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    Alienware M18x R2 PCIe speed stuck at x1 3.0

    Discussion in 'Alienware 18 and M18x' started by Mikkel Eriksen, Nov 13, 2018.

  1. Mikkel Eriksen

    Mikkel Eriksen Newbie

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    Hello.

    Been using a GTX 870M for some time and decided to upgrade to a GTX 980M.
    installation went good but i noticed my PCIe speed is stuck at X1 3.0

    • Windows 10
    • Using BIOS A13
    • GPU tested under load.
    • using nvidia driver 416.81
    • 980M VBIOS 84.04.2F.00.79
    • GPU-Z Reports it supports PCIe X16 3.0

    anyone experienced the same issue ?

    Best Regards
    Mikkel E.
     
    Mikkel Eriksen, Nov 13, 2018
    #1
  2. Raidriar

    Raidriar ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)

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    Are you in SG or PEG mode?
     
    Raidriar, Nov 13, 2018
    #2
  3. Khenglish

    Khenglish Notebook Deity

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    Clean off the GPU's mxm connector with rubbing alcohol. The slightest film on the pci-e pins will prevent it from connecting properly.
     
    Khenglish, Nov 13, 2018
    #3
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  4. Mikkel Eriksen

    Mikkel Eriksen Newbie

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    Im using stock A13 BIOS. there is no options for either SG or PEG.
    If I want to change those settings i need to flash A12 modded BIOS right ?
    I will try to clean the MXM connector tomorrow :)
     
    Mikkel Eriksen, Nov 13, 2018
    #4
  5. Raidriar

    Raidriar ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)

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    Easy way to check, open device manager and see if only Nvidia GPU is present or also intel GPU.
     
    Raidriar, Nov 13, 2018
    #5
  6. Mikkel Eriksen

    Mikkel Eriksen Newbie

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    only GTX 980M is present
     
    Mikkel Eriksen, Nov 13, 2018
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  7. ssj92

    ssj92 Neutron Star

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    How are you measuring that the system is running at x1 speeds?
     
    ssj92, Nov 13, 2018
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  8. Mikkel Eriksen

    Mikkel Eriksen Newbie

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    Mikkel Eriksen, Nov 14, 2018
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  9. Mikkel Eriksen

    Mikkel Eriksen Newbie

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    Mikkel Eriksen, Nov 15, 2018
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  10. ssj92

    ssj92 Neutron Star

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    Maybe I missed it but how exactly are you determining it's for sure running at x1 speeds?
     
    ssj92, Nov 17, 2018
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  11. Mikkel Eriksen

    Mikkel Eriksen Newbie

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    Using GPU-Z and HWinfo while playing a game (fallout 76).
    I have attached 2 pictures, one from my old GTX 870m and the new 980m
     

    Attached Files:

    Mikkel Eriksen, Nov 17, 2018
    #11
  12. ssj92

    ssj92 Neutron Star

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    That screenshot is of the 980M at idle.

    Check in the BIOS, there is an option for link speed and gen type.
     
    ssj92, Nov 17, 2018
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  13. Khenglish

    Khenglish Notebook Deity

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    Seriously just reseat the card, cleaning the connector if you can. Don't mess with bios or drivers. They don't matter.
     
    Khenglish, Nov 17, 2018
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  14. Lumlx

    Lumlx Notebook Consultant

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    upload_2018-11-18_19-52-24.png
    Open GPU-Z and press that blue question mark. It will open new windows with button "Start render test" You will see your speed changing from 1.1 to 3.0 or something like that.
     
    Lumlx, Nov 18, 2018
    #14
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  15. Mikkel Eriksen

    Mikkel Eriksen Newbie

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    I looked in the BIOS and didnt found anything for setting speed at x1 or x8 etc. only Gen type.
     

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    Mikkel Eriksen, Nov 19, 2018
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  16. Mikkel Eriksen

    Mikkel Eriksen Newbie

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    Doing so only changes the 1.0 to 3.0... not the x1 :s
     

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    Mikkel Eriksen, Nov 19, 2018
    #16
  17. ssj92

    ssj92 Neutron Star

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    ssj92, Nov 20, 2018
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