*OFFICIAL* Alienware M17x Owners Lounge - Part 2

Hi guys. Any of you guys had a problem with the VGA slot?

I use my school's projector at work. With my little 13" Acer, I plug the VGA cable in, open the Microsoft Mobility Center, then "Connect Projector", the projector projects, and everything is fine.

With the Alienware M17x, projector and other display isn't detected. The M17x has an OSD that should show something plugged in. With HDMI, no problem. But with VGA, nada.

Any suggestions to remedy this would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

try fn+f6 or fn+f7

 

Hey guys, happilly on the machine now. this thing is so impresive, build quality is top notch. Put away my external accessories for now because I want to take it all in.

The HDD1 bay came with an interposer and HD case so i'm all set, got my 500gb whirring away in there. Going to throw in my SSD now and get rid of the stock Alienware OS install. This thing is off-the-hook, build quality of M1730 can't compare. Very happy right now!!

 

Disabled AlienSense. It rarely worked.

 

Hey Nickbarbs, can I ask you some questions about your system swap? I'm in the middle of the same process and would like some info about it...

Is there some way i can send PM's here on this forum?

Thx,

Dellerious

 

you need more post 10 or 15 i think

 

Ah ok thanks... I never post here...just read;-)
Maybe I can send you an email?
(having questions about my 1730 getting swapped for M17x too, but think im getting ripped off)

 

There's a thread entirely devoted to 1730 replacement issues. Read through it carefully to get a good idea if you are getting screwed or not. Feel free to post there as many are happy to help.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5489093

 

Tradgedy Strikes! I swear this type of stuff always happens with me, when i'm trying to be overcareful is when I screw up the most!

So i'm installing my SSD into the HDD0 bay. Unscrewing the screws for the bay and notice there are these stupid washer type little metal thingys around the screws (what purpose do they serve: none) and they're getting loose, one even comes off as i unscrew it, and sure enough the one closest to the CPU fan doesnt just come off, it FLIES off the screw, and lands under the CPU fan! i'm like arg.. i try to reach for it and it just falls UNDER the cpu fan. Then, I proceed to flip out and try to turn my computer upside down to shake it out (I should have just unscrewed the CPU fan) and instead it slides inside my case to some undetermined area in my laptop.

I proceed to start dissasembling the computer because I can't swallow that, brand new machine with some loose metal washer inside god knows if it will short something out. Anyway I am in the process of removing my GPUs when I almost strip a screw because its so tight, and my screwdriver just isnt big enough for me to get a good pull on it. Then i figure screw it, what a silly design to have those metal washers that come out so easily especially near the CPU fan, in a user upgradeable area of the system. If the washer causes a short out then I have tech support and they can sort me out

 

Anyway, besides the fact i've got a screw loose.. This thing is freaking FAST.. the difference between my M1730 is pretty huge.

Got the SSD going.. how do we get back the alienware screens? Noticed when i booted off the stock HD with Dell build the logout screens are cool alienware ones, would love to restore.

So far the 3d on this thing is pretty amazing.. destroys everything i'm playing.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=392927

 

My buddy is having some issues with his M17x and I thought someone on here would be able to help him out - I've tried everything I can think of (updating/rolling back drivers, enabling/disabling SLI) and nothing seems to work. The problem is this: He just bought a 23" Acer LCD monitor and whenever he plugs it in (HDMI or VGA, doesn't matter), both the laptop and monitor screens go black (you can tell they are lit up though). When he unplugs the monitor his laptop screen stays black and he has to restart to be able to use the comp again.

I tried the monitor in my system with only one GPU and it works fine so I'm not really sure what the problem is. If anyone has any insight, it'd be really sweet. Thanks.

 

Well after a month of hell with AW tech support, they finally agreed that my m17x is defective and I need a replacement. I am really pressing to get some type of compensation for all this . They tried BSing my father and tried to trick him into sending in my laptop in rather getting a replacement as promised (luckily I called back to make sure), hung up on me because I asked the tech supervisor why she didn't know any of the technical terms i talked about the laptop (Sir, what is prime95? XD), took 24min for a senior tech to say I needed a computer while it took a month of everyone else just guessing what was wrong with it(they always said the senior tech was busy or not available), etc etc etc. Where would be the proper place to ask for compensation? Yes, i tried Customer Support but they ALWAYS transfer me to tech support. Normally I would just let something like this go but I cant after all the crap I went through.

Now for my next question. I'm planing on installing Win7 when I get my replacement. Is there any drivers (if I am correct, I am hearing not to install the chipset drivers?) I shouldn't install?

thanks again guys

 

can anybody help me out?
link to topic below
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=432107

 

Found the loose washer, it made its way down to one of the speakers on the touchpad assembly. Discovered this after removing everything and I was just about to remove the motherboard, could have saved 10 steps

Anyway crisis over. Now onto tweaking....

