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

I mean the lower clocked CPUs that Intel recommends against overclocking have their OC options (among other options) locked in the BIOS from Dell which is modified from the stock BIOS provided from InsydeH2O for our architecture. These options are open in an unlocked BIOS as well as a few other advanced options, that not all users should meddle with.

If you have already acquired the M17x R4 A09 BIOS, please PM it to me or mirror it somewhere and post the link for all to download! Thanks!

 

Is it just me or is the UEFI boot option new in this latest (A09) BIOS!?

If it has always been there, my bad and I failed to install Win7 proper to take advantage of UEFI features!

 

Naw, IIRC, the UEFI compatibility with windows was introduced with Windows Vista SP1-x64. I know starting in 2010 a bunch of consumer-based motherboards were released with UEFI compatibility, and they were all Sandy Bridge chipsets.

 

Hello!

Next week will be at my home new m17x r4...it will have 7970m. What is difference with drivers -> someone talked about Catalist 12.x and others 12.9...others of 9.0 and . I dont know what is difference and which is better. Are this moded or non moded? Which is betetr and is any difference? Because i always had Geforce and i know that is only 1 pack of drivers and all is ok. But for AMD... how many drivers!? Tnx for helping me and understanding my ignorance!

Bye

 

I flashed the A09 BIOS over the A08 BIOS, and lost the "Windows 8 Fast Boot" option. Anyone else experienced this? Should I try a reflash? Maybe the option just isn't there!? What gives, Dell !?? First you publish a BIOS that is not even hosted online, atleast as far as an average end user could see. Then, it happens so happens that you retract an added option.

 

I do not believe i saw a Windows 8 fast boot option after flashing A09 but will check again later. I went from A05 to A09 so maybe it was in 08 and they pulled it.

 

OFFICIAL M17x R4 A09 BIOS (Downloadable Now!)
--------

ftp://ftp.dell.com/FOLDER00931122M/1/M17R4A09WIN64.exe

 

Ahh! I always popped my DVD in to WMP (it's a rare thing though). Other than that it's backed up .avi's or netflix

Gotcha, I have already uploaded the A09 file for everyone on the last few posts.... I uploaded it to mediafire for everyone hehe.

UEFI Boot has always been there It was there in A09 too!

hmm..... Try a reflash for the person above

Also, let us know if you don't see it Quad. I'm fine with my A08 so I'm not jumping the gun yet

 

I have no intention to install Windows 8 on my rig till i am forced to do it by a new game or whatever and even then i will probably dual boot OS's .

Windows 8 has absolutely 0 appeal to me especially the new interface so i will stay away from it for as long as possible.

 

Then you're missing out. I'm not particularly fond of the UI myself, but the boot time and performance gain can't be overlooked either!

 

My machine boots in about 15 seconds so that is plenty fast and as far as performance go's i doubt we will see even 1 extra frame per second from gaming and that is the only place i am ever concerned about performance .

The UI is exactly why i have no interest. I enjoy using tablets but i certainly do not want my PC to act like a giant tablet.

This is the first Windows release where i am not upgrading on day 1 .

I went from 3.1 to 95 to 98 to Windows ME to XP to Vista to Windows 7 .

 

Win 8 takes more resources than 7 (slightly).

Games have lower performance (net wise 1%, but main point is that it doesn't perform faster).

Win 8 appears faster because: no more 3d-ish minimize/maximize, no more 3d for tabbing, no more transparency, etc.

Boot faster because they use hybrid boot, you can achieve the same thing in 7, just close all your applications, then use hybrid. That's what Win 8 shutdown essentially is. If you want to update drivers and the life, you have to use a normal boot, which is just as long as win7, if not slower.


Essentially, as of the moment windows 8 is windows 7 with aero and 3D all disabled, and put on a hybernate mode claiming boot time is faster, really. Theoretically you'd achieve the same results by disabling aero + 3D (win7 does this by default in power saver mode), then use hybernate command over shutdown.

 

Yeah i had read abit it about more or less being Windows 7 reskinned which had me even less excited.

If a crucial feature comes along that is Windows 8 only i will take the leap but till then i see absolutely no reason to jump on the bandwagon other then the hype surrounding it which i can understand some people doing.

 

I just read this review Windows 8 review | Operating systems Reviews | TechRadar that has made the jump to Windows 8 look a little more enticing especially since it would only cost me $15 to upgrade. I will probably wait it out a little while and see what other M17x owners have to say.

 

It's definitely different, the UI in the desktop is amazing, like the task manager. It's just that windows 8 doesn't have any performance gain over 7 unless you want to include the new window replacing aero and the hybrid boot (hibernate boot). In fact, if windows 8 didn't introduce metro, I would have gotten it in a heart beat.

 

That 15 seconds countdown starts when the Alien Keyboard lights up?

And meh... I'll pass for this Win8 hype and all

 

Its a boot timer program that measures it when the Windows logo spins up or there about. So probably 20ish seconds from when i hit the power button but either way plenty fast for my needs .


I signed up for the $15 Windows 8 upgrade and that is probably as far as i will take it just to say i have it in case i need it .

