***M18x - NVIDIA SLI (Driver Questions, Performance, Problems) Discussion Thread***

Basically, the TIM that Dell use is actually very good stuff. Alot of people thought it was crap but it came to light on our conference call with Bill and Louis Bruno (lead engineer AW graphics) that its high quality stuff which wont dry out as quick as aftermarket pastes.

I would be tempted to stick with the Dell stuff and if it performs poorly, consider repasting then.

 

Thanks Stevie I thought I remembered Mr Fox saying that and found the thread on google,So I'll use the kit tim,instead of AS5,the strange thing bud when I pulled the cpu & gpu they had a terrible dried up glob that looked like old t-compound.Thanks again Bro + rep as soon as it lets me again.

 

No probs bud. I go by the motto of "if it keeps it cool, I couldnt give a stuff what it looks like!" lol

 

Ha Ha! That works for me too bud! I checked fedex,I have both heatsinks and the ac adapter,and a keyboard?No Idea why,but the secondary fan isnt on the list.I will call soon,Dell has done some awesome stuff,so I'm not giving up on a complete setup for today or tomorrow.Worst case I know they'll get me next week,just Im moving to new place that was my reason for the need for quickest help dell could do.And Stevie they really did great man,those 580s are showing 2 day wait and they shipped them out while I was still on the phone.Pretty cool stuff.Once all is settled I want to set my pc up like you did with raid etc,as we have very similar specs and common uses.Thanks again Buddy.

I got everything hooked up loaded new nvidia 290 drivers,it recognizes the gpus but Im getting code 43 windows stopped device,I never had sli,I know everythings good hardware wise,maybe vbios?It's weird it shows 2 580s and 4 gb vram but cant get sli going.Any advice?Thanks

Sorry I feel sli stupid here,I have no option to turn on or off sliin nvidia cp.Could there be an issue with a different setup.Im guessing now as sli is new to me,and it shows both cards but code 43 and the other 580 works awesome alone.Im goin nuts here.Stevie?Help please!Lol, seriously everythings new and went together perfectly,I just tried to turn on sli and noticed no option to do so.Helllllp please.Lol

 

Im just surfin' for a solution here Bro....take a look at this Help! GTX580 graphics error (Code 43))

Try a reboot, as the thread suggests Bro - hopefully it will resolve it. Seems it was a similar problem to yours but ended up resolved. Hope it helps Joe.

 

Yeah I tried that,Ive been searching for hours on that terminology,On your nvidia control panel do you show sli configuration? I show no sli option on nvidia cp,my cards are recognized in bios and device mgr etc,Its killing me bro,Thanks anyway for the link I tried that 1 a few hours back.I dl 3 different drivers,I dont know if I should show sli in nvidia control panel?I think I should.Im sure this has something to do with going single to top dual,there must be a software difference I thought it would auto recognize sli.Dont forget this is shipped and used for 2 months single setup.Maybe?

I think this has definitely something with not having an option for sli in nvidia control panel.I see alot of people with similar issues you know what makes it so hard Stevie,is Not much about notebook sli,it's all desktops.I will be up all night arrrggg!Thank you Stevie again.

Hey Guy's I went from a single gpu 560 to full gtx580 sli all new kits from dell,Problem is I never had sli so I didn't notice I have no sli option in nvidia cp,everything else is good both cards are recognized and 2nd has error code 43,I went crazy trying everything on google,most are for desktop 580s.I have loaded new drivers,new a5 bios,reformat ssd etc,Please any help I need it.Thanks all.

 

Quick question for you guys that have repasted your 580s. I'm getting mine in the next few days and have been trying to figure out what pads to get.

Search: fujipoly - FrozenCPU.com

Above is where I was looking to get the Fujipoly pads from however I'm totally at a loss on what thickness to get. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

I had the code 43 error before in a previous 580M SLI M18x.
I resolved it by uninstalling every component of the Nvidia driver including physx, then ran drivers sweeper, then ran ccleaner and installing the dell video drivers.

For some reason only the Dell drivers after completely removing the Nvidia drivers was the only way to fix it...after that I could use any driver I want. I eventially returned that unit because it had the 5, 7 & 8 beeps problem. I hope this helps.

 

Joe, I think Skygunner is right. You should completely uninstall and sweep/clean until its squeaky clean. Then try the Dell driver install, followed by a reference driver install.

Regarding Nvidia CP, as soon as I open it, I can see options to set Sli under the 3d tab on the left - "set sli and physx configuration".....if its not there, something must have gone funky with your driver install as your hardware sounds fine Bro.

