*OFFICIAL* Alienware 18 Owner's Lounge Thread

Stop using UEFI mode. Put it back to Legacy or UEFI with Legacy Option ROM. This may solve your problems. Pure UEFI mode is totally garbage. There is absolutely no reason to try to use it if you have an option to avoid it.

 

Hey 18 owners, just browsing thru dell site i see they put the 18 at 2200 dollars with dual AMD R9 M290x , 16 gb Ram and i7 4710mq.
Maybe they haven't sold them all and put on the site last ones, but looks alright to me with the discount! if i lived in the states i would def think about it!

 

Now my AW18 is starting to lose connection with the power for no reason - I have to unplug the chord from the laptop and plug it back in for it to work again. Any ideas?

 

Might be the physical DC connector INSIDE the laptop that's on the motherboard, it could be a little loose. If you can like wiggle the cable around WHILE it's in your laptop it's probably loose. Any electrical expert can solder that.

 

you might want to monitor your battery charge/discharge status. My battery wouldn't charge pass 95% and I made sure it wasn't one of the settings that did that, and it kept discharging randomly when it's at 95%. I bought a battery from a member on this forum, replaced it, and the problem went away. But yeah, could be other things such as the connector CorePax mentioned.

 

After disabling and enabling desktop mode again, the charging issue has stopped. Thanks for the advice. Once the warranty expires in a couple of years I will start digging into this beast and hope to be as half as smart as you guys when it comes to this stuff, and I work in IT ... lol. This board is absolutely incredible and I am so glad that I got an AW18 and found this place, even though I've had a few issues with the machine.

 

Well I can confirm that the AW 17 and the AW 18 use the same keyboard. I bought a spanish keyboard from an AW 17 and installed it on the my AW 18 and it fully works. Such a complicated thing to change the keyboard compared to the old M17x.

 

Guys I need your help
I broke my alienware 18 2013 LCD
I can't find the panel LTM184HL01 which is currently used by my laptop
I was however able to find the following screen models
LTN184HT01
LTN184HT03
LTN184KT01


Would these be compatible with my alienware 18?
If so, are these the same/better/worse?

I had contacted dell India they said that they currently in stock and told me to order it from PChub.com
I found these
http://www.pchub.com/uph/category/638/LCD-18.4-FHD-1080.html


http://www.pchub.com/uph/category/1358/LCD-18.4-WXGA-HD-.html

The glass isn't actually broken
Pressure from the back caused the damage




Thanks guys

 

Hi people,

I have an Alienware 18 with 770m SLI.

Have any of you gone from 770m SLI to 7970M Xfire on this machine?

Is it worth it and would any recommend it?

I have read that for the moment, the best GPU combo you can put in the 18 is a 780m SLI, as the 980m (Maxwell) doesn't work well our beast...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/alienware-18-with-980m-sli-by-hidevolution.763915/

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/aw-m18x-r2-dual-980m-sli-upgrade.765169/

 

Kinda wondering, I read somewhere that computers with Windows 8 sticker/certification is needed to be able to toggle secure boot on / off. But the Alienware 18 can't. Doesn't this make the Alienware 18 and 17 with no unlockable BIOS infringe the Windows 8 license?

 

We can enable and disable the secure boot on both machines.
But the BIOS is Secure Flash locked, no Custom BIOS .

 

Look at this:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_ssn...R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=viking&LH_PrefLoc=2&_sop=15

If you look at items 5-8 ... what are those? the 970m/980m heatsinks?
NEW GENUINE DELL ALIENWARE 18 VIKING BTX LEFT VIDEO GPU CARD HEATSINK P4P1Y (2 pipes)
NEW GENUINE DELL ALIENWARE 18 VIKING BTX RIGHT GPU CARD HEATSINK 7P34C 07P34C (2 pipes)
NEW GENUINE DELL ALIENWARE 18 VIKING BTX RIGHT VIDEO GPU CARD HEATSINK NHGJM (3 pipes)
NEW GENUINE DELL ALIENWARE 18 VIKING BTX LEFT VIDEO GPU CARD HEATSINK R5NKT (3 pipes)

 

Hi everyone, I'm new here.

My 3 month old 18 came with 4910MQ and 880M SLI.

Usually, while in idle mode, my unit's temp is like this (I just re-pasted the thermal compound for CPU and GPU because my CPU easily reached 100C when rendering)



I played Ryse - Son Of Rome in Very High Settings for a bit, then I checked the temp, GPU: 81C / 79C and all of CPU's cores were over 75C ...

I want to ask, is it too hot? and also what is normal range of temperature of GTX 880M SLI?

Thank you.

 

It's quite normal, actually. Although re-pastes with certain quality compounds does yield substantially better thermals on the GPUs.

