*OFFICIAL* Alienware 17 Ranger (2013) Owner's Lounge Thread

Hi all,

I have noticed that when loading Splinter Cell Blacklist my CPU will spike to like 84-88 degrees for a second. When actually playing the game, it is in the 60s/70s. Is this something to do with the game or my CPU? All other games don't seem to have these spikes though (or if there is it only goes up to about 82 for a second

 

It's probably because when loading Splinter Cell it loads the CPU to 100% for a period of time, which drives it up to 88 degC. Then when you're gaming CPU usage is likely to be less than 50%, so therefore temperatures are lower. 88 deg C for the CPU is not dangerous. But, it's always healthy to monitor your temperatures of CPU & GPU over a number of days in different scenarios so that you know there are no issues, when you first get your new machine.

 

My temperatures are a little warmer than I like, too. It seems the paste they've been using is not all that great for temperatures, but probably lasts a long time. I may do a re-paste soon. So far BF4 (Beta) and Crysis 3 have made the CPU reach 91C and the GPU reach high 70's, low 80's, which is warm.

This is what I was concerned about with the extreme edition processor...and the dual-pipe heat sink. The cooling is not great with the 4930MX overclocked. When I overclocked the CPU to 4.3GHz, during a 3DMark 11 test the score dropped 300 points, so, I'm assuming it's because of the heat. I'm hoping a re-paste helps.

 

Yep, 91 degC in Crysis 3 doesn't sound right, especially as it wouldn't be taxing the CPU to 100% maximum usage.

 

When dell tech came to replace my mother board and had to repast my cpu and gpu. He didn't have a tube of past it was like a sticker with two sided tape. He cleaned the cpu with alcohol or something then peeled the sticker off one side put it one the cpu the peeled off the top side then put heat sink on . Kind of weird. I always thought it came in a toob like toothpaste or something . Anyway after repeating he ran a test to load the cpu to check it out and he said it was running way to hot and did it again and the second time computer lasted about 30 seconds and crashed completely dead .

Being as my computer had the same problem after replacing motherboard I'm guessing it was maybe a bad cpu to begin with. Not really sure because I dont know to awfull much about how the work.

Has anyone else had a problem before where their computer would start to boot get half way and just shut completely off like someone cut the power wires going to the mother board .unplug battery and plug it back in and it will try again and then go completely dead again . I wish I could use it somehow until I get my replacement wich is probably a month or more down the road.

 

Wow, actually that is very interesting to hear. Generally, Dell stock compound is pre-applied to the heat sinks at the factory in the format of a little grey square of thermal interface material (aka. paste). I've never actually heard that technicians actually carry or have the ability to repaste using Dell TIM 'squares' before.....the Dell stuff is very good actually - it is very durable. long-lasting and effective.

It would be really cool if we could actually order or buy these 'pre-packed TIM squares' from Dell - for many, it would make the task of repasting much less daunting in terms of how much to apply, what paste to choose etc.

We need more investigation on this one!!!!

 

Yes your right it was like a little square greyish in color and had some kind of sticker or tape or plastic strip on both sides and came in like a little repaste kit looked super easy to use or do. Very fast and easy .

 

Aftermarket paste is still better.

 

Not necessarily - if you have to open up more often and repaste more often for maybe a few degrees, to some, that might not be worthwhile. Dell TIM is longer lasting and effective. Whilst it may not yield THE lowest temps out there, I'd imagine for those that want to repaste as little as possible, these squares would be the way to go....if they are actually DELL compound and not some other cruddy cheapo similarity....

 

It is recommended that you repaste at least once every two years to maintain a healthy system. A good majority of the aftermarket paste will last this long before showing signs of warmer temperatures. With that in mind, buying paste from Dell wouldn't be any improvement over aftermarket paste. It may take a couple minutes less to apply, but wouldn't you rather see lower temperatures?

I'm sure both are fine, it just seems like you'd be going out of your way to save a couple minutes during application at the sacrifice of temperatures, which sort of defeats the purpose, right?

 

so why did you go with the extreme edition CPU ??
........the standard 4700MQ (3.4GHz) who comes with AW 17, is far enough for daily gaming, video editing, and more harder work, etc.

i mean.........if you need extreme CPU speed such in Maya, CAD 3D or other ultra CPU eating softwares i would rather go with a Precision laptop with real Open.GL structure and a more precise CPU cooling)

 

I did actually say that "for those who don't like the thought of repasting" it would be an easy application, and if it performs like Dell stock compound, it would be a cinch to get good results for noobs - it's pretty common knowledge that if you are pushing your machine to the limits, aftermarket paste (of any ilk) WILL dry out faster than the Dell TIM which is designed for longevity. Sure, aftermarket compounds can provide a user with lower temperatures, but generally at the cost of having to open up the machine more often than if using stock compound.

