Extremely Low 3DMark Scores M17x-R2

I recently purchased a (used) M17X R2. It came without the OS installed, and a driver disk. I typically build my own desktops so I figured this was good enough for me to start with. I got Windows 7 installed, the latest drivers from the Dell site per my Service Tag and the computer seems to be running fine. Since I purchased this machine to replace my desktop, I decided to venture down the road of benchmarking, where I am completely new. When the scores came out the same I decided to check these forums and my scores in comparison are ridiculously low! So, I have attached links to screenshots of my 3DMark06, 3DMark11 and System specs via GPU-Z, CPU-Z and E-LEET. At first glance, it looks like my CPU scores in 3DMark06 and my Physics scores in 3DMark11 are the cause. The only tweak I have made to the computer is the 5% boost in the bios.

Any help you can offer would be much appreciated, and let me know if I need to run any more tests for help in finding the solution.

Thanks in advance! My email is available if thats a better way to communicate!

 

We need to know if you are running Crossfire or single.

 

Sorry, it shows in the 3DMark06 Scores, but I will outline my system details in text;

i7 920XM 2ghz
4gb DDR3 RAM
2x 5870's Crossfire Enabled

 

Go into the bios and see if turbo is disabled.

 

I ensured it is enabled.

 

Check your temps while the bench runs.

 

I will test this out when I get home from work this evening. Can you let me know what I should be looking out for?

 

Judging from 3dMark11 GPU score it seems to be OK for 5870 CF

his CPU makes the overall scores low


jewf, check the CPU temps

 

It definately looks like temps is the reason. Did you install the CPU your self? I see that Turbo is on as well as hyperthreading, so that rules out things I had suspected. I bet your CPU is getting to hot and throttling. Only thing I can think of without having the system in front of me.

 

What can I do to manage the temps if this is the cause? I personally havent done anything to this computer, I got it 3 days ago and have been trying to get it up and running.

What temps should the CPU be running and what program should I use to monitor them?

 

I hwinfo, but any temp monitoring software should work. Not sure what they should be at, but definately below 90*C. Your may be going higher. I would repaste the CPU and make sure all the vents are free of dust and dirt.

 

I pulled my temps during a 3dmark06 score ran this morning after the laptop sat shut down the entire night. First thing to mention, my score straight after a cold bootup went from 12000 to 15200. My temps, as you can see in the screenshot attached for the CPU are extraordinarily high. I couldnt find anything impeding the fan... is the only real fix for this to repaste the cpu (http://forum.techinferno.com/alienware-m17x/29-%5Bphotoguide%5D-cleaning-replacing-thermal-compunds-gpu-cpu-m17x-r2.html>?

Also, I downloaded throttlestop, but was too nervous to run it during a benchmark. the internal benchmarks they had showed a 100% improvement from having it on vs off. So that could be promising.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

Yea, repaste looks like the only option. Those temps are definately too high, especially for 3DMark06, which is much easier on the CPU than Vantage.

 

I got the same problem. 4000 is the maximum score I get on 3Dmark 11. Talk to the seller they should change the graphic card for you. If its the same the I preffer to get your money back. Sometimes Alienware sucks. Specialy thos with ATI Video cards...

 

His GPU is not the problem, DR650SE is right he needs to repaste his CPU those temps are astronomical and are causing throttling.

 

Old thread... I actually did end up repasting the GPU and CPU, as well as purchasing a zalman cooling pad. This primarily fixed the issue as my CPU was throttling. My 3DMarks still werent as high as some being reported, but I also didnt try to overclock as I was already concerned about my temps.

I then proceeded to get frustrated since the laptop didnt even boot on battery power without BSOD, sell the laptop on eBay, and use that money to build a desktop which is at LEAST 2x the power of the laptop. <3 Desktops, I will never purchase a laptop for gaming again

 

Yea, that was back in October, plus 4K is about right for 3DMark11. 3DMark06 is what OP was running.

 

Durp duh durp never even looked at the date. lol