[Release] Alienware 18 BIOS A12 Unlocked

The machine is mainly just for gaming on the go. I know the 880ms had issues alright but it wasnt the same with the 980ms was it? That bios though would it work on the machine Im looking at? Or does it need its own "custom" bios?

 

980Ms work fine in the Alienware 18 as long as you don't plan to overclock them significantly or try to undervolt them. Dell BIOS A12 introduced maxwell support for Alienware 18. The main purpose of this mod was to try to fix the fan tables (works only for extreme CPU) and to enable manual graphics switching as well as patch a few files to enable native OSx86 support

 

Thats really all I need tbh. I dont really bother with significant overclocking myself I only got the 980m's so my m18x could handle newer games. I never bothered with overclocking on the m18x its only for 1080p gaming for me personally. The machine Ive been looking at has a 4940mx and I mainly use it for mmo gaming in 1080 so this mod would suit it for keeping it cool I take it?

 

If you already have a m18x R2 there is seriously no reason to get a Alienware 18. 4930MX is a hot chip, more power hungry, minimal if any performance gain that could easily be offset by overclocking the 3920XM/3940XM. I really don't recommend you go that route.

 

After getting your post I thought it over and decided to leave it in the end. That and I thinking it over I felt I might be paying a bit too much as well. Might still grab one down the road but only if its much cheaper tbh (definately would still grab one if it was sub €1000 with a 4940 without GPU's). Might reconsider that clevo or try and push my M18X another year or 2 expecially with rumors of a mobile 1080 ti (though the date on some says april 1st hmmmmm.....)

 

is there a Optimus mode available?

 

Yes, set graphics to SG and good to go

 

!BEWARE!

Info below should be pinned to the first post:

Flashing modded BIOS from 1st Raidriar post on the 1st page will "inject" his service tag into Your machine. If You want to keep Your tag You MUST ask pythonic for personal mod.

 

Damn, I've been running this Bios for a few weeks now and only just realized I have lost my service tag

Will send a PM to Pythonic for a custom mod as I would prefer to retain my service tag.

 

If You did a backup of Your original BIOS before flashing Raidriar version You can restore it, dump it and send to Pythonic for modding but if You didn't make a backup I think it is already too late my friend. I have spend last whole night googling tools for changing service tag and only option to fix it is swapping motherboard ;(
Raidriar service tag is already injected and if You run bios dump tool it will dump bios with Raidriar service tag because its already "in". Clearing NVRAM does not help as well. Flashing original BIOS from DELL webpage does not help either.

I have found posts about "Dell Portables EEPROM Erase Program - E-Family ee-cpb.EXE" which is only available for dell technicians. With this tool You can theoretically change service tag in UEFI motherboards but I couldn't find it anywhere and can't confirm if it works.

BUT if You find anyway to fix it skindoe please let me know

EDIT#1: "Dell Portables EEPROM Erase Program - E-Family ee-cpb.EXE" won't work ;(

EDIT#2: After plenty hours of googling we need two files: SMMFGCFG.EXE or SMMFGCFG32/64.EXE and s2token.tbl
This tools is able to play with service tag/asset tag on UEFI motherboards.
I got already SMMFGCFG.EXE which is 16bit and can be run in DOS environment (SMMFGCFG32/64.EXE can be run directly in OS) but 2token.tbl it is a mistery. I read that this file is only available in internal DELL network and only high-level technicians have access to it

 

BOOOOOOOOOM Fixed!

I have found another, muuuuuuuuuuch easier way:

You need:

1. hex editor, I'm using HxD: https://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/
2. "bios.bin" file already modded by Pythonic

Instruction:

1. Open "bios.bin" in hex editor
2. In menu bar hit "Search" and "Replace"
3. In "Search for" type service tag You want to change, in "Replace with" type original service tag of Your machine
4. Change "Search direction" to "All"
5. Press "Replace All"
6. Save changes
7. Flash BIOS using modified "bios.bin" and tools/instruction provided by Pythonic
8. Restart unit, access BIOS, IT WORKS!

I am not taking ANY responsibility for that. It worked on my AW18 but it does not mean it will work on/won't brick Your device.

Service tag/express service code are properly changed in BIOS/Dell SupportAssist. Dell System Detect is properly detecting original service tag. There is one issue I have found so far. Dell SupportAssist did not update warranty status. Despite proper service tag/express service code it shows warranty status for Raidriar machine which is already expired.