 

The W8 will probably have some bugs, glitches when it comes out. I would not jump the wagon until I'm sure they get rid most of them, usually after SP1. I didn't switch to W7 until way later when I could confirm W7 will be a good upgrade over my old XP. Plus, the UI is kinda bugging me.

I did sign up for $15 upgrade ticket. It's too cheap to let it pass but that is as far as I go.

 

May have to give Win8 a shot now since the new UEFI boot option that wasn't avail before requires a fresh install anyways under Win8 in order to take advantage UEFI:

Systems that are built using Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) are more likely to achieve very fast pre-boot times when compared to those with traditional BIOS. This isn’t because UEFI is inherently faster, but because UEFI writers starting from scratch are more able to optimize their implementation rather than building upon a BIOS implementation that may be many years old.

 

Tell me how it goes.

 

I've been through every Windows Distro except for Windows ME lol, I couldn't afford or find a legit version of that back in the days (i was 12-13 years old I believe).

We've always had UEFI, at least for Bios A08.

Can you link me to where teh $15 upgrade ticket is? I'd definitely be down for a $15 windows upgrade... This really beats the 20 or $25 Mac OSX upgrades they offer!

 

They said the same thing with Windows Vista...

 

What ticket? Where do you find this "ticket" at?

Also, are you guys going to install over win 7 or have a dual-boot option?

 

Windows 8 upgrade offer - Windows 8 special offer

I'm going to do a clean install when I decide to use my upgrade. Will download and burn the disc(s).

BTW - IIRC, it seems more like it's based on the honors system when it comes to purchase date of the Win7 machine.

 

Hello,

I was just doing some cleaning up on my system and looked again at the Intel RAID configuration utility and it shows two Samsung PM830 256GB HD's in my m17x R4. I ordered the HD's from Dell and selected the 2x256GB HD's in the RAID 0 configuration. I thought these were not supposed to be mSATA drives but perhaps I'm mistaken, I thought both 2.5" drive bays would have a drive so does this mean I have a 2.5" bay open at this point? I have no complaints on the performance of the drives at this point, just want to make sure my system came with the right HW

 

Maybe not. I see that the final stage of ordering will require you to use the machine that qualifies for the upgrade. Simple check of when the license was registered and you get it. Probably have a follow up route if you do not appear to qualify.

M$ would never do this on trust - jeez, I can't even download a copy of win 7 I purchased in the US off M$. Even though they have my money and the PC was purchased in the US. Total refusal to assist or refund - had to get a friend in the US to DL for me

Hi, Msata is just another SATA port, not a different access method. It's designed for SSD's as a smaller space for laptops. Using the drive bays for a RAID config ensures that they operate at the best speed. Dell would not use two different drives for a RAID config so your drive bays are full and you have an MSATA port/bay available if you wanted to add another SSD later. HTH

 

I guess time will tell.

 

Thanks! After I posted this I decided to open up the laptop and take a look. The primary and secondary hard drive cages are indeed occupied.

Looking through the owners manual I don't see the 3rd MSATA port mentioned. Where is it ?

I'm glad you confirmed this. The 830PM's seem to be getting good feedback out there and I can certainly vouch for their speed in this configuration.

 

I've not really looked too much at it. It is on the other side if the MB so more dismantling is needed over just opening it up

Just checked the docs and it seems Dell have just left the R3 documentation with a few tweeks but haven't put in the mSATA port Try looking for disassembly vids?

 

I highly doubt it. Windows OS is on the top of pirated software. They are not going to do this on trust. I think what they would do is to upgrade your key to a W8 key. But it would mean once you upgrade to W8, you would never be able to use your key with W7 again (???).

 

Well, I registered for this a month ago and it didn't get too specific in the requested details.

The upgrade offer will allow for an actual upgrade of the OS, or a clean install.

 

Too much headache, I decided not to order it. I doubt I'll be using Win 8 anytime soon anyways Win 7 has been more than good to me since it's first release heh.

 

Yeah. It was too vague. But I remember it specifically said you would have to use the W7 key you want to upgrade when you use this offer. That's how I came up with this. And honestly, I think it makes sense because if they give you a new key, you will have 2 two keys, the current key for W7 and the new key you paid $15 for W8. It's just too good to be true...

 

Looking at the past few months of Microsoft forcing the new ui over aero and forcing metro over desktop "legacy", I think it's pretty good bet that you won't be able to have a win8 key.

 

Windows Upgrade Offer - Program Information

I read this the same as I've read any other upgrade... base OS and upgrade OS. Can't install the upgrade key version w/o a valid OS underneath it.

I may have misunderstood what it means to be able to create install media, in that a clean install may not actually be possible. Only one way to fine out though.

 

That should mean it will ask for your previous key or look for a previous install. It should be either or depending if you want to do a fresh install or an upgrade.

 

It always looks for an existing install. In fact you have to start an upgrade from within an existing Windows installation. The only OS that you can upgrade and do a clean install is Windows XP. As it stands I don't know if it is possible with Windows 8 to do a clean install with an Upgrade DVD beyond the loophole trick that was used on Windows 7.

