M17x R2 5870 (CF) Catalyst not working & other problems

Hello,
I have finally installed the newest driver (8.763, from dell's site) because I had HEAVY performance drops in every game after 30 min the game is open and now it seems to be fine and smooth.

The only thing is that one of the GPUs is getting to 107C while ingame and the other GPU 57C.

When I downloaded the driver from dell's support site I removed all of the old ATi drivers through Driver Sweeper and then opened the R281215.exe to install it. It extracted every thing to C:\Dell\drivers\{all new things over here} (Dell is a new folder) but still GPU-Z didn't detect the new driver, so I went into the control panel and entered to the drivers thing there.

I went into displays (GPUs) and right clicked -> properties -> update driver -> manually select a path (browse?) and selected that new Dell directory where all the drivers were.
Took it some time but at the end I guess it worked because GPU-Z showed and still shows the new driver (8.763...) as the current GPU driver. and then I stated playing (TF2, if that matters) and everything was smooth (still some small drops but a huge improvement from what was before!).

Then I wanted to see what are the temperatures for the GPUs, one was 109*C on max and the other was 57*C on max, so I figured something's wrong and decided to install the new Catalyst (the one that comes with the driver, in the Dell directory - C:\dell\drivers\R281215\Packages\Apps\CCC) [setup] and then I was required to perform a restart and then it will work.

But as happened to me before, I can't open open the Catalyst. In start menu I click on the CCC.exe and nothing happens, nothing happens with any of the exe(s) in the Catalyst folder in start menu...

If someone can help me with that in some nice easy explanations because I have no clue of what I am doing or what should I do now to boost my performance, etc.. (in drivers, bios hardware etc) and this computer is very Important for me (also the only one I have) and I don't want to up.. =/

I also want to install/update, or what ever it's called, my bios and vbios to the newest, yet safest, versions.
These are ones I saw in the forum but I don't understand in what are the stages and or ANYTHING so please explain me word by word what to do! :: [also, are there any requirements for any of the vbios/bios..?]
BIOS: R2 A10.
vBIOS: 5870 R2 A01 vbios.

Now another thing; I also found the new Catalyst 11.2 in the forums here and I would like to use it because probably the Catalyst in the dell folder is old, but in the thread there are instructions that I don't understand, both for the AMD Catalyst™ 11.2 and the CAP (what is CAP, are both of them required?).
[link to thread ^]


If someone could please explain me how to install all of these (if even needed) step by step with requirements and risks, if there are. OR mainly just how could I fix my Alienware M17x R2.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
- 'sKaz'.

{IF ANY PICTURES ARE NEEDED, TELL ME!}
edit: added the vbios (also drivers) thread link...

 

If you wish to update the vbios, you should take a look at this thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...70-september-2010-incl-vbios-flash-guide.html first post by Grim, half way down - tells you exactly what to do to install it. Bear in mind that you will need to have 8.763 installed at the time of flashing the vbios update. Most people have used a 2gb Flash Drive with success.

If you THEN wish to use the AMD 11.2 drivers, feel free to follow the install guide here http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...st-11-2-mobility-released-get-yours-here.html and also, install the CAP (they are simply a library of "fixes" for various games, best to have them installed and is simply a matter of downloading the latest CAP and running it.)

Regarding system main bios, thats simple too. There are one or two methods you can use - depending on your degree of comfort in doing them.

You can download the A10 Bios file and execute it using the instructions provided on the Dell Downloads page. Execute the R****** bios flashing program from within windows and it will do the rest.

OR

The other is to follow the guide that BatBoy created here http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...sh-drive-flash-aw-bios-updates-under-dos.html

The latter is supposedly a safer method but is more complex and wether you wish to do that would be up to you. Most importantly, ensure that your system is plugged in as you DO NOT want to lose power whilst flashing.

Regarding CCC, you dont have to run the .exe to open CCC (the driver package should have installed CCC for you), you should be able to simply open it by typing CCC in start menu or by right click on the desktop and select catalyst control centre. From there, you can check if you have crossfire enabled or disabled...which may account for the temp differences between cards.
109 seems too high and it may be a case of repasting the gpu/s to get them lower. I am sure someone with more experience in operating temperatures can help with that one.

Hope it helps.

 

Your post would be better, and more likely to be seen in the other thread that you linked to. The manner you installed the drivers is not correct.

