M17x r2 screen flashes red green etc.

I have a alienware m17x r2. When I start it up the alienware head comes up adn then shortly afterwards it starts to flash from grey to red blue and green. Can anyone help me on this?

And when I plug my external monitor in all is well. The laptop monitor still flashes but the external monitor works fine.

 

I have the same issue,
Screen either goes dark, flashes RGBWB or is brown-ish like this: http://i.imgur.com/5oQJWGl.jpg
2nd Monitor works fine, GPU clocks and temps seem normal. Opened it up and reseated both GPUs and the diplay cable.

Tried different drivers. No dice
I called dellienware for the Out-of-warranty repair service and they said they can't do anything because it's an older model and they either don't have any parts or they keep whatever parts for the few systems still under warranty.

I guess we either have to buy a new screen/cable/lid on ebay or whatever and change it ourselves if it's really a screen issue.

I considered using this as an excuse to buy a new model but the new 17R2 gets a lot of flak for the BGA GPU/CPU and lack of SLI/xFire. and I'm not sure I want to risk it.

If you find anything helpful let me know

 

You can always get the 17x R4 or the AW 17.. Both are great options and don't have BGA...

 

2nd hand or brand new? Where are they sold?

 

R4 is 2nd hand but the R1 can be got brand new if lucky or refurbished

 

It could be the GPU, since you have Dual GPU, use each one separately in the primary slot.
Usually this happens when the primary card is on it's way to hardware heaven.

 

If it's the GPU wouldn't it be a problem on the external monitor also? I set up my monitor as my primary screen and it's running crossfire just fine under load.

 

Trust me, it can happen that the GPU makes problems only on the internal screen, i gues it's something different about the way it sends signal to external screen.
I'm guessing the screen stops working when the GPU heats up to a certain temperature...

Besides, isn't it worth checking that it's not just a faulty gpu before spending 100+ on a new screen + cable

 

I guess you're right, So let's say i'd want to switch them? How could I do that? They aren't exactly the same as they are mirror image with the copper pipes and all? Also, can I just put one in without the other/crossfire without changing anything else, software-wise?

Wouldn't it be simpler to go in device manager and disable both device to see if the integrated GPU would work?

 

It definitely sounds to me like a video card going. I had the same thing happen to one of my 7970m before I baked it. You are going to have to switch the heat sinks on the cards. Make sure you have a good thermal paste as you will need to repaste. there are lots of good videos on line showing how this is done.

 

1. Is there any other way of proving that the card is faulty without switching them? For example, disabling them and seeing if the screen works on the integrated gpu (if there is one)
2. If I get thermal paste and I swtich the cards ect, do I need to modify anything on the software/bios side, or I can just physically switch the cards are boot right up?

 

If it s your primary card going you'd have to switch to find out might be able to disable your secondary to rule the one out. Nothing needs to be don't but switch them

 

Would It be possible to disable both and test with the integrated gpu? Assuming there is one..

 

There isn't one on our old machines

 

Alright then, I'll get thermal paste and learn how to repaste that stuff I guess I can upgrade it at the same time. What would you recommend, IC diamond or shin etsu?

 

IC Diamond.

You will have to remove the right one (the one that has cf connector unaccesibile wihout removing the heatsink first)... try to run the pc if screen still goes black.

Then remove the left one, take down heatsinks from both cards, remove the cf cable from the right card and place left heatsink on it, place it in the left slot and try again

 

For your information, it will not boot if you haven't got the keyboard plugged in when you are on power supply only (no battery plugged in). And i confirm you have to physicaly swap the card.