 

Joe. Do what skygunner said and you will be ok.

 

If I remember correctly the stock pads are 1mm thick.

 

Sky,Thanks bro,I tried the sweeeper new driver but not intel 1st,after doing all day Im shot!I can tear this down to the skeleton In less than 10 minutes now!Ive done it 5 times lol.I will try your suggestion and let you know,thanks.I know its software the cards work mobos fine sli ribbon etc,just dont have second card or nividia cp sli option.In nvidia panel where under physx is sli option to enable,I have nothing under physx.Thank you Stevie also your my Bro alway's there to help and all you guys just Thanks your all awesome!Im gonna be reppin today,LOl

The weird thing in my brand new kits,the 580s came with a blue on one heatsink and green I will measure exact but they are 2 different thickness the blue was almost twice the thickness?My cards were stamped on HS plate dec 2011 so look very fresh.

I will now Bumbo,Thank you you! I need all the help I can get!

Sky I tried almost everything I got a new ssd aalso from dell everything new,on ssd there was nothing so I had to load all,usually dell's hdd have OS on them,the ssd was bare.I did load dells nvidia drivers if thats whatbyou mean?It didnt work,Im gonna give it another go,Fingers crossed,Thanks Skygunner,and all who are trying to help as you can tell im going nuts.LOl Thanks again.

Yes Stevie that's what I dont have and 2 ssd installs and checked and loaded 10 different drivers some same just swept and redone,but yes I have no sli option,thats the issue and its driver related me thinks definitely,Thanks again as always I appreciate you jumin in fast to try to help me bro,Thank you Stevie.

Im done with sweeper and ccleaner and found and wiped all dl files no drivers left but maybe the vga windows stock,anyway im safemode dl the dell 1st nvidia 269s I believe.Is that the drivers you mean?I hope.Lol yeah they're the 1st driver 269.o3 a01,fingers crossed!

OK I did all above with driversweeper and cccleaner and still code 43 and this again with no option for sli in nvidia cp and all my hardware shows up in info,bios ang gpuz just says shut 2nd card code 43????I am literally shot now,tech support is useless,I think its a driver issue still I just dont get it,Ive tried since 2pm yesterday and took it apart 5 times I googled that issue and some say the lan driver causes this but i noticed most were evga desktops.

 

I'm not really sure where to go from here Bro

I dont know wether or not the cards carry the same vbios? - not even sure if that would be a cause of the problem. It may be poor luck that you have a duff card. I dont know what else to try really but if I think of and/or find something, I will certainly let you know of it......you musy be completely bummed out right now buddy...I hate it when things dont go smooth and it looks like you have done most software based fixes so Im kinda stuck!

You could try re-downloading the driver again as it could be corrupted.

 

I know bro,I did pretty much all I can,I swapped cards they both work in single so I think some weird driver issue,this is a problem cuz there arent many 580ms sli rigs compared to desktop sli that is common,Ive been googling for days.Im pretty good with bulding pcs for years and always find the issue with help like you and sky everyone here.This is all because the unit was setup and used as single gpu,my one 580 runs like a champ.About 80% better than 560 did.I cant wait to see sli! I am gonna keep at it my brother,and as always thank you!

 

I just read one thread Joe. I recall reading on NBR about the 580's shorting out if they werent mounted/seated correctly. It may be in this thread - I cant recall at the moment but I do recall reading it. This thread 580 Tri-SLI Code 43 error on two cards. [solved - block short] also seems to point to the cards shorting out and the guy fixed the problem.

I think (although I havent taken mine apart to that extent yet) that there should be something preventing the cards shorting in the kit.

Its a thought.....

 

TITLE: Sudden Crash! Help! x(

Hi there everyone. Thanks for checking this out because this worries me a lot. Bare with me since this problem might be mind-twisting for some of you (i hope not! x( ) Since this is a new laptop, i'm expecting it not to cause any major trouble for at least half a year just like my old Samsung lappie.

I was browsing the web and work for nearly 2 hrs. After finishing my work, I left it shortly, say, 5 mins? Then, when i was trying to scroll the cursor to shut down, the arrow didn't move and the whole system started to lag as hell! I thought that if I switched the GPU, the system would work normally. After the reboot, my lappie's resolution went down to the lowest possible which in my case, is 800 x 600.

Then, I decided to shut down normally through the log in windows. After a while, I switched it back on and then the resolution went back to normal. However, the system didn't detect my GTX 580m SLI! The only solution I had was to restart. So I did it. Then, the system works perfectly normal as it was before the 'crash'.

