*OFFICIAL* M18x R1/R2 Owner's Lounge Thread

Happy 4th friends

 

I didn't see it mentioned here, but I received my new R2 today, and it has A03 BIOS. In another thread here, it was thought that someone else who got A03 was a mistake from the factory. It's obvious now that there is an A03 out for the R2, just not posted yet at Dell.com for download.

Also, just confirmed that A03 now supports the Intel XTU v3.1.201.5 with all options now configurable instead of greyed out.

 

Nice Lancorp! Thanks for the heads up

 

Happy 4th of July everyone! Waiting patiently for my new m18x spent 2,800 after taxes with free 2nd business day shipping.

 

Well I have no idea why I feel so compelled to post but I also finally pulled the trigger and purchased an m18x, 3820, dual 680m's I am kinda excited. Thanks to many in this forum that helped me solidify my decision.

I trust that I will now have the opportunity to share more here

 

Congratulations and welcome to the forum! - nice machine, I am sure you will be very pleased.

 

Happy 4th of July for every alien ( those who believe in freedom and democracy [and practice them] are becoming aliens anyway) and for everyone that feel illuminated by this country too!

 

Welp finally ordered my m18x r2 too ^^ (specs in sig)

 

Wow, that's a killer rig, BlackStar. Congratulations... I'm sure you're going to love that beast. I can hardly wait to see your benchmark runs with the 3920XM and 680M SLI.

 

I know cant wait either its gonna take along time to ship though expecting it around next month :/ (HIDevolution)

 

Hi Blackstar! Sorry for my ignorant question but I don't get it: What are the real benefits from buying from a HIDevolution (or something alike) instead of direct from Dellienware?

 

Is it shipping with the Corsair Vengeance RAM or are you putting it in?

I ask because it seems Corsair 1866 doesn't work with the R2 for sure, and 1600 is unstable at the least.

You might check with HIDevolution and ask if it's coming from them.

 

Hi, it's a great benefit for those that does not live in the US.

For example, I live in Netherlands, and the price of M18x is stupid here.

They just change the $ to €. so where it costs $5000 in US will cost €5000 in EU. Dumb right?

plus they offer good prices for the upgrades of SSD, memories, and etc.

Hi All, It's been a long time i checked in,

recently i been having a very annoying problem

My M18x keep crashing during gaming, or just browsing around.

when i load up again, i got this message

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.1
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 116
BCP1: FFFFFA801391B4E0
BCP2: FFFFF88004B1F918
BCP3: FFFFFFFFC000009A
BCP4: 0000000000000004
OS Version: 6_1_7601
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 256_1

Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\070512-19921-01.dmp
C:\Users\Ivander\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-37190-0.sysdata.xml

I cant open the xml file, I dont know what program for that.

anyone know what happen here? BatBoy? or Mr. Fox maybe?

Thanks alot guys

 

Resplendence Software - WhoCrashed, automatic crash dump analyzer will help you open and analyse the dump files. However, Bug Check Code: 116 is related to video drivers - I would be tempted to try a uninstallation, clean up, followed by a fresh install of whatever gpu driver you have been using - I find that 296.10 whql provide the best stable results.

 

I would try to do re install 296.10,

i believe that does provide the most stable as I got all these crashes after upgraded to the latest whql

 

My m18xR2 will arrive on monday
Just hope my 7970m X2 can deliver. ^^ But the latest 12.7 could be a "good" driver

 

There's your problem right there. I dont think any of the 3xx.xx drivers are rock solid. I tried 'em and reverted back to 296.10 after having a few minor errors.

Hope reverting back resolves the issue - I would be fairly confident in saying that it would.

 

Ivander

Keep clean above folder, you will be good to go Usually it contains
unnecessary files, and it may affect system to run smoothly.

Tazadar

Yeahh time to bump so beers!!!
Well your stock driver will perform well im some games while it will not with BF3, So remember dont uninstall ur stock driver, Just install 12.6 over it. Reason: your M18x stock fan profile will affect if you uninstall stock drivers, as GPU 1 fan will hardly stop even it will continuously spinnin at Gpu 1 32C temp.

 

I did a fresh windows install, and my fans spin up and down just fine without installing the stock Dell driver first. YMMV perhaps?

 

Huh thts Awesome, ive did fresh install now my system fan wont take rest anymore, even it continuously getin mad at 32C, before it never kick on till 60C. So ive thought it might be driver issue.

 

The GPU fans are controlled by the motherboard EC, which does things based on sensor readings provided by the GPU. I suspect wrong sensor readings may be causing many of our issues with 7970M CF.

