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    Possible repair for AlienFX

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by ashragnorok, Jan 23, 2012.

  1. ashragnorok

    ashragnorok Newbie

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    I have been looking for a way to repair my Alienware since November of last year. After 3 months of creeping forums i have an idea. we all know that the early alienware command center is not compatible with the recent releases. when a user updates the command center to the newest version, then uses alienrespawn or attempts to install the previous version the controller becomes corrupted. While I believe that dell should be held liable for this issue, I have gotten raspberries in response.

    NOW, to the theory I have according to the thread here ( Alien FX / Command center troubles - Alienware Forum - Alienware Club - Dell Community).
    The controller is the IC designated C8051F347, this chip when flashed incorrectly becomes a brick and is trash. I have searched and possibly found a way to replace it. First you must buy a replacement chip like this one ( Cracking Open the Alienware M14x: Silicon Laboratories C8051F347 High-speed 8051 MCU | 90 of 95) and a programer ( USB ToolStick), ocumentation on the specific model http://www.silabs.com/Support Documents/TechnicalDocs/ToolStick_Programming_Adapter_UG.pdf). This will allows you to flash a new chip with the firmware located in the command center folder. Unfortunately you will them have to unsolder the old chip (which on the m17x r1 is located next to the bluetooth adapter on the motherboard.) and solder on the new chip. That should repair the alienfx. Any help with this would be appreciated.

    -AshRagnoroK
     
    ashragnorok, Jan 23, 2012
    #1
  2. opsytron

    opsytron Newbie

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    Hi there. I would try Your idea have spear working mobo from m15x and m17x without fxlights. Hmm I thing it is possible have tools to de and resolding chip but is it possible to clear data on old one and reprogram it again properly ? Or should I buy new chip ? And also to do that I need base adapter and and programming one for 69 $ and witch one 320pp or 342pp?
     
    opsytron, Apr 18, 2012
    #2
  3. xeroxide

    xeroxide Notebook Deity

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    i believe svl7 did something similar to this but for his GPU.
    but i'm thinking you might also need a dump from a working chip.

    ouch that chip looks nasty to try to remove
     
    xeroxide, Apr 18, 2012
    #3
  4. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Yup, I'm pretty sure it's possible with JTAG tools without unsoldering the chip, I just need a broken one to test, my systems are all under warranty.
     
    katalin_2003, Apr 18, 2012
    #4