*OFFICIAL* Alienware M17x R3/R4 Owner's Lounge Thread

Use google. Type in whatever you're searching for and then add "site:forum.notebookreview.com"

It should turn up results only from this forum. This function is also useful for other things as well.

If only I could do this while browsing tapatalk on my phone..

Have fun playing with it.

 

Lately I've noticed two different program files folders. One has a x86 by it and the other doesn't, I read that the x86 is the 32 bit version of windows 7, I've installed most of my stuff in the x86 since I really didn't know the difference. Does that mean all that stuff is running on 32 bit? I have a 64 bit system and I would like everything to run 64 instead of 32.

Also since I've gotten the computer I've noticed a couple problems, one being the computer has a real bad time coming out of sleep mode. The computer will come out, I can move the mouse and click on programs but when I do they freeze. Playing a youtube video, counter strike, Diablo 3. Nothing runs and if it does run out of sleep mode sometimes the sound will cut out about ten minutes in.

The sound card tends to not be recognized when being turned on, it will say No audio output device detected. When I restart sometimes it fixes it sometimes it doesn't.

There are also problems installing updates and shutting down, it will say installing updates and just sit there, I've let it sit there for almost half a day for 2 updates, two small updates. When I try to shut it down sometimes it will just sit at the shutting down screen and it has to be manually shut down with the button. Of course then it says that it was shut down incorrectly and gives me the options of safe mode or regular start.

Is my version of windows 7 just all messed up? I never did a clean install and now I think I am regretting it, I ran a check up on the sound card and it passes. It works sometimes and then doesn't work other times. I have no idea if its a problem with the software or hardware and not sure where to start.

I also get weird runtime C++ errors and the occasional error that usually has to do with the x86 program files. I am just confused by this thing.

 

Yes, the non-marked Program Files folder is 64bit and the x86 folder is 32bith.

You've done no damane by installing things into the x86 folder, but you shouldn't have designated the install location anyway. Unless you're going to install to a special location (different partition), let Windows decide where to install things. It's more for organization, I think, than anything else.

As for the rest... the only way to know is to try a reinstall. Do you have a backup drive large enough to backup your entire system? Goto Start Menu > type and select "backup and restore" > select "create a system image" > follow the prompts and make sure to select everything on the drive > when complete, reinstall your OS and see if your problem persists. The backup is to make sure you have something to come back to. If you're new enough to the computer, starting over may not require a backup.

 

|I thank you - at last, a way to search with results that are relevant!

Here is the link for details on the visualisation plugin: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/591132-alienfx-wmp-itunes-awesome.html

Cred to iPhantomhives for the original instruction

 

If it was a software issue and I backed up the drive wouldn't it still have the same problem? I don't really have much on their since the computer is only a couple weeks old. Would doing a reinstall without backing up be better? All I have installed on their is my avast AV and some games. I do have an external drive I can back things up with though.

 

I'm a "better safe than sorry" kinda guy. So, before I do a reinstall, I always make a system image... just in case. It can always be deleted once the reisntall proves successful. Also... it's good in case you decide there's a file that you'd like to have back. The system image can always be mounted as a virtual drive and explored.

 

I will make a back up to be safe. When I get to reinstalling the OS and it's brand new and fresh and theres still these issues whats my next step?

 

Given that I don't own an AW... yet, I can't say for sure. My logical guess is that if you've ruled out software as a problem, then it's definitely hardware. Given the variety if issues you're having, I'd place the blame solely on software and would expect a reinstall to make your world a better place.

 

If you want to narrow the search even further, try this as the prefix to limit the search to the M17x sub-forum: "site:http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-M17x/". Very useful trick.

 

Just received my 256GB Samsung 830 SSD today that I ordered from Newegg. Now trying to wait patiently until my laptop arrives.

