M17x R1/R2 - Dell 8.763 Driver (4870/5870 GPUs) + 5870 VBIOS Discussion (non-beta)

You can modify the current 10.12 driver package to include the new style CCC....Joker uploaded his installation files and instructions on how to get it working on mobility cards....simply dowload his .rar file, run the main setup .exe and it should work - if that doesnt, there are some simple steps to get it working....you can go into the file and navigate to Joker's added CCC file and run the .msi installers for the components you require. Upon a restart, you should have the new style CCC.

It worked for me anyway - thanks Joker.

His file and instructions can be found on this thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...drivers-now-out-discussion-thread-here-4.html

Hope this helps anyone who wants to use the new UI.

 

Stevie and Joker - thanks. I was able to install the new CCC UI.

I was already using the 10.12 driver and it was working well. But, I wanted to scope out the new CCC.

It did not work until I totally removed all ATI software and ran Driver Sweeper from Guru3D. Every trace of ATI, including all folders, were removed. After this, ran all of the MSI files inside the CCC folder and its subfolders. I also had to get rid of the CCC2a folder unpacked from Joker's RAR file. Not sure why, but until this folder was deleted the installation routine kept repeatedly installing the old CCC UI. I did it three times and almost abandoned effort, but the last time I decided to delete the CCC2a folder and then it was successful.

If anyone is struggling trying to make this work, don't burn a lot of calories on it. As far as I could tell, no functionality is added. It is merely a cosmetic UI change. It does look nicer, but I could not find anything new as far as utility.

 

How much improvement is there from latest Dell AMD drivers (8.763) to ATI 10.11 - I am asking this because I did a fresh system setup yesterday with flashing the vbios and using AMD 8.763 for safty reasons. Is there a lot of performance improvement due to the 10.11 or not?? Because I spent Christmas setting up my system and dont want to do this anytime soon.

Thx

PS: Merry Christmas everone!

 

No worries fella, thats more or less what i did...uninstalled all ati, cclean/driversweep and then "un-rar'd" joker's file, went to his ccc folder, ran all the .exe's for the msi's and then ran the main setup.exe....didnt have to delete ccc2a as it didnt give me any grief....like you say, its just prettier to look at...no added functionality but its a step in the right direction which is all good...

Glad you got it working.

 

Nathan, Merry Christmas to you, too.

I ran benchmarks on the current Dell drivers, ATI 10.11 and 10.12 and there was no difference in results scores or framerates. Also no distinguishable difference in actual gaming experience.

I was hoping to get better OpenGL results for some of my older games that crash when trying to run in OpenGL and that also did not improve. If you're getting good performance with what you have, there is nothing I have identified to be gained by updating the drivers.

 

I just got another m17x and I no longer have my 2gb usb drive to copy the a01 vbios. Does anybody know how to get this done with a 4gb usb drive?

 

From recollection, i dont think you can use a 4gb flash drive....dunno why but i recall that ...i used optical media...worked just the same.

 

I used either a 4GB or 8GB USB thumb drive when I flashed my BIOS with the X34 update without any problem whatsoever, so you should be able to. I don't even own a 2GB (or smaller) thumb drive, but I don't remember for sure whether I used my 4GB or 8GB thumb drive. I used the free HP USB disc storage format tool to make it DOS bootable. Worked like a charm.

I used the same thumb drive for the vBIOS update. The vBIOS update has everything you need in one neat package, and will enable you to either create an ISO disc or a bootable USB drive. Upon creation of the media, you will need to reboot and boot into the chosen media by selecting F12 on Alienware logo BIOS screen in order to select the booting device.

Stevie, what you may be thinking of is the 4GB FAT32 file size limitation.

 

Not sure Fox, I just recall that some people couldnt get the iso image to work on a flash drive bigger than 2gb....dont know why though. I didnt have a flash drive to hand at all so I just used a disc, worked ok for me and i save a few quid on a USB drive too lol

 

I can confirm an 8GB USB Drive works. I followed the same method as Mr. Fox (I.e.: Used the HP USB Format Tool.)

