*OFFICIAL* Alienware 18 Owner's Lounge Thread

@Alienware-L_Porras I second Ramzay, I will not be purchasing a new AW18 until the Bios issues are resolved and including fan table issues resolved letting the user control fan speeds. Also when support is released for graphics card upgrades on previous AW18 models to include support for the 970m and 980m without compatibility issues. Also with the release of this new AW18 does it mean that customers will be able to purchase parts through dell once again for previous AW18 models, everytime I have called in for a part I need I have been told out of stock and product is discontinued. I will be looking to sell my AW18 and moving on to Sager if these issues aren't addressed, the customers concerns have been expressed in detail on Ideastorm.

 

Nice to see that Dell finally came around to what people want in terms of REAL performance. It would be nice to see it on other Countries web sites - not hit the UK as of yet, or so it seems. Let's hope the revised 18 is not crippled by Bios or vBios limitations.......

 

AW18 is not on the AU website yet.

But neither is the AW17 R2 (Not that I'll loose any sleep over that ultrabook)

 

It should be up soon on those regions. I can ask the team to see when they are planning to put the 18 for sale in other regions.
The reason it's on the US region first was/is to prevent leaks.

 

Neither on the Norway website... Why buy an Aw18 laptop now wiht the 10 month old gtx970/980m gpu ? Dell this is all to late...

 

still the bios issue with fan, cooling problem..

 

There is still 30+ days until the first people who order the Alienware 18 will recieve it, at which time we will see if a new bios gets posted to the dell drivers page. If a new bios isnt released within the next couple months I will be getting rid of my AW18 and never purchasing another AW product again to many problems for a top of the line system.

 

I see this complaint a lot on here and alienware forum, what country are you guys from?
I'm in AU and can still purchase ALL parts from M18xR2 forward, I just call Dell and bought 2 x M11xR3 LCD assemblies last week.
The Australian government took Dell to court a few years ago about warranty misrepresentation and spare parts availability, here is what Dell MUST comply with in AU



ACCC acts on Dell warranty misrepresentations
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-acts-on-dell-warranty-misrepresentations

SPARE PARTS:

The consumer guarantees require that goods must be of acceptable quality, fit for any disclosed purpose, and must match any description given or sample shown. Sellers and manufacturers must also honour any express—or extra—warranty they give about the goods they sell. Manufacturers must also ensure they make repair facilities and spare parts are reasonably available for a reasonable time


WARRANTY/REFUND:

• the consumer was only entitled to a refund, replacement or credit of the purchase price for a product within 15 days of the product's invoice date, when that was not the case

• where that product developed a fault outside of Dell's Express Warranty period, the consumer was not entitled to any remedy for the product and would have to pay for any repair or replacement parts required to remedy the fault, when that was not always the case

• where that product developed a fault within Dell's Express Warranty period, the consumer was required to prepay, and assume the risk of all shipping and transportation charges to return the product to Dell for repair or replacement, when that was not always the case, and

• where a third party product was faulty the consumer was only entitled to seek remedies directly from the third party manufacturer, when that was not the case.

 

@andrewsi2012 I am in the US and feed up with dells support for Alienware products, they offered no option for repair on the Alienware 18 when out of warranty in addition carry 0 spare parts. Now to hear it will be rereleased that tells me they did have spare parts and must have been holding onto them to refurbish the broken AW18 they recieved. Screw them.

 

I don't blame you, if I spent $3K+ on a laptop, I would expect to be able to access spares longer than 12 months, actually its even less as Dell US only stopped selling the last revision early this year, maybe Feb or March, so less than 6 months.

6 months - That sounds really screwy to me, maybe you spoke with a moron when you called Dell, the idiot probably got it confused with the M18xR1.

I had Dell do a in home service call 2 weeks ago on a M17xR4 with a faulty 3D panel - They send out a 3D panel for a AW17 3 times before they got it right (smacks forehead)

If I can help with any spares feel free to ask, sounds like we have a better supply availability than you guys, I suspect only because Dell have been forced too.

 

Could anyone help me with a copy of an invoice of a alienware 18? Dell does not offer official support for this line in Brazil, I need the copy of an invoice to get the support ... The invoice can be of any machine with expired warranty and I will reward those who help me.