I have a question...when I install Windows on the SSD to make it my boot drive, do I need to take Windows off the HDD in order to make it work properly (or reformat it)? If so, what happens if I ever have to send back my PC to Dell for any warranty repair, do I have to re-install Windows on the HDD? Sorry if this is elementary knowledge but I am not familiar with moving the OS to another drive and have never had an SSD before.

 

Xxxxxxxxxcelent! Gonna stick that in a note on my desktop for future use. Thanks

 

Can someone with the 1920 x 1080 screen (doubt anyone would have the non-FHD screen) run this program:
EnTech Taiwan | Utilities | Monitor Asset Manager and report back which screen is in their M17x R4?

Just curious to see if it's a 6-bit or 8-bit panel. My guess should be that it's an 8-bit panel.

 

Hey Micky, is this the Targus Lap Chill mat you have? I just received mine and feel like its too small for M17x.

 

I think it is this one but I'm not sure.

Amazon.com: Targus HD3 Gaming Chill Mat: Clothing

 

6bit panel.

Monitor
Manufacturer............. LG Display
Plug and Play ID......... LGD02DA
Data string.............. D3WCF€173WF1 [*CP437]
Serial number............ n/a
Manufacture date......... 2010, ISO week 0
Filter driver............ None
-------------------------
EDID revision............ 1.4
Input signal type........ Digital
Color bit depth.......... 6 bits per primary color
Color encoding formats... RGB 4:4:4, YCrCb 4:4:4
Screen size.............. 380 x 210 mm (17,1 in)
Power management......... Not supported
Extension blocs.......... None
-------------------------
DDC/CI................... Not supported

Color characteristics
Default color space...... Non-sRGB
Display gamma............ 2,20
Red chromaticity......... Rx 0,640 - Ry 0,335
Green chromaticity....... Gx 0,320 - Gy 0,630
Blue chromaticity........ Bx 0,150 - By 0,060
White point (default).... Wx 0,313 - Wy 0,329
Additional descriptors... None

Timing characteristics
Range limits............. Not available
GTF standard............. Not supported
Additional descriptors... None
Preferred timing......... Yes
Native/preferred timing.. 1920x1080p at 60Hz (16:9)
Modeline............... "1920x1080" 148,300 1920 1968 2000 2222 1080 1083 1088 1112 -hsync -vsync
Detailed timing #1....... 1920x1080p at 60Hz (16:9)
Modeline............... "1920x1080" 148,300 1920 1968 2000 2222 1080 1083 1088 1112 -hsync -vsync

Standard timings supported

Report information
Date generated........... 3-7-2012
Software revision........ 2.60.0.972
Data source.............. Real-time 0x0100
Operating system......... 6.1.7601.2.Service Pack 1

Raw data
00,FF,FF,FF,FF,FF,FF,00,30,E4,DA,02,00,00,00,00,00,14,01,04,90,26,15,78,0A,F1,95,A3,55,52,A1,26,
0F,50,54,00,00,00,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,EE,39,80,2E,71,38,20,40,30,20,
35,00,7E,D7,10,00,00,18,EE,39,80,2E,71,38,20,40,30,20,35,00,7E,D7,10,00,00,18,00,00,00,FE,00,44,
33,57,43,46,80,31,37,33,57,46,31,0A,00,00,00,00,00,00,41,33,9E,00,00,00,00,02,01,0A,20,20,00,EF

 

Hi, it looks the same but you got the small one . This is what I ordered:

Targus Lap Chill Mat 17-inch: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Targus Lap Chill Mat 17-inch, about 1/2" less than the width of the MX17 either side.

You can return it for the correct one with Amazon.

I should have linked it earlier but I don't like advertising any reseller in a forum unless the service is exceptional!

 

This has the same dimensions as mine. The part number is same as well: AWE55EU for yours and AWE55US for mine. M17X feels just a bit too bulky over this smaller laptop cooler.

I will try it for 10 days and see how comfortable it feels on my lap while playing games on M17X. If I am dissatisfied then I will forgo laptop cooler direction altogether and get a lapdesk. Currently I am leaning towards this one.

