*OFFICIAL* "All Powerful" M17x-R2 Edition Owner's Lounge - Part 2

If you are willing to pay for a QX9300 anyway then don't get an 820, get a 920xm in the R2

 

What software plays blu-ray movies? VLC will not work and neither will WMP.

 

Cyberlink Power DVD will. Not the best player out there, but will play BD and should have come with your R2.

 

PowerDVD is not bad. I preferred 9 over 10 but ended up paying for 10 because my HTPC was driving me crazy.....on my m17x I use the free pre-activated PowerDVD8 that came with it

 

did anyone of you use firewire to store videos from camera to the M17X? if so which program do you use for that? i have a canon mini DV one and never managed to get the camera detected.

 

I have used firewire with Microsoft Movie Maker for my Canon optura400 on the M17x

Movie Maker is part of the : Windows Live suite
Windows Live Essentials

 

thanks will try that. did you use a specific driver for your camera and which cable did you use?

 

For firewire it is plug and play. The cable is just a 4-pin to 4-pin firewire cable, similar to this:
Newegg.com - SYBA 6 ft. IEEE 1394a 4-pin to 4-pin Firewire cable Model SY-CAB-F4

 

FYI - posts concerning Stamtisx's ATA BIOS issue have been moved here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...xr2-switching-ahci-ata-results-bios-hang.html

 

ATI Catalyst? Mobility Display Driver

new vid driver

Just finished installing and works fine here

 

wwodds you are a little late.... http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/503428-get-your-catalyst-10-7-non-whql-here.html

 

wwoods, did you install 10.7 over any drivers(eg dell drivers/10.6) or did u do a uninstall and driver sweep and installed 10.7 by itself?

im still rather confused about ati drivers. i guess im too used to nvidia drivers where i have to uninstall drivers and sweep them off everytime i want to install a new one for them to work properly

but the case with the atis are rather random. for some drivers i had to install them over dell drivers or some previous version for them to have xfire support/not have extremely poor performance.

even with the workaround method, sometimes the drivers install but there is no xfire option.

 

meh...whatever....I read this forum when I can, just happen to check the drivers and saw em...no biggie.

 

Just got my 5870's running stable on stock drivers and found out some pertinent information on bios updates and if/when will we see 10.7 on Dell support website. Truth be told, that a new bios update should appear in couple months (fingers crossed) also that 10.7 might not appear on their website due to lack of information from current owners? However, I just placed a request through a contact to see if in the next bios update if we will possibly see Nvidia GTX 285M SLI and or even GTX 460M (again, fingers crossed) as I explained that WE have been anxiously waiting for the fabled A07 which will hopefully allow for an Nvidia cross over for those of us that want CUDA and PHYSX, and also if they have plans to push the 10.7 with performance increase and bug fixes in the near future. Hopefully I will recieve feedback regarding these issues soon.

 

installed 10.7 drivers and got really low vantage gpu scores and slightly below avg 3dmark06 score. havent tested many games but sc2 seems to have a lower frame rate with 10.7 than 10.6. sc2 load times have also increased.


edit: rather horrible performance from 10.7 drivers. not sure if i did something wrong but almost every game ive tried out seems to have lower fps than 10.6. some games like l4d2 have larger fps differences

 

Didn't see you mention it but make sure you install the app profile too. If not installed, performance may/will suffer in apps. Joker has it linked here, first page:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/503428-get-your-catalyst-10-7-non-whql-here.html

 

I was under the impression that A06 had already added support for GTX 400m cards....just that no one has obtained one to verify

 

i did install the app profiles as well. is the 10.7 working good for you?

 

Yea , very pleased with their game performance so far, I actually have a hybrid installed; 10.7 CCC WHQL with the beta 8.753.2 driver installed on top using the have disk method.
Right now, the best performance in BFBC2 and MOH beta, beating previous versions

 

@ Scook9

I was unaware that A06 allowed for Nvidia support? I assumed that the R2 chipset only allowed for ATI graphics atm, since the R2 contains a Intel/ATI motherboard? However, I am surprised that no one has attempted the switch if you are indeed correct because if the switch is allowed then theoretically majority of discreet GDDR5 Nvidia graphics should work? I am still awaiting feedback from my contact to know for sure if that is the case and also if the new bios will allow for Nvidia graphics which would solve alot of headaches, increase sales, and essentially make the M17X R2 the claimed "All Powerful" notebook solution. I hope that what you are saying is true Scook9 because I miss Nvidia graphics, preferably CUDA and PhysX.

 

I am using stock drivers from Dell and A05 bios and I have to say that my R2 is running perfectly. The games that I have installed run fine and I haven't experienced any true flickering, stuttering, throttling or DPC Latency but on occassion I do experience micro stuttering but I believe that this is caused becasue the game that I am playing at the time does not utilize CFX so this maybe contributes to what I am experiencing. My true concern is with CFX because my secondary card is running only half the time and at low temps than my primary, however I just found out that my primary is most always going to run 10 degrees hotter than my secondary in most instances. Also I believe that most of the issues that majority of you all are experiencing is due to switching from 4870's to 5870's because the bios at the time was not formatted to handle the graphics cards or the increase in performance without modifying the bios to support them?