For some, lower temps with aftermarket paste might be appealing - for noobs, it might be daunting to squirt out a tube of paste. I've lost track of the number of posts that ask for advice on "how much" and "what method" to use with such compounds, it can strike fear into the hearts of some users, especially if an inexperienced user is forced into having to repaste. If this solution were available, it would make life very easy for them, and if they WERE readily available from Dell directly, it would make life easy for many, I imagine.

 

I have my reasons for doing so. I didn't just buy it for the heck of it.

And... It was basically $150 more with the deal I got. I was also misinformed about it coming with a better heat sink, which made me go for it, but it doesn't.

 

If I could of got the 4930mx for a 150 more with my package deal that would of been a no brainer . I would of did same thing for sure . If I had the money to get the best processor availAble for my system even know the 4700mq is a good processor why not . We will all be upgrading before you will have to for sure .

 

The temperatures we're talking about, over the lifespan of the laptop, a few degrees could mean an extra few months of life.....heat kills, the lower the temps, the better and definitely worth the extra 2 seconds it would take to apply. Actually, if you think about it, it's likely quicker to apply from a tube. All you have to do is unscrew the cap and put a rice-grain sized drop and you're done.....

 

I suppose he's pointing out that it's much simpler for newbies when applying paste to just peel off plastic and slap on some prepackaged paste. That's probably true, but it's not worth it in my opinion. They just need to learn how to do things right the first time around. It really isn't all that difficult, and shouldn't be scary for newbies... Disassembling your PC is the most difficult part of the process, in my opinion.

 

Does anybody have tried Windows 8.1 RTM with AW17?
I am a MSDN subscriber. So I can obtain a license legally.
But since I am quite busy these days, I don't think I have time to fix the problems that I might face after upgrading.

So, I wanna heard from you guys whether any of the built-in software and drivers (such as AW Command Center, AW Audio, etc.) works with Windows 8.1.
I am going to do an upgrade, not a fresh install.

Thank you

 

Hi there,

I have an Alienware M17x R4 using the Intel 6300 802.11n card. I'd like to upgrade this card to an 802.11ac card and wanted to know what options are available and what people recommend. Any help is much appreciated!

 

Killer Wireless-N 1103. :thumbsup:

 

I wouldn't recommend the Killer 1103n - primarily because there is a HUGE thread here with loads of intermittent problems - it's also not 802.11ac either...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...thread-look-solutions-ask-questions-here.html

40 pages long indicates it is problematic......stick with the 6300n would be my advice, or have a look here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...s/722820-internal-wireless-802-11ac-card.html

Maybe one of these would work, not sure: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833106190

 

Thanks, I agree on that... I had issues with the Killer 1103, not to mention, it's an 802.11n card, not an AC card. I'm going to try the latest Intel card eventually and will report back on how well it works.

 

I've never had any issues with it, but okay.

 

Why the sarcastic eye roll? - there's 40 pages of problems that I linked to above, and you wanna recommend it? - sure, it might be okay for a few for some peculiar reason...it's hardly been a rock solid performer like the 6300n has been. Take away the "Bogfoot" Network Manager and what have you got over the 6300n.......nothing really.

 

theres a lot of problems it seems with the 1103, though the one I bought third party from amazon has never given me any issues oddly enough.

 

Hi guys.

I'm experiencing my first problem. Alien fx seems broken.

I left my aw 17 idling and it switched the lights off. When I woke it up the lights didn't come back on. I tried changing themes etc and everything lights up properly for about 2 seconds and then goes off again. Does the same on boot as well.

I've tried uninstalling control center, removing the battery, reinstalling (using the latest from the website) but the behavior persists. Really starting to bug me now.

Any pro tips?

 

Shipping out the 17th.

 

Just out of curiousity, did you happen to order the 3D/120Hz screen?

 

I did, good sir. Everything I ordered is in my signature, FYI.

 

Now I know that Dell is full of crap. I just received a call that they still haven't received the part that is supposedly short for my order. That part that is supposedly short is a hinge cover for the 3D screen.....

 

haha

Is yours a replacement?

 

Um, what? I didn't recommend it again after seeing that, I simply stated I've never had any issues with it. No need to get your panties in a bunch.

Based on my experience with the product, I recommended it. There's nothing wrong with that. And yes, despite the issues, I probably would recommend it to people who are buying a network card for gaming as the card is specifically designed with gamers in mind.

