***M18x - AMD Crossfire (Driver Questions, Performance, Problems) Discussion Thread***

these seems iffy
12.6 12 june is 9.00
and these are 12.7 12 june (also) with 8.98
according to what I read on guru3d the d3d driver a newer but the rest is older ... and on the few report a lot of people seems to have problem with those. I think I'm gonna wait on more feedback before I try them (or maybe not ...)

but anyway THX for the heads up !

 

Tried the 12.7 beta and it was no bueno... It produced a black screen system freeze every time with 3DMark11. It also produced two BSOD.

Went back to 12.5 beta.

 

12.7 beta goes well for me. No more bugs in Firefox 13 with hardware acceleration, photoshop cs6 works without issues yet...

 

Tried that driver and had FF go all pixelated and then crash or freeze. Gone to the 12.4 which seems stable at the moment.

 

Mr. Fox I just watched what I believe is your teardown video on Youtube. Nice! 1200 bucks and quite a teardown. I may take the plunge, but what have you found best as a tool for prying? (ex: keyboard trim, etc.) I tend to have fat fingers when it comes to doing a pry by hand.

 

So it looks like 12.5b are the CF drivers of choice for now then eh?

 

I use a plastic pick tool. Like this one [ LINK]

 

Has established Catalist 12,7 and all well works, problems aren't present. AMD HD 6990M x 2GPU Crossfire

 

Awesome. Thank you.

 

I'm also using these on my soon to be returned M18x with 7970m crossfire system with no problems. The reason for the return is the first video card wont go above 300 MHz unless I down clock it a little then it works.

 

Vsync will do that.
Basically, Vsync will make it so you either get 30 or 60FPS.
You cannot get anything inbetween or higher because its rendering . You can get lower though.
Vsync is making it so the FPS is matching your monitor's refresh rate. If your external monitor has a funky refresh rate, or because the system has alot of load on it, then that external monitor isn't going to get 60FPS. If it dips to 50FPS, it automatically shoots to 30FPS to prevent tearing.
*unless triple buffering is an option and is enabled.

 

I aware of that.
I'm still failing to see why when using 4x ssaa on the m18x screen (the one attached to the laptop) I get 60 fps but only get 30 fps when using an external screen(the one attached at the end of the HDMI cable).

 

Hmm, shot in the dark here - but could it be because the HDMI cable you are using can't support the data rate you are trying to push through it?

Kinda like how you need the latest HDMI cable version to push 3D through to 3D TVs.

 

I guess I could try another cable just to be sure, but I'm using the hdmi cable that came with the monitor ...

 

I won't trust in OEM cables. Usually they are very crappy just to make sure you have bunch of "great" accessories Go for golden plated HDMI and you will see.. At least you will have better hdmi cable

 

not necessarily true there..

HDMI

What it does: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables permit the video signal to remain in digital form all the way to the screen, so you avoid the slight picture degradation that can come with translating the signal from digital to analog and back again. HDMI cables can carry standard-definition and high-definition digital video signals up to 1080p resolution, depending on the capabilities of the source component. An HDMI connection is also the only cable that can pass upconverted signals from your Blu-ray or DVD player at 720p, 1080i, or 1080p. And of course HDMI is the only digital video interconnect that can carry up to eight channels of high resolution audio. Just be aware that the HDMI standard continues to evolve — you'll want to check out your component's owner's manual to see which features it'll actually support. For more information on what HDMI can do, check out our article about HDMI.

When to use it: HDMI is the video connection of choice, so use it whenever you can. You can find it on HDTVs, most newer home theater receivers, video game consoles, HD cable and satellite boxes, and even new HD cameras and camcorders. HDMI cables are also backwards-compatible with the older digital video connection: DVI. You can use an HDMI-to-DVI adapter to connect an older component with a DVI terminal to a newer one with an HDMI terminal, but be aware that DVI is video-only — you won't be able to take advantage of HDMI's audio capabilities.
What to look for: When you're shopping for an HDMI cable, look for higher-quality metals for better signal transfer, and shielding that will reject interference. If you're especially interested in getting the best sound quality, you might want to look for an HDMI cable with silver-plated conductors, though bear in mind that silver is only about 5% more conductive than copper.

Are Premium HDMI Cables Worth the Cost?

If you step into Best Buy, Fry's, Microcenter, and most other electronics retailers on the search for an HDMI Cable you'll quickly be directed to “premium” products from companies like Monster and Rocketfish. Retailers argue that these products, which often cost between fifty and one hundred dollars for a simple six-foot cord, are the only way to go. But are these premium cables really worth the cash?
What Matters in HDMI Cables

Most premium HDMI cable companies surround their cables with a wall of impressive jargon. The Rocketfish cable sold at Best Buy, for example, includes features such as “dual-layer 100% aluminium Mylar foil shields” and “multistrand high-purity copper conductors.” These features sound impressive, but in truth they don't mean anything at all.