 

Guess it is the same one, I know they do a smaller one so I though it was that. Front to back leingth is perfect and maybe about 1/2 inch smaller at each side on the width so I see what you mean. No instability though.

 

How disappointing. Thanks for the info.

 

I still wish the m17xR4 came with a higher res, matte screen.

 

Personally I find the M17x R4 screen a tad bit less bright than it should be? But maybe that's just me..

 

Argh I can't wait to receive mine. My order was canceled on Friday, so I had to reorder on Monday..

I'm getting: 3720qm, GTX 680m, Killer 1103, Blu-ray, 3D 120Hz, 8GB 1600hz (Ordered 8gbx2 1600 vengeance!), 750GB HDD (I have a 256GB SSD in my drawer at my house!)

 

Same here, definitely not as 'bright' as my R3 was...

 

guys original 12.6 out for 7970 shud i still use the 7900 modded drivers or upgrade?

 

On other forums user are using the new official drivers and looks like they work great

Hi there, does everyone know if alienware can support a 5.1 surrodun audio system? i have seen 4 audio jacks (or input, i don't know).
Has averyone connected an M17 r4 to any device??

I bought an M17x R4 last week...can't wait

 

The Alienware M17x R4 packs a Creative Sound Blaster Recon 3Di sound card, which I'm sure would handle your 5.1 Surround Sound System with ease. I connect and use my earphones/headphones/2.1 speaker system all the time!

 

Yup, here you go:

 

Perfect thank you

 

Well placed my order today for the M17x in my sig cant wait ! can anyone recommend a good set of surround haedphones for the m17x? and does the m17 have true 5.1?

 

Yes it does. I have 5.1 hooked up to my m17x and its amazing! Especially with the sound card!

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

 

You'll need to trawl to find a lot of threads on surround headphones

I can comment on two I tried:

Alienware Tactx Surround sound headset. Don't know where they come up with 'surround'? Just normal stereo headset that takes it's signal from one of the headset sockets. Sound? OK to me. Comfort, again OK but I'm not using them for hours on end.

After reading a discussion here, I went for the Corsair Vengance 1500. True Dolby 5.1 headphone compatibility. Uses it's own sound hardware via USB and supports 7.1 emulation. For me works very well. 7.1 is like 5.1 surround but the voices loose that 'out there' sound and return to centre stage. Look is more hi-tech than gamer.

Lot's of choice out there so good luck!

 

So is anyone using any of their RAM in single channel mode? I ordered with the 6GB option and am going to add another 4GB stick to run in dual channel with the stock 4GB stick. Was just wondering if there is any detriment to running the remaining 2GB stick in single channel?

 

you won't notice a difference in anything. Running 2 gigs in single channel is a miniscule unnoticeable difference...even in benchmarks

 

Cheers for the reply, that's what I figured. Probably will just keep the 2GB installed then instead of sitting on my shelf. I would buy another 2GB stick to match it but they seem hard to find. Dell must be hoarding them all

 

I made a research about surround headphones, and there are very good reviews about ROCCAT Kave. Am really interested to get them as long as I will order M17x R4.

 

Will there be a big difference to the overclocked 3720QM compared to the stock 3720QM one??

 

They look like they have a very good technology, a vibration unit? Interesting, and price is reasonable.

I'd be interested to hear what you think if you get them - particularly with respect to the 'where is he' surround effect.

 

1. is m17x r4 chassis plastic or same as m18x r2?
2. what are the battery life on gaming vs normal use such as internet, music, video..etc
3. can cpu and gpu be upgraded in the future? if so what are the average fee for upgrading?
4. is there another gaming laptop brand out there with hdmi input feature? cant seem to find one

 

what you may find is that the 6gigs of ram coming from dell are on the back 2 ram slots which are easily accessible (just look at my guide for how to remove the back panel)...however, the front two ram slots are under the keyboard and will require a little more work to get at. Most people don't bother with that...so you might just find that running with 2x4gigs of ram is sufficient for your purposes. If i was going to go through the hassle of removing the keyboard to get at slots 3-4, i'd get another 2x4gigs for a total of 16gigs.