 

if someone please answer me, that would be amazing,
i have a m18x r2 barebone, (no cpu, gpu, ram, hdd, ssd, odd, etc)
i just purchsed a 3920xm, will be taking out 8gigs of ram from my aw17r5, and using the ssd from the 17r5 aswell.

my question is, does the m18xr2 have optimus, will it boot up and do normals taskes without a gpu, can it run on the intergrated (igpu) till i gather finances to upgrade the gpu.

 

The M18x models do not have Optimus per se. But yes, it has manual graphics switching and you can use Intel HD Graphics now (with no discrete GPU) and after you purchase MXM cards you can switch between dedicated graphics to Intel Graphics using FN+F7. This requires a reboot to take effect, but you never have any of the issues with Optimus trying to use integrated graphics when discrete GPU is the best tool for the job. Alienware OSD software is what allows FN+F7 to function in Windows.

I am running my M18xR1 on 2920XM Intel HD graphics right now without any MXM cards.

 

I have a vertical green line on my AW 18 screen that appears when the computer is starting up or coming back from extended sleep, and disappears after a few minutes once the screen has warmed up. Is this a common problem with the IPS screen? Has anyone else seen or heard of this occurring on this model? I have not dropped or damaged the computer and it just started recently out of the blue.

 

I'm dumbstruck - If you take this statement at face value then it looks like Dell actually listened to what we want.

This limited edition Alienware 18 will come packed with the option for either dual NVIDIA 970M GPU’s or dual NVIDIA 980M GPU’s. This is a big reason why we are reintroducing the Alienware 18. We’ve also updated the CPU’s with the latest 4th generation Intel K-series processors. Taking this one step further, all Alienware 18’s will come with an unlocked BIOS so any customer can tweak the OC settings of the already factory overclocked processors.

The Alienware 18 has always been a defining product for Alienware and we’re stoked to bring back this limited edition model. A brilliant 18” display, overclocked and upgradeable socketed CPU, dual graphics, up to 32GBs of RAMM, up to 4 hard drives

http://en.community.dell.com/dell-b...08/19/alienware-18-returns-stronger-than-ever

 

LOL. http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-18/pd.aspx

 

Factory-overclocked for max performance

• The new 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 quad-core processors are faster than the previous generation and are now all factory-overclocked to pack the punch you need to power through any level. The overclocked Intel® Core™ i7-4940MX offers blazing speeds of up to 4.4GHz with Turbo Boost and 8MB of cache for your most resource intensive tasks.

• Intel® Smart Cache Technology speeds up your loading times by sharing the cache memory found in your CPU and GPU — so your applications load faster and your pictures render more quickly.

• Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 allocates your system’s power more efficiently, so you can listen to music, play games and chat with friends simultaneously without bogging down your system.

• Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology gives you up to 8-way multitasking so you can run more programs in the background while consuming fewer system resources. Game, edit video files, mix music tracks or code complex projects all at once. With 8-way multitasking, the Alienware 18 handles all your passions in effortless stride.

*If you already own an Alienware 18 with any core i7 processor, download the new BIOS on support.dell.com to overclock your processor.





http://www1-cdn.dell.com/mc.ashx?id...&modaltype=tooltip&position=bottom&title=Find Out More&flip=true&eventType=rollover




Can't find the "NEW" system BIOS on the Dell website, only A10

 

I got my Dolby Digital Audio plus driver corrected with the backup disk ... I set Windows to never install driver updates.

 

@mr fox

I plan to get a alienware m18 with 4940mx 32gb ram gtx 880m sli but the person i am buying from installed windows 10 on it ....i read ur thread about what happens when u install windows 10 on a alienware 18 laptop .

Does the screen damage issue effect all alien 18 laptops .

Coz so far its running ...

Sent from my SM-N900K using Tapatalk

 

One of my headphone jacks seem damaged. The computer detects the jack is occupied even though there is nothing connected. As a result, no sound is coming through the speakers. I tried plugging in multiple headphones into that particular jack and they all output sound properly. However, I do not see a notification where an audio device has been plugged/unplugged. I tired the two other jacks and they operate and respond properly. After a bit of playing around with this first jack, I eventually managed to make it not "occupied."

Anyway how intensive is it to replace the audio jack? I believe the part # I'll need will be XVVY6 (audio board). Also will there be necessary steps for me to take prior to this replacement (like uninstalling all some drivers?). My power jack is feeling a bit loose...I'd like to replace it too while I'm at it. Is it part # 52YHK?