HDMI is a standard. What this means is that a consortium of companies including Hitachi, Sony, Toshiba, and others came together to decide on the technical specifications for a video and audio connection which would work with all of their products. No where do these standards state that cables need gold plating, high-purity copper conductors, or Mylar foil shields. They don't state that because such features are superfluous and have nothing to do with the operation of the standard.

The most important feature any HDMI cable can boast is compatibility with the most recent version of HDMI. This compatibility is in fact very inexpensive, and there are cables which can be purchased for less than ten dollars which are fully compatible with the HDMI standard and work as well as products costing fifty dollars or more.
The Standards to Look For

The most recent HDMI standard is HDMI 1.4. This standard adds new features like the HDMI Ethernet Channel, which allows an HDMI cable to transfer network signals between devices, and full support for 3D over HDMI. HDMI 1.4 cables are only really required if you intended to take advantage of those features, however, so a HDMI 1.3 cable will work well.

You'll also want to make sure that the HDMI cable you purchase is a Category 2 certified cable. Category 2 cables using HDMI 1.3 have a bandwidth of up to 10.2 gigabytes per second, which is more than enough for displaying high definition video with surround sound. It is interesting to note that some of the premium products do not actually appear to be Category 2 cables because their rated bandwidth is below 10.2 gigabytes per second. Be careful of this pitfall. Expensive products are not faster by default.

In summary, you'll want to purchase a HDMI 1.3 or 1.4 cable which is also rated as a Category 2 cable. Only cables which meet these standards are of high quality no matter the price tag or the language on the box.

 

I have premium 2160p 1.4 HDMI cable with Gold plated connectors, but actually it wont help or increase neither image nor audio quality compare to ordinary 1.4 cable. As HDMI transmit digital singles so its very rare chance to get disturbance with in short range. But it helps with peace of mind

 

threre is only difference that i notice between a $10 and a $30-$100 and that is how long they last a cheap cable breaks much easyer and wares(not a worry if u never move it) but even just moving it a couple times u notice wear and tare compared to a more expensive one

 

I don't know, my father had a $100 Monster cable and it came apart on him after 3 TV moves and 1 House move. My $10 HDMI cable has been going for 3 years, and has been moved 10-20 times between computers, laptops, and Televisions

 

there's this site called monoprice.com. I always get or recommend people to buy HDMI cables there. The quality is top notch while not being expensive or anything.

HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more!

 

Monoprice is where I buy my cables, and they are of good quality and very affordable.

 

Received my M18x r2 yesterday missing the xFire link and with a couple of grains of dirt embedded under the wrist rest paint right where you lay your wrist (they are slightly abrasive); I am going to call support for sure, but in the time while I wait...where is the xfire cable link located. (full teardown???) I am 20-year hardware tech and I don't think fixing it will be a issue for me to work on, I just need to know where it. The service manual and Youtube don't specifically show the xfire link (I probally missed it honestly).

 

Firstly, welcome to NBR and congratulations on your new machine!

Regarding location of the CF cable, it's a bit of a teardown which requires removal of the LCD display and palmrest. Nothing major and you can familiarise yourself with the online service manual. You may also want to take a look at Mr. Fox's teardown video located here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...dge-cpu-heatsink-7970m-crossfire-upgrade.html - same process for your R2.

 

I appreciate the welcome, fast response and insight. I will be fixing this issue as soon as I am able to notify them of the issue this morning. Overall, this is one great rig and other than the obvious problems I have already stated IMOP...(can't say I have enjoyed the acquisition process at all either), but hey we don't live in a Utopian society and I did purchase a extended warranty so I am sure things will be rectified in the end regardless of initial manufacturing mishaps. Running Prime95 and MSI AB full steam and keeping this beast maxed for a couple days should tell the tale. So far temps are right below 70C on cpu and gpu right below 80C, could surly use TP change 8))

(I plan to use this machine for heavy OPENCL based encodes, CAD (the Solidoodle2 arrives soon), 3D renders, PS with sitegrinder.

I don't think it will be to much longer for stable full version drivers...stares@AMD for driver support and Dell for proper compliance testing...I have some ideas why they have not released a stable driver yet.