Some simple steps are also on this thread: *OFFICIAL* "All Powerful" M17xR2 Edition Owner's Lounge - Part 3 - Post # 732

Install the A10 BIOS and A01 vBIOS from Dell. Both are safe and work fine. You'll want to install the A01 vBIOS while you still have the 8.763 drivers installed.

After doing both BIOS updates, download the Catalyst package from AMD. This initial download is only 1.1MB, but that is a download manager that will download the actual Catalyst package. Next, download CCleaner. If you already have Driver Sweeper, no need to download that again.

After downloading, go into Control Panel, Programs and Features, and uninstall all ATI/AMD programs. Then, run Driver Sweeper and remove all remaining ATI/AMD files and folders. Reboot when prompted.

After rebooting, run CCleaner's registry cleaning tool and repair all problems when the scan is finished. This will remove any registry entries related to ATI/AMD drivers and CCC, which are no longer installed on your system.

After running CCleaner, you're ready to run the Catalyst package you downloaded from AMD.

 

I tried it now and it still doesn't work, you see the loading mouse cursor for less then a second and then back to the regular mouse cursor and nothing happens... the only Catalyst that worked for me was the one that came with the laptop and it seemed very restricted and a friend recommended me to updating it to a newer one, which I didn't succeed in installing.

If I install the vbios (I have currently installed ONLY the driver [8.763] and as I said the CCC, that doesn't work yet) can I change my driver to any new driver, if there is/will be or any old driver?

Note that I haven't installed anything other then CCC and the driver (8.763)

Here are 4 images of GPU-Z:
GPU #1 Info:
http://gpuz.techpowerup.com/11/03/11/20x.png
GPU #2 Info:
http://gpuz.techpowerup.com/11/03/11/36t.png
GPU #1 Sensor (currently idle):
http://gpuz.techpowerup.com/11/03/11/54n.png
GPU #2 Sensor (currently idle):
http://gpuz.techpowerup.com/11/03/11/gn7.png

 

Follow the steps outlined in my response and the link provided and see if you're in better shape. There's no point in trying to troubleshoot the problem until the proper removal and re-installation procedures have been followed. You cannot launch CCC because your Catalyst package was not installed in the correct manner, and there may be nothing left to troubleshoot once it has been correctly installed.

Install the vBIOS with the Dell driver currently installed and then you can use the AMD reference drivers without any issues. The vBIOS update must be installed first, as the flash procedure will fail with any other driver. The link I provided has some instructions for the vBIOS, and so does steviejones' response.

As steviejones pointed out, CAPS is a set of profiles (rules) for games and applications to optimize their performance. Installation of CAPS is optional and will not cure any problems with your drivers or Catalyst Control Center. Install CAPS after you get things operating properly.

A word of advice on your images... they should be thumbnails, as the large images in the post are a violation of forum rules. Edit your message, click the Go Advanced button and remove them. In advanced mode, you'll see a button to Manage Attachments. Re-upload them as thumbnails. (I know this because I was called out for doing the same thing when I was new to this forum. I hadn't read the rules and did not know better.)

The images you uploaded do not show a problem with GPU temps. If you were hitting 109C degrees, that would be way too hot, but I think you may be getting some false readings. With the vBIOS update and newer drivers, I'd be surprised if you GPUs were really getting that hot. If they are, call 1-800-ALIENWARE and get the GPUs replaced if you're still under warranty.

 

Thanks, I will edit my post now and then try doing what you said.
Also, I went to shower and let my cousin (he's not a small kid that might ruin things :X) play on my laptop. now he tells me it crashed and I watched the GPU-Z log that was running while he played, it shows that for about 3min the GPU's:
Fan speed was not higher then 20RPM, GPU load was almost a solid 100%, Temperature started from 67*C up to ~solid 81*C. and then crashed :O

Anyway, if I bump into any other problems I will post here.

Thanks for the help so far

 

erm... One last important question:
You (it is required) to have Dell's Alienware M17x R2 5870 Driver (8.763) installed, if GPU-Z is showing that the current driver is 8.763 as in the pictures in my 2nd post - can I flash the vbios or did you mean I also didn't install the driver itself properly and I need to reinstall the driver(?)

& In the vbios download *LINK*, in the Installation Instructions:

It doesn't mention I need to burn this into a disk or use a USB boot, so I just open that EXE then the setup.exe in the mentioned path then run the path C:\DELL\DRIVERS\R281544 and just do "next next next..." and that's it? or is this wrong :O

Never mind, I got confused with the A10 bios I downloaded yesterday XD

 

BUMP!
I am having difficulty in installing a new driver and installing the catalyst

quote from the AMD Catalyst 11.2 Thread: [ comment]

 

The goal here is to get back to standard VGA drivers before you install 11.2 AMD drivers.