 

I have not ever been able to boot directly from an ISO file, since that is a compressed archive that has to be unpacked or burned to an optic disc to access the files inside of it. It may be that some people misunderstood the instructions and installed the ISO file on the USB drive, which would not work.

 

I recently got my M17X with dual 5870s and last night I ran into the black screen issue.
Whats the best method for fixing it? It wont boot or post, just turns the fans on. So i cant update my bios. I read on another forum if i pull the bios battery i can get it back up.. couldnt see how to get into the laptop to do that though. if thats the best way, ill just watch the video on how to
I recently updated to the latest ATI driver for it as L4D2 wasnt loading. Its a refurb unit and looked like it had the latest bios/ driver from Dell, but i dont think i checked the video bios.

 

Is there anyway to load the A01 vbios to my 4gb usb drive? I lost my old usb drive and just got a new 4gb drive, but now it says it's too big..

 

Ok - I fixed my black screen issue, but now Im trying to update the Bios - and it says that its designed for 5870s. I checked my system, and its got 2 display adapters, both 5800 series. ftw?

 

If your running AMD reference drivers, they show up as 5800 in CCC....its only Dell drivers that show them as 5870 in CCC....from what you have put so far, seems like you have updated the Dell drivers to AMD drivers without doing the vbios update, hence the black screens and BSOD's etc...

I read that it was a refurb you bought but didnt know the vbios before you changed to AMD drivers....if it wasnt done, thats a good starting point.

Have a read of this for detailed instructions: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...70-september-2010-incl-vbios-flash-guide.html - I strongly suggest a good read of this thread .Grim has put together a great guide not only for the vbios flash but for a clean install - hats off to Grim and thanks again for all his hard work.

You need to do the vbios flash, so, you will need to have Dell drivers 8.763 installed and perform the instructions to flash to the latest vbios. Its also recommended to have the latest system bios installed too....think its A09 atm...(you can check this by start/type sytem information)

To do the vbios flash, I would recommened doing so whilst your running Dell 8.763 drivers and not AMD drivers....to ensure you have these drivers, you need to boot into safe mode (when you see the alienhead bios screen, hit f8 and choose safe mode) and uninstall the AMD drivers and get back to Dell drivers or even better, standard vga drivers and then install the latest Dell drivers before flashing your vbios. Either way, I would strongly recommend having Dells latest 8.763 drivers installed when you flash your video cards vbios.

Then , flash to the latest vbios as per instructions on first page....

If you then want to uninstall Dell drivers and then use AMD, you will be set to do so...

But as you have installed AMD without the flash done first (or so it seems), thats whats causing your problems. Like I said, best to follow the instructions at the start of Grim's thread....remove your existing drivers in safe mode, get back to having Dell drivers 8.763 installed and then perform the vbios flash. If you want, you can then change to reference drivers without BSOD's and other problems.

Alternatively, you could try and restore your system to a point to BEFORE you installed AMD drivers....should revert you back to Dell drivers ... check in your Catalyst Control Centre (CCC) to see what drivers you then have (under graphics dropdown at top left corner of CCC, then information tab, then graphics software tab) and also check vbios release the same way but select graphics hardware tab. The latest vbios, when successfully installed will correlate with that number that was posted in the screenshots at the start of the thread I have linked above.....BIOS Version 012.020.000.027 - as its been a while since I flashed my vbios, i dont recall the version prior to flash but the latest version is as I just wrote.

Once you have flashed the vbios, go back into CCC and go the the graphics hardware tab as above and check the vbios version for BOTH cards by scrolling down to the secondary display adaptor....once you have both versions as per the number i quoted (and are the same as Grim's initial posts)...congrats..success in updating to the new vbios. Enjoy!

If that doesnt solve the problems, I would be getting back in touch with the seller you bought it from....

Simples.


Hope that helps!

 

Last bump before I go and buy a 2gb drive just to load the vbios. No, I don't have a burner. Someone save me $5?

