M17xR2 Gaming Problem

Hi, I purchased the above but seem to be having problems when it comes to running games like counter strike etc as the FPS is very low at 30. I contacted the company where I bought it from and they authorised a repair which they told me that they flashed bios to A7 and that I should no longer have any problems.
Unfortunately there is no change and is still running terribly. I don't even know if I am running on full graphics as the little odometer icon above the keyboard does nothing when I press it. Also I looked in the bios graphics and Hybrid is disabled, should this be enabled?
Any help being able to run games and switching to full graphics will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

OS – Windows 7
Procesor:Q9000 Intel Core2 Quad 2.00GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Procesor:8GB (8192MB) DDR3 1333MHz
CPU:Q9000 Intel Core2 Quad 2.00GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Graphics Card:nVidia GeForce GTX 260M with 1024MB Dedicated RAM
Bios: A07

 

Hi there, mizeee, first of all that is the M17x R1 you have there.
Second what video drivers version are you running ?
For the touchstrip buttons to work you need the OSD application installed, download it from Dells support site and be sure to select your system type by entering your service tag or by choosing the "M17x" (NOT R2 nor R3).

Cheers

 

Hi there, thanks for helping me.
I actually meant to put R1 my mistake.
I have looked at the video drivers and can only see the version for the Geforce 9400 and that says version 8.17.12.7061 in dxdiag
I have also looked in device manager and can only see that graphics card in there also, I cant see anything for GeForce GTX 260M.

I downloaded a little program called Stealth Toggle which tells me that im running in full power but I will download the OSD to get the buttons to work.

I also noticed in another thread that people suggested to turn off V-Sync in the Nividia Control Panel, did this but still no rise in FPS so I changed all the settings in counter strike to the lowest possible and the FPS went upto approx 150 which is a lot better but graphics wise...rubbish!

Thank you

 

Well, can you look these up for me si I can give you more info to get your system up and running like it should:

-right click your desktop and choose nVIDIA control panel and look up your driver version under system information.
-access the BIOS menu (by repeatedly pressing the F2 key after the alien head when you turn your laptop) and under Graphic options look up PCIeGen 2 and tell me if it's 'Disabled' or 'Enabled', turn it to disabled.

 

Geforce 9400 Driver Version: 270.61

I have now disabled PCIeGen 2 as it was enabled.

 

So you don't see the GTX 260m, make sure you're plugged in (as the system will default to the integrated 9400m) and not running in Stealth Mode.
That's why you were getting poor performance.

 

No I dont see the GTX 260m and im definitely plugged into the mains and the stealth detector is saying that im running on full power mode.

 

One more thing then:
Access BIOS menu again and disable hybrid SLi and integrated graphics, go in device manager and you should see the 260m. Remove your battery just to make sure your running off of mains. Run your games and come back with feedback.

 

Battery removed, Hybrid was already disabled but I disabled integrated graphics.
Went to device manger and the 9400 had disappeared and I can now see the 260m which was disabled so I enabled it.
My son ran the game and now the fps is running at approx 200 which is far better than it was but im still confused, my sons pc which is a much lower spec and an old machine runs at a far higher fps on the same game so basically defeating the object of buying him the Alienware. Is there anything else I can do to increase it otherwise the Alienware is never going to get used.

Thanks

 

What's your sons computer specs?

 

System Manufacturer: Philips
System Model: HEPC7602/05
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 3326MB RAM
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT
Chip type: GeForce 9600 GT
Display Memory: 1904 MB
Dedicated Memory: 497 MB
Shared Memory: 1407 MB

 

Well that's a desktop and with those specs it should beat the laptop you currently have.

 

So basically his desktop will run a lot better than the Alienware?
What is it that determines the fps do you know?

 

No, his desktop will run 'better' than that specific M17x you have, there are other config that will eat that desktop for breakfast

Depends on the game, some are GPU or CPU dependent or both. But I'd say as long as he can play his games with no problem, there's no reason to move on.
Both your laptop and that desktop can be upgraded and keep you from buying a new one, now it all depends on what you're(/your son is) using it for.

 

I understand thank you.
He really wants to use the laptop but as long as the pc is running with a higher fps and no problems running games the laptop is sat as an expensive paper weight. What would you suggest getting upgraded on the laptop?

 

If it only has a single 260 you may want to go for a second 260 or upgrade to two 4870's his performance will be better than the 9600gt on the desktop.

So here are your upgrade options for that system:
GPU:
A second 260m
2 x GTX280m(what katalin has)
2 x Ati mobilty radeon 4870's(what I used to have and IMO the best cards you can get for the R1)

CPU:

QX9300 (what katalin has)


Also from what I have read in terms of performance
a single mobile 260 is supposed to be = to a 9800GT Desktop card.
a single mobile 280 is between a 9800GT and a 9800GTX desktop cards
a single mobile 4870 is between a Desktop 4850 and 4870

Double up any of these cards and you will get better performance if SLI/XF is available for that game.(I am assuming he is play Counter strike: Source which is supported)

 

Thank you so much you have both been really helpful

 

As suggested about upgrading the laptop, I emailed the company where I purchased it from to get the following response.


"Upgrades can consist of Ram in the laptop to enhance performance, however you are unable to upgrade the graphics card, or you may be able to if you can source a graphics card, which is practically impossible.

Again with regards to the CPU, this is not an upgrade we are able to offer. Normally the idea would be to purchase a machine already with the specification you require as these items are not generally upgradeable at a later date"

So if anyone knows of anywhere where I can send the laptop to get it upgraded would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Man, that means most of us were lucky being able to upgrade our systems, just kidding

RAM sticks you can find them almost everywhere (new.egg, ama()zon etc.)
GPUs/CPU probably e.Bay, forums etc.
And install them yourself (or have somebody install them for you),it's fairly easy, your service manual and disassembly video (found online) are your friends.

 

I figured that's what Im going to have to do but I don't think it needs anymore ram as it already has 8GB but I will search online for another cpu and graphics card.
Thanks Katalin you have been more than helpful

 

Yeah, 8Gb is max anyway.
No problem, good luck

 

I have decided that I am going to sell or part the M17x.

 

Spoiler

If you don't need portability I'd say do it!