*OFFICIAL* M17xR3 Owner's Lounge Thread - Part 1

He used the USB port not the sata lol... I created mine via dvds and it seemed fine.

 

Darn, nice try though lolz

 

the review for the R3 and G73SW is up on notebookcheck german site. english translation wouldnt be far off and there is a video.

Test Alienware M17x R3 (GTX 460M, i7-2630QM) Notebook - Notebookcheck.com Tests

Test Asus G73SW Notebook - Notebookcheck.com Tests

both notebooks got really high scores, with the R3 slightly ahead.

 

Actually, I fixed it...Althought I think the media it ships with might be fubared.

Don't use USB 3.0 ports for restoring onto it doesn't recognize the port after it boots.

 

Good ol' google translate

M17X R.3 - http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.notebookcheck.com%2FTest-Alienware-M17x-R3-GTX-460M-i7-2630QM-Notebook.45575.0.html&langpair=de|en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&newwindow=1&safe=off&prev=%2Flanguage_tools

ASUS - Google Translate

 

Repped for offering English language link for us lazy folks. Also for following rules (technically) by providing foreign language AND English language versions

 

I can't remember in which thread people were talking about turbo mode duration, but I just came across something mildly humorous while running an unlimited time test render (will render forever if allowed) to produce useable data for throttlestop (by request).

The image is 10 minutes into the render, which I am still running now with the same results.

 

Supposedly, your gpu is supposed to keep rendering in SC2 unless you edit the variables.txt to limit fps to 60 lolz. ORRRRR, this when it first released (pre-patch or something, and they've fixed it now). So if you're playing SC2, be wary and edit the variables.txt.

 

Has anyone else noticed that the screen flickers occasionally on less than full brightness or is it just me? Kinda annoying, actually.

Oh, and one more question: after the clean install, I can't find the integrated webcam software anywhere anymore. Anyone knows where to get it from and which camera is that?

Thanks

 

I was noticing that flicker too, but....
...I think it's my pulse slightly moving my eye

check frequency ;p

 

Is the R3 supposed to automatically detect driver updates for all of its components?

 

You should be able to get the software from Dell's website. If you create an account or login and set it as your default system there should be an option on the main page to download software for it and it should be in there. If this doesn't make sense or you can't find it let me know and I'll post screenshots later tonight when I'm in front of my R3 again.

 

Depends....if youre refering to MS update, then yes, if youre refering to the drivers on Dell's site, then no. I just hit up dell's site every now and then and take a look

 

yes, the windows detected and installed the microsoft driver but the Webcam Central software itself is nowhere to be found, unfortunately.

That's where i went right after i noticed the flicker. 60Hz, doesn't get any higher on non-3d screen And it only happens when with less than full brightness (like 60% and below), regardless of the source of power (battery or outlet)

 

Try here -
https://smartsource.dell.com/ - note, the driver is going to be the Windows Driver for the camera. The Cyberlink Cam app (if the R3 shipped with it) may be accessible using the smartsource site.

No, no system is going to automatically reach out and check some database/return driver updates. Sure, Windows Update may notify you of HW driver update but I would first check the support.dell.com site and then here to see if there are any issues with the W7 Update push. There can be.

There are 3rd party apps for checking driver versions but I do not suggest using them. Quite often, bad results can be returned (old versions, incompatible versions, etc.).

Your best bet is support.dell.com and this forum.

You will need to stay on top of this yourself.

 

The only apps available there are Alienware Command Center and OSD. No drivers for webcam but Windows 7 detects it and installs its own:

integrated webcam, provider - microsoft, driver date - 6/21/2006, version 6.1.7600.16543.

Perhaps there's later version from OEM (I assume Creative but not sure) but I don't see it. Resource DVD doesn't have it either.

 

Many thanks BatBoy, downloading now.

 

ok so for my 460m drivers I need to be checking the dell website instead of nvidia? Is dell compiling all of the drivers for the different manufacturer's parts they are using in their systems?

 

also, I just checked dell's site and the R3 is not present on the drivers page just as it is not present to be purchased either. The R2 drivers are there but not the R3.

Nevermind, you have to go to a different dell site if you purchased your PC after 9/2009.

 

if you have optimus, you're supposed to use dell's drivers (or use a modded inf to apply 266.58).

if you have 3d, you can download from nvidia - or use modded desktop drivers (ie 266.66)

 

The Optimus rigs require a lot more than just a modded .inf file to actually use desktop drivers, now if it's a Nvidia direct driver for mobile you can USUALLY just mod the .inf with id strings and use it but not always. With the 3D non-Optimus rigs all it requires is a modded .inf file as there isn't any special Optimus file requirements for the driver.

 

So finally made the call regarding the fact that my system did not ship with the 3D package that I paid for. The experience was painful to say the least, but here are 2 my options:

1. return for full refund
2. buy a 1080p 60Hz screen (ONLY 60hz) and a new GPU of choice - at full price - and a tech will come install them, then return the parts in question. Once parts are received and confirmed, Dell will refund their original value.

Can I exchange for an r2 or Precision M6500?
No. You can return for full refund and purchase whatever you want with the money.

