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

pre cpu upgrade the system was $2779 pre tax and shipping, came to about $ 2995 after all that. i had 7970m crossfire at the time and the cards died on me and alienware replaced them with a new pair which were also faulty so they gave me a pair of 680s.

what games and settings do u play on? i have my 3940XM running @ 4.3 ghz on all 4 cores and i get gpu utilization dips in BF3 1080p, all ultra, 4x MSAA, and fxaa injector sharpening turned to max. on average my gpu usage is anywhere between mid 70s-80s, rarely hitting 90s but sometimes dipping into 60s when theres a lot of stuff going on and my fps drops accordingly from 70s-80s fps normal to like low 50s to high 40s at times, but utilization seems to be proportional to how much i OC the cpu. the higher i OC it the better the gpu usage and fps im able to maintain, and vice versa. btw both 680m cards are OC to 888/2300

 

Ha ha, that's my video of course. But, the 680M is only 100W. Adding another 44W for a pair is not going to work. With a massively overclocked CPU and overvolted 680M SLI setup it is already a juggling act to keep the system from shutting off due to lack of power. It might run two stock 680MX with a QM CPU that does not have any overclock, but where is the fun in having a crippled system?

Maybe you don't have the best drivers, SLI profiles and vBIOS for the 680M to work to the best of its potential. Is everything running stock the way the video cards came from the factory?

 

the vbios im using is the one that svl7 modded to increase the core clock to 900, but apparently it only clocks at 888. i tried pretty much everything from clean install of windows to driver updates, nothing seems to help. same thing happens with stock vbios, currently using 310.90 whql drivers, and the power setting is set to "prefer max performance" in nvidia control pannel. idk wat it could be at this point besides either bf3 is really cpu killer or i just have bad cards...

 

xD Didn't read your user name. lol

So how much does your system consume when gaming? They could potentially add a stronger PSU btw. The cooling is deffinitely good enough to have two 680mx's.

 

Install the latest drivers which are the 310.90 for starters. When you did that go into your controll panel and set threaded optimization to always on under your 3D settings. There's no way an 3940xm would bottleneck those cards.

 

I did all that already and its been the same. im leaning to bad cards maybe? strange thing is that gpu usage increase and decrease proportionally as i OC the CPU which unless im mistaken are signs of cpu bottleneck? bf3 is not the only game i get with this problem, in the witcher 2 when in the part where you fight a bunch of guys while defending Vergen fps drops from 100s to 30s-40s and gpu usage is like in the 40s per card. same thing when playing counter strike source offline with max bots, get like 40-50fps with crap gpu usage, but fps and gpu usage goes up as more bots die.

 

I doubt you have bad cards. BF3 is not a very well optimized game. All it takes is one setting being off to make it run poorly. I bet it is something not set correctly in the NVIDIA Control Panel. Are you selecting "Let the 3D application decide" or the "Use my preferences emphasizing: Performance" or "Use the advanced 3D image settings" option? If you have your quality settings too high things will not perform as well as possible. In most games there is very little visual difference between moderate and extreme settings. Set everything to use a profile. Use the global profile to prefer performance over quality for every available option, and disable AA, vsync, etc. or use the game specific NVIDIA profile and tweak it in the same way.

I agree, there is no way you are having a CPU bottle neck. Witcher 2 is a very demanding game, even for desktop SLI and CrossFire systems.

 

That's definitely the cpu bottlenecking. You should use some program to shut down all background processes and set the games priority to high than test again. Also make sure threaded optimization is set to active,or what ever it is in the English version,not automatic. If it still bottlenecks than It's either a hardware fault or the cpu really isn't strong enough though I'm pretty sure that's impossible,especially with BF3 which has excellent multi core optimization.
There's one other possibility though. Your cpu might be throttling. make sure to check the temps on it under load!

