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

I wish I had gone with an NVIDIA GPU so much... haha

Do you have problems with updating to new drivers?

 

No problem updating drivers, although I have to use a modified inf to install a driver, but that's because I've got a non-standard GPU for the R3 installed.

I would be surprised if you do have low fan speed issues with AMD there, the only sure fire way of know is by using something like HWInfo to measure fan rpm during gaming, and then comparing that to your know maximum fan rpm (which can be determined by setting fans to max rpm manually in HWInfo), while cross referencing that with temperature seen on the GPU. Not complicated when you know how, but not important to most users as long as their GPU temperatures look ok.

 

what have you guys done after the release of windows 8.1
After I installed 8.1, windows resolution center warned me and told me to reinstall Intel Proset Wireless/Bluetooth and Intel Bluetooth Wireless High Speed. My wireless card is n-2230. So I looked up on the internet and I found the latest version as 16.5.3 and it was 89mb.

Do you think we should make a clean setup after 8.1 ? Or is it unnecessary?

I installed this, all of the other ones says software and driver in this link, but the one I installed only says software.... What do you think? Do you think it also includes driver as well? Because, the one I downloaded is the only one with windows 8.1 compatible.

Lastly, do you think I can replace Network_Driver_W3MG0_WN_v15.05.6000_A01 (Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2230 WiFi Driver ) installation package with the link I just sent you guys. If so, I will replace it within my drivers folder. I'm asking, because the first one is 100mb and 16.5.3( the one I just installed) is 89mb ( a bit confusing )

 

Seems normal bro, my desktop wich is like 2 times stronger i also get 40-60fps in a crowded City.

 

I'd use whatever driver is newer and working.

On another note looks like windows 8.1 nuked my graphics card drivers. Hope a simple reinstall of the stock drivers and then beta drivers will fix everything.

 

pretty sure those readings from gpuz and afterburner are for desktop graphics cards with fans plugged into the graphics card itself. Laptop cooling is handled in a much different way so those fan percentages are never accurate, or they never used to be anyway. Also dell has the fan curve tuned to get the best temps as they possibly can without making the laptop sound like a jet trying to takeoff.

 

Okay, so I am now experiencing something new and odd...

Every time I start-up, the screen is at like.. 0% brightness.

I have to go into Manage and then disable and then re-enable the AMD GPU for the brightness to work right... Anyone else getting this?

 

I know its a known issue the igpu shut off and just the discrete card running. A full time fix was never found.

Also, looks like the switchable graphics days for me are over. Windows 8.1 wouldn't even let me boot into windows with both the igpu and my 6990m enabled.

 

Try to clean install Win8.1 (Win8 upgrade key/Retail)

Backup Win8.1 activation, first run cmd(admin) "dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup /resetbase" without quotes >operation concluded succesfully >reboot>Folder options /Show hidden folders>backup activation, copy C:\Windows\System32\spp\store\ 2.0 folder

Windows 8.1.
Download both Windows8-Setup.exe/WindowsSetupBox Upgrade Windows with only a product key - Microsoft Windows Help
Run first Windows8-Setup.exe with your win8 Pro upgrade key >when the dialog box shows "Estimating" close it X>now run WindowsSetupBox>it will automatically download Win8.1>create ISO then USB install option.

Install Win8.1 with this generic Pro key XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB / offline - add microsft account later, Win8.1 pro installed, run cmd (admin) type "slmgr.vbs -ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" replace X's with your win8 upgrade key>success>reboot. (generic key replaced)
Safe mode boot option cmd (admin) "bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy">reboot>Press F8 (like win7) select safe mode>Folder options /Show hidden folders>Browse C:\Windows\System32\spp\store\ 2.0 folder replace/overwrite with your backup folder>reboot>System properties "Windows is Activated"

Install .Net 3.5 cmd(admin) "DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:X:\sources\sxs" without quotes, Source:X: use the correct letter (USB).

Download latest Intel igpu drivers, F2 BIOS enable igpu>save&exit>F8 safe boot>install igpu drivers>reboot normal mode.

