Drivers: Descriptions and necessity for each?

TL;DR help me understand drivers. See the list below.

My goal: install Windows 7 on an Alienware 18 with minimal crap/bloatware/unnecessary resource hogs. Gaming - yes. But I am not (yet) an overclocker; I am happy with a lightweight machine that has very little running so the games aren't competing for resources. Blinking and colored lights and other gimmicks don't impress me. It's the gaming experience that matters. Get that other stuff out of the way.

That said, I know it's subjective -- what you might consider "necessary" is different from the next person. So I value everyone's opinions, just as long as you also understand where I'm coming from.

What I' m not finding anywhere, especially on Dell's support site, is actual layman's definition of what each driver is for. Sure, some are obvious, but some are not. Of course, on top of that, what drivers are actually NEEDED as a bottom line for a normally functioning system? (For example, consensus seems to be if you have a logitech mouse, you don't need to install anything it comes with unless you need to map macros to its extra buttons -- Windows drivers do just fine)

This thread here [ Alienware 18 Updated Drivers] is an EXCELLENT start to learning that you can actually use drivers designated for different machines and operating systems. Thanks for muddying the waters, Dell.

One seemingly important tidbit in that thread is the author states that the list is in "proper installation order" -- that's a bit new to me, can anyone expand upon what drivers MUST be installed before any others? Also, now I see you can list in installation order on Dell's site, but the list in that thread does NOT agree with Dell's order -- would love to get clarification on that.

Taking the drivers in the order of that thread:

1) OSD Application
I'm still not sure this is necessary, but I can't find a definitive list of the features it provides. See this thread: OSD - What it is and if it's necessary.
Also wondering if this is really necessary to install first before everything else? Can I leave it for later at the end?

2) Intel Lynx Point HM87 Driver
Not listed anywhere in Dell's list of drivers for my A18. Seems to be the main chipset driver - assume it to be absolutely necessary (?) and replaces the following from Dell's list:

Intel Dynamic Platform & Thermal Framework Driver for Extreme CPU
Chipset_Driver_HCDC4_WN_7.0.0.2020_A00.EXE

If those are different, clarification on both is GREATLY appreciated.

3) IMEI
Another chipset driver. Probably necessary? Looks to replace the following:
Intel Management Engine Interface Driver
Chipset_Driver_H7GV7_WN_9.0.2.1323_A00.EXE

4) IRST
Looks like this is the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver. Dell has it at the bottom of their install list, wondering why it's so high here. Also, what does this add for me - obviously Windows installs and uses HDDs without this installed.

5) Intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver
Is this just to enable USB 3.0 or is it something extra piled on top of that? Probably a good idea to install?

6) Realtek Card Reader Driver
Seems simple, no reason anyone should skip this. EXCEPT, it's not in Dell's list at all. WTF, I think it used to be. Indeed, card reader not working with fresh Windows install. Guess I'll install. Thanks for screwing your list up, Dell. Thanks MUCH MUCH MORE to the OP of that thread.

7) Intel HD Graphics Driver
Presumably this is for the onboard graphics? Oddly, Dell's site isn't showing me anything except the NVIDIA driver. I'm a bit confused on this. With a fresh, bare Win 7 SP 1 installation with no updates, the machine is of course displaying -- is it using drivers for the onboard graphics included with Windows? Thus, is there any reason to use this driver?

8) The Alienware-provided NVIDIA driver
Hmm, I think we want this one. Good tips about de-selecting 3D and NVIDIA updates. OTOH, this post talks about what you need to do to run newer drivers straight from NVIDIA: New 320.49 driver How many people do this? What does it buy you? I'm not sure 2fps is worth the hassle if that's all it is.

9) Qualcomm LAN Killer E2201 Driver
Probably want this(?), BUT this also isn't on Dell's list for this system - there's no ethernet driver listed at all. WTF. I think previously the Qualcomm driver was listed for me.
Also, this is at the very top of Dell's installation order if I switch to Win 8, so why is it #9 here?
THANKS to the OP for the tip to extract the package and do a manual driver install - I had wondered about the application it installs otherwise, which seemed gratuitous to me...

