from a f5 in my 17 tomorrow and I will update on that in a thread I will make. I'll know for certain then.

 

A14 finally maxed out !

 

I got the unlocked bios flashed today and it is awesome. I am a bit overwhelmed with options though. Does anyone have a good guide or starter tips?

 

Surprised.
What features are available in 'Unlocked BIOS'?
Can you give me a screenshot?

 

Hey Mog, did you try this bios yet, any advice if it's workable ?

 

I don't have an R1 anymore , it was replaced by an R4 through warranty.

 

@EepoSaurus

Did this bios resolve the potential power delivery issues you were having?

I am heavily weighing the Alienware 17 Ranger as a replacement to my m4600 and curious if a 330w PSU would be a viable option down the road after future upgrades and such

Also thank you @Ashtrix @Striker1234 for working together to make this result! Will donate for sure if I can get my hands on the AW17 Ranger.

 

There was never a board limitation. Turns out the bios has multiple bios limitations to throttle your cpu before due to power draw and not heat. I disabled c-states,aspm,bidirectional prochot and efficiency p-states in the unlocked bios. Also vr faults and efficiency. All this in combination with throttlestop made it so my cpu no longer throttles. But it is a long process of trail and error. The alienware 17r1 to me is the perfect laptop and fits my needs. I reccommend it.

 

Thank you very much for sharing!

That was essentially one of the last unanswered potential issue. Basically everything can be tuned on this machine with time and patience. I look forward to getting my hands on one in the near future.

 

You won't regret it

 

Did you end up using heatsinks on the blown capacitors after you got back up and running? I know its sorta off topic but I don't mind adding some sinks to those if its a good idea

 

I haven't. Ive been monitoring temps and they have remained very resonable. Not nearly hot enough to melt solder nor cause a fire. Its only been about a week and a half but ive been putting through its paces and i feel confident in calling it a component failure. The temps would not have been high enough to cause a short. They range from 40c to 70c according to a laser temp sensor. The solder wouldnt reflow until approximately 163c. Just a bad component. But great safety measures on this laptop. I mean it literally caught on fire and there was no further damage to any components. I literally just popped everything back in it and she started right up. I reflashed my modded bios and i was off to the races.

 

Thanks for sharing, Im really looking forward to picking up a Ranger soon. Hopefully in a couple of days.

 

Can anyone explain to me, what I could i gain if I flashed the unlocked BIOS ?

keep in mind I have 60Hrz optimus display with 970m card 4700Mq

 

Hello,

alienware 14 here, 4800mq,765m. In need of modded bios. Please contact me for donation.

Thank you very much.

 

Ho all
It's my first post on this forum but I need a help with my AW 17x , because I have locked bios A14.
My service tag is 850SK12, I have warranty till January 2018 and I asked Tech Support Specialist in Poland about password to unblock bios but they can't help me, a passwords which send me didn't work. They want replace motherboard in my AW but I think it isn't good idea because it will be refurbished part probably. Please tell me what I should to do.
Sorry for mistakes
Best regards

 

Mayby someone know correctly password to unblock my bios or tell me the replacement of the motherboard is necessary
thanks a lot

 

THe purpose of this thread I think has very litte to do with your issue.

 

@Ashtrix

Looking at the readme, the flash looks simple enough. One quiestion though, would I need to enable the Intel HD graphics before beginning this procedure? If so, Im assuming I can disable it afterwards.

There is also a missing word in the readme, "Unpack the archive and copy the into C: HD root place !"

Would it be correct to assume this is meant to be the folder the bios.bin is housed in? Or just the individual files?

Just want to be careful since this is now my daily driver, no room for error! Thanks in advance you guys!

 

Motherboard replaced, all ok, tks for the help

 

Great work, thanks guys!

 

+rep thanks for this update friend (Updated the post 2 with this) & Also thanks to @TheReciever for this. Check out the discussion in the related threads for more interesting cool stuff (AW17 R1 Owners Lounge, Mod thread)

 

Thanks for the mention, saw the thread on OCN and thought hmm maybe it would work on mobile CPUs as well?

javers pioneered the rest lol

 

Great!!! I have do it as well, should we update the IDPT driver???
If so, which one to use???

 

+rep to both you guys, thanks for this info, Updated Post #2 regarding this crucial information. Also as-usual read the discussion from this post and here to know more, like Intel ME and HW Programming, also thanks to @Falkentyne , @TheReciever too for helping Striker out.

Wish you all a great successful Happy New Year.

 

Hi Guys, got another updated release here for everyone of the unlocked A14 bios, which I've decided to call A14+. As before replace the bios.bin from the original unlocked A14 bios with the one here and inject your own service tag.