Either way, it's about time for me to repaste anyway so I'll be opening this laptop up. Lastly, is it okay to pain the heads of each of the screws I unscrew for color coding? What other options do I have?

 

So, I recently came across the alienware website that shows that the AW 18 finally supports the Nvidia 980m SLI, there was a new BIOS update, A12. - Disable PCIe Active State Power Management of Nvidia GTX980 MXM Card.

 

Hey guys
I have an Alienware 18 with 2 x 770M SLI. I want to eventually upgrade to dual 980Ms once the price goes lower.
I want to buy the 100watt heatsinks now. Can I install the 100 watt heatsinks on my dual 770Ms? Will the cards run cooler?

 

Yeees. Run and buy.

 

Kinda torn. Found a decent deal on a (barely used) AW18, 2xR9 M290x, 16GB of RAM, etc. for $1750 CAD ($1350 USD or so).

Could then upgrade to 970/980M, sell off the AMD GPUs.

But I'm really hesitant to get back on the AW bandwagon, only to have Dell stop supporting the AW18 in 6 months.

 

Ok will do! Thx Papusan

 

These things are built like tanks!!! Today, one of my friends thought it'd be funny to change my battery profile and made my laptop do nothing when the lid is closed (instead of the usual sleep mode). I was going to kill time to pass traffic at his place but that didn't happen due to pressing circumstances. What would've been a 5-10 minute walk turned into a 90 minute drive. During my 1.5 hour drive, my laptop was still running hard in my Vindicator backpack. I think the backpack is pretty well insulated and padded = retains heat very well. There aren't any sort of ventilation too. I got a text message just after my drive home that I should IMMEDIATELY take out my laptop and let it cool because of his dumb prank. I grabbed my bag in the trunk and it was warm. Pulled the laptop out quickly (I'm panicking at this point) and tried to let it breathe air. It was almost too hot to handle (literally).

Lo and behold! the thing is still running, doing what it was doing the whole time, and them fans went 100% the moment it received enough cool air. A minute or so later, the palm rest is just a tiny bit warm to the touch. As a side note, everything is working just fine. If this does not spell out quality, I don't know what does. People bag on the AW-tax and I think said tax is very worth it in my opinion.

 

Can anybody give me the exact model # of the FHD matte panel? Dell part # 391-BBDS.

Sent from my SM-T705W using Tapatalk

 

I think the part # might actually be XJY7J, if that makes more sense.

I'm assuming thats the Samsung LTM184HL01 C01?

 

Look what I picked up in my sig. Dirt cheap too.

 

Well ladies & gents,

I wore out waiting for a >1080p 18.4" screen, and bought an Alienware 18 a few weeks back, and waited until I knew it a bit better before commenting.

This is my 3rd different 18.4" laptop, and 6th Desktop Replacement to date. I've had other machines in-between, but we will forget about them.

Does anyone know the address of the 'engineer' whom created this machine without a NORMAL bios reset facility, as I'd quite like to drive a JCB through his living room whilst he is still in it.

Other than that, compared to my other 18.4" machines (8942G i7 920xm, and M18xR2 3920xm), the screen is quite accurate. The gloss compared to the others is much toned-down also, which was my biggest reason for upgrading my shaving mirror, er M18x R2.

Anyway to summarize:

+ Better screen
+ Newer CPU does mame etc much better.
+ 2x 8GB each 880M SLI is only about 5% to 25% better performance than the Crossfire 7970Ms, but SLI appears to be *way* smoother than crossfire.
+ I touch-type, so this keyboard is a marked improvement.
+ Design is more 'grown-up' / 'understated'.
+ Sound is much better.

BUT:

- BIOS reset is almost cause to report to consumer rights.
- Its actually bigger. Surprised me that. Screen bezel design I imagine will date quickly as newer machines sans-bezel are starting to appear.
- Non-linked fans are a design from yesteryear. Even Dells' other machine link fan heatsink pipes for better performance. Maybe they should hire me. Linked fans would give the 4940mx the cooling it so desperately needs.
- Wireless is no longer the triple antenna 3x3. It is a 2x2 wireless AC module, and when I pulled it for my 6300N install, apparently it also had the Bluetooth integrated with it. Dog dammit.
- My 2133MHz Kingston RAM boots at 2133 in my gfs Dell without issue. 1866Mhz is all I can muster from this. *sigh*
- It is not all metal like the M18x R2.
- It is an absolute C yoU Next Tuesday to work on. Removing the palm rest is not for the feint of heart.
- No physical volume control / mute. All crappy 'Function' button sh1te. The Acer 8942G not only had 5.1 sound, but a physical analogue volume control which was lovely. The R2 had buttons on the palm rest. This has nothing.