 

It is really an Intel (only) chipset, nothing to do with ATI. Intel just supports crossfire on all there stuff (ironically - since AMD owns ATI now) due to a license from before ATI was bougth by AMD. Intel also got smart and licensed SLI for all of the core i series chipsets so you can now do SLI or Crossfire (assuming there is BIOS support - which is up to the OEM, in this case, Dell). The clevo x8100 offers SLI support on a PM55 chipset if you need proof

Most likely, no one has tried it yet for 2 reasons:
1 - the cards are about $900 by themselves just to see if it works
2 - the cards are almost certainly too hot to run effectively in the M17x (most likely why Dell has not offered them yet)

What you may want to try is getting a pair of GTX 285m's and a SLI cable from an R1 (since the R2 never had SLI) and try to get something going!

 

Hi guys I am looking to purchase the following parts for the M17X R2 but I am not sure where to look. I've tried all the websites linked from here that sell M17X parts.

Please see the pics for what I am looking to purchase:

- The plastic back cover
- The fan exist
- The palm rest piece
- The piece around the keyboard

I've put some green marks of the pieces I would like to purchase. Thank you for all your help.

 

Try here...

 

Thanks but I had tried that site, they do not have any M17X R2 parts or even R1 for that matter. What they call M17X R1 is the old version of the M17.

 

How about this site: Parts-People Dell Laptop Parts & Dell Laptop Repair Service

 

They have some but not all. I wonder if Dell will sale them to me...

 

Dell should sell them if you call and ask, but do not expect them to be cheap. Particularly around the keyboard, the top is a single piece containing the power and media buttons. The sides and bottom of the keyboard are actually part of a large plate though that goes under the entire surface of the laptop (under the keyboard and under the palmrest/touchpad)

 

I'll call and try... The reason if you are wondering is I am planning on getting the red M17X R2 but I hate the black pieces in the back and everywhere. I want to try to paint them the same color. I have an automotive painter that is willing to do the job so it should be good. Worst case I put back the original parts.

 

@ Scook9

I knew that the chipset was primarily Intel, the reason why I said Intel/ATI is because I remember viewing a pic of the R2 motherboard (I think) and it was red with ATI written all over it. I could be wrong but why would Dell not support Nvidia SLI on the R2 motherboard if it was made/compatible with it? Also, I've seen the SLI enabled X7200 and X8100 offered by Clevo and that they both contain PM55 chipsets. I know that the 460-480 cards are very expensive and that they run relatively hot but I heard that the 460 is not as hot and more efficient than the 480 however I realize this is the reason why Dell has not approved the cards for the R2 as of yet. I wish I would have kept my SLI cable from the R1 to try it and see if GTX 285M's would work because they are almost as powerful as the 5870's (I say this because of the efficiency and performance with CUDA and PhysX which compensates for the raw power that the 5870's offer). I'm a newb, so trying to put SLI'd 285M's in my R2 would be a bad move for me lol!! But I am curious why some of the experts here on NBR haven't tried it yet?

 

@ Joebarchuck,

Hey man, why don't you just use the parts on your R1 if your planning to buy the R2. Wouldn't that be cheaper than trying to buy the parts from Expensive as hell Dell? Also, another route is if you plan on recieving a replacement system why not have the automotive guy paint your parts on the R1 and when you recieve the replacement system just swap the parts from your R1 to the R2 before you send your R1 back?

 

I actually plan to paint my R2 a Midnight metallic Blue, this is why I bought mine space black initially.

 

The R1 I am keeping for my brother. I am purchasing the R2 once the issues are fixed and I am hoping that will be soon which is why I am preparing. I already received my new Hyper X RAM, 240GB Vertex 2 and now just need to prepare the parts to be painted.

The automotive guy kind of want a lot of money for this project which is why I would like if possible to do it myself on spare parts but I won't be happy with an amateur job so I can't do it right I need someone to do it for me... LOL

 

Please let us know how that goes. When are you going to start this venture?

 

My bad, I didn't know that you were holding your R1 for your brother. I bet your brother is very proud to have you as his brother. Yea I would paint it yourself it would be helluva lot cheaper and you can be as creative as you want, having someone else do it for you takes the fun out of the whole deal

As far as painting my R2, I am planning to paint mine when my warranty expires that way I don't have to worry about anything. Plus at that time painting my R2 will be more enjoyable lol!

