Alienware 17 Ranger 1060 W/ Optimus

Hello,

I am wondering if anyone has gotten the AW 17 R1 Ranger working with a 1060 (MSI Card) using Optimus (60hz Screen)? I have the card installed and “running”. I have the Display in the bios set to Switchable Graphics, and I can boot with the card. Drivers have been modified and installed correctly as well. The card is being utilized by games and benchmarks, but it is running poorly. I only got a 3200 Graphics score in firestrike. Wondering if anyone can provide any guidance? I have the 3D screen and am just waiting on the eDP cable to get here, but it will likely take some time as it is coming from China. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

I havent personally seen it but I do know that if you use SG mode it does seem to grant function of the internal display.

I also cant remember specifically if that function is available on a stock sBIOS, I want to lean towards you needing the unlocked sBIOS to get SG mode specifically but I could be wrong.

 

I have the unlocked bios, and have the setting set to SG currently. I have it up and running, but I am getting like 1/4 performance out of the card. The clocks are at full speed when I monitor with HWInfo, something is just causing it to not work correctly. It is the strangest thing. I’ve tried messing with pretty much all settings in NV control panel, and everything in the bios.

 

Well I know that SG does degrade some performance but like I said I cant recall anyone deliberately using the SG mode with pascal on the Ranger so I couldnt say if that is what you should expect or not.

 

Yes I have a MSI 1060 in my Ranger with the 3D 120hz screen. I was lucky someone had the whole display assembly so just a swap from the 60hz matte. With the 1060 you should get around 9.5-10k combined score (11k on graphics only) on Firestrike.
Before you swap the screen, bios should be set in full UEFI and PEG mode, IGPU is disabled (your 3k score is probably from the Intel IGPU [1060 cannot work with 60hz display]).
You can get a modified 1060 driver on Prema’s website. Also consider getting a unlocked BIOS....I think it’s Javers(?) I contacted for that and gave a donation$.

 

It is definitely "working" with optimus. I have the modified bios installed, and have the nVidia drivers installed. The score is definitely from the 1060 as the HD 4600 only scores about 800 on average. When I monitor the card in HWInfo, it shows that it is being utilized, and the clocks are reaching up to 1800mhz on core and 4000+ on Memory. The strange thing, is that it only shows it is using 39 watts, and will not generate more than that, it seems to be limited to under 40 watts for whatever reason.
HWInfo shows a Performance Limit - Power, and Performance Limit - Utilization. I am not sure why the Ranger would not be able to use Pascal with the LVDS 60hz panel, when the AW18 uses the same generation processor, and they are able to use the 1060 with LVDS through optimus.

 

What about your power adapter?

 

I am waiting for my 330w one to get here (along with a 4940MX), but I have a 180w one currently. I do not think that is the issue though, as the CPU is a 4710MQ and only pulls 45w, and the 1060 only has a 75w TDP. The 860M I pulled out of the machine is also a 75w card and worked flawlessly.

 

@Nmanfred,No worries man,i can help you
Some days ago i have same problem,but all ok now.
My 1060 buy from ebay,Aetina version,i buy this one because not needed any heatsink mod in M18xR2.
After assemble,i got horror bad results in 3DMark11.

This card boost up to 1885MHz without overclocking (?)
Moreover GPUz shown only stock boost clocks. 1671MHz
Well i opened in MSI AB CTRL+F voltage curve editor,and instantly understand all.
Watch this is was "stock" GPU settings there:

My mxm 1060 card was fully Overvolted...
Next step i just decreased max.voltage on 900mV with 1885Mhz and the results:

Well thats all,what you need to do
Next 1-2 days tested some curve variation.
This is the best very cool mode,but little bit got performance reduction (~14K GS in 3D11)
1670MHz on 800mV:

This is my favorit at the moment:
1695MHz on 825mV ,very very cool (15K GS in 3D11)

 

Temps in 3D11 test:
1683MHz on 825mV

Temps with manual max fan speed 3 loop 3D11 test:

OC settings: 1936MHz on 950mV ,results: https://www.3dmark.com/3dm11/13009043

Temps:

 

Does anyone know if the M17x r4 and the Alienware 17 eDP cable are electrically the same? I ordered a LTN173HT02 - D01 panel, and the seller sent me a whole M17x r4 panel, including the eDP cable. I have tried to install the panel and use the m17x’s cable, and I get the 8 beeps. The cable appears to be the same and fits perfectly in the eDP port on the motherboard.

 

The screen from the R4 will not work in the R1 .....

 

Why will it not work? It is the same panel, correct? Is revision D01 not compatable with the Alienware 17?

 

Your performance issue not LCD failure,i just say...
I sure know your card also overvolted.

 

i have both the models and I tried swapping it between the two and it did not work. i did not really look at the panel model , but both of the panel was 120hz EDP.

 

N173HHE-G32 is a better option in my opinion, and is confirmed to be working in the Ranger.

 

are there any specific revisions that were confirmed working? Or are any of the revisions good?

 

I am under the impression that any revision should be fine. @Nomad couldnt seem to pull the information from the manufacturer iirc

 

Thanks for the information on that panel @TheReciever . I have just ordered the N173HHE-G32 Rev C1.

 

Look to the 130hz 3d thread to see what modifications need to be made to retrofit the new panel to the ranger.

Nothing too intrusive but it's not a direct fit replacement either.