*OFFICIAL* Alienware 18 Owner's Lounge Thread

Pretty much this. As of right now, and out of the box, all of the processors perform pretty much equally, at least in physics and CPU benchmarks, since none can sustain clocks over 3GHz. My 4930MX in my 18 is maybe 3-4% better than what I managed out of my 17 with a 4800MQ with the current limits in place, and it's a huge bummer. Honestly can't believe it's been almost 3 months since release and this issue hasn't been sorted yet. Haven't run into the fan issue, since I haven't even bothered messing with OC'ing the CPU due to the current limit. I have experienced the GPU fan turning off when I try to cool down my CPU with more aggressive fan profiles though, and that is incredibly annoying as well. I'm sure both will be fixed eventually, but the fixes can't come soon enough at this point.

Internal sound card sucks and is not replaceable. As to whether or not it can provide power to high end headphones, that depends entirely on the headphones. It can't come even remotely close to powering my Audeze LCD-2s (orthodynamics), and can't get very loud with the pair of ATH-M50s I keep around for monitoring, but it does just fine with "high end" consumer headphones like the Bose QCs I have. The speaker system sounds alright, and the sub helps on the 18. I know it's been pointed out before, but there is some really bad resonance ~4kHz, so you've got to cut that pretty heavily in the included Dolby suite or it easily grates on your ears.

 

What kind of performance loss do you see in terms of framerate?

 

@darkdomino - in most games, really not much... in some cases none because a 2.8GHz-3.0GHz CPU contribution is enough for most games. That's mentioned in the opening paragraph in what was quoted. However, in CPU intensive work it's significant. You can tell in a title like Crysis 3 and in benchmarks. But, this should be a relatively easy fix for them. Unless there is something unusual (not likely) they need to tweak some power settings and stop caring about us hearing the fans. To me, hearing the fans is very comforting. I know they're working and doing their job well when I can hear them under load. Providing us with manual fans controls in AWCC to take matters into our own hands would be the best option, by far, as a solution for the fans.

@mmolteratx - please post about it and make it known in the Alienware Club @ DCF if you have not already done so. Things get noticed there by multiple Dell/Alienware employees. They do here also, but more exposure would be helpful in identifying it as something that needs to be prioritized. Social media is what drew tons of attention with the GPU throttling issues that the AW14 and AW17 were experiencing and they already have a fix.

 

For people interested, it looks like Alienware released a new system BIOS for the M18 today...
Driver Details | Dell US

Maybe everyone can discuss this version here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/730313-new-bios-released-today.html

 

Yes, I posted my reply there. I'd mention here too that it doesn't look like a new BIOS, since I the A02 was installed as default BIOS in my first unit (returned) that I received at the end of July.

 

Are you just not wanting to mess with XTU, ThrottleStop and all that to do the workarounds? You can very effectively maintain full turbo and beyond in spite of this crippled BIOS...bit of a PITA but doable. I'm solid at 4 GHz turbo speeds now, only thing I can't do is CPU burn apps that heat things up so fast that the borked fan can't spin up in time and I get thermal shutdown. Anything else is golden though...games, blu ray recoding, forum posting. It's funny that my ancient 7 year old tower setup (that was once godly) took like 3 hours to recode a blu ray rip while this new setup does the same job in about 20 min!

An alternate opinion from someone who really loves listening to music but doesn't have experience with audiophile gear...the Realtek sound chip isn't too bad. My prior system sounded MUCH better to my ears (Sound Blaster X-Fi, Klipsch 4.1) and could really bring down the house. The sound from this AW system was initially disappointing to me but after a bit of experimenting, it now pumps out some quality sound over my current Logitech Z623 2.1's (Klipsch sub finally gave out after 10 years of lowering the boom). I can play all my MP3's from dub reggae to indie rock and all sound great with clear mids and highs and deep bass at max volume. I found this to be the best setup for me in the Dolby v4 app, a surprisingly minimalistic approach. I usually game with my trusty Sennheiser HD580's and they are also dynamic and clear at high volume. So unless you are serious audiophile you should be ok with it.

 

New 18 is here I will try some benches tomorrow when I get home. Heading there now!