Restore default boot menu cmd (admin) "bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard" >reboot.

 

What about Win 7??

 

I'm pretty sure I'm able to boot into windows 8 with just the igpu enabled, I more meant that switchable graphics inside the OS are broken again.

 

Alienware command center button on the keyboard does not work anymore with windows 8.1 anymore. Does anybody have the same problem ?

 

Upgrade, Win8.1 Pro fully updated follow this guide (Win8 Pro upgrade key /Win8.1 Pro Clean install)

Ballmer is gone...not quite...feeding the haters

 

works for me.

 

my laptop acted wierd yesterday .. it has happen in the past but not very often .. when I power on the laptop light came up , fans started working but nothing on the screen .. I did a power drain and it helped . then it happened many times until I wasn't able to start it and power drain didn't do any good. Then it started beeping 6 times . I kinda lost it there because i only bought the card this summer and almost feinted . I opened the laptop reseated the card blew the pci slot and it worked as if nothing ever happened -.- ... what's the meaning of this ? Is my mobo faulty ? x2 6990m have been fried in this freaking machine (don't even know the reason) and I definitely don't want the same fate for my 680m D: .. is it a bad sign ? what should I do ? Any suggestions/help would be appreciated thanks !

 

I wouldn't stress it too much at this point. If the card has been replaced even something like fingerprints on the edge connector can, over time, cause a poor connection. If the problems with the earlier cards was the same (beeps and no startup) then you have to be suspicious of the MB though

If it happens again then try using a pencil eraser on the card's edge connector, or cleaning with IPA liquid ( IPA 99.7% pure Isopropanol Cleaning Fluid). This is great stuff for cleaning a card when repasting as well

 

Probably the card was not properly seated, is the thick thermal pad under the card in place ?

 

thanks mate ill try cleaning it with this method .. although on 6990m I didnt get the beeps only because I had the intergrated graphics on .. so whenever "the event" occurred , the card was simply undetected from my system and bios and the laptop was running on the intel hd .. damn .. I think it's the same case here T_T

 

the thick thermal pad under the car ? .. yeah .. no .. i totally forgot about that .. but I don't think the problem is about the card not being properly seated :/

 

So it was the same problem just that the iGPU allowed it to boot.

It could be that missing pad as it applies some pressure against the mounting, or even a damaged edge connector on the MB. It sure sounds like a bad connection at the MB - or even a small piece of dirt got into the MB connector possibly, a can of compressed air along with IPA will clean that out

 

Hello,


I having weird issues with my AlienFX, I formatted my computer 2 times now :/.

AlienFX aint working, it begin with red eyes in the logo and i cant change the colors anymore, then i tried the test program and it was fine.
I reinstalled my computer back and the Eyes where green and i could change everything again.

Now again, I start my PC and again AlienFX is broke, tester is working, but the actual program is not, it's i have hardware/software problems maybe.

Now i check device manager and i see my intel USB 3.0 driver is dead, got a yellow traingle there so I delete it(drivers and all).

And , the alienFX turns green!!!
But now my USB driver is gone so i restarted my pc, and again, i have red eyes but the intel USB is installed correctly....

I dont know where this problem come from, it doesnt make sense, the only thing I can think about is that the software the MS or Alienware gives me is bugged....
I dont know how to repair it, yeah, i can format and after a week its again broken......



Somebody knows whats going on?

I am running windows 8.1, the problem was there with Windows 8.0 also. so the upgrade didnt fixed it

 

I tend to suggest this a lot if people are having weird problems that they can't find the cause of: do a memory check of the system RAM using Memtest86+. If you google Memtest86+ you'll find the website, and you can create a bootable USB drive to test the memory. RAM errors are notorious for causing random problems. It might be a long shot, but it's pretty easy to test & cross off from the list.

 

If you have an AMD card and an M17x r3, stay away from windows 8.1 till some good drivers come out. If you boot with switchable graphics enabled, plus any recent driver you get the white screen of awesomeness.