10) Broadcom BCM4352 Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Driver
This one's near the very top of Dell's installation order, so why not here?
Also, noob question, but it doesn't say anywhere... I assume this also includes the Wifi driver - it's one and the same with bluetooth?
Here again, Dell's list is completely wonked. They list a driver for the Dell Wireless 1550 WiFi / Bluetooth and three drivers for the Intel Dual Band Wireless AC7260 when I'm 99% sure I have the BCM4352 (and I think it was listed correctly before). Dell, get your act together.

11) Skipping airplane mode switch since it's only for Win 8.1, although I suppose we could ask here if it's necessary at all, especially since these A18 beasts won't often be used on airplanes.

12) Realtek ALC3661 Audio Codec Driver
Normally, I consider an audio driver a must-have, but right now with nothing except fresh Windows installed, I do have sound. AND that this says it's a "codec" driver confuses me.
Good tips from the OP on the Dolby Home Theater app, although I wonder how much bloatware this is and how much it truly helps. Does it help for just the raw laptop speakers? Or more with some advanced sound system you have attached to your rig?

13) Synaptics Touchpad Driver
Here, too, Windows gives me at least basic touchpad functionality. Is this driver just going to add features or is there something in there I probably need?

14) Command Center
I'm really dubious about needing this. Advice and experience greatly appreciated.

15) Freefall Sensor Driver
Seems like a good idea, unless you have all SSD in your rig.


FIRMWARE:

I see 15 SSD firmwares -- now what if I buy a Crucial mSATA drive or a different LiteOn or Samsung drive than is in this list - there's no custom firmware needed for those?

BIOS:
My machine is at A07, but Dell lists A10. Seems like this is something to install before ANYTHING else, isn't it? Why does Dell recommend installing it very last?
No bugs with this, no reason to hold off this update is there?

 

1) It IS necessary, that tells some drivers that your system is an Alienware / DELL system AND provides you with 3 things:

a) On screen display notifications, like when you mute the sound, turn on / off caps lock / instead or decrease the sound level

b) makes the FN key shortcuts work. like FN + F7 or F8 to increase / decrease the sound level

c) enables you to switch between integrated and dedicated graphics via the FN + F5 key

d) enables you to turn on or off the desktop battery saving mode by right clicking on the power icon in the taskbar

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2) That is the Intel Chispet Software just named differently by Dell (Intel Lynx Point) and is an absolute must to install
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3) IMEI is not a must, but if you don't install it you will notice its component has an excalamation mark in hte device manager, fux0rs up my OCD of perfection so I install it.

It is usually used by IT professionals to administer machines remotely
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4) IRST = MUST to install. It is usually for RAID configurations but even if you don't do RAID, you sHOULD install it as it replaces the default MSAHCI Driver with the IRST Controller Driver which is far superior especially in the 4K Reads / Writes giving you better overall performance and system snapiness
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5) A must on Windows 7! unless you want to be cripple your system and have it do transfers @ USB 2.0 Speeds
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6) Card reader driver is a must to instal
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7) Not a MUST but I install it for the rare times when I do unplug my laptop from the power, the OSD application which we installed first would popup a message reminding you tp press FN + F5 on your keyboard to switch to the integrated graphics to saver power.

Ideal if for example you are on the run and want to use your laptop for more than an hour to an hour and a half on battery because if it was running on the nVIDIA Graphics it will milk your battery
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8) Don't bother with those outdated drivers which haven't been updated for more than a year! yeah great Dell! a Gaming laptop that has ancient graphics driver! Even the cheap and crappy ASUS laptops keep their Graphics drivers updated from time to time

Grab the latest ones from here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us
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9) Don't install that unless you want to have blue screens randomly because it installs something called the Bandwidth controller which is very buggy.

Instead, extract the drivers only, then manually install the DRIVER ONLY via the device manager by navigating to the Drivers. On my system, it is:

D:\Drivers\Alienware 18\09-LAN\Qualcomm Killer LAN E2201 Driver 1.0.36.1067\inf\production\Windows7-x64\e22w7

it's the e22w7 folder you want to look for unde rthe Win7 directory of those drivers
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10) Must install
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11) only for Windows 8
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12) Must install, Dolby is not bloatware, without it the sound sounds like crap. The Dell Driver is buggy on Windows 7 where it won't install Dolby and even if you install it manually after the driver was installed, it wouldn't integrate correctly thus giving you no Dolby effects whatsoever. You need to install my custom driver which has added the Dolby folder correctly so it would install and integrate correctly from this link:

http://www.mediafire.com/download/l...C3661_Audio_Codec_Driver_6.0.1.7260_(A01).zip
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13) you can do without it, but I always have it installed. It gives you additional custom settings to adjust the sensitivity of the Touchpad and to enable the side scroll bars and some gestures
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14) MUST. Gives you the lighting effects of Alienware and to easily be able to change them in addition toe an easy access for your power options via AlienFusion which gets installed with it and to set multiple profiles of lights for diff. games if you want
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15) Not necessary if you have an SSD. but I install it because I don't want to have any unknown devices in Device Manager. Again, my OCD and is not a must
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16) Don't bother with the firmwares, those are for systems that shipped with those particular drives
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17) If you aren't having any problems, not a must, but I always like to have the latest firmware. The latest firmware also includes the preset default of OC Level 1, that is Overlock level 1 which is safe to do and will up your CPU clock speed max turbo by 200 MHz
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Finaly words, the drivers on the Dell Website under your laptop's service tag are not put in in order, so don't wonder why is the IRST located at the bottom, etc. etc.

I showed you the correct install order in the other thread

 

BTW. Dell doesn't include any bloatware like other vendors. The only optional download which is not even mentioned under one's service tag downloads page is AlienAutopsy, that is not necessary. It is just a tool to help you test your machine for any problem and is just a renamed version of PC Doctor that dell made

 

@Ferris23 I'm VERY grateful for your helpful responses!!

Hmm, I'm not convinced it IS necessary (features you list are nice, but seem convenience oriented), although you tempted me enough I think I'll try it anyway.

OK, if you don't mind, just so I can be absolutely clear on this rather important point: The Lynx Point HM87 driver is the same/newer version/replacement for what Dell lists as "Intel Dynamic Platform & Thermal Framework Driver for Extreme CPU"?

Eiw, really? Last thing I want is anything extra on my laptop for remote login, which I won't ever use and gives peace of mind there could never be an exploit that can hurt you if you don't have it installed. Is there any other reason I'd ever want to install this?

Wait, the Intel RAID support is already in the BIOS -- in fact, I'm using it now. So you've confused me a bit here.

Makes sense. Although as I noted, currently, default Windows drivers are working for me, I assume on the integrated system. Will I be unable to access them once I install the NVIDIA driver?

Interesting opinion. Just when Mr. Fox convinced me otherwise here: ***M18x - NVIDIA SLI (Driver Questions, Performance, Problems) Discussion Thread***

I have plenty of non-2014 games I still need to catch up on.

So do you use the NVIDIA driver in your list or do you use the one from NVIDIA with modified .inf files?

Well then we all owe you a lot of gratitude for putting that together!! THANKS!!!!!

Hmm, I don't hear a good argument here for "MUST install." I don't care what color the &$^# lights are - I just want to game. And be productive the rest of the time. Not trying to create an argument, but am looking to understand if there are good reasons to install it that are not just fluff. (If you like fluff, fine with me!)

Is that automatic when it senses high load? Or is there stuff somewhere to control turbo? OSD?

No, Dell's driver list has an option to sort by category or by installation order. That said, I suspect it's really not significant.

Again, SO MANY THANKS to @Ferris23 !!!

 

Installing the chipset and Intel MEI drivers first is generally a good idea, but after that I have never followed any specific installation order for several years and I have never encountered a problem with random installation. I generally install OSD and AWCC last. In between, I don't think it matters in the grand scheme of things. It might on some systems if there is a dependency for one driver to rely on another one already being installed, but I haven't run into that on an Alienware system.

 

Found some interesting stuff about this:

http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte/55149-intel-management-engine-interface-needed.html
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/intel-management-engine-interface-what-is-it.8962/

Primarily, it does look like it's just an advanced form of remote access technology and not very useful in a home setting.

Here's a how-to guide for how to actually use this technology to remote access your machine even when powered down or BSOD!

http://www.howtogeek.com/56538/how-to-remotely-control-your-pc-even-when-it-crashes

Hmm, only 8 char password. Sadly if you are interested in this, I don't see it anywhere in BIOS (although I'm still on A07), but that begs the question "why in the world is it there if there's no way to use it?"