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AnQkhyPppV58irZpHyZ_cWnv8JPsyA

MD5: DE36B6D8C79E338463890A810256DA62
SHA-1: F002619397ACBAF796F2F14D3BFA3B07324832FD


Stuff done:
-Updated Microcode from v1E to v22
-Change bios version string text to "A14+"
-Updated Intel RST Legacy from 12.0.0.1783 to 12.9.0.2006
-Updated Intel RST EFI from 12.0.0.1783 to 12.9.0.2006
-Updated Intel GOP Driver from 5.0.1035 to 5.0.1037

BIOS default values changed:
-Windows Fastboot: Disabled (You can re-enable if desired but I find it very difficult to get into the bios at boot with this enabled)
-Load Legacy Option Rom: Disabled
-Boot List Option: UEFI (Pure UEFI)

Service tag placeholder in this release "CHANGE1"

The above should mean no more 8 beeps booting PEG with 9xx / 10xx series nvidia card after a bios reset or emergency recovery
You should also be able to boot using hdmi output with either a 60hz lvds panel attached or no panel at all

Enjoy!

Javers

 

Hi guys,

I have an AW17 R1 Mid 2013 with 780m with a 120Hz monitor which I decided to upgrade to 980m. Just received the GPU installed it but still get the 8 beeps. I have checked the BIOS settings so as to use UEFI (disabled fast boot and secure boot). I'm trying now to unlock my BIOS, but read in this thread that I have to mod BIOS to match my PC settings. Is there a guide / howto? No problem to donate anyway. I would like your help since this VGA was bought after a year's planning and saving money.....


Thank you and BR
Gregory

 

Hi Gregory,

Yes to use the unlocked bios properly you need to hex edit the bin file to insert your own service tag. I'm hoping to write a tool to do this automatically in my next release but for now there is a guide in this thread somewhere. With regards to your 980m getting the 8 beeps it may have been the "Load Legacy Option Rom" that also needs to be set to disabled. If you still have the 780m around you could pop it back in just to check / change that setting.

Javers

 

@javers Thank you for your prompt reply! I'm writing these messages using the 780m I will try eyou suggestions. Do you happen to have the Service tag to search in your A14+ bin file to replace with mine?

 

Just checked my current BIOS settings are:
Windows 8 Fast Boot Disabled
Secure Boot Disabled
Load legacy option rom Disabled
Boot List option UEFI


, unforunately it won't boot with the 980m card. My only hope is the BIOS unlock and then send it back....

 

Yes its the same service tag as the original release - BVMLLX1

With regards to your bios settings they do seem correct to boot the 980m - I'm assuming you're already on A14? This will be a pain but my only other suggestion would be to strip the laptop down, take the palmrest off and disconnect the edp panel. That way you should be able to connect laptop to a hdmi monitor / tv and boot it with the onboard intel gfx with SG mode - then see if the bios lists "Nvidia GFX" as the discrete graphics 1. You can also boot windows via the intel gfx and see if the 980m is also visible in device manager (just as the generic vga driver). If it is visible the card is probably ok and you may need to flash the vbios on the 980m, which you can do when booting SG.

Javers

 

@javers I have connected an hdmi monitor without leaving off the exp cable and the laptop booted, it detected the driver from windows update and installed it without problem. But the laptop screen is black and if I try to set it as main screen it says it cannot retain the settings. You said something about flashing nvram, can you point me to the right direction?

I'm very grateful for your help, can't thank you enough!

Gregory

 

Ah great stuff, we should probably continue discussion in a fresh thread as not to hijack but I wonder if you have a gsync version of the 980m (although probably wouldn't have auto installed the drivers if so) - could you post a screen shot of gpu-z so we can have a look at the card details and its vbios version.

Javers

 

Attached the screenshot of gpuz. Just installed the latest nvidia driver without problems also..

 

@javers also I changed legacy option rom to enabled and I get backlight and can get to bios if I m hooked to an external monitor and it shows on the laptop screen. But no display when I get to windows...

 

Ok maybe try flash the vbios on the card to the attached file which is the Dell official 980m vbios file from the Alienware 18. You'll need to use the nvflash tool and of course back up the existing vbios first in case you need to revert.

Javers

 

I don't think it's a good choice to flash a 980M card in Ranger with the AW18 vBIOS for 980M, Prema mentioned that his version of BIOS which fixed the Fan tables is only for the AW18 not even the M18x R2 and the v2 is better for the 17 R1. I suggest to flash the Prema v2 (Universal - Clevo / MSI / AW 8GB MXM variant) which works without issues or the Svl7-John, both work 100% flawless the former needs more cooling as it runs on tad higher voltage and clocks but OC capability and sustained clocks are guaranteed. Perhaps Svl7 is also same but It entirely depends on the ASIC or the bin quality.

 

Hello all,

I cannot seem to find any download links for any of the two the prema's links are dead and the svl7 require a weeks wait is techinferno.... Do you have any other links or the files to test it?

Thank you!!

Update:

After a test connecting HDMI and Display port to a VGA monitor, I was able to make my laptop's monitor to display at Full capacity (Full HD + 120Hz) but after reboot, you have to do it again, only this time is was suffecient to connect the HDMI cable. After first reboot also my screen made some weird white and grey shadows for a while before going dark. Hope we find a solution!
This only occurs if legacy boot rom is enabled. If on pure UEFI only external display works


Thank you!
Gregory