 

All of the enthusiasts have the ATI cards because they are better performing. They may not have cuda, but nor do many programs utilize it. Physx is nice but since ATI is now more then competitive it will not make it far as developers won't invest time and money into putting it into games. Also what it adds to games is far from necessary to enjoy them. The gtx 285m cards are decent but get stomped by just the 4870s let alone crushed by the 5870s. People also get tired of NVIDIA rebranding stuff all the time and passing it off as the best ever. Having had both I can say I am happy with ATI for now. That does not make the nvidia cards bad in anyway, dual gtx 480m's will rock for sure.

 

Totally agree. Same story had both - prefer the REDs.

First of all - they will probably rock in latency spikes

 

The latency was not the GPUs, it is the chipset. I will say that with utmost confidence - my proof? All the desktops rocking nvidia gpus with no problems

Also, I still had ample latency with the 4870s until switching to A03 - further indicating a mainboard/BIOS related issue

 

@ Scook9,

When I made the comments regarding why Dell hasn't implemented SLI in the R2 to utilize Nvidia's CUDA and PhysX is because I use the software for graphic and game design. The fact that ATI is better performing in games is obvious because I too have now used both (notice my sig) however, I am entitled to my own opinion and I have to say that I do prefer Nvidia because of the reliable drivers, CUDA, and PhysX performance. You have a point in that Nvidia has had a knack for rebranding their cards as this is a bad marketing scheme that results in consumer trust issues with the company however they are still in business. As far as the dual GTX 480M's go it'll be a long time coming when they can introduce a successful SLI notebook that can handle the heat and power consumption that these cards have to offer, and if so, the notebook that will someday successfully contain the two will be a monstrosity.

 

That monstrosity will be the Clevo x7200 with a 350W power brick if I remember correctly haha

No clue on the thermal management yet....Dont get me wrong, not an nvidia basher by any means - having a powerful internal struggle about keeping my desktop as a 5870 or getting a GTX 480 lol

 

Based on my experience with ATi drivers (crossfire or otherwise) with the 5800 series, they've been terrible. Asus continues to have GSOD, Clevo has a broken powerplay, MSI had to copy Dell's powerplay scheme, Crossfire 5870m can't work reliably etc.

I've never had an nVidia card with those problems and no, the 4870 doesn't come close to "stomping" a 285M. Go look at any recent benchmarks, the 285M keeps up with the 5870M in most games despite being such an old core. I'm never buying an ATi based laptop again if I have nVidia as an alternative choice--which unfortunately I didn't with the R2.

 

lol! I forgot that the X7200 contained SLI'd 480M, so the monstrosity exists! However, the thermal management is still in question and the 350W power brick is ridiculous lol! If I remember correctly the 480M run 100W TDP each and the rest of the machine runs another 200W (desktop CPU)? Like I said successfully contain! If the first buyer doesn't need a freezer to keep the monstrosity cooled than I would say its a go lol! I didn't think that you were a basher on Nvidia Scook9 I am just curious why Dell hasn't approved SLI for their current flagship? Hopefully I will find an answer to my own questions soon enough. Great feedback though Scook!

 

Most likely, they know the M17x as currently designed does not have a chance in hell of being able to power or cool those cards

Users are having power related problems with the 5870m's which use HALF the power (not even an exageration lol)

 

Couldn't have said it better. This R2 replacement has been my first time using ATI cards in a notebook and I am not impressed. While they perform just fine for the games I play (still running stock Dell drivers) I feel my 280s were better. At least I could count on the nVidia drivers, the ATI ones seem to be a total miss every time from what I see and Dell is not keeping up with them at all like they should be. In a desktop ATIs might be a different story, but for notebooks if I have a choice I am sticking with nVidia cards from now on.

 

Notebook cards are always a challenge to maintain when in SLI or Crossfire....this is nothing new. I had my own issues with SLI at least when I had the GTX 280m's

With desktops you never have a hickup ever doing anything...with either brand...because all of the motherboards accept ANY GPU and the drivers are written for EVERYTHING not just a few specific cards from certain vendors like laptops. I really have no clue why they just don't do the two the same way.....guess there is not enough money in it

 

WOW! I haven't checked recent benchmarks regarding 285M vs. 4870 or 5870M for that matter, very impressive! I have to agree that I will probably never purchase a ATI based notebook again given the choice of Nvidia over ATI.

 

Agreed and Agreed

 

You know..after a month with my replacement, I miss my R1 ;_;

btw, do you guys leave your turbo mode on? I have it on right now and it performs a lil better but chugs when I go from work to idle or idle to work >.>

 

well despite the massive advantages of R2 against R1 it also has disadvantages like absence of nvidia gpus support, worse handing of ssds (even intel ones), bad behaviour under ATA mode, no official support for dual 5870s on 4870s machines and many minor issues but nothing like latency on R1

 

Ok, as of the 30/7/2010, I have officially received my M17x!
So I'm an official owner. I'm too scared to do anything today haha, so I'll just install some games and play without any workaround or nothing