There is a little bit of lingering doubt about whether or not it facilitates certain parts of the O/S to control the hardware (like fan speeds, CPU clocking), because a few people keep mentioning it as a question, but no one seems to have the answer to that. The Wikipedia page on the technology mentions something like that in the software section:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Active_Management_Technology#Software

• Quiet System Technology (QST), formerly known as Advanced Fan Speed Control (AFSC), which provides support for acoustically-optimized fan speed control, and monitoring of temperature, voltage, current and fan speed sensors that are provided in the chipset, CPU and other devices present on the motherboard. Communication with the QST firmware subsystem is documented and available through the official software development kit (SDK).[33]

Interestingly, it also mentions that it's also tied to TPM.

Based only on my gut, I am going to say it probably does not provide the A18 with the interfaces it uses to control fan speeds and overclocking, etc. I'm not going to install this, will disable the device, hopefully that won't hurt clocking or anything.

 

In the process of gathering up my drivers, I ran into a couple questions about version numbers. I saw @Ferris23 made a similar post more recently here: Yuppiee!!! I finally fixed my Event ID 18 CPU Errors in Windows 7!

That post has some drivers at *older* version numbers, and I was hoping to hear opinions on which driver versions are preferred. Here are the ones that had rolled back version numbers in @Ferris23's more recent post/list:

OSD v0.33.0.11C (versus v0.33.0.14C)

Realtek Audio Codec Driver v6.0.1.7260 (versus v6.0.1.7358)

Qualcomm LAN Killer E2201 Driver v1.0.36.1067 (versus v8.1.0.23)
That's a big version difference!

ST Microelectronics Free Fall Sensor Driver v4.12.0046 (versus v4.12.0057)

Alienware GeForce Driver v332.70 (versus v340.84)
For this one, I'm slightly concerned about the description page for v340.84, it says it's for cards GTX 860M/GTX780/GTX690. I think those are different cards (without the M suffix is in fact another valid card). So maybe that's reason to go with the lower version (and it's what Dell lists for me) but @Ferris23 also had a note in his newer list about newer versions of the driver lacking CUDA support, but it's not clear if that's his reason for backing off of the newer driver.

...


Also still hoping to get some guidance on unanswered questions above, especially:

OK, if you don't mind, just so I can be absolutely clear on this rather important point: The Lynx Point HM87 driver is the same/newer version/replacement for what Dell lists as "Intel Dynamic Platform & Thermal Framework Driver for Extreme CPU"?

Wait, the Intel RAID support is already in the BIOS -- in fact, I'm using it now. So you've confused me a bit here.

Makes sense. Although as I noted, currently, default Windows drivers are working for me, I assume on the integrated system. Will I be unable to access them once I install the NVIDIA driver?

Interesting opinion. Just when Mr. Fox convinced me otherwise here: ***M18x - NVIDIA SLI (Driver Questions, Performance, Problems) Discussion Thread***

I have plenty of non-2014 games I still need to catch up on.

So do you use the NVIDIA driver in your list or do you use the one from NVIDIA with modified .inf files?


And finally wondering if you have any non-fluff (no offense at all) reasons to consider Command Center a "MUST" rather than a "I REALLY LIKE IT"?

Thanks!!

 

As Ferris23 said it is a way better than default driver. So, if you want a better RAID performance - install it.

 

How can that be possible if the RAID is hardware and I have installed Windows onto the array, which, as far as it can see, is on a single drive. So how can a driver in Windows know or have any ability to somehow increase hardware RAID performance?

 

This will not increase hardware RAID performance, this will increase performance by using RAID hardware more efficiently.
For example: read or write data using faster algorithms or split data between drives in more efficient way.

 

I usually install just the drivers that make the "!" Go away in device manager.

 

if you're doing RAID or not, the IRST driver IS a better controller driver. The default Intel MSAHCI driver is an ancient driver that is dated back to 2006 and is known to work on any HDD/SSD out there so it's there by default for compatibility reasons. If you want better performance out of your drive, be it an SSD or HDD, you need to install the latest IRST driver. This is why the IRST driver is always included in any laptop that you buy even if it doesn't have a RAID setup.

 

The IRST drivers are especially important if your running raid and ssd's as it helps with TRIM.

 

Question about firmware. I update the dell latest firmware. I get message with Nvidia all over it if there are updated Nvidia drivers.

I just replaced my MSATA SSD last week. I replaced the 256 GB LiteOn with a Samsung Evo 840 1 TB and it didn't have to do a thing. I cloned the the drive. I have Acronis and I bought an external MSATA SSD enclosure to use as the destination drive. It's working great. I saw the Samsung was on sale so I purchased.

