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    Is there an Unlocked A05 Bios?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Lanscaper, Aug 1, 2011.

  1. Lanscaper

    Lanscaper Notebook Consultant

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    Hi Guys,
    This might be a bit premature. I have a new r3 on the way and I saw that, for the owners of the 460M that really have problems with optimus, you can take a risk and use an unlocked bios to set IGP to off and PEG as primary (or something). I assume this unlocked bios will not work with the 580M video card as I believe it will be using the A05 bios. Has anyone had issues with optimus on the 580M and is there an unlocked bios avail. for it should someone wish to, at their own risk, use it.

    I will not rush into this. I'll be testing it out and using it for gaming to see if I actually have any issues before considering something risky like this.

    Thank You!
     
  2. widezu69

    widezu69 Goodbye Alienware

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    Well there have been problems with turning the IGP off on 460m card. I may be wrong but I think that was the case. I think you can also turn off the optimus in the Control Panel to overcome this but again, I haven't a M17x R3 so I don't really know. Optimus generally works so although your request is premature, so is your paranoia. See what it is like first when you get it. I was reluctant with the getting a 260m GTX with all the throttling going on with the M15x, I got it anyway and wasn't as disappointed as I expected :)
     
  3. zoolian982

    zoolian982 Notebook Deity

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    The problem was that there was no option to turn off the IGP without using a modified bios.

    The Optimus problems should ONLY be with the 460m card. Wait till you get the 580m, then make sure you get the newest driver, which is at this link.

    http://nvidiaforums.s3.amazonaws.com/dell.zip

    You should be fine.

    If your 580m sucks, ill trade you with my 460m :D
     
  4. LVNeptune

    LVNeptune Notebook Virtuoso

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    There is no public release of the A05 BIOS or A06 BIOS...Website still says A04 last I checked.
     
  5. Lanscaper

    Lanscaper Notebook Consultant

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    Well thanks for the replies. I got the 580M card when there was a mistake on the Canadian website which allowed it to be added for an extra $150.00. Sadly the 3D screen was not an option then but obviously I can't complain about price. Honestly didn't think I would be lucky enough to have the order go through without them canceling it ;)

    I'll use the drivers mentioned above cheers.