 

can you please PM me the service tag that has to be replace with the laptop original service tag, so I do it before flashing the bois?

 

Tremendous work here! Congratz guys!

 

Does this unlocked bios include option for support for RAID 5 like it did for svl7's InsydeH2O unlocked bios back on the m18x R2? I was using 3 identical drives back then, one of which was mSATA.

 

I did this and it worked from my alienware 18. the problems is I had to load Raidriar's version to get his service tag so i can find it and replace with mine. if you open the bios.bin with the hex editor provided search 5819f72 and replace with your servicetag #. I take no credit for the work done I just figure I would take a step out of the process. also if you want to get a dump of your bios before you load this one you do everything you do to load the unlocked bios but instead of fptw64 -f bios.bin -bios, use fptw64 -d bios.bin -bios, actually for your sake you can change the bios.bin to mybios.bin to help distinguish the two. it will save it in the same directory. also so you dont have to do the memory thing on every change of the bios, Load optimal defaults. before you do anything.

 

Hello Community,

I am looking for assistance on flashing an unlocked bios for my AW 18. This is my first attempt at unlocking bios for any laptop.

Specification:
i7 4930MX @ 3.0 GHz
32 GB RAM
GTX 780M X2
BIOS A12

Should I use the file provided by the original poster?

How do I customize a personal unlocked bios? I did a search for the name pythonic instruction I could not find it on google search.

Thank you for any response to help me get started.

 

Hello Alex,

I would like to know how to get a personal modded bios for my AW18. Could you assist?

 

'RESULT: The data is identical.'

FPT Operation Passed.

Is this the expected result?

I've not rebooted yet.

EDIT: It works.

Loads of menus now.

My reason for doing this?

F A N C O N T R O L.... They don't spin up quick enough.

 

You can max the fans with a program called HWINFO64 (disable EC Support in program)

 

Not good enough.

I want the fans to spin up earlier than they do - automatically, every time I boot, and I do not care to have / hear HWinfo spin 'em up at 100% all the time...

 

In windows they spin up... I keep mine 100 through that method and no issues... Having them load through bios is a different story in which I can't help you on

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

 

Nothing can fix Dell's screwed up fan profiles. You will need Hwinfo for max Cpu overclock.

 

I do not wish to have my fans at 100% unless absolutely necessary, and an unlocked bios will allow me to change the point at which they 'kick in'.

I'm well aware of the Hwinfo method, and for years have disliked it.

Cheers.

 

You could possibly setup a macro key config that when pressed loads fans to max... Newer laptops have a button for these so I'm sure u could set something similar

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The fans do not run 100%. The cpu 3700rpm, should go to 4200rpm, the gpu one to 3500, and the other to 3300 ONLY !!! 3300RPM IS RIDICULOUS This is very few rev. My other team "m17x R4 runs the fans at 4600 gpu and 5100 cpu, with that configuration this m17x R4 does not go above 65º with 980m both gpu and cpu @ 4,3Ghz whit ic diamond 24, however in the Aw18 I can easily reach 80 gpu and 90 cpu, and 90 cpu using Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut It irritates me so much that I'm thinking of selling this portable cripple The only way for this crippled team to run the fans 100% is by doing this in the 2 fans of the gpu: http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/guide-run-fans-at-max-anytime-alienware-18.742649/
and enabling ec in hwinfo to control only the cpu

 

My fans run at the same speed as u stated above. The M17x, M14x and 18 are all different. the M14x has an 11.4CFM Fan in it that does like 7000RPM I think, but only has that one fan, thats alot different than the speed for a system with 3 fans. my AW 18 OC CPU and GPU with TG Conductonaut, CPU sits under 65C and GPUS under 60 usually mid to low 50s on the GPUs. you could pick up a cooler like the Cooler Master U3 and Modify the Fans to push of 107CFM per fan with 3 EK Vardar 3000RPM Fans. As for EC Support I said disable not enable. There is a somewhat thick black mesh on the bottom of the fan filter when you open the Laptop. I have removed that so that could also be affecting my temps.