Can a tech come install the 3d system?
No.

Can I get a 6970 + partial refund (if applicable)?
No. That GPU is not available.

OK. Refund me the value of the 3D package.
>No. We can't confirm whether or not you got it.
>Was I charged for it?
>Yes.
>Does it show on my config via service tag?
>No.
>?????????????????????Then what's the issue??????????????????

sorry, this isn't very interesting to the few people that still own r3's, just ranting I guess. feel free to delete if you want, batboy

 

I would return it and just reorder. That way you may be able to get the 6970m as well

 

No matter if it is an R3, R1 or R2D2, Dells support people and policies are not endearing nor a plus toward future purchases and appreciate sharing your experiences.

 

No worries. Only reason why I have been pushing the posts to the main Intel thread is I dont want cross posting.

 

Yea i'd go for the full refund... so you'd get the new mobo without the issue, the right config you wanted... and perhaps even the 6970m if its out by then

And yea... Batboy is one of those **select few** mods that has a head on his shoulders and actually does things that makes sense.. like redirecting posts to proper threads and such... seems many mods on this site like to abuse their power.. and go on banning sprees like they got a quota or sumtin.. anyways hope i don't get banned for this post now will i? Seems the harshness of some mods are forcing many users away from these forums and onto less "harsh" forums... a shame really... because this is a really great site..

 

LOL stereo...

Lets not discuss mod actions openly... Its not appropriate and not something NBR permits. Thanks for the compliment however I have to respond with this to clarify --

No ban is done without consideration. The mods discuss (as a team) each ban action and its a group decision based on the seriousness/disruptive nature. Jerry was right on target when he posted this reminder to the site/suggestions/info section of NBR:

Anyway, the AW forum here is comprised of a very cool bunch of folks. Lots of great info comes out of this forum from very knowledgeable alienware owners and I cant think of any other forum I'd want to be a part of. Sure, at times we disagree and thats fine - we just need to learn to disagree and keep the forum rules in mind when posting. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Bottom line, have fun and learn something new while sharing your input with others

 

^^^ Amen to that my man

 

Goodness. Are you serious? I'm beginning to think that Dell is only a company meant for companies and schools, because they never have to deal with their own "personal" money/wallets, so they usually have nothing to lose/complain about, especially since many of them are contracted with Dell for service and discounts, etc.

I would not return it. Keep fighting for your refund. You've got all the proof both tangible (in front of you), and intangible (in front of them via the service tag configuration and your bill). Complain complain complain. Escalate to as many superiors as you can, and always ask for an American rep.

 

I would fight it if you want to keep it. If you are thinking of returning it for a refund/exchange just do that rather than deal with it, but if you're going to keep it fight like crazy. Keep very calm and be nice about it but be as firm as granite on the fact that this isn't right. This is the order I would try in:
1-Tech Support(2-3 with different reps if necessary)
2-Customer Support(again a few times)
3-Order Modification Department/Cancellation/Returns Department
4-Dell Unresolved Issues Department(check out the first post in the system replacement thread in the main part of the Alienware section to find out what I'm talking about)
Also the odds of having a standard front line rep help you are slim to none so I would just ask for a manager/supervisor in each department right as soon as you get on the line. It's going to take some time and patience to get it done if you want to keep the system and not jump through their hoops but it should be doable as it's what is right on their end. Also if you find a rep/manager good enough to take care of the situation a lot of times they will offer you something as consolation for what you've had to do to get what you paid for Don't expect anything other than what you paid for but a lot of the good reps/managers will.

 

LOLz, with regard to the last step (asking for goodies), does one ASK for the goodies, or does the manager/rep offer them on his/her own without us having to request for compensation?

I'm thinking that all of us could get a free bookmark or a shoe or something, for all this shenanigans that Dell's putting us through

 

A few days ago New Zealand removed the M17xR3 price and put up "Call Us".

Now the M17xR3 model has been removed leaving only the original M17x Classic (without HDMI input)

Checked the US Dell Alienware listings and the M17xR3 is not listed there either.

Please verify for yourself, don't take my word.

 

Yeah, that was a north american alienware tech support night manager's offer.
I called customer care and they just say it's a tech problem, call them or we can transfer you to RMA.

I'd return it in a heartbeat if there was the option to get a new shipped by March 1, but the odds of that happening are incredibly low.

< unconfirmed "manager" hearsay >
Manager did say that, although he has little more info than the public, i should be able to extend my RMA period until the week intel offers dell a solution
< /unconfirmed "manager" hearsay >

 

I would call customer service and tell them it's not a tech issue as there isn't a problem with the hardware, there was a problem with shipping the correct order, the one you paid for. At that point under those terms it is a customer service issue. When you call tech support they shouldn't give you a hassle about it not being their issue, they are one of the few departments that will deal with just about anything other than billing or returns. It sounds like you need to either A)return it -OR- B) contact the unresolved issues department.

 

That's the worst situation I've ever heard. I think one of the reasons here is that the actual value of the 3D bundle is NOT very clear - you have a great discount when choosing that bundle, but only the cost department knows exactly how much the 3D display itself costs. It would be a huge pain if you have to return it, but I would do that since 120Hz together with USB 3.0 and SATA III are the only things that pull me towards the R3 instead of R2.