Now I did have an issue with my AW 18 that I had to send back twice. It wouldn't power up so I called a tech and we tried something and it still would power up. I sent it back and they said they replaced the mobo and one of the graphics cards. When I go it back SLI wouldn't enable. I called Dell support and the guy uninstalled the drivers and grabbed another and Install didn't work. He did this with 3 different drivers unsuccessfully. So I sent it back again and they replaced the mobo and shipped it back quick. I received it and all is well. Last week i added the new SSD.

 

This still didn't address the point I made, which was that the RAID feature is already there before we're even talking about Windows. It's in the BIOS. So I was expressing doubts that IRST had anything to do with controlling RAID. After some looking around, now I see that it's not really hardware RAID at all! The BIOS component is also IRST, so it's already installed on my system anyway. Might as well upgrade the version.

It seems to be a software RAID with BIOS integration which means that doing something like dual-boot to Linux would be a pain since it's all about Windows integration.

BTW, would be curious to hear if anyone disables or removes the *service* component of the IRST (leaving the drivers in place). Hopefully it's light on resources as it sits there in your notification tray doing little to nothing.

 

With regards to the updated drivers, DO NOT USE them yet, first get your system up and running so if you run across any issues, we know you are using official drivers.

I just said they are updated drivers that worked for me, never said they are 100% stable for the Alienware 18

Secondly, the Intel Dynamic Platform & Thermal Framework driver is only to be installed if you have an MX CPU (ie. 4930MX or 4940MX) as it simply won't install if you have an MQ CPU

for the nVIDIA Drivers, grab the latest ones from here: GeForce Drivers

But when installing, choose custom, and de-select the 3DVisionDriver unless you have a 3D screen which I highly doubt. That is just extra bloat that you won't need.

After you do install the nVIDIA Drivers, open GeForce Experience and go to the Streaming tab and select DO NOT STREAM

then launch services.msc and disable the nVIDIA Streaming service unless you want to get 10s of errors in the event viewer about this useless crap

Intel Lynx Point Driver has nothing to do with Intel Dynamic Platform & Thermal Framework driver. It is simply a renamed Intel Chipset Software. The latter as I explained is for the MX (Extreme Edition) CPUs

About RAID, it's there in BIOS by default because most Alienware 18 laptops come shipped with an HDD + a small 80GB mSATA SSD which is used for caching to speed things up a little. If you're not doing that, then it makes no sense to install Windows in RAID mode. Only use RAID mode in BIOS if you're using RAID, either caching via a small mSATA SSD or real RAId like my setup (check my sig) where I put two Samsung 850 PRO SSDs in RAID 0 mode

You cannot simply change from RAID to AHCI though in BIOS it would require a full reinstall of Windows unless you wanna mess with the registry there is a way around it although I don't recommend it

With regards to the modified INF files for the nVIDIA Drivers, that is a call you're gonna have to make. According to the legendary Mr. Fox, he says they give higher performance but I am fine with the drivers without the modified INF files as they install just fine.

 

Thanks for the clarification!

Ugh, Dell told me that I needed this but I have a MQ. Thanks, Dell. If I *do* try to install, will it simply tell me what you just told me and exit without installing? That would be the nice way to confirm, but I've seen so many things that try to install themselves anyway and cause all kinds of trouble....

Thanks for the tips on what to disable!!!

So you don't agree with Mr. Fox on this one I guess. I was under the impression that the .inf file change was required so it's good to know there is a choice.

Thanks, @Ferris23 !!!

 

Dell or ANY customer service agent are just clowns sitting behind a computer with a phone. They know NOTHING about computers, bet you they have never even dreamed of owning an Alienware. We know best coz we know these machines. Some people here like Mr. Fox can open up an Alienware inside out blind folded.

As you said, the Intel Dynamic bla bla bla won't even install if you don't have an MX CPU so call Dell and ask to speak to that muppet you spoke to and tell him "sir, how on earth do you recommend me to install something that won't even install since I don't have the hardware for it?"

Secondly, I did not disagree with Mr. Fox, all I said that I have had no strong reason to try them as the default ones installed just fine without the need for any INF mod, if you have the time, then benchmark with the modded INF file and without and make a decision.