 

I made sure thread optimization was on. Highest cpu temp i got under full load after approximately 45 mins or so of bf3 was 83°C with the 4.3ghz OC on all 4 cores. currently using 3 pipe cooler with stock dell paste. I believe the chip is suposed to be rated @ 105°C max temp, but i have no idea yet as to what the real throttling point may be. As for the pair of 680s, it does appear that they refuse to go above 78°C but i don't notice any clock throttling, just the GPU usage decrease, however the pair do throttle their core clocks when running 3dmark11 and FEAR3 from 888 down to 222 and back up but this doesnt happen in any other programs. when this happens its totally random and happens even when temps are as low as 55 °C on both GPUs. (doesn't happen on 3dmark11 when using stock dell Vbios) im going to have to do some more in-depth testing n see if i can figure out just exactly what is the limiting factor here and ill update as soon as i find something new.

 

If that is the vBIOS I think it is, it is an old mod. A lot has been learned over time if it is one from a few months ago and you should consider getting one of the new ones, like one of the "Dell 680m - 80.04.33.00.32__'OCedition'_revised_00" ROM files. I think you will find that dipping down to like 222MHz thing no longer happens. You should have a really good experience playing BF3 without any overclocking. Are you using MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision-X along with HWiNFO64 OSD to watch what your CPU and GPUs are doing in game? If not, doing that might be enlightening. Watch the temps, core/memory speeds and voltage and see if you see any correlation.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...mperatures-game-benchmark-screen-display.html

If folks with a CPU far less powerful than yours are having a good BF3 experience, there is no way your CPU is lacking unless there is a malfunction, like incorrect settings, which might be causing power throttling or heat throttling. The same could apply to your GPUs.

 

+1 great info gonna definately check that out, is there any way you could link me to where i can find that vbios file? ive just been using Core Temp n playing bf3 in windowed mode to check for cpu throttling and temps and MSI afterburner for gpu on screen monitoring.

 

If you obtained the one you are using from the authority on the subject, Brother svl7, you will find the newer vBIOS mods in the same thread.

 

did I miss out something? what has happened to AW USA site it only has 1 graphic card config now, what happened to dual cards lol

 

if so can i upgrade it to 3pipe heatsink? and where can i buy this parts?

 

You can buy it directly from Dell. Call tech support and ask to buy it. Google m18x r2 parts let's and you'll find the part number to give them. It's about 34 bucks

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

 

I think it's gotta be a stocking issue. The other day on the UK site, Sli 680m option had gone too, leaving just the choice of a single 680m. Just looked at the UK site this morning and Sli is back up again. Different stocking levels for different Countries, I guess.....every option is still currently available on the UK site, including AMD - every variety you could think of.

 

You will have a single piped heatsink (X4KPF CPU Heat Sink, Standard (1 pipe)) installed by default with anything other than an Xtreme cpu. If you want to OC your 3740qm, you can do by up to +400mhz so the additional cooling offered by the XM heatsink would only help keep your cpu nice and cool(er). As DanDan said, you can order via Dell and this is what you need to ask for - part number is the first 5 characters.

0MXJ5 CPU Heat Sink, XM CPU (3 pipes)

 

You have a single pipe one and you can get any of our parts by sending an e-mail to [email protected]

 

any parts for upgrade? in both USA and Canada?

 

Send me a PM with your model and current configuration, i'll reply with all possible upgrades and pricing info

 

I'm looking forward to the last week of January. Just ordered my new system to replace my malfunctioning return, and got one hell of a deal. Thank you Alienware!

I get to experience the joy of getting this beast in the mail again - opening the new box, reliving the experience once more, haha. And I have to tell you, the excitement has not diminished one bit.

Just hope there aren't any issues...

 

Why doesn't Dell offer the triple pipe heatsink as an option for the non XM cpu's?
Would make things a lot easier.

 

Posting this to help another member find this info. Any help would be appreciated.

 

The only reason I can think of is profit maximisation really. Why not just make the triple pipe standard regardless of the CPU you're ordering?

On another note, I've ordered the Windows 8 style keyboard (Part number 8GWD6). Cost was $120AUD delivered from Dell AU. Anyone else from Aus who wants one send me a PM and i'll forward on details to the Rep I ordered through, She was more than helpful in organising it.

 

Alright so I'm buying a m18xR2 without a graphics card in it.
I'm going to be buying a 7970m to put in there, but I'm a bit confused on what other parts I need.
Obviously I need a Heat Sink and a X-bracket, but for the description of the heatsink, do I need a m18xR2 specific Heatsink or do I need a 7970m specific Heat sink?