So, two steps forward, one step back.

Alienware, we are expecting the best of the best here. We expect Aircraft / Formula One levels of engineering, features, and performance. And we are willing to pay for it, have you not seen the pattern?

Maybe I should start a crowd funder for my own Desktop Replacement machine.... who is on-board?

 

@ErikO

Yeah it does have its issues, biggest one for me personally is how much of a pain it is to remove the heatsinks for a re-paste. WTF. Granted its my first SLI machine, and I was used to the AW17 R1, in which all you need to do to re-paste is remove 6 screws. That's it. This machine requires removing a bunch of screws, the battery, HDD, ODD, palm rest, then actually physically removing the lid to be able to remove the CPU heat sink. OMG.

Beyond that though, it's a nice machine. Nice screen, keyboard stays very cool, even though the heat sinks and pipes are directly underneath it. Other companies should learn from that. Having intense hardware directly beneath the keyboard doesn't mean the keyboard needs to run hot.

Given I paid $900 USD for a good used model, I really can't complain. You can't get anything even remotely close to this for $900 new these days.

And once again, man that screen is awesome. I calibrated it with a Spyder4, and boom. 74% NTSC, eye-searing brightness, good viewing angles, and the semi-gloss coating is a good compromise between matte and glossy.

 

One more thing...

I've been d1cking around with Intel XTU, and my CPU's low speed is pegged at 3.3GHz 24/7.

I'd quite like it to be able to revert to 800MHz again during moments of idle on-time.

How do I put this back? What setting was it? BIOS reset did not revert it.

 

One day you will be awesome like me... do you even GDDR6 Bro?

 

Can I haz your GDDR6 powered 980Ms

 

Yesh

 

If I only plan on putting a single GTX 970M in there, which GPU slot should I put it in? And would a heatsink from a GTX 765M be sufficient for the 970M?

 

Put it in the main slot (slot 1) and yes a 765M heatsink should be sufficient to cool the 970M.

 

Well i really wish they would offer 4k display on the alienware 18 or at least quad hd, same thing with MSI.

 

Then it would be the AW17, there are no 18.4" 4K panels.

 

So my 18 shipped missing 2 screws. 2 x M2.5XL8. It also shipped with no CMOS battery. Wtf dell????

 

Aren't you glad you paid $4k for top-notch QC?

 

Called Pro Support and they're sending the screws and the battery.

Dell

 

So it looks like even though I turned "adaptive brightness" off in the power options menu, my screen is still doing that adaptive brightness thing.

Any ideas? On white backgrounds like in Chrome, screen brightness goes up. When I close and return to just my desktop, screen dims.

 

Hi!
Currently I'm working on project to turn k3100m/k4100M into k5100m/GTX 880m without hardware mod and I'll be very appreciative if you help with some stuff I'm looking for people with gtx 780/870/880 or quadro K3/4/5100M. All you need to do:

1. Download GPU-Z and save the vBIOS.
2. Download RWEverything, in top corner select "Access-->PCI". Then windows should appear - select device called "nVidia Corporation VGA Controller". After, save the info to binary with Shift+F2 combination.
3. Share this two files with me

Best Regards,
Valentine.

 

I'm interested in knowing if this works....Are you just patching ID's in the VBIOS and hoping for the best?

 

FYI - I just updated the Alienware 18 parts list on the first page with:
Heat sink - 980M - part number 43K2P (right)
Heat sink - 980M - part number 54TRV (left)

 

Not able to use two headsets at once for some reason, driver issue or ?

 

-moved-

 

Does anyone know where I can find some step-by-step instructions for either Removing or Installation/Replacement of the LCD screen on the Alienware 18? I took step by step pictures of removing the old one a long time ago before I got sick, but now I can't find them

I just want to make sure I'm putting the screws back in the right places instead of stumbling over it blind until I get it right by trial-and-error!

 

You can download the manual for your Aw model from Dell support page. Use your service tag or browse by products at Dell support.