What happened back there??? Should I be concerned cuz I honestly freaked out when it happened. Any suggestions and thoughts of what I should do to prevent it from happening again? Again, thanks for checking out my thread.

 

Thank you bro,I am going to change the mobo now I have to move to my new home but I cant think while this is bad,I will change and recheck all,what gets me is switching gpus they both work in single?!?!?But that no sli option is the prob,maybe something I missed in driver the vbios came with new kit all was beautiful brand new everything,new tim mobo cards and sinks,im running with no fan on 2nd card cuz that was only part dell couldnt get out with other parts,I have all 3 fans coming and all cables I mean dell's giving me everything the parts were almost 5k us,woulda been cheaper to send a loaded replacement.Thats next if I cant get it to work.Dell's been AWESOME! Bro I repped sky etc and still says spread more before steviejones,but I promise im gonna rep you as the forum lets me Bro.Thanks.

Finaly! + Repped my Brother.Thanks for all your help always buddy!

 

Hahaha - thanks for the rep bud. I hope swapping out the mobo sorts it. Maybe its shorting on the secondary slot somehow? - if both cards work fine in primary, sounds like something is slightly amiss with the secondary card slot/dock.....that would be my uneducated guess anyway.

 

Similar thing happened to my M17R3 w/460M.

Check for updated Nvidia drivers on Dell's site - I would call their tech support line and have them run a diagnostic as well. If you keep having problems like I did, I feel for ya cause Dell will postpone replacing your unit for as long as possible.

 

I just found the thread that I read about shorting. Have a look here Joe. It may help, I hope it does.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/631597-nvidia-580m-user-install-6990-upgrade-2.html

 

Stevie your welcome bro,I just did a sweep and in safe mode both 580s swoed working!The !point in device mgr gone!Then restarted with dell 269 grivers and same thing,no sli option and code 43?????I dont think its second card as they showed both getting resource code in safe mode.I am puzzled! I didnt swap mobo as im not convinced that will work yet.If theyre both recognized it cant be hardware,I think something is weird here,I will replace mobo when new fans come,I just pulled it down to bare card swap in like 20minutes done,Ive done it so much lol.Thanks Stevie,I wish someone with a single card had my info,Im gonna tear down till I get it,its an sli thing,Why cant I get the sli option in nvidia cp?

 

Get on the horn to Alienware support and have them run some checks on it. They will most likely reinstall your Nvidia drivers. Sounds like a driver issue and they are best to help since your paid for the warranty.

 

Thanks Buddy,I tried that yesterday i found the thread when I first had issue the card is recognized it the sli option that gets me.It's not setting sli config.I think its some software that isnt loading for sli,I thought it would automaticly work when I put cards in,if you see most threads are people going from 6990 or some sli already.My issue of single to sli is the whole issue.I think cuz Ive tried everything people said worked even lan card issue and nothing still no sli in CP.

 

Doesnt make sense tho - coming from a single gpu setup, with all the correct hardware to enable an sli setup, shouldnt cause those kinda probs afaik.

 

I know man its killing me! I have both cards swapped and perfecly done with anti static strap clean table with gloves lol I mean every precaution,and the heatsinks tim was beautiful I took my time the 1st couple like a surgeon.I keep getting vga issue in device mgr and the code 43,its driving me crazy i googled and tried everything asked.I will swap mobo and if that dont do it Ill need an exchange,calling support is a waste even l3 cant help.I got a good issue here.When I do fix this i will make sure no one ever has this again!

 

Keep us posted Bro, I think I'm all out of idea's....

 

Joe... Have you tried reflashing the system BIOS or reinstalling the OS yet? There has to be something simple that's just not working. Something maybe persistent or "stuck" from the single-GPU setup.

When I still had AMD 6990 CF I had a similar issue with the secondary card being disabled randomly and swapped PCIe slots with the GPU modules and it started working correctly. Never figured out why.

 

I'm moving this to the NVIDIA thread since it is a random NVIDIA issue that does not need a dedicated thread.

 

Hey Mr Fox,I tried everything and yes bios reformat reinstall windows everything!Now I just changed the mobo and repasted both cars and all looked good but now Im getting blotches and video glitches,I pulled and checked all again cards cable all are perfect.Support was no help either,stevie and a few other guys havre been trying but i have a unique set here coming from single gpu.Thanks.