 

No idea fella, go drop the bomb on a $5 flash drive and save yourself some hassle LOL

 

Hi, anodize.

Maybe you missed my prior response on 12-29-2009. You can use a 4GB drive. This was not a problem for me. Use the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool to make it bootable. You can download that here, along with the DOS files needed. After formatting with the DOS files needed to make it bootable, simply unzip the vBIOS files and copy them over to the thumb drive. Restart, press F12 and select the USB drive from the boot menu.

Devoidx responded that he used an 8GB drive for this also.

 

Ok, which driver should I be using, the Dell one from September or the one from ATI's website from Decemeber? I am a little confused as to which I should be using for my M17x-R2 (dual 5870s).

 

Ravenwjf - if you are going to flash the vBIOS, then you need to install the Dell drivers that are on the same download page as the video BIOS update. This is only so the vBIOS recognizes your 5870s.

Once the vBIOS update is applied, you can use whatever driver you wish. I am using the modded 10.11 driver posted on this forum and it works great. I had also installed the 10.12 driver from the ATI web site and it worked equally fine.

 

hello, i installed the "AMD Mobility Radeon HD5870 Driver v8.763-100810a-104118C-Dell, A01", and when i try to install the "AMD Mobility Radeon HD5870 VBIOS Update v13B96101.104, A01", i still am recieving the error message "This update is intended only for the following video card" ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870. The update cannot be performed on this system." i know for a fact that i have the 5870, and not being able to power down my computer correctly is quite annoying. can anybody tell me what is going on/how i could fix this?

 

You need to install the stock dell ati drivers (not vbios) first.
Then you can use the vbios file.

OR......

Download the vbios exe.
Use this Universal Extractor | LegRoom.net to extract the vbios file.
Rename vbios file to .rom
Put everything on a bootable usb stick and the flash manually using atiflash (you will also find this when extracting the exe).

Either way will work.

D.

 

hey i was just wondering.. after i do a clean install, would i have to reboot this vbios again even though i did it before already?

 

Nope. once flashed, just like your system bios, its permananent, unless you reflash your cards again with a different version.

 

Took a lot of time on the phone with tech support but they came to the conclusion that one of my 5870s or the cable is bad and will be sending me two new cards and a cable.

I've watched the teardown video and it doesn't look so bad, but has anybody here had first hand experience installing the video cards?

With the horror stories i've heard about visiting techs breaking and damaging machines I opted to do it myself.

Thanks!

 

Just be sure to grab the service manual from support.dell.com and have it handy. Have plenty of space to work with and take your time. Be especially careful with the display cable and be sure when re-assembling that all cables are attached/seated correctly.

See here ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-general-information-read-before-posting.html) for links to the service manual and Dell's tear-down video of the R2.

 

Great advice, BatBoy. With the Service Guide you should not have a problem going one step at a time.

The first time you remove the switch panel and touchpad panel it's a bit tricky until you figure out which way to do it. You have to do some gentle twisting on the switch panel and lift the keyboard edge up and away from the keyboard starting at the outer edge and moving your way across to the opposite side. The touchpad slides away from the keyboard, straight out on the same horizontal plane. Do not try to lift the touchpad panel up, as it has plastic hooks that fit into slots in the alloy panel under it and you will snap them off. Use a plastic pick tool so as not to mar any plastic surfaces around the keyboard, as you will cause cosmetic damage prying on the plastic pieces with a metal tool. You can probably purchase a plastic pick tool from a local computer shop or Radio Shack.

I took mine apart because the technician Dell sent out to install the Blu-Ray burner they owed me for my M17x on an m1730 exchange pinched a wire and left a cable disconnected while reassembling it. He did not know what to do and said to call for a replacement machine. (I discovered what he had done when I took it apart myself. Alienware overnighted me the wiring that was pinched.) It was very easy, just be careful as BatBoy pointed out. There are very tight tolerances in a few areas and the metal chassis is not nearly as forgiving as plastic when wiring is in a spot it does not belong and you cinch everything up.

