Just ordered an m17x have a few questions for the experts!

Hi all,

I ordered an alienware m17x, after saving my pennies forever, on Nov 4th/10.
Here are the specs:

i7 740QM
8GB DDR3 ram
2x500GB raid 0 config
dual 5870m in crossfire
1200p screen

What I'm looking for is a list of things do when I get the laptop. This laptop is costing me $3200 and I don't want to screw it up. I see a lot of people are talking about the vbios update on the internet. It would be nice if you guys could point me to what I need to check, then what I need to update and how to perform the updates. I just want to get it right the first time, rather than having a $3200 BSOD
Thank you in advance. Please resist the temptation to flame me I just don't want to mess things up when I receive the laptop.

 

Perfectly understandable. I was in your shoes a few months ago when I first purchased my M17x-R2.

First, you need GPU-Z, a utility programme to make sure everything is in order.
GPU-Z Video card GPU Information Utility

Next, you need to update your BIOS and VBIOS to their latest versions. Download them from the Dell support site.

You might want to check out this thread prior to installing though since a wrong move can be rather costly.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...5870-gpus-5870-vbios-discussion-non-beta.html

I would suggest ignoring the Resource CD that came with the M17x since most of the stuff in there are outdated. Download the latest drivers from the Dell support site. Just key in your Service Tag and you are good to go. I would recommend downloading and installing all 'recommended' and 'urgent' drivers.

After installing all the latest drivers and updating both your BIOS and VBIOS just load up GPU-Z and compare it to Grim's pic.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...70-september-2010-incl-vbios-flash-guide.html (quoted from Batboy's thread).

Good luck! =)

Note to TC: I'm still a newbie so I would suggest waiting for a more experienced user's feedback before doing the above.

 

Thank you! should I install the bios or the vbios first? I read a lot of people have issues if they don't install the vbios first. Otherwise thank you so much much . This well allow me to use the laptop quicker when it comes!

 

I updated the BIOS first. Remember to check your HDD's configuration prior to updating it. If it's RAID 0 (Note the 0), you have to reset it to that configuration or check that it is the same after updating your BIOS.

I updated mine from A06 to A09 but missed out on that, got a horrid red error screen. Luckily reborn2003 (forum user) helped me out of that tight spot.

Then you need to install the video drivers FIRST before installing the VBIOS. Or you'll get something very unpleasant. O.O

Anyways, just read the second link I posted. Got everything you need there.

EDIT: Just in case, to access the BIOS just press F2 during the Alienware logo screen.

 

Got my system today and just wanted to thank you for answering my questions! Lots of great help on these forums. Got my bois, drivers and vbios all installed no problem!