 

Nickbarbs please let me know what tweaks you come up with planning on optimizing during the weekend!

/Toidi

 

Whoa lucky there Nick...
Didn't taking it apart scare you? Of breaking stuff?
Oh, could you post a picture here of the HDD1 bay? With the connections/parts needed to install a second HDD?

Thx.

 

i already made a guide with all that please use the search button

 

Just a note about washers in laptops...

First, they are there for a reason. I think we can all agree that if it wasn't critical Dell would have removed them to save money.

Second, washers typically serve to anchor screws by providing more surface area to "grip" against the surface they are screwed into. Additionally they can help dampen vibrations that can loosen the screws although I don't know if that is so much the case w/ metal washers as it is rubber ones.

Glad to hear you fished it out but you should definitely put it back where it was--it serves a purpose.

 

The type of washers they use are the type that keep the screws with the piece your removing. The fall off easily which defeats that purpose.

 

That washer will go back into the screw over my dead body. I hear what you're saying but its so awkward with the backward motion that needs to happen and its proximity to the CPU fan and the gaps around that it's just a high risk scenario i Don't want to deal with. The other 3 screws still have them but I've thrown away the other washer since then. Screwed in is screwed in as far as i'm concerned, I'm fine with taking the risks!

And yes I removed everything including the graphics cards and even when further than Moo's guide by unplugging the speakers and all these other connections, and was about to lift the motherboard out when I decided to check out underneath the palm rest and lo and behold the washer had made it all the way into the speaker grille I don't realy get scared it's just a machine. If some dumb dell tech can do it, i can do it.

Not fun to have to butcher my 3 hour old M17x but at least now I know it inside out. Frankly its easier to take apart than the M1730 IMHO. At least you can leave the motherboard in the case for the CPU swap.

 

The second I saw them fall off of the first 3 screws I pulled out I then went and removed them all. Aside from a poor attempt at holding the screw they serve no other purpose.

Generally efforts to decrease vibrations in HDDs involve rubber washers or things of that nature.

 

@Nickbarbs,

Did you order it with 1 or 2 HDD's?
If you ordered it with 1 HDD, pls, let me know if there was a HDD1 caddy + interposer to connect a 2nd HDD. Need to know if I have to order those parts myself or if they are included in every build.

Thx.

 

Mine came with only 1 HDD but the second drive bay was there as well.

 

Was that interposer there also?
Small part that connects HDD with MOBO?

Thx.

 

dellerious if you ordered with 1 hd you will have to call them to get a second hd caddy kit. they should send it to you for free. btw the kit includes interposer, bracket and screws. hope that helped.

 

I am in Europe m8, seems only US customers get free sets...UK has to pay 22 pounds...No idea about mainland. And as you can see, KC0r8y got the 2nd HDD caddy already installed. Just need to know about the interposer.

 

well if you order the kit you will get the interposer as well with it. XD

 

You only get 1 screw (because they are quite retarded?) but ya, pretty much how it went for me

 

hmmm scook9 i got 2 or 3 screws dont remember. =/

 

Meh, got loads of screws falling out of the 1730....
Just dont feel like paying more than $30,- for an interposer...

 

Lol, if these are the right ones I'm gonna start selling them in Europe...

http://www.alibaba.com/product/hk105108906-104779905-0/LAPTOP_IDE_AND_SATA_HARD_DRIVE_CONNECTOR.html

 

no.

/10 char

 

Since i ordered the M17x with the 900p res screen, couldnt it look like a 1200p screen by turning up the AA and af higher? i have the dual gx260's sli so they probably couldnt run games at 1200p with 16xaa and 16af so if i had the lesser res screen and turned these up wouldnt it look similar to the 1200p screen with 4aa and 4 af?

 

nothing can make up for resolution, but AA will help make the image seem sharper

 

Any of you Owners have this card?
Dell Part# 320-7888 AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress ATSCTV Tuner? http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...etail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-7888
I ordered it my M17x and at the time AW only had Vista as an option. Now since my lappy will be sporting the new Windows 7 Ultimate, 64bit, I'm a bit concerned now if it will work at all. It has already shipped/arrived before the lappy. Looking on Dell site it states "OS Required
Microsoft Windows Vista (32/64 bits)".

 

I have a USB version of AverTV and with Windows 7 it works fine w/o any drivers. Even if it doesn't work, you should be able to install the Vista drivers in Win7. You should be fine.

