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

thanks a lot! ive been trying to mess with the wrong gpu this whole time lol my gpu 1 temps are always about 10 degrees higher than gpu 2 when gaming and this whole time ive been messing with gpu 2

 

yeah the u3 is the one i have and its verygood strongly recomend it

 

Got a question for you M18X R2 owners, when i watch movies or play games, i have got the strangest reverb sound coming or from the speakers or the subwoofer, it stops when i turn off all of the THX Studio Pro items, have you guys had this before and how did you solve it?

 

Yea its awesome, I get about 72 under load from both 7970s

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

 

Well, managed to get finance for a m18x instead of paying cash for a m14x. What the hell.....you only live once!

Basic spec below .......


Processor : 3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3630QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.4GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)

Memory : 6144MB (1x2048 + 1x4096) 1600MHz DDR3 Dual Channel

Hard Drive : 500GB 7,200 RPM + 32GB mSATA Caching SSD

Optical Drive : DVD+/-RW (Read/Write)

Graphics : Dual 2GB GDDR5 AMD HD 7970M CrossFireX

Wireless : Intel 2230 Wireless Card + BT

Operating System : English Windows 7 SP1 Home Premium (64 BIT)

I HATE windows 8, pointless on a non touch screen but that's just me!

I will upgrade the hdd to a Samsung 500GB 840 Series Desktop and Notebook Kit SSD - Solid State Drive - MZ-7TD500KW (would I leave the 32gb ssd in place or remove it?)

And the ram to Vengeance Performance Memory Kit 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600MHz CL10

I do have a killer wireless-N 1202 in another laptop belonging to the wife I may swap but I don't know if its better or not?

Now just to wait a couple of weeks....currenly in per-production, EDD of 22nd may.

 

I responded to the above in the other thread - anyone else, feel free to comment though!

 

Leave it as a caching device for the stock 500gb HDD

Alienware | How to Enable Caching on mSata SSD

 

I just received my replacement laptop. M18xR2 is an AMAZING BEAST compared to M17xR2. Although I can see a clear difference in screen quality (RGB is so much better) but performance and cooling is superb! Though I have a quick question for you guys. My laptop crashed twice when I open GPU-Z randomly. It freezes up and I had to hard reset. I'm using GPU-Z.0.7.0.

 

Congrats on the new system. And yes, the Killer Wireless cards are great for gaming and the 1202 is definitely better than the Intel 2230.

Ninja swap them.

 

Ok, it's easy enough to do. Ta!

 

How accurate is the estimated delivery date? My order was pushed to 5/10; just hoping it's not going to be delayed again.

 

If you reside in the US then it usually takes about a week or so to build the system but parts on backorder can also affect build time. Personally, both my m17x and m18x arrived in about 2 weeks, 1 week for build and another for shipment, and I think it was with the standard 3-5 business day shipping.

 

Well, I had a EDD of 5/9 and it got pushed back to 5/16 and I didn't even get an email for this delay. Now I have to contact them it says to verify I still want it....

 

I think with new machines on the verge of launch, existing stocking levels for various components might be low and not being re-ordered by Dell. This could have a knock-on effect for orders that have recently been placed, pushing them back whilst Dell acquire stock to complete orders already placed.

A good example of this is the UK website. Nvidia 680m's must again be low because this is clearly stated on the build page that it will delay your order. YMMV depending on where you are in the world, I guess.....

Dell won't see much point in having a huge glut of components that won't be going into the "new models" ....

 

Thanks for the response, I appreciate it!

Should I call Dell and see what component is slowing it down? I ordered the Nebula Red with dual 680m, i7 (the cpu up from the stock one) and blu ray drive.

Or calling them a waste of time? I wonder if they could keep delaying it... bc of low stock on the 680m.

 

give them a call, at least you will know whats happening. I just ordered my m18x from the UK website a couple of days ago, but i had the advantage of seeing as i was choosing my build what components would cause a delay. Certainly the graphics option you chose was showing a 2 week delay to order......

 

Or you can send me a PM with your order number, I might be able to find out what's holding it and save you the time it takes to call.

You'll need to have 5 posts to send a PM so you might want to reply here first

 

Dang, my order was just delayed again. From 5/6 to 5/10, now to 5/17. Original order date was 4/20, so nearly a month from date ordered to potential date received.

Edit: So I just got an automated phone call saying my order has been delayed and may continue to be delayed, and as a result they'd like to know if I still want the order? I'm a bit torn since E3 is a month away and I'm pretty sure the new Haswell and 700M chips will be available.

What do you guys thinks - keep it, or cancel and wait for Haswell offerings?

 

Depends how you think you would feel on the 17th if you cancelled the order. If you think you'd be fine then cancel, if you think you will cry into your cornflakes then wait.....it's only a few days and it could turn up earlier!