Windows 8 Development. Has anyone tried to run a M18X r2 on Win8 with current cat drivers over there?? I have tested both Nvidia and AMD offerings in Windows 8 (not on M18xr2) and found that Nvidia's drivers are already interchangeable, while using AMD you must use a specific driver package to access the control panel; my theory is that AMD is working on either a unified rewrite for windows 8 like Nvidia already has or they may be experiencing a shortage or manpower to complete driver writing for both upcoming Windows8 (which will no doubt make them more money to have correct vs our 7970m)...logically we should assume that we will receive both at once as this is the future I am typing on and I love it so far 80).

 

I'm on 12 FPS in Crossfire with 3D Mark 11 That's some bad*ss performance.. Now I'm heading for 12.7 beta.. Keep your fingers crossed or maybe cross the fire?

 

Jeffery,

Just to correct myself from my previous post, you wont have to strip the display and palmrest to see/remove the CFX cable. Just remove the keyboard and you will see the cable stuck to the palm rest casing beneath the keyboard. Take a look at the pic below and I have highlighted the CFX ports on the gpu's in red and the path of the CFX cable in yellow:

 

Yeah it looks really easy, now I just need to see if I have a faulty cable or it was simply unplugged.

 

oh those cable are temperamental as all heck.. check the one on the top of the picture.. its the worst..

 

I know...you gotta be careful with those - prying each one up a little from each side at a time generally works well. Fortunately, I dont think you have to go that far to check the CF cable is seated correctly...from recollection!

 

well usually you will get the beeps of dread as i call them.. they make my heart skip a few beeps when ever i here them..

but yes that top cable is the worst because of location.. and all the clutter around it.. I find its easier to install that one with the top bezel off... and then putting the top back on... if you try with it on you will have a very hard time..

on a side note the tec that last worked on my comp did put it in backwards.. as i have found that this cable only goes one way.. the computer did start but no cf.. i forget if i got a message or not about it being missing..

 

Called Dell got a tech who would not turn off his TV...anyway I made them aware of the issues before I proceeded to fix their mistakes... dis-assembly and vice versa was a snap 8P thx to the service guide and the good news is I can now see BOTH of my 7970m Cards; bad news is Diablo 3 is experiencing the known driver issues now vs perfect that it was before (to be expected with the known driver issues). MSI AB shows 99% gpu0 79% gpu1 and getting roughly double the fps so things seem to be working.

Back to the tech that would not turn off the TV, he offered to send out new video cards which I waited on since I had a feeling it was just a cable (maybe left intentionally partially unplugged (noticed the right side of L cable side was slightly out of place), I will have to call back and get the case blemish issue handled tonight. 12.6 beta for BF3 and Diablo xFire work decent ehh???

Like I said before this is a great machine and drivers issues won't scare this tech away from some really nice power.

Has anyone tried Windows 8 on a M18x r2? Do the Win 8 Drivers allow for xFire to be enabled?

 

i really hope it doesnt take upgrading to windows 8 to fix the problem.. but by all means give it a shot.. but if that is what it takes to fix it i hope i would receive at no cost the top windows 8 )i.e ultimate as thats what i have now..)

 

I'm not really sure that I am interested in switching to Windows 8. The Metro interface seems pretty stupid. I know that can be turned off. Although, I hear that Windows 8 is designed to run well on anemic under-powered hardware so it might scream with a real computer.

 

Yeah i dont think i will switch to Windows 8 unless i am forced to use it for a new game that comes out or i get 2x Gaming performance from it which i know the latter wont happen, but the former will certainly happen.

 

I want to purchase used M18 with 6990 Xfire and have some question.How good or bad is this system? How stable it is and how this run in games? Any problems? I know that more people will recomend 580SLi but it's hard to find this in my region.

 

Outstanding system. Very stable. I have been using mine since September 2011. Diablo 3 at highest settings and res @ 151FPS. Skyrim in Ultra settings and with the hi-res texture packs runs butter smooth with a frame limiter (using MSI Afterburner @ 60FPS limit). 3DMark11 score of P6584 using the 12.7 Beta driver at stock speeds. It's a monster laptop. Note that I am using the flagship CPU for this model, the 2960XM, so your performance might be different.

 

I love mine, it does need to sit on a laptop cooler as its raging with power and the heat has to go somewhere. I find the color doesnt matter as I never see it anyways. Only if I close the lid.

 

it doesn't need a laptop cooler, sheesh..lol

 

Absolutely false. Does not need a laptop cooler if on a flat unobstructed surface. Under heavy use (like gaming) temps never go over 76C on mine (using the A05 bios and stock clocks). Overclocking this laptop is an entirely different matter, though. Make sure to clean out your internal cooling fans of dust every few months. I have pets so every month for me.

 

no driver issues with this system?