If you have done the Vbios flash whilst you had 8.763 installed, have restarted normally, removed/uninstalled 8.763 and then reboot into safe mode and use driver sweeper and ccleaner to clean up from the older drivers, it should simply be a case of running the 1.1mb AMD download to install the latest AMD set.

It will open automatically after you have run the 1.1mb file as its a download manager, it will guide you through the rest of the process by its nature.

If you cant or havent removed Dell 8.763 drivers, you need to get this done BEFORE trying to install the AMD ones. If your having problems removing via control panel/programs/uninstall, you can uninstall manually via device manager by click on each display adaptor and removing the driver software for each one.

This should get you back to standard VGA drivers.

Dont install AMD yet, reboot into safe mode after you have got to the VGA driver stage, run driver sweeper as admin for ati display and ccleaner for registry until nothing comes back.

At this point, reboot normally and you should be on VGA.

Now it should be fine to install the 1.1mb AMD driver download which will run you through the rest of the driver installation procedure.

 

I did the Manual Uninstall of the driver for the 1st GPU and now only 1 GPU appears in the Device Manager and I immediately got a blue screen that gives an error with ati*something*.sys and I can't start my computer now! But I am now in safe mode if there is something I can do.

And will the card appear again when I install a new Driver? or am I screwed?

 

Yes, the gpu hasnt disappeared. Its just waiting for a driver to be installed. The one card you have showing in device manager should be standard VGA, yes?

 

No it isn't, I'm now on safe mode and both cards are now (automatically) on Driver Version 8.692.2.0 (stock version I think)

I didn't have time to check it not in Safe Mode because I got blue screened so fast :X

Now what?

 

Ok. the reason for bsod is due to the 8.692 stock drivers which arent compatable with the vbios (endless bsod if you try) so you will need to uninstall them until back at vga. Dont restart normally because until you are at this stage, you will just get BSOD all over the place.

Manually uninstall all gpu drivers until you get to vga. Do this in safe mode. Once you get to that stage, stay in safe mode, run driver sweeper as admin (ati display) and ccleaner registry until you get no results coming back up for either.

Stay in safe mode - DONT restart.

Check device manager for standard vga status on display adaptor/s - you may only have one show - dont worry!!!

DONT REBOOT NORMALLY YET. Post back when you get to this stage.

 

Ok,
I figured how to do it (in Safe Mode).
1. Right click on one of the GPUs under Display adapters.
2. Go to the driver tab and press Uninstall (advanced).
3. A window will popup, Mark [V] the thing telling you that this is going to delete your driver and press OK.
4. Now only one GPU (in case you have 2, CF/SLi? otherwise nothing will appear there) will appear under Display adapters. DON'T PANIC! (XD).
5. Right click on the Display adapters or any main device (e.g. Network adapters, mice, etc..) and click on " Scan for hardware changes".
6. You will then see a popup box from the taskbar saying that a new device is being installed, that is the ' Standard VGA Graphics Adapter' you need.
7. If the NAME of the device isn't Standard VGA Graphics Adapter then the installation detected that you are using GPU X (in my case ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870) and automatically switched to it's Stock Driver Installation (in my case: Driver Version 8.692.2.0). Otherwise you could proceed with the same stages for the 2nd GPU, if there is one.
8. This is only if the name of the device isn't Standard VGA Graphics Adapter. Right click on the device and click on properties.
9. Go to the Driver tab and press the Update Driver tab.
10. Select browse for a new Driver from your PC (Laptop).
11. Click on the "button" beneath the path selection, It says "Update with an existing/known driver on your PC"(/laptop).
12. Select the Standard VGA Graphics Driver.
13. Scan for hardware changes as in stage 5. And you're DONE.

quick guide for other people who might be stuck in the same problem :O

 

Right, now that you have sorted that, just run the 1.1mb AMD file and it will do the rest....just follow the instructions and your set. Dont forget to install the CAP's!!!!!

Man, I hope you are ok now.....you truly went the long way around getting these drivers installed LOL

 

Haha, I've been trying to update my Catalyst and drivers a long time ago..
I just decided to check in this forum this week and I finally found a way to do it XD.. (if today wasn't a long time)...

 

No worries, we are all here to help out if possible.