 

Tried bro, and my memory has no faults .
Really hoped it had because i just buy new memory then.

 

Sigh, it's like Nvidia just can't make good drivers anymore.

When running the WHQL 331.58 driver on my R4 with a 680m, my gpu's core clocks are stuck at 719MHZ 100% of the time. It never goes into boost clocks...it just stays at 719MHZ even if it's at 0% usage. Anyone else have this issue on the newest drivers?

Guess it's back to 314.22 again for me...

EDIT: I mistakenly wrote 331.40 instead of 331.58. The glitch happened on the WHQL 331.58, not the beta driver. My bad!

 

331.58 whql is the latest driver now, it came out yesterday (or was it the day before!). Maybe that one will work better.

 

Try this:

1- Uninstall Command Center
2- Download latest Command Center from support.dell.com
3- Uninstall .Net Framework 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5
4- Restart the computer
5- Install .net Framework 3.5 and 4.5
6- Run Windows Updates and verify there is no pending updates missing (avoid installing hardware driver updates).
7- Restart the computer
8- Install the Command Center just downloaded
9- If issue remains, please go to “Control Panel”, “Programs and Features” and choose uninstall Command Center, when setup loads, run the repair. This will fix any corruption in the AlienFX firmware.

 

I just got my new Alienware M17x R4 laptop, it's not brand new bought it off someone.

I tried overclocking the screen on it, my previous R4 red couldn't get passed 74hz, and this one got to 85Hz without issues.

 

That's pretty good, should be quite noticeable in contrast to 60Hz! I managed 79Hz, and I think it's smoother when gaming, as long as I can hit 79fps.

 

I am gonna try this, thx

 

How do you do it? Can you share a link to the instructions on how to do it ?

And is it dangerous to try it ?

 

Guys, anyone have an idea?

 

With an NVidia card you have to have Optimus disabled in the BIOS, and have it just running off the dedicated GPU. This then frees up an option in the NVidia Control Panel to create a 'Custom Resolution', that's where you just stipulate the Hz you want - then lets you test the new setting. If you get a black screen you've gone too far, and after 15 seconds it will revert to your previous stable Hz setting. That's how you find the highest stable monitor overclock. The general consensus seems to be that you can't damage your monitor by overclocking it, although NVidia do have a disclaimer with regards to monitor overclocking saying any damage that could be incurred is your problem. (I've been running my monitor overclocked to 79Hz for about 3 months now without any problems.)

 

Can you really realize and enjoy the difference between 79Hz and 60Hz?

 

Yes you can, i had a 144hz monitor and it almost feels the same, no kidding!

But my other Alienware had some weird tearing and i had to return it to 60hz, was afraid of damaging the screen.
This screen seems fine, been running 85hz for a week now.

I can go up to 90hz btw, but the colors and screen gets messed up badly, 89hz works fine but the difference is not noticeable.

I used a program called CRU (Custom Resolution Utility)

Custom Resolution Utility (CRU)

Edit: A question, can i get some premium warranty for a amount of money for my Alienware laptop?
If for some reason my laptop dies, i can't wait long to get it fixed up, i've heard if you get some paid warranty they will send someone to fix it?

 

The warranty it come with has Next Business Day with on-site repair. The extra option was for accidental damage replacement. You can renew it at any time up to the expiry date. HTH

 

Ah awesome, thanks for explaining.

I think it still is under warranty but not for long.

Edit: Another question, i just heard that you can OC mobile CPU's with Intel's Extreme Tuning Utility or something, my turbo boost now goes up to 3,3ghz instead of 3,1ghz same temps when fully stressed.
But my temps go almost up to 98c, is that normal if they are fully stressed? With CPU intense games it only goes to 70c-75c.

 

You're welcome. You can go onto the dell support site and enter your service tag for drivers and you get see the warranty details and time remaining.

That temp sounds a little on the high side but I would expect it to throttle if it got too hot? The CPU is an easy re-paste job and is recommended when overclocking. The original paste is not the best and more a general purpose type (although dell claim it is 'phase changing' whatever this means??). Not sure of the clock speed I am running but I just used the 3 levels of overclocking available in the BIOS. After a repaste I do not see any temp over mid 80's.