 

Couldn't agree more. FYI right now the whole Dell support system is being migrated from support.dell.com to dell.com/support and because apparently their technicians are also inept, the *CURRENT* support pages, specifically the ones that list your drivers (given a service tag number) are broken - go look, you'll likely see wrong drivers listed for hardware you don't have or drivers completely missing. Worse yet, they have absolutely no ETA on a fix. Really, Dell?

I spent a couple hours on the phone where Dell was trying to disclaim responsibility for supporting my machine with accurate support information like this - are you kidding me? Truth of the matter is the reps have no tools or resources to do anything except say "I don't know," but Dell won't let them say something like that so they run you in circles making the problem yours instead of taking responsibility for their blunders.....

Well, I mean you have a different opinion as to the necessity of which NVIDIA drivers you use. As I mentioned earlier, Mr. Fox even said if you aren't playing the newest titles, the Dell-supplied nVIDIA drivers are going to be plenty fine, which might suit my use case...

Anyway thanks again!!

 

I found that the latest nVIDIA Drivers are utter crap. So I stole the nVIDIA Driver from the Alienware 17 R2 downloads page which is @ version 344.88 and it works just fine even though it states it's for the 880 and above cards. nVIDIA Drivers are usually cross compatible.

With regards to the Dell Drivers page, mine also under my service tag is broken with half the drivers missing. I've said it many times, I haven't had a laptop with worse driver support than Dell's and this WILL be my last Dell/Alienware machine EVER

Take a look at the latest Realtek ALC3661 Audio Codec Driver 6.0.1.7260, if you install it, you will end up with no Dolby Digital app installed making the sound suck so much (as if it wasn't bad already with lack of bass), so I modded the drivers adding the necessary folder called PCEE4 which will then enable the driver installed to install the Dolby Digital enhancements. You have to install the driver while the folder is in the root of the driver folder itself otherwise simply installing the Dolby app by itself will yielf no difference and you will notice no difference in effects when you play with the sound settings.

I reported this to Dell and to one of their senior managers who forwarded this to the drivers team and guess what? 2 months passed and NADA!

I used to always talk bad about ASUS cheap Taiwanese crap but at least they provide you with the proper drivers and update them regularly, With Alienware, you buy the machine, then you're on your own finding drivers and tweaking to make it work properly. They just provide you with the basic stuff and let you discover.....

 

BTW, if you want all the drivers of the Alienware 18, they're here:

http://downloads.dell.com/published/pages/alienware-18.html

 

I have enjoyed Dell's product/build quality a lot in the past, but it's definitely an uphill battle to convince their support to give you the support you deserve, and that's NOT what customers should EVER have to do. If you don't have the patience or time for their antics, you end up getting the shaft, and it seems like that's what Dell wants to give you.

I have been wondering what Clevo's product quality and support is like...

 

Dude did you dump your AW18? I thought you weren't going to buy cheap Asus Taiwanese crap ever and you got the G751JY? HAHA

 

After the death of Alienware and giving us crappy soldered stuff, I figured I would just give ASUS another try rather than shelling out 25% more on an even lower specs Alienware.

Loving this ASUS so far the GTX980M is a beast and so is the PCIe SSD it came with, that single SSD gives speeds similar to a RAID setup only on a single SSD

Why did I do this? I realized that I spend more time formatting my Alienware 18 than I ever used it, heck I never played a single game on it, got 2 laptops replaced and always I get a quick here or there that messes up with my perfection OCD so it's lying here next to me. I put it on sale, it's almost in brand new condition but I live in Dubai, very tough selling it here people are really cheap when it comes to spending money on laptops

 

I would love to buy it but don't have that kind of money and worst of all, all the limitations it has and the BIOS problems with 980M series turn me off it.. If only Alienware fixed these issues, would be a perfect laptop for me..

 

what problems with the 980M mate? it's perfect! With the 780M GTX in SLI, if I didn't turn on VSync, the screen would always flicker with yellowish colors. With this 980M and its lovely IPS screen, vsync on or off doesn't matter, no flickering and super clear

 

I think they was taking about the 980m's and alienware...

 

I see, yeah 0 problems with the 980M GTX on my ASUS and I get scores in 3DMark similar to what I got with my 780 SLI only now with less headaches

 

SLI/CF will always be a headache.. Sometimes, I tell myself that a single GPU is enough due to this but because of all the powerrrr, my next laptop is a Clevo one with desktop CPU+ dual GPU... Will also get a 4K external monitor if I can't get a 3K 17.3 " IPS screen!