 

Nope, Still not working and same problem as before.
when I get to the Catalyst installation after I extract into the ATI folder in C:\(ATI\Support\11-2_mobility_vista_win7_64_dd_ccc_ocl\). :O x2.

 

Ok I actually need to do same thing as I did with the dell driver (version 8.763).
I selected this path:
C:\ATI\Support\11-2_mobility_vista_win7_64_dd_ccc_ocl\
which is the default.

and now both Cards have Driver version 8.821.0.0. Is that the version it should be? & I'll try to run the Catalyst setup now.

 

Yes. That is the correct driver version. I dont know why you feel it necessary to run anything else. If you have successfully updated to 8.821 drivers then your set. You should see CCC in your start menu if you type it in search and find.....thats CCC, no need to try and install it AGAIN!

 

can't find it or use it through right click on desktop.. and still setup doesn't open...

 

Try runing the main .exe in the support directory. Located in the 11.2 mobilty folder, right at the bottom. Ati Setup (.exe).

Should take you through driver install process again and should show you what components will get installed. A list should appear which you should ensure you have the CCC checkbox ticked.

Its the only thing I can think of that may help - maybe you got a dodgy or corrupted download. The only other thing I can suggest is that you re-download directly from the AMD site here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/Pages/radeonmob_win7-64.aspx - this is the 1.1mb AMD download which will install via AMD download manager, it will contain all the drivers/CCC you need. If you cant get CCC working, I would suggest re-trying with this link.

Hope that helps.

 

I found the cause of it crashing after you press install:
GPU-67:ATI CCC freezes or exits to desktop during installation
testing it now...

 

and yes the installation works now.

 

So, are you all up and running with 11.2 now? - with CCC? - im gonna give you a +rep for determination and for digging out that article. Hopefully, it will help others!

All you need do now is install the CAP from the link on Alexnvidia's thread for 11.2 and your set gpu wise....up to you if you want to flash to A10 main system bios.

Im off to bed now so I hope you are sorted....if not, I will do my best to help out in the morning.

 

Oh yeah, I forgot to install the CAP. And yes, CCC 11.2 works for me all well now. Didn't have to download anything new, just ran the fix and then I was able to install ^^.

Thank you for your help up until now. There's only thing left for me to do is install the new A10bios (by running the exe in windows and it will install it on a USB as a flash thingy, like in the vbios A01? or just put all of these files into a USB and boot it?).
I think everything is up to date but that.

Is there anything else I could do to boost the performance?

 

If your flashing the main bios from within windows , it doesnt require a bootable usb like Batboys Dos method of flashing I posted about in post #2. You just need to run the .exe from the R****** download and thats it. Follow any instructions. ENSURE YOU ARE PLUGGED INTO THE WALL WITH EXTERNAL POWER FOR ANY BIOS FLASH!!

You can do it either way, choosing BB's method, you will need a USB drive, you will need to follow his instructions to make it bootable and then follow the procedure for getting the required files onto the USB drive, reboot from that USB drive using the one time boot menu and it will then flash your main bios when you execute the F BAT file.
I used a 4gb USB drive to perform my latest flash, there is a step in BB's thread by Katalin that will tell you to use win98boot opposed to the minidos files if you use a USB drive over 2gb so read those instructions carefully if you choose that method.

Its up to you which method you use. I used the Dos method recently to flash a test bios and it worked fine. I have also used the other method too which did just fine too. I believe its somewhat safer to flash via Dos....afaik.

Glad your up and running regarding 11.2 - as far as other boosts, there are plenty of hints and tips floating around here, obvioulsy OCing various things will improve perormance but I havent bothered so far.

 

+rep for Stevie.

 

Nice one fella, 'ppreciate that!

 

The 11.2 drivers have just become an absolute nightmare for me. I first installed them without uninstalling and going back to the VGA drivers. That resulted in consistent BSOD when windows started up. I went and uninstalled 11.2, set drivers as VGA in safe mode, ran drivesweeper and CCleaner, now it locks up at the password screen for windows!

What a mess, and before it was very stable with no BSOD/crashing issues. Why did they even release these drivers!

 

I really dont know what you guys have been doing wrong. The procedure is straightforward. Its outlined in numerous threads here. If you were or are unsure about doing it, you shouldnt have done it without proper research.

I suggest going back to the start of this thread, looking at the advice given and reading the links to the threads that have already been posted.

If you cant follow instructions, then it really wont work, now, will it?