 

alright well I just caved and ordered the top model, got it down to ~$4100 after discounts at least and the rep gave me the number for Dell Spare Parts to call and use the gift card towards the blu-ray drive hopefully (unless someone has one from their Alienware 18 and doesn't want it? )

estimated to ship in 2 weeks

 

I need your guys help! Im going to Chicago for a few days and wanted to know if their is a dell outlet store anywhere in Chicago or any outlet really, that sells Alienwares.

 

In AW UK's site:
-The 765M SLI configuration is missing!
-The EDD for the 780M SLIs is now 18/9!

My EDD on my order is still 02/10 and in pre-production stage. I sent an email to my sales rep to see if he can speed it up.

BTW anyone ever return a system for refund to Dell? How long does it take for them to take the item back and refund it? Anything that may go wrong?

 

Nice! Already received a reply to your post at the Alienware Club.

If history holds true, and I believe it will, this will get fixed before long.

 

Rofl.

Two things I have noticed.

1. Alienware 18 is gone from Alienware UK site. Only 14 and 17 is offered. Weird.
2. Dell have fixed the discount error they had on the third Alienware 18 option. It had 2x the rebate compared to the rest, now it is the same as the rest

 

Hey guys sory for asking for something like this and not searching througout the forum but does anyone knows about alienware 18 reviews made by people of the forum?

 

Well I'll be dipped, I think you've been right all along and they will actually come through for us!

 

Just updated to BIOS A02 dated 8-29-2013. Not very technical test here, but Real temp GT 3.70 had Intel 4930M running at 4.15MHz on A00 while opening programs and now with update A02 is running at 4.22MHz, so no difference with short burst of turbo boost.

 

Hey Cran,

The day I got my 18 I removed the HDD and installed a new SSD, switched it back to legacy mode and installed fresh copy of Windows 8 and then upgraded to 8.1.

Works like a charm and I am getting a little better performance from my rig now as well.

 

I'm not sure if I post it at the right place. I apologize if I put it in the wrong place.
Long story short. I'm interesting in the new Alienware 18. However, I see they have different packages available from their site (US site) and the package that I'm aiming at is the $3149 (with the discount I think). However, this system comes with the Dual GTX 770M. My question is with this system, can I upgrade the cards to Dual GTX 780M WITHOUT getting the $5049 package. And can you have the Dual GTX 780M with Blu Ray also? Cuz from their site, you can either have the GTX 780M or Blu Ray but not both.

The site doesn't allow me to do much customization. I talked to the techs and it doesn't seem like they know what they're talking about. They told me if I want anything else, I can do it but AFTER the purchase

Can anyone give me some feedbacks on this?
Thank you.

 

Never use the webpage Always call their sales and ask for a sales rep. This way you can a much better deal.

I don't know the tier prices in US, but if you are talking about the 2nd Tier (4700QM + 780M), you should be able to get 780M SLI in it. Due to recent shortages in 780Ms, I guess they "reserved" it for more expensive models. Give them a call -or ask around the forum if anyone knows any good sales reps. You should be able to call them and customise it further.

Dunno for the Blu-Ray, but the one I ordered has both 780M SLI and Blu-Ray... If they removed the option, you can buy one from eBay and installed it yourself or just get an external one.

 

Just to add to the above - if you plan on upgrading gpu's after buying, you can expect to pay a LOT more for them. From recollection, they are running at around $900 a piece on Ebay right now - and buying them directly from Dell (if they ever allow them to be purchased as an upgrade - they seldom did with 680m) will cost around double that per card.

My advice - if you want 780m SLI - is to wait until you CAN buy them with your machine, if you cannot right now. That way, they will also be covered under your warranty - however long a warranty you opt for.

 

I wouldnt do it.
GTX 780M run on the hot side and with the 770M configuration, you get a heatsink that is engineered for 75W GPUs. You need to change both heatsinks as well if you plan to do it.

 

So how long does an order usually stay under the status "pre production"?

Been there for 3 days now. :/

 

never trust the status pages. Ive had my system delivered from alienware while the status page was still on pre production. Its never updated on time. Do what i did, call every 2 or 3 days and ask for a status update. Ive always had my systems come much earlier than planned. Give them a call.

 

Hey, you have 770M SLI. Can you please run some benchmarks for us? 3DMark11, 3DMark Fire Strike and Vantage? Unigine Heaven and Unigine Valley would be nice, too.