 

Thanks for that, I do feel a little better.
The latest one listed on AverMedia site is compatible for Win7 and the part #HC82R. http://www.avermedia.com/avertv/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?Id=447

The one shipped from AW has the part #HC82
this is was what had me worried. I'll try it out if the Lappy ever gets here and post up if any problems for others that may have the card.

 

R probably stands for "Revision." Meaning same card but different/new drivers included. If Windows doesn't install the drivers properly, you could always try downloading drivers for the HC82R and see if that works.

If all else fails, return to sender

 

My System Details
PROCESSOR Intel® Core™2 Duo T9800 2.93GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) edit
SYSTEM COLOR Nebula Red - Special Edition – Anodized Aluminum edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate, 64bit, English edit
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 1 Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis - Important Information edit
LCD PANEL 17-inch WideUXGA 1920x1200 (1200p) edit
MEMORY 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz edit
HARD DRIVE 320GB - 2x 160GB 7,200RPM - RAID 0 edit
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE Slot-Load Dual Layer Blu-ray Combo (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW) edit
VIDEO CARD Dual NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 280M, 2GB – SLI® Enabled edit
WIRELESS CARDS Internal 300Mbps Dual-Band a/g/n Wireless with MIMO Technology
BLUETOOTH Internal Wireless Bluetooth® 2.1 with EDR

Can anyone find a reasion for me NOT to buy this system?
By the way, will there be a price drop soon? or maybe some upgrades to the graphic cards for this machine anytime soon??

 

1333 ram is a waste .... That's all ....

And the t9600 is just as good for the same price

 

Like Moo said, I would skip the T9800 and go with the T9600. The difference in performance would be negligible I would say. It's definitely not worth spending that money. The T9600 overclocks very good by the way, if you are into that. Also take the 1066 Ram. All that money is being wasted unless you are into benchmarking (if you were you would save the money on the processor getting the lowest and then getting a QX9300 from HP).

Go buy a netbook with the cash you just saved

 

put in an order for the m17x sunday Nov 1st and shipped on friday Nov 6th. Est delivery date Tues Nov 10th. Very impressive quick build time i thought.
Can anyone give any first hand experience with the 1440x900p screen. How good does that lower res look in WoW or Crysis. I told them i wanted to cancel the order so i could make a new one with the higher res screen and Dell ended up offering 150 dollar refund if i didnt so I didnt cancel. I was also worried i wouldnt get the 7% discount they offerered the first time i ordered it. After i get the laptop i guess ill decide if i should keep it. Is is worth 300 dollars and possibly not getting a 7% discount for me to send it back for the WUXGA or use the money i saved for a good external monitor?

 

Made my purchase order today on my M17x....estimated time for delivery is DEC 7th. I hope November flies by so I can put my beast to work. I think it will be a solid system....or at least hope so. My only problem was that I used my EPP code & student ID to purchase it...I was allowed to upgrade everything except the optical drive. I got my 10% discount & just couldnt see pushing the price from 3000 to 3500 for a 150 upgrade. With that said, is there a way to swap the dvd drive out for a blu-ray? Other than the drive, is this a decent setup?

Thanks everybody!!

Edit: Moo, where ya at in LA? I'm just north of Baton Rouge.


Specs are:
Space Black
[email protected]
Ultimate 7
260m's SLI
UXGA 1920x1200
4GB DDR3 1066
256GB SSD
& Slot load DVD Burner.

 

You can swap in a Blu ray drive at a later date .. It takes a bit of work to get to it though but is certainly possible to do so...

 

Thankyou Moo and War, i appreate the feedback im going to take your advice.
whats a netbook


OMG! is that a lobster?!?!

 

whats the difference between a qx9300 OEM and a qx9300 ES? I want to upgrade my t9600 to a QX9300 but I'm confused as to where and which one I should buy (OEM or ES)?

I notice in orb comparisons some people have their processors with the Extreme Edition titles, and others just plain old qx9300

thanks!

 

Today, I have a chance to touch a m17x in hand when BestBuy come to my university for advertising.
They shown 6 display models of M17x, all of them are maxed out with QX9300 & SLI 280mGTX.
The touch is amazing, and the material is excellent. But it's running quite hot (GPU is at 70 C degree while doing office stuff, but I am not sure how long has it running games before that).
If I am into gaming again, I may consider Alienware on my list. The command center application is awesome, flashing light is very nice.

 

That GPU had to be the integrated, I can barely get my discretes that hot when I am trying to

The cooling is amazing, don't be turned off by that example

 

One is the engineering sample while the OEM is the "stable" ones for sale to manufacturers.

The engineering sample one are cheaper and usually as good as the OEM. Just make sure the person selling you the ES one will have it tested first or has a good return policy.