 

Hi everyone,
I've recently updated my BIOS to A10 (from A03) and now having this kind of problem. Whole system shuts down when I start a conversion of FLAC to MP3 file (specifically, I use xrecode II). Didn't have this kind of problem back on A03. So far figured out that if I turn off CPU turbo mode in BIOS, then everything work fine.
Yes, it's not the end of the world, but it's pretty timewasting to turn off/on CPU turbo mode every time I need to convert some file.
Does anyone have any idea how to fix it?
Thanks in advance.

 

Think there are problems with fan profile in bios A10. Flash to A09 ... If you still have problems, I recommend that you apply new and better thermal grease. If necessary install Hwinfo64 and run the fans at maximum speed with manual fan control in Hwinfo.

 

Thanks a lot for all advices. Just flashed to A09 and A08, but problem remains, unfortunately. Also modified fan speed via Hwinfo64 (set 4300 RPM), still the same. But whole process of conversion lasted 2 times longer then before (approx. 10 seconds instead of usual 5).
By the way, flashed back to A03 and everything works just fine. More then this, during the whole process of conversion, fans work as quiet, as possible.
May be any other ideas? =)

 

Which processor do you have and can you post a picture of the bios. (Thinking of advance settings in bios as in the photo) Do you also use the Oc profile?
Can you also run a Wprime 1024 (8 threads) version 1.55 and Cinebench 11.5 benchmark test?
http://downloads.guru3d.com/CineBENCH-11.5-download-2475.html
http://www.wprime.net/

 

Ok, so I have Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4930MX CPU @ 3.00GHz. Here goes BIOS settings (I think they are pretty much the same):

And it's the results from Wprime 1024:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwBEi-e46YEPSEUyZDJqTUltUWs/view?usp=sharing

I think that I don't use any Oc profiles, mostly because I don't really know what it is =)

And also some other new info I gathered so far:
1). Laptop shuts down 3 seconds after I start Cinebench 11.5 benchmark CPU test just exactly the same way it has been shutting down when I was trying to convert FLAC to MP3. (Should I still finish this test with CPU Turbo Mode turned off or with A03 BIOS version or would it be pointless?)
2). When I'm using this app xrecode II and go to Task manager, find it in ''processes'' and ''set affinity'' I can uncheck every CPU except one (CPU 0). And when I launch conversion with only one CPU it finishes without crashes but it takes 10 times longer then usually.

Hope this will shed some light.

 

Papusan, by the way, I was looking through few other threads and read that you have also been experiencing some troubles running Cinebench test because of the crashes, which you've fixed by using Liquid Ultra. May be this solution will also work out for me?

P.S. Since it looks like you have the same processor as me, can you tell if it's fine that Intel XTU and other utilities show me that I have only 1333Mhz memory speed by default?

 

Xtu reads memory speed totaly wrong. Use Cpu-z.
All Extreme processors should use Liquid ultra as these Hotwell processors becomes horrible hot. No other thermal grease, helps against this heat such a processor can create. Your main problem is a poor thermal grease. Do not use over 4x4ghz with your bad thermal grease. Switch to Liquid ultra...
Can you take a screenshot of xtu, so I can see which setting that is used?
Learn to use Xtu, as you get more enjoyment from your processor. Here is a well-written thread started by Mr Fox about overclocking and Liquid ultra by Nicos.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...ly-have-it-run-full-stock-turbo-speed.734696/
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-liquid-ultra-any-tips-before-i-start.741745/

 

Ok. thank you. Will look for rhis grease/

 

I have an issue with my sound - when I have both Chrome and Opera open the sound is diminished. When I close Opera the sound is full again ... I can't figure it out - it's with all music players. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

MS40

 

Hi first post (hope this thread is the place to post) My grandson has an Alienware 18 and the lcd screen got smashed from an accident. I pulled the unit apart to confirm the screen part, Dell part XJY7J which seems to be a Samsung 18.4 FHD part LTM184HL01 C01. Got a replacement sent from China to Australia AUD480 and when replaced the laptop gives 8 beeps (lcd fail) Triple checked connectors still the same. Put the original smashed back in and it fires up straight away.
So question is: Is there a chance this screen is the wrong version, the labels are the same as per the part numbers, the connector is the same, screen looks identical. I'm waiting on a response from the seller but the info on this screen seems very limited when asking Dell.
Thanks in advance Joe.

 

Hi, @zircontweezer - Welcome to our Community. Glad to have you here. Sorry to hear about the accident.

The fact that the original screen works seems to be an indication the LCD is either no good or something about it is not compatible if it is not defective. I vaguely remember reading a post where someone else recently had the same problem with a replacement 18 LCD panel, but I do not remember where it was posted.

I also know there is more than one aftermarket 120Hz LCD replacement panel for the Alienware 17 with 3D and attempting to using the wrong revision will cause the main to fail to post.

That's really weird. Did you figure out what was causing it yet?