 

No it doesn't throttle at all, but the safe temp i've read are 105c, is this correct?

I was planning to repaste, but i couldn't really find a helpful step by step video on youtube, i expected a few but found none.

edit: I see you're using Killer Wireless 1103, does it work properly for you? It keeps disconnecting for me when downloading.
So i have to use a Wireless USB adapter, but i really want to use the built in wifi.

 

Can't say about the temp limit but I would not be surprised if that was the safe max - anyone?

I found that all I needed to do was remove the fan (3 screws) then the four screws holding on the heatsink - five mins max . Just use some IPA to clean of the old stuff, and get any of the popular brands. Only a couple of C's between them in my experience. Arctic Silver was a popular choice when I was mounting water blocks back in the day.

As for the killer card, it just works fine for me. I did have some issues with it slowing down connections and not getting maximum throughput, but all I did was turn off application control and it started to run at full speed. Probably could have fine tuned it but since I'm not in contention on a LAN or running torrents in the background I didn't see the point of it's prioritising features. Just turn it off

 

Google it, 3610Qm max safe temp, few people say 105c max. Some guy said anything below that is safe and won't hurt the CPU.

Alright, i can't buy thermal paste right now, i know it's dirt cheap i have literally nothing atm. Have to wait till end of Nov.

What kind of cleaning material do i need, and what not? I have no idea what IPA is.

 

IPA comes in many forms, here is one ( IPA 99.7% pure Isopropanol Cleaning Fluid) but you can get it cheaper in bottle form. The spray is just convenient. Use a lint-free cloth and you're fine. I spread the new paste with a credit card to a very thin layer but there are many opinions on the best way. Unless you are overclocking AND overvolting (not possible on a mobile CPU) it's not too critical IMO if you use a little too much to be on the safe side.

Don't waste money on the more expensive stuff if cash is tight, name has a premium as well as quality

Edit: Just remembered the most convenient way to get the CPU and heatsink clean with IPA is injection site cleaning swabs, available at the chemist.

 

Yeah...no. You should never let the CPU get above 95C. A simple re-paste would prevent this from happening.

 

it may not kill the cpu, but that temp can't be good for the mobo either.

 

I think so, like on F1 2012 and on quick paced 1st person shooters.

 

Your 98 degC is definitely too hot, I think that could decrease the life of the CPU, and probably won't do the other laptop internal components any good either - it wouldn't die immediately, but I think it increases the risk as time goes by. Arctic have some instructions on their website on how to re-paste: I've used the spread method & also tried the line method on my CPU using Arctic Silver 5, and both techniques gave me the same results. The quality of the job you do when repasting is a lot more significant than buying the best highest quality paste out there (only a spread of 5 degC max between them).

Killer Wireless good for me, no issues.

 

A little off topic, but has anyone tried to fit the new Alienware sleeves on the R3/R4s?
Alienware Vindicator Neoprene Sleeve Details | Dell

 

From Notebookcheck.net:
M17xR3 Dimensions (height x width x depth (in mm)): 54 x 406 x 321
M17xR4 Dimensions (height x width x depth (in mm)): 46 x 410 x 304
Alienware 17 Dimensions (height x width x depth (in mm)): 48 x 414 x 299

Looks like it might fit, worst case is the depth with Alienware R3 being 2cm bigger, depends how tight 17 fits & if case is flexible - neoprene is flexible.

 

Me personally doesn't like the sleeve which looks like a briefcase or something like that..... But, maybe you interested with something like this ?

Amazon.com: Case Logic LAPS-117 17 - 17.3 -Inch Laptop Sleeve (Black): Computers & Accessories

Can't say it fit or not, it still on the way. Just order it 2 days ago. But if you look at the dimension, it should fit properly...... MAYBE.....

 

@ b4n6k3 send me some pics when you get yours in please. I want to see the fit.