For example, I have a m17x right now with a 7970m in it, Would that heatsink fit the m18xR2 or is there a heatsink made just for the m18xR2?
Can anybody point me in the right direction to get the hardware needed to install a 7970m in a m18xR2?

Thanks!

 

No, the M17x heat sinks are made completely different. Each model has unique heat sinks, and different brands and models of GPU take different heat sinks. There is some crossover, but they are far from being universal fit. Look in the opening post of this thread and you will find links to parts lists with the parts you need for the M18x R1/R2.

You can also look at the opening post in this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...sink-7970m-crossfire-upgrade.html#post8568526

Buy your parts from Dell if at all possible. While you are buying them, try to get an extended warranty for the M18x. If it is still under warranty, be sure to get it transferred into your name before sinking a lot of money into it. If you do not do that, you might end up regretting it later.

 

Thanks, I'm going to send them an email now, so from what I gather from the sources you provided, the parts I need to ask for in the email is:
V4NXK AMD Left Wimbledon XT 7970m Heat Sink
3PVGK AMD Wimbledon XT 7970m Heat Sink Support Plate

And than the card of course which I'll probably see if I can find around here.
That should be all that is needed to install ONE 7970m in a single card configuration for the m18xR2, right?

Thanks!

 

Yes, you have the correct part numbers. You should ask them to price you out the 747M2 AMD Wimbledon XT 7970m as well. You might be pleasantly surprised by the price. Buying a used one anywhere, even from a reputable person, carries more of a risk and leaves you with no warranty on the parts. If you buy upgrade parts from Dell/Alienware, they have a minimum warranty of so many days, or up to the length of time remaining on your factory warranty on the computer, whichever is greater. You will not get that anywhere else.

Best place to get this is from Dell. See the link to part numbers in the opening post of the M18x Owner's Lounge or post # 2370 in response to a similar question from SemiGamer.

 

mr Fox, last time I called a Dell rep and ask for CPU/GPU upgrade they told me they dont sell CPU/GPU and only other parts, so upgrading alienware only for the states and not canada?

 

No, nothing like that. It's just that it never hurts to keep asking, and you might be pleasantly surprised. The answer may never change. How long ago did you ask? Did you try to buy 7970M or 680M?

 

When I ordered V4NXK and it came with the support plate (3PVGK).

 

Mr. Fox, Semigamer is the other guy I was trying to help. It's my M18 he's buying without the cards and SSD. It does still have some warranty left on it but will Dell honor or allow that to be extended given that he is receiving the machine sans video cards, heatsinks, brackets and the crossfire cable?

 

I asked three times to get triple pipe heatsink, 3rd rep sold it to me and when I asked him about getting a CPU, he told me they dont sell processors...

 

Mr fox did you have a upgrade guide/video when you switched to a R2 motherboard? Any hints that i need to know?

 

I got the price quotes from that email Fox listed and here they are:

V4NXK AMD Left Wimbledon XT 7970m Heat Sink

$24.99 plus taxes available


3PVGK AMD Wimbledon XT 7970m Heat Sink Support Plate

$474.99 plus taxes not available / no ETA



747M2 AMD Wimbledon XT 7970m video card

$564.99 plus taxes available 30 parts"



Is the support plate really that much?!? O.O Has to be something wrong here lol

Also isn't the support plate different from the x-bracket? I can't find a part number for an x-bracket, does it come with the heatsink for $24.99?

 

you're getting them separately instead of buying a whole package system, it would make sense they charge you more instead of just $600 (vid cards) + $150 (heatsink + fan). this is why its good to upgrade to max from first go!

 

X bracket is the same as the support plate, which you don't need to order if you get the heatsink.

 

@SemiGamer - No, that price on the support plate cannot be accurate. Yes, the proper name for the "x bracket" is support plate. You can get one somewhere else if you need to, but it is probably just a mistake. It should be more like $4 or $5. Either they looked it up wrong or the part number is listed incorrectly in their system. BUT, the heat sink almost always includes a support plate, so you probably don't need to order it separately. Every time I have received an order for a GPU heat sink there was one in the package with the heat sink and extra support plates shipped separately.So, that's not a bad price for a Dell 7970M GPU. If that's what you want, I would go with it. I am glad to know that it is available for purchase from Dell as an upgrade.