 

Maybe its just me but I feel that a set of drivers shouldn't cause stability issues if you didn't go through a drawn out process of rebooting, uninstalling, and then installing in an exact manner.

At any rate I got back to a stable setting with system restore and I'm now following the guide to the letter. Hopefully this time things will go smoothly.

 

Agreed, you should not have to jump through a bunch of hoops. However, the reality of the situation is that AMD Catalyst Install Manager does an atrociously horrible job of cleaning up after itself and not running Driver Sweeper and CCleaner frequently results in failed installation. This happens sometimes with NVIDIA drivers, too... but, not nearly as much of a problem as the AMD Catalyst package.

As steviejones said, it's pretty straightforward if you follow the steps, and there should be no problems if you do. Fortunately, you don't need to update drivers very frequently, and if you find a release that works excellent for you there's no need to do so.

 

Do you realize that many of us are using those Driver Set without problem? If so, as other have sugested, go back at the beginning of this post and read through. Or best, go to this thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...st-11-2-mobility-released-get-yours-here.html , and follow the instruction form Alexnvidia and StevieJones (post #1 and #45). There you will find all you need, just follow the instruction step by step

 

erm, thanks stevie! If you would tell me how to rep, I would rep you

& Yeah, that like I gave in last post is the fix just go to the link in it to windows archive about it and download the one that fits your PC/Laptop;
64x for 64 bit, 86x for 32 bit and just the fitting OS.

Good luck to anyone else who is having problems.

Note that still one Card is going up 100% USAGE and ~110*C while the other was 70*C max and not higher then 20% USAGE.. CF was enabled through Catalyst and GPU-Z also said so.. (installing CAP now, forgot it :X)

 

PM sent .

Those kinda temps arent normal. 110c is way too hot. I would say you probably need to repaste the gpu/s. Some apps/games wont fully utilise crossfire so it isnt always gonna be the case that temps are the same. Try a variety of games to experiment.

Note that the master gpu will normally always be higher than the slave/secondary gpu but for temps to be 110 on the primary suggest your in need of a repaste.

 

Is there any guide on how to repaste? and also where can I buy what is needed?

 

You can download the Alienware M17x R2 Service Manual from Dell at this link for disassembly instructions. You'll want to invest in a good thermal paste, and you can purchase from numerous internet sites if not at your local Best Buy, Fry's, MicroCenter, or similar electronics retailer.

A thread you may find interesting is here, and another one here.

Before you crack open your system, are you still under warranty? If you are, call 1-800-ALIENWARE and make sure you are not going to void the warranty by "modding" the cooling system by replacing the OEM thermal pads with paste. If you're under warranty, it's up to Alienware to fix the overheating situation for you.

 

Good point - prior to re-pasting, if you are under warranty, Dell will HAVE to sort out your overheating issues for you. Forgot to mention that on my last post.

If you are not under warranty, then your system is over 12mths old anyway at least.....if the fans/heatsinks on the gpu's have never been cleaned, that could also be a source of the problem. They may need cleaning up to lower temps and you may avoid repasting.

 

I have like 4-5 months until my 1 year warranty is over.
But, I don't live in USA and I've already tried to contact dell regarding this issue through the site online chat but I always got redirected or "disconnected".
Anyway I need to check if dell over here (in Israel) can handle my Alienware M17x R2 or if it's even covered in warranty where I live. (btw, Dell doesn't sell Alienware products here so I doubt it -.-')

 

Hmm. Does the 1-800-ALIENWARE phone number work only in the USA? Are you an Israeli citizen, or living there temporarily for work or military service? I ask because I am just wondering if a close friend or relative in the USA can help sort it out.

If you can reach Dell about it, I would also look into extending the warranty another year or two. As the R2 will become obsolete, you could end up needing it and getting a newer system as a replacement if you have a catastrophic failure of some sort.

 

If you cant get a serivce call where you are and you want to try and "clean up" your heatsinks etc WITHOUT having to repaste (if your not comfortable doing that), this should help out. Its a guide to opening your system by another NBR member. It will show you how to open up your system and clean the fans and the heatsinks.

It may help lower your temps but I dont know how "dirty" your heatsinks/fans are so I cant say for sure it will "cure" your temp problems but couls be worth a shot to see if they do get lower.

Have a look here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...hara-desert-some-maintenance-info-please.html

Good guide for general maintenance - also, my post #5 provides a link to the teardown I mentioned earlier.

 

I am a US and Israeli citizen, but I live in Israel. (I'm young and still in school, highschool)