 

In the CPU I have the fan j77h4 with 11.7cfm. To be able to adapt it, to lengthen the cable. Even so, it reaches 90º. I have tried four heatsink "3pipes" in case it was deformed, nothing works. The only solution that could be made is the one described above. I live in the Canary Islands, here it is easy to reach 35 / 40º ambient temperature in summer. Tremendous idea that Dell's had when CAPAR THE FANS IN THIS WAY so that the system did not make noise

 

The Fans are junk, its Dellienware they cheap out on everything possible... have you seen the new BGA Crapbooks. Anyway your temps are awfully high. is the system elevated to receive enough air through the bottom? do you have a laptop cooler? I recommend you try removing the Black Mesh on the bottom of the Fan Filter when you open the laptop to see if that helps any. I would strongly recommend you buy a Cooler Master U3 and perform this modification done by @Mr. Fox you can see many versions of his mod for the cooler in these images - http://imgur.com/a/7RmEM , http://imgur.com/a/IGq3C, http://imgur.com/a/iZ192
Just use the EK Vardar 3000RPM Fans (or any fan of your choosing, the Vardar seems to offer tons of airflow) instead of the Rosewill Fans shown in the video. Did u put the Liquid Metal on both the Die of the CPU/GPU and the Heatsink?

 

I have removed the black maya from the bottom, I have put additional copper dice. I have the base of coler master u3, but with the fans that it brings. I have them disconnected from the usb, because it gives me the same temp to have them put that without. As soon as I have time I will try to modify the U3, to see if I can lower the temp a little more before selling the equipment

Ok, as soon as I can I'll do that mod, to see if I can reduce the temp. By the way, the processor is a 4940mx, it asks for enough voltage to be able to run 4.3ghz on all cores for 24/7. I think it is partly responsible for reaching 90 degrees. They are very bad for the ocean

 

I have mine plugged in, but the fans Are junk stock on the U3 I still Have Yet to perform the mod for the U3... Hopefully in the Start of 2018 when I have extra money sitting around Have u cleaned the Fans? as well as the Heatsinks? I mean it should be a given by how many times the system was opened but always worth a shot asking.

 

The fans I usually clean with air pressure, I dismantle the base and give them air. I usually do it every 2 or 3 months

 

Ah I clean with Water, lol, your method may be better. so thats not the issue either then... hmmm have u tried with the whole bottom panel off?

 

I think you misunderstood me, I use the Google translator. I removed the 3 fans from the system, disassembled the fan and a pressure gun air connected to a compressor


One question, how can you do 4.6 ghz with the graphics oc with a single source of 330w?

 

No I understand that I mean have the whole system running with no bottom panel on like remove the fan filter and the other piece of aluminum then set back down on the cooler and see if that helps at all. Wondering if your system is having trouble getting air through the system or through the filter

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

 

Benchmarks my system will crash, or thermal throttle. Gaming though I seem to have no issues. CPUZ however will finish without crashing or thermal throttling. Beats a stock 6700k once u hit 4.4GHz... At 4.8GHz you should theoretically beat a stock 7700k according to CPUZ scores

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No, I think it may be because of the processor, which asks me for a lot of voltage. Maybe it's the cause of those 90º.
It has some result in 3d mark?
This is my results in 4,1 ghz https://www.3dmark.com/fs/14224999

 

Do you get 90C in Games or just benchmarks?

 

When I've been playing for hours, and at 4,3ghz all nuclei

 

?

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@Raja786 and @domain234 Here are my CPU-Z Scores for different frequency 4.3 and beyond... 4.7 Does finish however CPU is running at 98-103C the entire time so I need to get a cooling mod to increase further. this is achievable by lowering the iGPU Voltage and its frequency, since your gaming on your dedicated card not the CPU's GPU. As per my estimate of 4.8GHz reaching stock 7700k levels, I think this is achievable after I finish @Mr. Fox Cooling Mod for the U3.

 

Dellienware crippled last normal and decent Alienware 17 with weak fans. On top of this with crippled fan profiles who only reached max rpm when you performed Bios flash. The same way also for AW18 I think. And all know how the thin and flimsy 2015 models became. Even worse... Amazing. Not only crippled fans, the whole package was destroyed.
And Dell - Alienware continue with no manual fan controll in their own main software. People have asked for this feature the last 5 years. But Nope!! Why should they care?

 

They care about money... BGA saves them money makes sense on why they switched... It's junk. Why care about/support user upgrades... They just want money.

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How much they save on push out this? I don't know. But they won't get a single penny from me!!