No, I did not do any kind of guide. I thought I might, but it was very straightforward and not any different that replacing an original part. The only thing to be aware of is the plastic port bezel on the inside of the chassis on the right side may need to have the tabs shaved off with an x-acto knife. This is the black plastic piece that fits into the chassis openings for the optical disk slot, ExpressCard, USB ports, etc. The M18x R2 I/O daughterboard is a tiny bit wider and the connection between it and the motherboard will not line up. The M18x R2 chassis has a plastic bezel that is smooth on the inside, so all you have to do is whack the little spacer tabs off on the inside and you'll be good to go.

There was another post with a photo here recently. I will try to locate it and link it here for you.

Edit: dang it, I love Google... found it in less than a minute, LOL.

​

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/702521-really-really-weird-problem-alienware-replacement-part-please-read.html​

 

that was a nice read, and here I thought it'd just fit lol. right now the mobo/ioboard and caddy + cable are all sold out but when it comes in I guess I need to worry about this issue.. just wanna confirm it. its the bottom chassis plastic tabs that needs some trimming right?

 

That's correct... and only those on the side where the optical drive mounted. They are around the USB ports. You will see as soon as you pull it apart. They are very easy to crop off with a razor blade. It took me a few minutes to figure out what the deal was when trying to attach the I/O board, but as soon as I connected the dots I had them lopped off and the pieces came together in a cinch.

 

There are huge sales going on right now, up to 15% off select systems! If you're a prospective buyer, grab your phone and call now.

 

Hi All,

Is it possible to upgrade my MX18 video card (2x460m SLI) to a newer model? If so, where would the best place to get this done? (UK based)

Thanks

Craig

 

Hi Craig. Sure, there are multiple threads covering M18x GPU upgrades. A GPU upgrade is a great idea, and much more affordable than buying a new system when you don't need everything else upgraded. Click the link in the lower right corner of my signature for an index and you will see a couple of those threads listed. You can easily do the work yourself, unless the thought of doing so is too intimidating. I don't live in the UK, but maybe someone that does can recommend a computer repair company if you need help doing it. (It is OK to name the business or provide a link to their web site, but no posting of individual persons names or contact information is permitted.)

GTX 680M and HD 7970M are both fully compatible with the M18x R1.

 

Was wondering how big of a difference in game performance the i7 3630qm is compared to 3820qm?

Forgot to ask in the question above with CPUs but can de Alienware M18x R2 hold 32GB of ddr3 ram @ 1866mhz?

 

Most games aren't as CPU intensive as they are GPU intensive, so you most likely won't see that large of an increase in FPS by upgrading your CPU. Where your CPU comes into play is games that run high in A.I., or need to compute large amounts environment variables like flight simulators. Games like BF3 when you are playing on a 64 player map can also tax your CPU.

Yes, the M18X R2 supports the full 32Gb of DDR3 1866 memory.

 

lol 460m, you're old school man that was the stuff before the refresh on m18x r1

I am hoping DDR4 would come with 12gb stick or 16gb stick, but thats another 2 years. for now 32gb 1866mhz rocks, or go for 16gb 2133mhz.

 

I'm looking for some external audio options as the alienware imo has awful audio. It's great when I'm using most of my headphones such as my lovely beyerdynamics DT 770's but otherwise just doesn't cut it.

I do have a TV/PS3 etc so I thought about home theater system or maybe a soundbar. The setup is a little tight on space so I was just looking for some good recommendations.

Also any opinions on whether it's worth it to upgrade my current processor in sig to one of the higher end ones in the R1?

Unityole.... I was happy with my dual 9800GT's in the m1730 xps...if only they didn't have meltdowns inside my laptop. Those 460's would beat my desktop any day I think it has a Nvidia GT Hamster in wheel edition.

 

Thanks for the feedback

 

If you are a budget user like myself, I personally recommend the Logitech Z506 5.1 surround sound system. You can grab it on Amazon for about $80. Do not buy it from Dell because they will charge you full retail price which is $100 plus tax and shipping.

It is the best speaker system you will find in the price range between $80 and $120.

 

i actually thought the sound for alienware is pretty good lol, guess my standards too low.