GPU problems, m17x r4

I have been having problems with the GPU in my m17x. whenever the computer cold boots, the screen stutters until i do something that resets the display (reinstall graphics drivers, attach a monitor, change resolution, etc. Also, the computer locks up when playing graphically intensive games(screen goes to black, only way to recover is to hard reset the computer) I've tried new graphics drivers, etc. but can't seem to fix it. I believe it to be a hardware problem. Any ideas? (my r4 was one of the first run of r4s with the 7970m, I believe others have had this problem, I'm just now fixing it due to downtime in school and my warranty almost being up.) any help would be appreciated.

 

Do you get freeze in all games? I have a same problem but just in diablo 3. Computer just freezes with black screen & buzzing sound but it doesn't happen when I switch to battery save mode. I think you got a bad batch of 7970m so call tech service asap and demand an exchange before it's too late.

 

Sounds like a hardware issue to me if you have already tried changing the drivers. Maybe try a complete uninstall and clean out the GPU drivers really well and then try again but if that fails to work then you may be looking at a failing GPU and should get in contact with Alienware and get it replaced.

 

Have you checked the temperatures?