 

I only got this AW18 with hope for 10 series or next Gen cards getting support for it. And it being as powerful as my desktop I sold for it. I didn't buy it for the name at all. My first actual gaming PC was an Alienware X51 back in 2013. Cheapest hardware they could get I swear... So I only got the Alienware as it was cheap in my area and no clevos were available my next system will be an MSI (MXM Cards junk BGA CPU) but would prefer a Clevo.... Currently looking for old 7700K SLI Clevos people are selling to upgrade to 8700K SLI Clevos... Maybe be able to snap one cheap or something lol.

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I like this comment on much "thicker notebooks"... People who want SLI performance on the go understand what the system is used for... your not bringing your SLI Laptop to a Coffee Shop or on the Subway to play a quick game u know its to heavy and the battery life sucks... (not to mention probably have common sense to know that both of those sound stupid). You use as a desktop replacement, well at least I do... I sold my Mic, 5.1 Speaker Setup, Triple Monitors (will be replaced by VR eventually) and of course my desktop, for my laptop because it does all of these functions. I Know it to carry around to a friends or hotel, etc Its meant to be more portable than a desktop with everything built it. Instead of carry all those items I just carry one. It fits a certain audience of people... these people who want these like ultra thin laptops like the Razer Blade of the new ASUS Zephyrus pay a premium price for this overheating thin garbage "that has better battery life" (obviously 1 card runs is SG Mode so when not gaming it uses iGPU so of course this is good for battery). what happens when a 1060/1080 is not longer enough for gaming (Razer Blade for sure as it has a GTX 1060 and GTX 1080 4K Option.... yes a GTX 1060 with a 4K Screen... like Why...) you need to buy a whole new system. and Razer blades aint cheap, those thing are more pricey than Alienwares. As for the amplifier... an SLI Upgradable system is a desktop replacement which all laptops should be... however when you add this part you now have to also carry with you just to play a game cause your 970M (example from an older AW17) cant run the latest titles in 2019 so u need to carry your GA with a new GPU just to game... that's not desktop replacement thats just more baggage than a "thicker" notebook. Lower Quality systems with Desktop CPUs? Clevos are pretty reliable from what I have seen (haven't owned one so cant comment, kinda like BGA.... only BGA Laptop I had was an old HP Compaq GT 8800 Athlon X2 that sort of system.. cant remember exact specs). People who want these thin BGA Crapbooks have caused alot of comapnies head into this direction... I do like the approach of MSI, thin BGA Crapbooks but they do still have a lineup for MXM GPUs single and SLI Systems... however they do have BGA CPUs (heard they are terrible but havent really owned a decent BGA CPU so cant comment)

 

This is really true, they only worry about money selling disposable BGA hardware. For my part this is going to be the last computer I buy, I am very clear from now on to go for a Clevo / Eurocom, which is the only thing that is really worth today, with Cpu / Gpu dedicated and not soldered. There are obtains the Hardware you are paying for
In the time, do not buy Msi because it has Cpu welded, they go in the correct sense, with mechanical keyboard, updatable gpu's, double power supply "660w", but a cpu that can not be updated, that is limited to a few w, not good for me. The razer type thin laptops, I have never liked, I want a system to have good big fans to cool the components well, that's why I've always opted for "the wider big the better".
When you do the mod to U3, tell me if it really lowers the temperatures, to proceed to do it.

 

I have always preferred power of looks and noise... I wear a headset/headphones so don't care about fan speed as I cant hear it anyway... I dont care about stupid RGB (Only for keyboard and Mouse really everything else is dumb).. I would rather a more powerful thicker laptop than a razer crapbook... again i havent tried a recent BGA CPU so i can't comment if the MSI is that bad... I do like the Audiophile type headphone jack (GT83) for something like AudioTechnica M50x. But yes my next system will be a clevo/eurocom/sager/gentech really whatever cheapest lmao! I got other things to buy for a while so prob won't get to that for a couple years... but eh 980M SLI should last me for a bit I hope!

 

Completely agree. Do not think the same is that a CPU in this type of equipment, should always be dedicated, since with a bad overclock that knocks out the CPU or any other cause, it would have to replace the entire board. However, with these systems, just change the processor and go.
If I solve the problem of the temperature that I have, I will also keep it a good season

 

The only viable laptops today is the 17,3" Clevo P870 series and the lonely 15,6 inches Msi barbone from MSI. Those contain full socket hardware.
Offer MXM grapthics as MSI but welded on cpu ain't a option. It's still a pure Jokebook. A big Nope!!