 

Actually ive thought of that like fans controls by sensors, as it wont related to drivers. Now really dont have idea, after fresh install fan wont take name to stop. Right now ive checked Gpu 1 temp. its 29C - 31C but fan still runnin, as it will stop after lets say with-in next some min. but it will again turn on when temp goes to 55C, and keep rotatin for next few min. Before it never happened as its just turned on while gamin, when ive stop playin my system stay salient. After fresh install things went wrong. literally have not idea whats wrong with it.

 

i received my m18x today at 11am , my wife was there to receive it. just waiting on my 2 7mm vertex 3 ... made my alienspawn dvd on a DL DVD . so im set

machine crashed once for no reason in windows... im now updating all driver...

 

this i definitely want to know more about. it worries me since for the R1 while doing memory config it never needed a memory profile to go to 1866, but now its required for the R2 and shows in the config page.

does this mean both corsair 1866 as well as the kingston hyperx pnp 1866 ram not going to work in the R2?

 

Depends where you live really, if you live in the US theres more or less no point but for international countries where prices go up because of imports and such HID can provide a cheaper solution at times

Its shipping with the RAM and I already asked them to do a stability check but thanks for the heads up

 

Hi Blackstar2012,
I also ordered from HIDevolution. It was a cheaper option than buying it in Japan - about $US 600. It did take 5 and a half weeks though and their communication leaves plenty of room for improvement.
I upgraded it to their 1866 RAM option. No problems with stability.
The only thing you need to worry about is getting the drivers right if you chose 7970 cf.

EDIT: just noticed you've gone for the SLI 680's. I don't think you'll have a worry in the world. Enjoy!

 

Anyone tried this out yet on the R1. I was just about to, and then noticed the compatability isn't listed for the M18x R1. See below:

 

Hey all. First time posting in the m18x owners thread.
I have recently acquired an M18x r1 with 2960xm, 6990xfire, 256gb m4, 750gb storage, killer wlan, blah blah blah, other stuff too...

It came with 4x2gb 1600Mhz dimms from Dell. I would like to put 16gb in, can this machine handle 1866 speed? If so, any recommendations?

Also, this one didn't come with that Wireless HD or whatever that silliness is. Is that slot able to be used for anything else? msata drive perhaps? would that be worth it if I already have a M4? I just kinda want to upgrade this thing as much as I could. I plan on getting 7970s when they are available from dell.

 

yep, it work with the R1.

 

Excellent. Thanks Brother Bumbo. Saved me the ball ache of finding out it didnt work and having to revert back. Will give it a go. +rep.

 

Cheers for that info but I asked them to double check the system before shipping and they didn't mind so its all good. Just need to wait (impatiently)

 

One little oddity I have come across with this version is my macro keys don't always correspond to the color I select on the color wheel. It's usually one color up or down from the one I select. I can usually get it to display the color I select after a few tries.

If memory serves, it also flashed the KB firmware to a newer version during the installation.

 

My new rig Rather proud of it .

Intel® Core™ i7-3720QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.6GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
Dual 2GB GDDR5 AMD® RADEON HD 7970M CrossFireX™
240GB SSD SATA 3.0 (6Gb/s)
14GB RAM 1600Mhz
2x750gb HDD 7200RPM RAID-0
BluRay Combo (Blu-ray read only, DVD, CD read & write)
Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO with Bluetooth 4.0
3 yrs Next Day In-Home Hardware & Premium Software Phone Support
3 years Accidental Damage Protection

 

Welcome to the forums Throbin!

You should be proud of it.

It's one of the best units available.

 

Hello guys I recently bought an m18x and was wondering what are the things that are essential so that i dont destroy or ruin something. Sorry total noob at this since this is my first gaming rig and just want it to be perfect.

 

A clear image backup would be the first i do probably, what graphics card did you order?

 

Thanks it was expensive but i am pleased with it.

dont understand why people hate the AMD 7970? No real issues so far! .

 

Thanks i got the dual 7970 since the 680 SLI was too expensive for my budget.

 

Thanks i got the dual 7970 since 680 sli was too expensive for my budget sorry for the double post i was not able to quote and dont know how to delete the first post

 

It's not the AMD 7970 itself that people have a problem with. It's the drivers for dual 7970's in Crossfire that seem to be the issue.

 

You may not have problems now, but one day it will jump out of your computer, slap your grandma, kick your dog, steal your truck, and run off with your wife. Apparently country songs are written about it.

 

It comes done to personal preference really, haters and fans on both sides

 

Now, that was funny.

 

That's funny, Kovalen. Trobin, glad to see you are part of the group that has a 7970M CrossFire system that is working. That gives hope to those that do not. The only people that hate it that I know of are those that are having problems with it. (There are some haters that don't own it, but they have been divinely endowed as an authority on 7970M and we should worship their omniscience.)