 

Nope, original order.

 

J.Dre I am going to buy arctic cooling mx-4 thermal. Is this stuff any good or what would you suggest? Thanks in advanced.[h=1][/h]
advance....lol

 

Has anyone else noticed that the drive configurations for the 17 now says 256gb msata ssd boot + 750gb 7200rpm sata 6gb/s instead of 3gb/s like they did a while back. Does that mean the drive is faster than the old one or what. Or is there even a difference.

 

I've heard good things about Mx-4 so it should work fine as long as you apply it correctly.

Probably just a typo. There is no way a standard hard drive can saturate SATA II and the port is SATA III anyways so it doesn't really matter.

 

Sucks... haha

Did you have the same specs as mine?

I have heard, that the more "cookie cutter" your setup, the longer it takes to get on account of so many people ordering that one configuration.

 

My 1103 is fine, no probs.

 

The only thing different between yours and mine is the CPU. I just went with the 4800, everything else is the exact same.

 

Oddly enough, mine was too - if I was recommending from just my perspective, I would say, yeah - 1103n over 6300n because I never really had much issue with it. However, looking at the 'big picture', the forum has seen lots of unhappy souls because of their Killer card.....and that's why I couldn't recommend it to anyone with 100% confidence they would be happy with it.

 

hi guys! is there anyone that use intel rapid start, and, it works with the 256ssd configuration?

 

Yes, it works with the 256GB mSATA SSD option.

 

Cool..the bad thing is that now i've just 140gb free instead of..170 :/ for you it's useful?
By the way, i don't need so many gb, it's ok too

 

To be honest, no, it isn't useful for me. I'd make a backup of your system using AlienRespawn and then reinstall Windows to free up space. It's ridiculous that they partition so much on their SSD's... But that's just my opinion. I'm sure it's useful for many, and probably the majority, which is why it exists.

It's up to you. I bought two new Dell LiteOn SSD's and made a 768GB RAID 0 membership with the mSATA SSD. Now that everything is SATA III, it performs quite nicely.

It would be nice if Alienware offered formatted options -- just a plain old SSD.

 

yeah, you're right.

lol, cool your solution! 768gb of ssd... for me it's unlimited space

i don't know, I just spent a week to configurate all...can i delete the partition and increase the main partition?

But in the disk manage there are "C; 8gb support partition, 32gb of intel rapid start"...i think that I can't, if i not delete the support partition..

 

I believe the partition you are seeing is used to accelerate the HDD that comes with the system. So, you basically have a 32GB caching partition. Have you tried removing it through the Intel Rapid Storage Technology control panel? After that, you should be able to delete it and extend the primary SSD volume.

I'm pretty sure that's how mine came -- with a caching partition.

 

yeah, i thought the same thing, but not...32gb is not for IRST and caching, but is for intel rapid start technology. For me is pretty useless (It start-up in 5 seconds lol, and there is the standard suspension..) and it's not the only thing! It doesn't work very well..sometimes it works, but sometimes it doesn't go in s4 suspension and remain in s3 without the use of intel rapid start lol. I think that it's a bug of the notebook, i tried ALL but it doesn't work very well. Now, 32gb wasted.
And the bad thing is that i can't extend the primary ssd because...hmm..sorry i'm italian and i'm searching the correct words to explain that windows told me that the partition is not..in..succession, and I can't extend it.
To explain better, i have:
200gb partition (c), 8gb partition (dell support partition), 32gb (Intel rapid start partition)

If I delete the 32gb partition, there is the 8gb partition that makes impossible to extend the primary partition lol.

So..i should use acronis uff..or just delete the 8gb partition too i think...

 

Ah I see. The system should also have a recovery partition, you don't want to erase that before making a backup.

Have you tried disabling Intel Rapid Start Technology in the BIOS? Restart the pc and enter setup, navigate to the advanced tab, and you should see it.

 

Sure, but the partition remains...and the important thing is that it doesn't work -_-
mmm...i don't know man. Now i've intel rapid start disabled and it's ok but space is wasted
Umm..what do you suggest?

 

You can't delete it, even with it disabled? That doesn't seen right... I would just delete it, if possible, and then extend the primary volume.

Stick the Windows disc in and delete it through the installation process. That may screw up the boot, though... I think a fresh install of Windows is the only way.

 

Mmm no no, i can delete the partition, sure!!
But the problem, is that after that i can't extend the primary partition because the unallocated space is not in succession of the primary partition 'cause there is the 8gb support partition :/ i can delete it for example? But from windows I can't delete it..