 

My replacement 5870's are in and working fine. But there is no way a tech would have taken the time and been as careful as I was and I STILL managed to bust a couple of clips on the control panel above the keyboard and now the panel seems distorted and wont quite sit perfectly flush.

What a terrible design on Dells part. Can new control panels be ordered?

 

Yep, it's sort of tricky. I had to play around with mine to get it to lay down flat and smooth. One of the clips may be bent and keeping it from laying down right. I took mine off and on several times before it looked right.

Call support at 1-800-ALIENWARE and they's probably send you a new one.

 

Anyone know if Dell will actually "send" this service manual out....I know it can be d/l (and I have looked thru it many times so far) and I COULD print it out....if I wanted to waste a whole set of inks on it....which doesnt inspire me to print it out. (obviously, users with more than 1 pc dont have a problem (as you can refer to it via your other pc) but unless i print it out, how am i gonna refer to it with my system in bits lol!

Also, just thinking, you know the leather bound (leather lol) book you get with your system? - that has a HUGE amount of space left in it and IF the service manual WAS available to "fit in" the 'lil black book, I wouldnt say no to having one....

Would also be a nice little thing to own and for resale purposes....full documentation, ya know what me sayin'?

 

Also next time make sure your screen is fully opened. After a few "tear downs" it will be a piece of cake to take it off and reseat it.

 

To have it printed and incorporated into the leather-bound owner's manual would be real nice. I agree, Stevie.

 

Yup, that would be very nice I think - kind of a "complete" owners manual then, isnt it? - might make some calls......

 

Ok I'm in a tough spot. Was running beta vbios and decided to upgrade. Installed the drivers(uninstalled and sweeped old drivers) installed new vbios and loaded windows and played SC all night(this was sunday). Yesterday booted and got the blue screen(secondary processor within the allocated time interval error). The funny thing is next time I was able to boot and loaded the vbios again on the thumb drive and reflashed the video cards. I was also able to boot into windws again. Whew everything checked out. I spoke too soon now when I boot I get the same blue screen. What should I do this is fustrating since this is a software issue(driver). Can I do a system restore? I don't want to do a reinstall.

 

Is it necessary to install hte vbois as well or can you straight up upgrade to 10.12?

 

Well a new part is on it's way...it's gonna cost me $13 bucks and some shipping but I could not stand having the thing flex everytime I push one of the media buttons. Especially not on a machine I paid well over a couple grand for just a few months ago.

Dell, come on next time don't put little fragile clips on a part that has to be removed to get into the laptop...or require you to potentially damage other parts of the machine by prying it off.

I'm just glad my 5870 fiasco is finally resolved. Now maybe I can finally have some FUN with this machine.

 

If you are talking about the palmrest, you shouldn't be prying anything - once the screws are removed and the various cables are disconnected, just slide it towards you. No prying anything. With the hinge cover (power button piece), its best to insert a plastic CPU tool in the gap next to the hinge (carefully apply pressure) and it will come off very easily.

 

No, not talking about the palmrest. The hinge cover with the media buttons...above the keyboard. That piece is a bad design for servicability. Fussing with trying not to break the thing took more time than installing the video cards themselves. The teardown instructions of inserting something between the metal outer case and the plastic is a real bad idea..that will possibly damage the anodizing or mess up the plastic or both. I just don't want to see other people damage their machines or have to replace parts needlessly like I have to.

 

Glad you have all the problems under control, Goldenboy. Happy gaming to you!

BTW - I was in PDX yesterday and it was nice to not get rained on. It was a beautiful day with with a great view of Mt. Hood and St. Helens, lots of greenery. It was a nice break from the frozen brown tumbleweeds and sand out my way.

As I mentioned in one my recent posts, and BatBoy did today as well, using a plastic CPU took or soft plastic pick will prevent any damage from prying on the switch panel between the display hinges and keyboard. Anyone else that plans to remove this part should take this advice seriously. Using a metal tool is almost guaranteed to result is some sort of cosmetic blemish at the very least.