 

I have never had driver issues with any of my Alienware laptops. All of them have had ATI cards, too, which are supposedly "notorious" for bad driver support.

Once in a while you will find a game that doesn't work very well with CrossFire enabled, but then you just disable CrossFire, and you're back in action. One 6990 is plenty for most games anyway. On top of that, you can run an 800/1000 overclock full time on stock voltage. I do, and I don't use any type of laptop cooler. Prop the back end of the laptop up with a couple of soda bottle caps, and you're golden.

 

ya mine does not really heat up on the bottom all of the heat is directed out of the back vents, I could almost use it to blow dry my hair when benchmarking Pi and 3D mark together.

 

The M18x was my first laptop with an ATI GPU. I've heard quite a number of horror stories regarding the driver support. Despite this, I still went with 6990M Xfire instead of the 580M SLI since it was less than half the price during the time I made my purchase. I have to say that I am absolutely pleased with its performance. I haven't encountered the problems I heard from the horrors stories so I think it's really an excellent set of cards.

 

It's possible to change raid settings or disable? I would like to have 2 separate drives same as on my asus g73
small ssd for system,programs and second ssd as storage

 

If you get a pair of known good GPUs you'll be OK. It seems the problem was inconsistent product quality. Many had good results with them. I went through 3 pair (6) defective 6900M series GPU before finally giving up and switching to GTX 580M. I never had any serious issues with other models of ATI/AMD graphics cards other than poor driver support.

Your RAID question is off-topic, but the answer is "no" unless you break the RAID and reinstall Windows.

 

It's only off topic because his original thread got nerfed into this Crossfire thread. Technically he was originally asking about the entire M18x system and not just Crossfire which I find odd it got nerfed into this thread. Anyway... moving along...

 

Hi guys. I got my M18x R1 last year of September, and goodness gracious, I've had tons of fun with it and no problems whatsoever...until now.

One of my cards (ATI 6990Ms on CF) decided to NOT get detected, rendering my system to only have one card.

So I've tried re-installing the drivers (following Batboy's Driver Sweeper and CC Cleaner method), still to no avail. It still doesn't get detected even at the Device Manager.

So I checked my BIOS, and I only see one "ATI GFX" detected. I've reset the BIOS via a power drain, and removing the BIOS battery, but still, not yet there.

Reseated both cards, still, one card.

Then I decided to flash my BIOS to the latest, thinking it just might be a BIOS problem...nope.

When I checked the BIOS after the flashing, both cards were detected, Yay. Then I BSOD'd because my hard drive was set to RAID, not AHCI.

So went back to BIOS and was about to switch when I noticed only ONE card was detected again. Bleeargh.

Changed the hard drive to AHCI, then saved changes. One card detected in Windows 7.

So I went back to BIOS, loaded "optimal settings", then changed RAID to AHCI. Two cards detected!

Restarted without going into BIOS, one card detected.

It's driving me nuts. In order for my system to see two cards, I have to go to the BIOS, load "optimal settings", change RAID to AHCI.

Any one here who's had this problem, or at least direct me to what I'm supposed to do to deal with this?

Thanks in advance, people. Other than this problem, I adore my M18x. It's served me well at work and at play.

 

Hmm, that is very strange. I have never heard of such a thing occurring before. There should be no correlation between the HDD settings and the video cards, but it makes me wonder if perhaps something has gone haywire with the motherboard.

Have you tried removing the CMOS battery with the system battery and AC adapter disconnected? Or, try re-flashing the system BIOS? The Insyde BIOS does some really goofy things sometimes, and as odd as this problem is just about anything is worth a try. That is just too weird.

It would be interesting to know if one of the SATA ports has conked out or shorted and it is somehow affecting the second PCIe slot. It's a long shot, but it could also be one of the HDDs is shorted or something. See if disconnecting the SATA interposer cable at the mobo affects anything with the second card being visible with RAID versus AHCI.

Are you still under warranty? If so, I would be calling 1-800-ALIENWARE for hardware support.

 

I've re-flashed countless times, from A02, to A04, to A05.

Are you saying that I disconnect my hard drive from the laptop and check if suddenly the cards get detected?

I was thinking maybe I'd just set my hard drive to RAID, since both cards get detected when I load optimal defaults in the BIOS (and it defaults to RAID). Although, is it possible to set RAID on just one hard drive?

 

Yes, the default setting (and the best one to use) even with only one drive installed is RAID. Intel recommends leaving it set to RAID even when an array (drive membership) has not been created and so does Dell.

Still try pulling the CMOS battery for a true reset. Sometimes with the Insyde BIOS resetting BIOS defaults doesn't work correctly.