 

Well I called yesterday evening and the rep said they had numerous delays on orders and further delays were expected. They gave me a tentative ETA of 5/24, but said a delay to June was possible. A month plus delay was too much so I went ahead and canceled. I'd have been furious with myself with E3 and Computex both scheduled for early June, where the new Haswell and 700series models are bound to be unveiled.

I'll just reorder once the newer models are available.

 

Thought I'd chime in on my experience. Ordered a m18x in red with 680m SLI, 3740QM, and blu-ray drive. Order was placed on 4/23 with EDD of 5/23.

I've contacted Dell a couple of times to find out what is causing the delay. Each time, the CSR says "we're doing everything we can to send your system on or before 5/23." Dell even upgraded me to free overnight shipping without me asking, which was very nice of them.

My gut says they didn't have enough 680Ms on hand, but I haven't been able to get anything useful from the reps. With Haswell so close, I'm considering cancelling, but I figure if I've already waited two weeks I can wait a couple more.

 

I take it then its just the graphics cards they are short of? Hope it's nothing else, mine is coming with amd graphics so fingers crossed they have stock of them!

 

I imagine it's all down to stock of 680m in the UK and US as both websites show a delay in order when configuring with any combination of 680m. It must be a tricky time for Dell in judging stocking levels of these expensive components just weeks before potentially releasing new machines with new gpu options - obviously they don't want bucket loads of 680m's left in the back room, so to speak, but in the same breath, they have to have enough to fulfil existing orders.

Still, it's no consolation for you guys waiting for your beasts, so I sympathise with your situations and I hope Dell get your machines to you ASAP.

 

If all the manufacturing resources are tooling up and focusing on production of new processors (Intel, AMD and NVIDIA) there could be stock delays on multiple components. GTX 680M supplies have been spotty since day one. Seems they have always been in very high demand.

 

This is what I got trough the door today:






Ordered from Laptop part-World No.1 stockist for a steal price and arrived pretty quick too - 10 days total!

Few question to those who knows very well:

• What kind of original thermal compound is pre-applied on these heatsinks when they come from factory like?
• How does this original compound compares to IC Diamond 24 carat?

Thanks

 

Congrats on the triple pipe! - to answer your questions:

1. That would be Dell stock Thermal Compound. The grey square is pre-applied so you don't have to do a thing. Just clean up the old paste from the cpu die and secure the new heatsink. Job done.

2. I find it's quite good. I've got it on mine right now and my temps are great. Dell do use a high quality material which does last a long time. With ICD you would probably get lower temps by a few degrees but you may well have to repaste more often.

 

Thanks for the quickie!

Its just 2860QM but still if its stressed it ramps to about 86-87c max on heavy constant load, and the noise of the fan is very VERY noticeable then, FAN literally ramps along with CPU frequency jump and so the temps does. Single pipe still works fine but want to have more stable and lower high load temps and quieter fan.

Yea I may as well just save ICD24 I have and keep the nice clean compound on the heatsink that came with it. Maybe one day I will throw 2960XM in and then I will throw IDC24 there.

Thanks!

 

Does anyone know the dell part numbers for the M18X R2 red cover and red base. I have the numbers for the first M18X but I recall reading on the forum that the base for the R1 and R2 are different.

 

You will be happy with the 3-pipe, congrats. I have had great temps since putting one in mine. I used the ICD.

 

Perhaps this thread could help you: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/579752-m18x-part-number-list-reference.html

 

right, for those that are interested theres 780M card out on ebay, also samsung 840 pro just got a firmware release I think.

 

Hello, all.

Amazon currently has the m18x r2 7111bk on sale for $1599. This unit only has a 660m in it, but comes with a 750GB 7200 drive as well as a 256gb SSD along with the usual other components.

I completely understand this will not game on ultra settings with all the new games...

I currently have a MSI GT60 with a 680M that is my traveling companion for gaming, but will the 660m run most newer games at "high" or "medium" settings at playable FPS?

I have read all the reviews and eye balled all the comparisons, but what I am looking for are those of you that have the 660m and can give me real world experience... Thoughts?

Seems like a nice price point for the components.

 

Hey guys, any of you seen this? - thought I'd pop it up here as it seems like a neat little thing that maybe we can get our hands on???

 

lol.. I can't imagine most people still uses optical drive to restore/ install windows.. I take out optical drive for every single of my lappy and install windows 7/8, server 2008/2012 from USB 2/3.0 port like 2+ yaers ago.

 

Hello, all.

I received my m18x r2 and was in the process of adding an additional drive to the mix. In that process, the "drive ribbon" came unplugged from the motherboard. I am assuming this is bad? Is there some secret in order to getting it plugged back in? It does not seem to slide right in to the slot anymore...

Did I mess something up? Is this an easy process and I am missing something?