 

I use a bamboo skewer (cheap and easily replaceable) to remove mine.
One clip did break off (the exact same clip on my r1 that this machine replaced.... the one just to the upper right of the right lcd hinge) but there is no flex once the screws are in.

That thing is a real PITA and wish they had a different design for it.

D.

 

Hello!

since i got almost no replies on my thread i thought i should post my problem in this thread,too.

please see here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...em-hd5870-cf-flickering-external-monitor.html

Thank you for your help!

 

Did not see your thread, or I would have tried to help. I will provide a suggestion over there shortly. Look there for my response.

 

what if i flashed bios first and only after installed the drivers? can be fixed?

 

Leo, your question is not clear. Please be more specific. Are you referring to flashing the system BIOS or the vBIOS? Are you experiencing a specific problem with your system, or asking a hypothetical question?

If you installed the Dell 8.763 driver prior to flashing the vBIOS, you should be in good shape. If you did not, I think the vBIOS update may not complete. It should make no difference which system BIOS you have. If you updated to A10 before the vBIOS, I don't think it would make any difference.

 

thx for answer, yeah, i am experiencing quite low fps in games... wow cata runs at avg 100, but once i engage in any action or go to big city it drops to 25-30 fps... which is quite annoying as i see my roommate with g73 having twice as much fps same time.
what i meant to say is that i flashed a10 first, then installed 8.73 driver, then dl-d ATI bios from dell website but it updated automatically, not requiring a flash drive or cd, GPU-z at least shows same info on bios.

 

The installation sequence you followed was good, so there should be no issues relating to that. Since your system is new, it probably already had the latest vBIOS firmware.

What you should do now is upgrade to decent video drivers. This may help with your frame rate problems. The Dell 8.73 drivers are not the best. Go to the AMD website and download the mobility driver version 11.2 for the 5800 series. Download Driver Sweeper from guru3d and CCleaner from the Piriform web site.

After downloading all of these, uninstall your current Catalyst software. Choose the option to remove all AMD/ATI software when prompted. After uninstalling, run the Driver Sweeper program and delete all AMD/ATI files and folders. Reboot, then run CCleaner and its registry cleaning tool. This will remove all traces in the registry that get left behind by the Catalyst uninstall. After CCleaner cleans up the registry you can then do a nice and clean install of the newer drivers.

Do not attempt an in-place upgrade of the Catalyst drivers and do not install the new Catalyst driver without running Driver Sweeper and CCleaner first. The clean installation works much better.

 

wow, thx for the respond... ill try that and let u know how it went!

edit: do you think it is really THAT sufficient? fps drop is huge...
edit#2: can you simultaniously use W+E+space in a rpg/ fps? i cant

 

All you can do it try it. I know the Dell drivers sucked on my games. I got much better FPS using newer AMD drivers.

I am a big first-person shooter fan, but I don't play RPG or MMORPG like WoW.

What does the W+E+space key sequence do? I have never tried that before. Let me know and I will test that in a FPS game and let you know if it works for me.

 

ok so in some games E means any movement action (in mirror with Q, hope you get it) so if i do Q+W+space which stands for jump in certain direction - works, but E+W+space - doesnt... curious why, lol. checked like 2 games already. P.S. i believe i benched 11.2 drivers did 18300 and dell drivers 19500 but thats just me not remembering it correctly

p.s. mr.fox could u pls throw a screenshot at me of how is my ccc info page supposed to look like so i knew i installed it correctly? thx

 

OK, it's attached below. I would not be as concerned about benchmarks as real world performance. You could have a small drop in a benchmark score and still have much improved performance in the actual gaming experience. I hope the newer drivers help you with the issues you have experienced.

I understand what you are saying now about the E+W+space. I will give it a shot with E and Q and let you know if it works. I use a mouse for a lot of the movement in games, so I am probably missing some hotkey combos in my bag of tricks.