This is an accurate statement, although there is an uncomfortable number of issues floating around out there on systems with only one 7970M GPU. I do believe bad drivers are the root of the issue for all systems.

If you are referring to fanboism, yes and I agree. But, we don't care what they (dysfunctional fanboys) think, LOL. But, it's not a matter of preference for those that own the product and find it is malfunctioning.

 

LOL! +rep

 

Hello Everyone,

I asked this question in another forum, but I thought I would get your opinioins too...I just purchased my m18X R2 on 7/2 and have an EDD of 7/17 (which seems a little long to me, but I'll wait as patiently as possible!). My current setup will be this:

3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3610QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.3GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz
18.4 inch (467.36 mm) WLED WideFHD (1080p) display (1920 X 1080)
2GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 660M
750GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1, English, w/Media
Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Intel 2230 Wireless-N

I would have loved to have purchased the SLI option with the 660M GPU, but I simply can't afford the 2 GPU option. My biggest question is whether my current system will be adequate enough to handle graphics in upcoming games in the future. I was told that I would be able to upgrade to SLI at a later date, and I am planning on adding SSD in the near future.

I would love to hear your opinions on how you think my system will handle graphics intensive games, as well as any suggestions you have to make my system better. My order is currently "In Process", and is expected to be shipped late this week or early next week. Thanks for your opinions/suggestions, and I look forward to chatting with you all in the future.

 

Marinesniper

Hey Marine Well short answer, M18x with single GTX 660m is just useless, you will not able to max out few of current gen. game as well future games. Yes in future you will able to upgrade Gpu, but it will be expensive for you, as mobile Gpus are expensive compare to desktop card additionally come with less warranty support. As you have mentioned that you cant afford dual Gpu, but unfortunately single 660m is not enough. My advice better off with Dual 7970M X or Chose M17x with single 7970M (which will be at same price or less compare to ur current M18x). As you have mention that your order is in process, so my advice better to cancel it as you will NOT able to cancel it, at In Production.
So there is one option for M17x with single 7970M which will be approx 3x faster then your current M18x system with 660M.

 

sounds harsh, but i agree. if you just wanted a 660m, you wouldnt need m18x at $1999. even the asus g75 has 670m with the same CPU it only cost $1300. if you do get m18x, it is over a 100% you should get dual GPU setup even if it means spending a bit extra.

a single 7970m or 680m is almost twice as fast as 675m, and is AT LEAST twice as fast as 670m and your 660m. imagine what you could do with dual 7970m? more than 4x performance than your card.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. Unfortunately, I was not given the chance to get anything OTHER than the 660m in single or SLI mode. I am already "In Production", which isn't a big deal. I'll just save up the money and add the SLI down the road. I know it will cost me more in the long run, but when you don't have a lot of money up front you don't have much choices. I am talking with some of the people at AW to see if there is anything they can do to help me, but I'm pretty happy with the setup I have. I am happy with the fact that I can upgrade down the road when I have the money to do so, as I am expecting a fairly large Department of Justice settlement here in the next 6mos or so that will allow me to easily afford the cost of adding the second graphics card. I don't need "top of the line" performance, just enough performance to allow me to get high graphics and enjoy my game play without glitches and lagging. The reason I went with the m18x is because I am planning on "Maxxing it out" over the course of a year or so (even if it will cost me more to do that than if I got everything up front). This is the way us poor disabled veteran's have to do things.. Either way, thank you very much for your suggestions, and I will certainly keep them in consideration when I speak with the AW representatives tomorrow AM.

 

Marinesniper,

Thank you for your service to our country.

My suggestion to you is.
1) Cancel your order with AAFES for $2,397.84
2) Try to take advantage of Dell's 12 month interest free offer, get approved then step #4
3) Sign up for the Dell Advantage program for additional savings,discounts,gift cards.
4) Haggle,haggle,haggle on the phone with the Dell sales reps and get the best CPU and graphics option you can ( SLI 680's or Crossfire 7970s depending on preference) for the best price.
5) At your leisure, upgrade the RAM and move to SSD.

OR

6) Wait until your settlement funds are transferred and order the system then( I know waiting sucks big time but you might come out a head very nicely). By that time the price of the nVidia cards will be lower most likely. And I would still follow steps #2,#3,#4

The 12 month interest free is a loan with no money out of your pocket if you pay on time and finish your obligation in 12 months or before. The same amount or less than you would have to save up for to upgrade the graphics later interest free!! And, the cards will be covered by your warranty.

SLI 680 = $1100 ÷ 12 = $91.66 a month = $3.06 a day ( less than 1 starbucks coffee )

Just a thought Brother

Monnie