Thanks.

 

I presume you removed it without lifting the clip? If so it should still be ok as they are reasonably robust. Lift the retainer clip on the motherboard and work the cable back in. Take your time. Then just clip it closed again. I doubt you have damaged it...........I hope! Use youtube and do a search for "hd replacement" to see what I mean

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2

 

As the title says, I just got my Alienware M18x from Computer upgrade king (second unit as first unit sent to me had Win 8 rather then the Win 7 I ordered). Now that I have the laptop, what are some of the first things I should do to test it and make sure the hardware is 100%? I have played some games on it, BF3, Mass effect 3 and Star trek online, I do notice the temps sit around 68-72 degrees when playing and the fans do speed up to keep it cool, Is this a good temp? Also I notice the palm rest to the left of the track pad is warm as is the the area were the Indicator lights are (cap locks, ect). Any advice to test the machine would be fantastic, and also what are some things I should look for during testing?

machine specs, I7 3630, AMD 7970m crossfire.

Thanks,
Camiji

 

Congrats on your machine, those temps are fine. It is warm in that area due to video card being right under that, and a heatsink pumping hot air right out under that area too.

 

Area next to the palm rest is HDD's, top left (caps lock) is Master GPU, top right is Slave GPU.

Keep an eye on your temps, they shouldn't go over 75 during heavy gaming, maybe 80 when (and I mean when) you decide to overclock them.

CPU can peak hotter but still shouldnt go over around 85 while gaming, especially the 3630qm.

 

Congratulations on your new beast. Yeah as above, those temps are fine. Enjoy!!!

 

Congrats. Laptops can handle heat up to 100c, but keeping it below 80c is much safer. Try running some 3dmark tests.

 

100 degrees is too hot for more than a couple of seconds IMO. 105 degrees is the thermal shutoff of the CPU. You don't want to be hitting that.

But I agree you should run some 3Dmark tests and have a look at your scores, compare them with others etc, then play around with overclocking and see what gains you can get

 

Sweet! Congrats!

My recommendation: Keep drivers updated! I've seen huge improvements in games do to drivers. Run 3D Mark Benchmarks every now and then just to make sure things are going well. :thumbsup:

 

I sit mine on a large laptop cooler.

 

I have come to notice that crossfire seems to have an issue every now and then, for example, was playing star trek online, Noticed with MSI afterburner that only one video card was being used and temps were hitting about 70 degrees, while video card 2 had no utilization on it. I quit the game, Turned crossfire off then back on, an now it seems the game is using both cards and temps are sitting around 62 degrees. Anyone run into this a problem like this?

 

Occasionally I have Crysis 3 get stuck at 2d clocks. Usually a relaunch fixes it.
I also relaunch AB after activating/disactivating crossfire as it usually won't display details how it should.
There are simply tweaks required for most games, no necessarily limited to crossfire. I've found that most new games get new drivers that follow addressing any issues. I can't speak for Star Trek but have a dig around in the game optimization thread.

 

Been looking for a new system to take uni with me in September as my current one is rapidly dying, and was hoping for some opinions

I was planning on ordering this at around £1700 (due to current offers £300 off + 7%)
Alienware M18x
Intel® Core™ i7-3630QM
2GB GDDR5 AMD® RADEON HD 7970M
12288MB 1600MHz DDR3
500GB 7,200 RPM + 32GB mSATA Caching SSD
BluRay Combo

Or would you wait until after E3 and order the newer tech? What concerns me is that i shall probably only be able to afford the M17x R5 Basic at very best
if the prices rise and all offers stop (which i assume they will on the m18).
However taking that into consideration with the 780m release (we hope) surely the 680m/7970m type upgrades will probably be cheaper than what it currently costs to upgrade to higher cards due to it obviously being an older models.

I'll be studying Computer security at Uni, but in my spare time I'm into CS:GO/WoW/Need for speed/Fps/ etc etc
This laptop needs to last me till the end of my degree.

 

My understanding is, after the launch of 8970/780 the 7970/680 will not be available anymore.

E3 is not that far now, I will suggest place the order and dell will likely deliver it after e3 NDA lifts off (3-4 weeks to deliver) and we know what is what including pricing.

At that point, if its better to buy m18xr3/m17xr5 then return older one and get new, otherwise just keep it.

 

One thing that is probably going to hold true is that there will be stock issues right after launch of the new systems. If time is going to be an issue then you will probably be better served by buying the current gen stuff. The thing to keep in mind is that just because new stuff comes out the last gen stuff doesn't automatically go bad. Take in consideration the specials that are running now you could probably get a very good system for what you would pay for in a stock " New" system.

 

Whatever laptop you choose and whichever revision it is.

Make sure you have at least a 3 year warranty plan.

That will save your @ss for the future should you ever develop a fault.