Some M17x R4 questions not covered in the owners lounge

or at least not covered on the first page, not the like the Asus G73JHs owner lounge at least.

What the latest unlocked bios version? A11?
I see references to modded bios for "legacy" support. what is legacy support?
Whats the best GPU AMD or Nvidia i can put in it?
Can the i7-3820QM be upgraded to anything notably better?
Can i change the out shell to black one for cheaper? I don't like my red case, would rather have blue or black or carbon wrap it.
If i carbon wrap it seems like it might be harder slide on if i wrap the edges?
Can the 120hz screen cables be easily found for cheaper that $45 USD
Has any one sourced any compatible/different screens besides the 120hz, like a VA panel 1080p or anything like that?
What's the largest power adapter I can get?

EDIT: Do we know of any other fan models or part number for the fan mod besides the M14x R2 fan? harder to find new.

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/servicetag/5MXWFV1/configuration

 

A11 as far as I am aware.

@Swick1981 is working on updated the BIOS so we can run Win 7 with Maxwell cards. Win 8.1 or Win 10 is otherwise required.

Best GPU is 980M. You will need a modded INF file, but it really is easy to do.

i7-3940XM is the fastest available CPU. If you don't overclock then the benefit may be minimal for you.

The black bottom chassis and lid cover are more common that the red. I am sure if yours are in good shape you could find a buyer for the red ones. This would offset your cost of the black pieces.

I know nothing about carbon wrap.

Not sure about the 120Hz cables.

If this screen is like the M15x then it's much better to swap the screen as a unit. You CAN just replace the LCD but you run the risk of contamination between the screen and the outer layer over the screen. Please, someone correct me if I am wrong on this in regards to the M17x R4!

 

Double post

 

1. What the latest unlocked bios version?

A11 by @svl7 over on the techinferno forums is the current unlocked bios
A12 & A13 are currently being worked on by @Swick1981 & is in beta testing​

2. I see references to modded bios for "legacy" support. what is legacy support?​

In Legacy mode, the UEFI firmware functions the same as a standard BIOS instead of UEFI firmware.
win 7 does not support pure UEFI as it creates a partition that is in a format not supported by pure UEFI​

3. Whats the best GPU AMD or Nvidia i can put in it?​

nVidia: 980m will work with win 7 in optimus win 8 / 10 in peg mode
AMD: ive seen m18x users use r9 m290x but i am currently unaware of any m17x r4 user running that card
amd & nVidia heat sinks are different​

4. Can the i7-3820QM be upgraded to anything notably better?​

the highest end processor that can be installed is i7-3940xm
but i am unable to comment on the performance difference​

5. Can i change the out shell to black one for cheaper?​

have a look over at parts people if your red case is in good condition let me know​

6. If i carbon wrap it seems like it might be harder slide on if i wrap the edges?

i have no experience with wrapping i would suggest asking in the
Notebook Cosmetic Modifications and Custom Builds
section of the forum
​

7. Can the 120Hz screen cables be easily found for cheaper that $45 USD

most ebay listings for the 120Hz panel include the cable have a look over at parts people​

8. Has any one sourced any compatible/different screens besides the 120hz, like a VA panel 1080p or anything like that?​

i don't know​

9. What's the largest power adapter I can get?​

330w the m18x adapter will work natively
​

10. Do we know of any other fan models or part number for the fan mod besides the M14x R2 fan?

most fans should have a life span of about 6000 hours at constant max speed i would be to worried about the fan being second hand

​

a few useful links:

a good upgrade faq (i cant reach the site atm so i cant give proper credit)
https://eu.alienwarearena.com/forum...nical-support-faq-for-your-alienware-computer​

@Mr. Fox's links index
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...hreads-and-posts-see-post-1-for-index.651352/​

 

My case appears to be in good condition. i will look it over for scratches. Maybe I can recoup the cost of a case form parts people. there screens are pricey but, if i get cheaper one ebay it would even out. OR do I need the display assembly which IS pricey? are they hard to take apart or like any other laptop screen replacement?

I don't need any mods like this for the 330watt?

https://www.techinferno.com/index.p...ide-dell-330w-power-adapter-mod-for-the-m17x/

Or do the later bioses or unlocked bios fix that? does A11 unlock support uefi and or 8.1 and 10? FYI I like 10 cause i play older games that require patches to get working in 7.

 

there screens are pricey but, if i get cheaper one ebay it would even out. OR do I need the display assembly which IS pricey? are they hard to take apart or like any other laptop screen replacement?

ive never taken the screen assembly apart so i cannot provide advise about this​

I don't need any mods like this for the 330watt?

nope just works straight a way i run a 330w still charges battery picks it up in the bios as 330w​

does A11 unlock support uefi and or 8.1 and 10?

win 10 /8 work just do not if your going nVidia use afterburner/presiosn x the only defiantly safe nVidia over clocking utility is nVidia inspector

never tried running pure uefi as i use 7
​

with your wrap there is an alienware cosmetic mods thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...metic-modifications-and-custom-builds.583983/

pm me about the case also it would depend on shipping costs/import duty as I'm in the uk

 

What are the benefits of an unlocked bios on the m17x r4?

 

Hey All,
I've been HARD at work, literally, on the m17xR4 bios. What I thought would be a few hour job has turned into a massive undertaking. I'm not sure i'll be able to do it, BUT... There is hope. In fact, to be honest, I think there is a 75% chance that I'll get it to work. Give or take of course... Then again, I'm really good at totally MUCKING things up, too! (It's a gift, honest!) Anyway, that's why I haven't really been on here the last week. Been porting modules into the unlocked bios because I know how important unlocked bios is... (Trying to give it where you can have your cake and eat it too, as they say)
I've seriously put more work into this than I've put into, well... ANYTHING. (kidding) But I'm busting my ass to get this done. What I thought would be a few hours has turned out to be a LONG FREAKING chore, but fun... Anyway, I'll be on here so send me a msg if you want. Back to coding and module modding. ICK...

 

I will certainly let you know when it's done and ready for testing. I'm HOPING this will work, but there is no guarantee, obviously! (Fingers crossed). I do have a LOCKED bios that can be tested, but it's a full bios. not with fparts, but the full actual bios, so if you've updated your IME, you may not want to do the update - unless you can downgrade, of course, to the Intel ME version that comes with your bios. In any case, send me a PM if you want to try that bios. Or, if you want to wait, that's fine, too... But I am working on this darn thing. I never knew it was going to take this much work. heck, I haven't worked this hard... well, EVER! LoL

 

whats an IME and whats updating it do?