 

Well NBkit were very helpful and sent me a second screen which also does the same thing, 8 beeps lcd fail Seems like I've been dudded and now have two screens to send back. Any suggestions about correct procedure to return these items as I bought over ebay (free shipping) and paid AUD480 with Paypal. Both screens had one difference with a sticker under another sticker on the back saying "reliability test sample"

 

Are you using cables supplied with the replacement screens or your existing cables? I ask because a bad LVDS cable can cause the 8 beeps problem. If the original display still works as you mentioned before, then the problem has to be something wrong with the parts that you are attaching. They are either bad, wrong part for your system, or the cables (if provided) are not correct. Do all of the identification numbers match up with the original part? All it takes is one very minor difference in design or electrical pin-out to prevent it from working, and sometimes parts that seem "compatible" are not really compatible.

 

I'm transferring the original cable, they supplied the screen only. here's some links to photos:
original screen full http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z265/kersanov/Misc/original full screen.jpg

original screen label http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z265/kersanov/Misc/original screen label.jpg

new screen full http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z265/kersanov/Misc/new screen 1.jpg

new screen label http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z265/kersanov/Misc/new screen 2.jpg

new screen label-b http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z265/kersanov/Misc/new scren 3.jpg

 

Hmm, I don't know. There has to be something different about it if the cracked screen works and the replacements do not. Weird, but you're probably going to need to get one from another source as an aftermarket replacement or buy a good used one that is new old stock or system pull. You can usually find them on eBay for reasonable prices, including the glass cover and aluminum housing all fully assembled.

 

How many versions of Alienware 18 are out there and what is the difference , I am not asking about Alienware M18X series just to be clear, Correct me if i am wrong but is there two versions of Alienware 18 ->2013 model and 2014 model, if yes can anyone please tell me what is the major difference between them

 

The main difference is gtx780m(2013) vs gtx880m. But most people experience problems with gtx880m sli. A worse choice.

 

Thanks for the quick reply, I had few other question?, Are these 4K ?
Is Alienware 18 2013 Model upgradeable to use 800 series or even 900 series GPU's ?

 

None, there was only one version of Alienware 18. A simple GPU or mid-generation CPU refresh does not change the machine model identification or naming convention. Nothing about the machine itself underwent changes and there is no 18R1/R2... all just 18.

 

Yes. But not upgrade to gtx880m Think there are still problems with gtx980m in AW18.

 

Thanks i am actually planning to get used AW 18 2013 model and upgrade later to 900 series GPU once Nvidia SLi issue gets fixed in AW 18

 

I second the motion on that.

In addition to 780M SLI being much better than 880M SLI, from everything I have seen the 4930MX is also a better performer than the 4940MX. I haven't seen anyone get the level of overclocking performance from 4940MX that several of us (including @Papusan) have extracted from the 4930MX.

 

Thanks for this valuable info, I am soon going to join AW 18 owners club

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/bga-vs-pga-continuation.775786/page-9#post-10000271

 

I am actually getting 770M in sli for now with base CPU

 

Just stay away from laptops with Bga hardware. Clevo is the alternative to a AW18. The rest is rubbish.

 

But AW 18 is not BGA right ? The new line up from AW which are 2015 models are BGA correct ?
I never owned a clevo before so I get actaully uneasy straying away from AW

 

Aw17R1 and Aw18 are not BGA Newer models are Bga and most other laptop brands. Stay far away from this junk.

 

Thanks, I just Bought used AW 18 real cheap , Now i cant wait for it to get delivered

 

@Papusan and @Mr. Fox Thanks for your valuable input to help me decide on my purchase of AW 18 ,
I will be spending more time here in coming months with lots of questions and inputs , cos now i will have two AW's to play with and experiment on

 

Is it worth getting warranty extension for alienware? I remember when you had m1730 it was worth it to have an extended warranty because of dying gfx cards which were replaced under warranty to a newer model free of charge . Not sure if it's worth getting it for AW18?

 

Maybe you kind folks can help me, The repair guy broke a connector off of my Alienware 18, its the one that daisy chains to the card reader, indicator board, and power button. He broke the locking tab on the connector on the motherboard itself but not the slot itself. They seem like they are removable as the other one that is similar but smaller is. Anyone know exactly which connector that one is and where I could buy one?

 

No, it's not worth it any more. I was always a big fan of going with as much warranty as you can buy, but they no longer have the ability to offer proper warranty support. For last year's models or older non-BGA systems. Don't waste any money on the warranty. (Never dreamed I would say that, but time changes things.)

Please take a couple of photos so we can see what got broken.

Question: If the repair guy broke this, why on earth are you dealing with it instead of him?

 

I second what Mr. Fox stated dont bother with the warranty extension, they will not be able to fix anything due to lack of parts. Seriously I called dell for multiple parts for the Alienware 18 including LCD Hinges, SATA HDD cable, Palm rest assembly, GPU 3 heatpipe heatsinks and they have none of it in stock either new or refurbished. The best they will offer is a new BGA Alienware with soldered components.

Also get the repair guy to fix it, however he will probably need to purchase the entire sub board that the connector is on if its available.

 

It seems Alienware 18 is back! Alienware 18

 

Yup, just posted a video here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/alienware-18-2015.780300/#post-10070711