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    Strange GPU power issue with M17x R4 & GTX 675m

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by SimonDJ, Jan 3, 2013.

  1. SimonDJ

    SimonDJ Newbie

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    Hi guys, first post here :hi2:

    I'd like to have some feedback on a strange problem I recently ran into (just got this laptop, 10 days ago).

    Specs: Alienware M17x R4
    i7 3840 QM
    16GB RAM
    750GB HDD @ 7200 tr/min + 32 GB mSATA SSD caching drive
    2 GB GTX 675m (Nvidia 310.70 drivers)
    Win 7 64b ultimate

    Nothing OC'd.

    I was playing Skyrim (Ultra settings) with roughly 35 fps (Ok for me considering it was heavily modded) then all of a sudden I dropped @ 2-5 fps for 2 minutes then CTD.
    I relaunched it and got same fps.

    Restarted the comp and got a BSOD at booting (sry didn't wrote down the ID, something about USB device but not sure).
    Since that moment, I can't get my GPU clock to run above idle state (P-State 12 or 8), I checked it with GPU-Z and Nvidia Inspector.

    I tried to revert to factory settings but the problem was still there. I tried to rollback to several previous GPU drivers, but nothing.

    Anyone here to help me please, I just hope I didn't fried the GPU or PCI connector...
     
    SimonDJ, Jan 3, 2013
    #1
  2. Matthew1993

    Matthew1993 Notebook Consultant

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    what are your temps? maybe your gpu is throttling (maybe dell engineers didn't pasted it correctly) i had that problem and after repasting gpus , problem never came back. Regards.
     
    Matthew1993, Jan 3, 2013
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  3. SimonDJ

    SimonDJ Newbie

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    Temp is stable in the 50-60 C range so I don't think it's the source of the problem but thank anyway for the quick reply
     
    SimonDJ, Jan 3, 2013
    #3
  4. sangemaru

    sangemaru Notebook Deity

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    Sounds like busted VRM's to me. I'd first suggest uninstalling drivers and doing a driver sweeper pass, if that doesn't solve it backup your OS and reinstall and see how it goes and then restore, and if that doesn't solve it straight into repair.

    If it is a case broken IC's, first bet would be on the card, although I have my doubts that the card itself would have the neccessary redundancy to still function, so second play would go to the mobo.
    Either way, it should be totally solvable in warranty, or if you don't have warranty, by a guy with a heatgun and some spare mosfets.
     
    sangemaru, Jan 3, 2013
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  5. SimonDJ

    SimonDJ Newbie

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    Ok, just finished with the phone support, upgrading the BIOS from A09 to A10 solved the issue for me.


    Thanks for you help guys
     
    SimonDJ, Jan 4, 2013
    #5
  6. Matthew1993

    Matthew1993 Notebook Consultant

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    im glad you solved your problem , now enjoy gaming
     
    Matthew1993, Jan 4, 2013
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  7. sangemaru

    sangemaru Notebook Deity

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    I'm glad bios flashing solved it for you mate :)
     
    sangemaru, Jan 4, 2013
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  8. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    It's great to hear that the system BIOS fixed it for you. Hopefully this thread will get to anyone else who has the same issue.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Jan 4, 2013
    #8