 

Well hopefully there is a work around like Windows 7. Im sure someone will figure out a way around it though like everything else.

 

Yeah I guess I can make a ghost of my drive then try upgrading to Windows 8 and see if it blows up I guess it might not like it though if I reverted back to my Windows 7 image and it wanted to re-activate it or something and had converted my serial to a Windows 8 one.

 

Since we are on the subject of purchases, I was wondering who here has insured their Alienware? As in.... Who here has purchased extended warranty? Reason why I ask is because I want to extend mine's to the maximum (3-years I believe), and I want to find a good reasonable price for it..... I remember the ballpark for a XPS 17 being a $350+ hefty tag, but someone got their's (although granted not 3-years, but 2-years) for $119 USD.

 

I went with the 3 year, next day on-site and was looking at the advanced option which covers accidental break. I decided there was no need as I already have accidental break cover on my house contents insurance. Sure in order to claim I would need to pay the excess which is $300 and I am not covered if it breaks when away from home but the likelihood of that occuring is small.

I am also interested in this and have had no luck finding such a summary on the interweb. AMD are supposedly releasing a fix for Enduro this month that I am eagerly awaiting. I know there is the Fn + F7 option but then I lose the option to playback through my 5.1 receiver. Bit of a pain!

 

Since I started using those overbred Laptops (Inspiron Series, XPS M1710, XPS M1730), I always purchased the maximum extended warranty (next day on-site) . And it was worth every penny.
For Example, the Thermal design of those workstation replacements was so awful, that I've had at least one Supporter on site after the first year. Depending on the Model, they replaced motherboards, graphic cards or one time the Display.

In the beginning it cost you some more bucks, but at the end, you can sleep calm and deep for 3 years

Extended Warranty is a must for every Latop playing in that league.

 

Totally agree with this. Dell is one of those rare companies that actually honors their warranty - on-site and fixing problems I had and eventual replacement has me as a loyal customer

 

Hi guys. I managed to get myself a refurbed R4 off the outlet. Received it on Friday and everything is really great. I have it with the 680M but I've just done a Windows Index score and my scores are all amazingly high apart from the graphics, which is at 7.0. I was expecting something in the region of 7.8/7.9. After checking, it's at 7.0 because it's using the HD 4000 onboard and I can't seem to change it to the 680M. Can someone tell me why this is and is there a way of getting the WIS for the 680M?

 

Same here. I've always had my doubts, and Dell/Alienware has messed up a couple of times with their depot service. But compared to my warranty dealings with less reliable firms (i.e. HP), I can honestly say Dell and Alienware goes above an beyond most other tech giants out there to satisfy their customers.

 

Exactly! The out-sourced on-site and help-desk are questionable in some countries, but from what I see if dell HQ get involved it all happens

 

try applying Nvidia gpu in nvidia control panel
or try using fn + f7

 

Not even HQ was necessary this last time. I had to send in my cousin's XPS 17 last month for service. I got it for her in July and she dropped it off the counter. Broke the bottom chassis and the DC receptacle inside the notebook. It still worked, just wouldn't charge and had a huge crack on the bottom. Thank god I got the 4 year warranty with accidental damage protection. All's I had to do is contact one of the Dell reps here in the forum, and the unit got repaired in 7 days via depot service. This is the first time I've used depot service with no issues (the other two times had "issues").

 

Hello!

I also didnt find nothing about, which drivers is beter and stable for 7970M. It seens like noone knows that.

Yes i know this function of FN+F7, but it didnt help me, if i dont know which driver is better and stable for my 7970M.

Any help guys?????

Bye

 

I gotcha, $300 is a bit dicey, but I guess it's what you pay for these high end laptops. I just wanted to know the cheapest possible price for AW so that I could bargain Thanks rabidt!

heh, I've honestly never had to worry about my laptop (I purchased a XPS m1330 with every single option possible), and it hasn't given me one single problem outside of dead battery after warranty and dead webcam cable (LITERALLY!).

That's good to know! At least i'll know with this accidental warranty stuff, I will not have to worry about my laptop too much .

Can you elaborate on HP and your warranty issues? I'm prepared to make an extended purchase of 2 years (since that is their only option) for a hp dv7 for only $150 w/ accidental warranty.

Heh, I've had an ONGOING back and forth with Dell a few months ago, until now I will not pick up a phone and call Dell anymore, if I ever have problems I will just ring Mourin up and have her help me.

I dont know if i've told you guys this, but in order to get my XPS 17 serviced, I had to go through a back and forth with them for 6+ hours TWICE, because during the service, they broke my laptop to no repair. I kept calling, and getting hung up after requesting a supervisor (literally, the person would drop my call on purpose). It was like this for 12+ hours until I stressed it on the forums and Mourin came to my rescue. All in all, if Mourin and Bill weren't around, they would have definitely lost my service. Out of all this was a big huge mess, the dell reps offered me an Inspiron 17R with absolutely nowhere close to the compared options of my XPS 17, so Mourin took good care of me and hooked it up with a AW m17x (hence why I'm here ).

Even until this day, I still shout a big THANK YOU to her and Bill every chance I get .