Stevie I put in new mobo and at first had the post beeps like someone posted a few posts back.then it restarted to bad blocky windows screen unreadable.Its going into an auto fix windows loop as we speak.If I cant get this support wont.I know my guy as you know will give me a new replacement,he sent me mo`re in parts already in 2 days,I just want sli Bro you know.Thanks Bro I know you tried.Your my bro anyway.Lol

Mr fox,thanks for the clean up sorry,Im just going crazy,when you had the xfire then swapped for nvidia sli did you have the sli option in nvidia cp?I dont have anything under physics,thats what is annoying,Ive tried pretty much every bios and reformat 2 different mobos and ssds????

 

I think the motherboards you have and one of your cards is damaged. Did you read my last post where I said I developed the different beeps problems?

You are going to hate me for saying this but you need to do the following:
Call Alienware and tell them about your code 43. Try to troubleshoot it with them. If they can not fix it tell them that you are exhausted with trying to troubleshoot this issue and would like to setup depot repair. When you start swapping out replacement/refurbished parts you broaden the scope of troubleshooting...which makes it difficult to pinpoint the problem. Sometimes they will authorize a new replacement system. If they proceed with depot take pictures of your unit in case they damage it. If it returns broken of not repaired you'll be in a good position to request a new replacement system.

I had the exact same problem but my unit was fixed with my previous method...but soon developed the 5, 7 and 8 beeps and had to be replaced. Don't get into the habit of replacing too many parts. The problem will only get worse and always be one step a head of you. It's time to send it in
+rep.



Sent from my iPad 2

 

Thanks Sky,I am shot bro,I swapped both cards they work as primary and they both show up as secondary,if it was bad gpu it shouldnt show up its like a bad sli cable or something.I had a similar desktop with a bad sli connector and wouldnt work I changed cable and boom sli! This has me stumped,I called support they were no help.my guys want me to only use their team since ive had so many issues in the past.I always get an issue no one heard of or very rare.I appreciate all the help.I am asking for exchange as they sent me more parts in 2 days then 1 & 1/2 new m18s would cost.Crazy stuff!

 

joe - I did not get replacement GPU parts. They did a system capture and sent me an M18x with 580M SLI. My M18x is at the depot for repair. It started having problems with alternating beep patterns (2, 4, 5 and 8 beeps) and a replacement mobo changed nothing. I even tried a different CPU and RAM from another system, removed the GPUs, but nothing made it boot successfully.

I am absolutely not a fan of depot repairs. I paid for an on-site NBD Dell Complete Care warranty. At the same time, I realize that Dell/Alienware cannot just use the shotgun approach and send a truckload assortment of parts to my home. So, with a great deal of fear and reluctance, I sent mine in. I agree with skygunner. This is going to be your best bet. They can swap out as many components as they need to at the depot until they make the machine work.

 

Mr Fox,thanks I last saw you posting impressive benches to J,Kiss,I thought you were sorted,I too am a replacement,Fox,they already sent me 12 boxes the parts showed over 5k from both gpus and keyboard everything etc,I think It wouldve been cheaper for a replacement.I have now only deal with corporate so far it's much better.I am sure I will get sorted out I get your meaning I just heard to many horrors of depots repairs.I just got tweet from@dellcares and said do not call support we will handle monday.Fingers crossed,the back plates are coming apart now from literaly swapping & tesing card 10X!Now I have aero prob & alien software issues no lights etc.

I hope you get your beast back perfect,stevie seems good so far and I skygunner I believe is good.John kiss I heard had more issues?I guess it's having the newest fastes laptop there are bound to be growing pains.Good luck to all,I just wanted sli,darn it!

 

The AlienFX going bad is most likely the ribbon going from the center control panel(keyboard assembly) to the motherboard. Those ribbons are extremely fragile and can cause random beeping and other adverse problems. I know that ribbon looks strong. Trust me. It's not. Also getting Dell to send you that specific ribbon is no easy task.

When you get into the habit of replacing soooo many new/ refurbished parts to try and fix a specific problem sometimes the problem will allude you by always being one step a head. Sometimes in the process other problems will arise. At this point it's just best to go depot>replacement.

 

Thanks Sky rep as soon as I can hit you again,you were right about all you said Im moving to new house this week been sooo busy and still tore down 10x,im worried now that gpus are ng the backing plates are coming loose from swapping so much,and i have new Kb with ribbon but I want a new replacement with sli and raid ssd like i had but one that was made for it not frankensteining a singlr gpu m18x to a sli Im not gonna keep throwing parts at it.I just got a tweet that all will be taken care of asap as they arent in yet,Dellcares tweeted me 4x.I have a great guy he got me 2 full 580s when others were waiting weeks or more in 1 day!Im confident but never say over til its over.I will keep you posted my email wasnt working Im using my m11x and ipad2 I want my m18x with dual 580s.LOlI'll answer you on other topic with info.Thanks Sky.