My laptop came with 2x2gigs...so I added 2x4gigs for a total of 12gigs of ram

as long as you keep even pairs together, you will be in dual channel

 

So I was having a few problems with my PC turning off when moving, So the dell tech came to replace the gpu (though I did say to them I doubt it was that) Anyway the tech followed my instructions well And replaced the GPU ( I then secretly replaced the Harddrive) and for some odd reason I am getting close to double the FPS in games? any Idea why? Bf3 = 45-80FPS maxed out plus 4x AA

 

Chassis unfortunately is not the same as m18x but its still bery sturdy and heat efficient

If you game on high performance youll get about 40min to 1hr, power saver on hd4000 youllget a good 3 hours of use with browsing and music 2.5hrs with heavy use.

Yes, alienware is one of the very few laptops that you caneasily upgrade the cpu,gpu. It depends onthe time you buy the partand the part youbuy. Currently m17x R2 owners are buying 7970m cards for their 2.5 year old laptops for about 500-550 a piece although you can easily get a 6970 for a fraction of that price. Cpus are the same story, if they just came out youll pay 400-1100 for a cpu, if its been out for a little youll get an xm for pretty cheap.

As for the input feature i have not come across any otherlaptop with that feature, Sager or Clevo is a good place to start looking - malibal.com xoticpc.com or lpcdigital.com

Sorry for the lack of spaces sometimes, ipad making me mad and im too lazy to correct it...

 

thanks for answering, few questions left
are the cpu or gpu self upgradable? or recommend to be sent in to Dell?
did AW stop supporting dual gpu for m17x?

 

1. Gaming with the High performance chip gets about 20mins-1hour! (Not long)
IGPU for normal use I get 3-5 hours.
2.The Chassis is ok a bit plastic, not the same as m18x but its nice.
3. GPU + CPU is simple to upgrade for a laptop, as long as the motherboard supports the new hardware there will be no problem.
4. Clevo does have from my knowledge

 

Maybe they were right and your GPU was toast? Could you have been running on the intel GPU? Does it look as 'good'?

Don't know about those stats as I don't have the game

hey though, a problem going in the right direction .I guess the original problem of turning off is gone?

 

No I was running of the AMD GPU at first, and was getting the FPS that notebookcheck etc said you would get. And it looks just as good as it does now but FPS has doubled! And yes at the moment I have not had problems with turning off (TouchWood )

 

Dunno then. What are you using to monitor? - EVGA precision X just released a new version that corrects a high reading in some games and MSI afterburner uses the same OSD engine, I was seeing FPS in MP 3 about 2x they should have been!

Quote from EVGA Precision page: 'Fixed framerate calculation for DirectX10/DirectX11 applications, which actively use presentation testing during rendering (e.g. Max Payne 3)'.

Good news re the original problem, but I guess just dismantling it could have fixed it

 

Hey. Someone should check out my post in the "how to save $$$ when buying" thread and let me know if im getting a good quote! Im waiting on a call back from the rep to see if he can get me a good deal on 2 year warranty! any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!

 

You might be better posting this here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...e-order-configuration-questions-ask-here.html
A lot of potential new owners and newbie NBR's.

Good luck.

 

yeah I guess. Thanks!

 

I just put in my order for the M17x r4 (yay!) and I was wondering what accessories you use with your machine. (Backpacks, mice, etc.)

I currently have the following, most of which I would like to replace:

Logitech G9x Modern Warfare 3 Edition
Microsoft SideWinder X6
Turtle Beach X12

I need a backpack for sure and I am looking to replace the stuff I have like the headset so any suggestions will be appreciated.