Please post the results here > http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...alienware-m18x-benchmark-thread-part-2-a.html

I agree. This is the the smartest way of doing it. It is less expensive and covered under warranty. AND, it has the right heat sinks.

 

lol OK. Thats good to know since I was wondering why it took so long to do the pre production part. According to the Dell website it is "planning and installing software". Doesnt sound like something that takes forever to do

 

Yeah don't listen to Dells Website for updates Mine was slated for delivey on th 26th of Sept It cam yesterday Ordered on the 15th. I had another issue though I paid for the 4800 upgrade but my 18 came with a 4700 After my call yesterday they offered me a full refund but I declined since it wasn't too big of a dealbreaker for me they did however Refund me $500 which puts me at the total I paid for my 17 after discounts :thumbsup:. A weird 2 days I've had from Dell

My FFXI benchmark Yesterday With Everything Maxxed was 8761 I'll post SS when I get home today.

Short Day today!!

 

Could you share that part number for the Blu-Ray drive?

 

429-AAFS Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BD-ROM, DVDRW, CD-RW)

hopefully they can sell it separately

 

Well now I have to call and ask. I cant just sit here in the blind, not knowing if the package pops up here tomorrow. The suspense is killing me.

Nice offer btw. 4700MQ is probably more than enough for 770M SLI:thumbsup:

 

with fresh install nvidia still says its unable to locate a video card on the 320.49 download
Any Ideas guys?

Edit only beta drivers seem to work

 

beta drivers are fine to use.... otherwise stick to dell drivers.

 

I've heard that the hardware ID for the 770m is mising from the 320.49 drivers. If you wanted to use them, you would need to modify them to include the ID....until Nvidia rectify it.

 

^^^ what Stevie said is correct... 320.49 is too old for 770M INF support, so just add the hardware ID info to the INF and you'll be good to go. The new beta has the INF support you need. Why not just try that for now and see if it works OK first? If not, then mod the 320.49 WHQL INF to make it work.

 

Status changed to: "In production".



Wohoo

 

Intel is expected to announce a new lineup of Haswell processors on September 1. and only one configuration of the m18 with I7-4700QM is available on the dell site. I think I will cancel my order.

 

Meh, new CPUs with 200MHz higher clocks. Something your 4930MX can do easily

 

I wouldn't advise on canceling just because intel is about to announce a new processor. Even our current selection of processor can be overclocked to match the new ones coming out.
Also if your work/fun isn't processor heavy, you won't see the difference.

Just my opinion though.

 

I think you are right on that.

 

Are the new processors just going to be announced or are they also going to be implemented into existing configurations soon as well? If Alienware adds these to their configurator before my 18 ships, I would hope that I could choose the new processor to replace my 4800qm without having my order cancelled. All of this waiting is really putting me behind on having the latest tech.

 

The new CPUs supposed to have a better intergrated graphics card and not CPU-related performance. For gaming systems it is almost useless! The real joy of them is in ultra-books or Apple products without dedicated graphics card.

They use the name: 4x50HQ. They were announced alongside with rest of Haswell product-line

 

Hello

Very nice

 

If one of you new Alienware 18 owners have the factory wallpapers that are new for the 18, please upload them to share. In particular, I am looking for this new wallpaper. It's much like the old one, except it has the new sliver alien head.



Thanks in advance.

(No, that's not my benchmark, but I noticed the wallpaper I have been searching for and grabbed it as an example.)

 

The wallpaper you requested Mr. Fox:

 

same, even if it's just a bump in integrated graphics tech as long as they can swap it in without much problems I would appreciate it since the orders are so behind due to the GPUs

 

wow. your in production order is the same as mine.

 

What are the odds the Alienware 18 sees these new processors without a refresh?

 

is no a new processor, it just intel games...

 

might it just be Intel putting out the Intel HD 5000 line graphics for non-Apple products finally?

 

No need for them. For example the 4850HQ is 200MHz slower than the 4800MQ. The updates are in the graphics department! For gaming machines they are a downgrade

Yep more or less. They are releasing them now, so Apple can refresh their rMBP line with the CPUs/GPUs. If the rumours are true, Apple may drop dedicated GPUs all-together from their systems.

 

Nice! Thanks a bunch, bud. +1 Rep for your help.