 

Ok 1st off thanks to all who tried to help much appreciated! And sky thank you and Ill do what we chatted asap Im moving to new home so a little chaos gimmie a bit and well be fraggin bro!(UPDATE) I am now in full system exchange looks like Brother stevies exact specs except killer wireless!Very happy and Dell has done it again in record time.The wait begins!I hope no sli issues with new machine.Good luck to all my mates!

 

Hello I need some advice, I recently called Dell about my Gpu's overheating and asked if I could co with NVIDIA intead of my ATI's as a replacement. They want me to pay the difference of about $360.

My question is should I go for it? Also will I see a big improvemnet?/
Thanks

 

Thats FANTASTIC news Brother Joe ! - I know that you would have wanted the rig working rather than go through another wait but it looks like Dell have pulled through again for you, like they did me.

I maintain that no other seller looks after their own quite like Dell do. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you buddy - this time its gonna be perfect for you !

 

If they are not going to take away your current 6990m , it seem really worth it

As personal opinion , 6990m Crossfire are more then enough on latest game play , its not like you are having issue with latest games , I don't see a point to upgrade it.

Unless your 6990m having overheat , defected or any other reason made you frustrated then you should go for 580m Sli.

 

if you want the card just go for it.

 

I'd go for it!! The 580M's rock!!

 

I agree 100%.Dell is awesome they did great for us Brother Stevie.I am gonna be watching dell.com daily.LOl Hopefully no more sli issues.Thanks again Stevie,You guys were all great in helping me,and just how you and I became friends a bit,I also have the pleasure of calling Skygunner friend also.Thyanks all! Cheers!

 

Yes they will be taking away my 6990s because they overheat.....
i just wanted to know is paying an extra 360$ worth it ........or should I just get replacement 6990's?

 

I think so. IMO Cuda, PhysX, Nvidia 3D Vision and Verde Drivers are worth it. Also my games perform better than they did with 6990M CF. There were graphics/objects missing from AMD hardware in game/benches that is quite obvious to me through Nvidia. I hope that makes any sense.

 

If anyone could advise it would be greatly appreciated.

I currently own a very expensive paper weight (read M18X).

Since the last microsoft .net framework update, it totally messed up my computer.

I couldnt restore, couldnt back up, could reformat or repair in anyway. In the end I took the hard drive out and formatted it in a docking station and installed windows 7 Home Premium, 64 bit, disk that came with the laptop.

I did a complete windows update until no more critical updates.

I then went to install the drivers - using my gigabyte Intel 6 Series Utility DVD. I try to install drivers for chipset, usb, wifi etc... I appear to install all the drivers required; it says 'Installed' in blue writing next to the driver.

However when I go to my device manager I see a list of items with Yellow Exclaimation marks on them:

AT91USB Serial
Network Controller
PCI device
SM Bus Controller
Unknown Device x2

I also try and install from disk/manually, and from online download the drivers for the nvidea GTX580 graphics card (also Gigabyte).

I get the error message :

'Windows found driver software but encountered an error while attempting to install it. The driver selected for the device does not support this version of windows' !

I can get the internet using a hard wire connection, but appear to have no wifi.

Thinking I may have incorrectly installed windows 7 I ran the Alienware installation disk again.

This time I did NO windows updates (saving them for later). I get the exact same problems.

I have been a computer geek for many years, but I am stumped on this one, and online searches have been fruitless.

Can anyone please offer some advice?

 

Are you trying to use a 32bit driver disk with a 64Bit Windows Install?

 

Thank you for the useful information, I will go green then . One thing I will miss is Radeon Pro, I was used to monitoring my FPS and it allowed me to take nice screenshots of my games. Is there some kind of program similar to Radeon Pro that I can use that will allow me to do all these nice things?

 

No problem.
I use fraps for fps monitoring...who doesnt?
The Nvidia control panel has a SLI indicator that is very accurate. Between those 2 programs I think your covered. If you do any high profile video editing you may have to disable SLI because there is an issue with dpc latency at the moment. Everything else is par for the course.



Sent from my iPad 2

 

well the 2 disks - the install disk, and the driver disk - all came with the lap top - and I dont actually own a 32 bit disk. So I think they are all for 64 bit. Just checked my computer - it says 64 bit

solved. Flashed my bios. Allowed me to update everything.

 

In the meantime while we wait for your replacement, let's play some multiplayer games online with iPad 2. I also would like you to look up splash top. I use this program with my M18x and iPad 2. It is awesome.

I'm glad you resolved the issue. Welcome to NBR.