Tell them you have an important project which is due very soon and all you need is refund for the bundle. And yeah, keep calling and complaining. The representative could not hang up unless you do so, just keep asking to talk to his/her supervisor. I recently called Dell 14 times in 2 days, the longest call lasts 1h23mins but eventually everything is good for me.

If still no luck, I have an old friend that can help you. He works for Dell. Just tell him you are Quy's girlfriend's brother and he will help you. His email is

 

1) FYI thats no longer a valid email
2) No posting of internal dell private emails allowed per NBR forum rules

Just sayin

 

Looks like I might keep the system after all; despite Dell being brutal.
3D - don't really care, it's the finances really and I'm sure that will be dealt with soon enough. My main issue has been with driver support for productivity software, for which I submitted bugreports to nvidia.

...I actually got a personal response back from ManuelG of NVIDIA, acknowledging and taking steps toward fixing the issue. That pretty much made my day.

Guess I'll stop my 5 hour mod of quadro 266.87 lol. So far I got everything to work properly including optimus, but excluding control panel - which won't even open (yet nview will...). Render times went down a good 20% though - and games run smooth.

 

I have yet to find a mini displayport to DVI adapter that will support 120Hz 3D.

The mfg of one adapter being suggested in several threads here states:
"**This adapter does not support 120Hz 3-D stereo display."
Please see the statement located towards the bottom of their product description.
ACCELL Cables - Audio, Video, Speaker, Computer Cables and Interconnects

Also worth mentioning here is a brief statement from Mandrake:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-3d-monitor-supported-m17xr3.html#post7122299

The adapter mentioned in his post (which I purchased) is single link. I had planned to test it for 120Hz 3D, but several posts have now pointed out that single link will NOT support it.

Both of these adapters still seem to offer the ability to use an external monitor with different technology and results (e.g. different supported resolutions). I am curious if the R3 can support a dual monitor system with one of these adapters - or perhaps even a triple one using the VGA port too.

 

What are my upgrade options with the R3? Can I add a second GPU? What else? I want to continue to be able to play the latest games at increased quality. With everything I'm reading, I'm starting to wonder if I made the best purchase. I don't really care for 3d and I did not order the 3d monitor. Would I have been better off with something else?

I ordered my R3 with the 2720M, 4 gig ram, single 460m GPU, 320 gig HDD

 

With rare exception your R3 plays everything at max settings currently. Who know's what dell will support in the future. Cannot add a 2nd GPU.

 

Do you know of any good 120hz external displays?

I'll be using my laptop mainly as a desktop replacement and want to connect a mouse, keyboard and solid 21-24 inch monitor at 1920x1080 and 120hz with 2-5ms response time.

 

The reviews I've seen on the Alienware OptX 23" are pretty good, a little pricey if you ask me but good. You're not planning on trying to run 3D on the external are you?

 

It seems pricey....but in 2008 I paid $500 each for 2 Gateway FHD2400 monitors (24" WUXGA) and did not mind the price at all for what I got. If I did not already have monitors I would get a set of OptX 2310s I think

Would REALLY prefer if they were 1920x1200 though.....

 

No, but the option to run 3d at a later time would be nice. Is there something wrong with running 3d to an external?

 

Here is a start:

Newegg.com - Acer GD235HZbid Black/orange 23.6" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 1080p 120Hz NVIDIA 3D LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DC 80000:1

 

Doesn't exactly play nice with the R3, it's possible but not easy from what I've seen. Mainly because it requires a very expensive dual link DVI cable to get the 3D signal out. By the time all is said and done you're probably looking at $500+ to get external 3D

 

Dell just cancelled my M17x R3 order : (.I tougth il go for the M17x R2 cuz it got a 700$ coupon but it only come whit amd card n i whant nvidia, what should i do.

BTW im ordering from dell canada.

 

If you want Nvidia I'd find something else. The Nvidia offering in the R2 really isn't very good, it's basically a few gen old card with no DX11 support and performance quite a bit below the 5870's. If you can wait just wait for the R3 to reappear and see what the next couple of months holds.

 

why doesnt it work nice? Is it because of lag between your mouse input and output on the external display because of all the processing that is required?

also I just chatted with an alienware sales guy and he said that the m17x listed on their website is the R2? He said the R3 had been taken off the website and that the R2 is now listed as the m17x? Any confirmation of this from you more knowledgeable guys? I do see that the m17 comes with the crossfire option so I guess its right.

 

^^^LOL, you haven't done much reading on the R3 have you? Check out this link:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...sandy-bridge-issue-what-does-mean-m17xr3.html
Guesses on availability to be able to order it again are between March and May.

As far as it not playing nice I just don't personally like having 18 cords laying on my desk when I have a laptop. I bought a laptop to have the screen in the computer, to eliminate most of the cords, and to add portability. Having 3D on an external screen does none of those. I'm sure it would play just fine but it's going to cost you about $100 for a cord to do it on top of the monitor, 3D kit, etc.