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

after a long absence wanted to pop back in, say hi and ask a few questions for help/advice if possible please

Factory reset my Alienware m18x r2 laptop. Had a look and turns out for some reason I've had a windows folder on my self installed SSD drive, with the main windows partion on the factory installed hdd disk. Since restoring my laptop i've done the whole windows update etc, screenshot below:

http://imageshack.com/a/img923/106/PYyd9t.jpg

Wanted to confirm, would the best option be too switch main boot drive via disk management first to the SSD, then simply using disk management to delete the original boot drive? I want to erase everything from the non SSD drive. From what I understand, my other option is to delete the windows partion on SSD drive, format it etc then copy the image from original drive onto it, then delete the drive C. the reason why im potentially considering this method is because not only do i have windows folder duplicated, but also every other folder and im wondering whether i might potentially delete something i might need in the process. Also, after doing this, would this restore me to having only 1 recovery partion in general?

also, is there a definitive thread i should take a look at in regards to updating drivers etc? i have standard 3670qm , 680m etc I went onto the dell website and did the driver diagnostic thing, but i have the feeling that those potentially won't be the best drivers out there?

Finally, after doing my factory reset, my laptop seems to have had its fans usage go through the roof (doing nothing other than standard browsing, no games etc) - anyone have any idea why?

Also, quick browse of the forums seems to indicate that things aren't going great for the alienware brand, which is a shame!

thank you for any help in advance, sorry about the potentially nooby questions, first time doing this.

 

Your C driver (HDD) is set to "boot" and "active" so if you remove that one or format it, you normally loose boot... unless your SSD drive also has the MBR set correctly.

I would try to remove the HDD drive to see if it boots. (don't forget to set the SSD river first in bios).

If not you got to choices:
- use windows 7/8 iso disk/usb to fix boot on your SSD
- to a clean install of Windows on the SSD without any other driver connected and then when it's workinf, add the HDD drive.

 

hi Tom, thank you for your reply. sorry if im a bit dense, so does that mean that the method i've described in my post isn't going to work? i.e. using disk management tool i have open in screenshot.
im not even bothered anymore about potentially missing out on some programs, i can redo the whole driver updates etc. im not sure where my CDs are but i do have a alienwarerespawn created USB backup.

many thanks

regards

 

SSDs and HDDs don't have the exact same boot sectors so unless anybody else believes otherwise, cloning the windows folder / HDD drive to your SSD will result in now boot or a twisted windows install. All references in the registry you want to keep on your SSD initially come from a HDD which is not the same.

Considering the fact that installing windows on a SSD takes about 20 min times, I would go for the safe way = clean install.

 

need polaris and pascal GPU to see if they work in m18x r2

if they work i can get them in this machine and finally call it retirement, then focus my attention on p570wm and upcoming clevo laptops that will succeed the p870dm.

 

Is there a fix for the Alienware m18x R2 downclocking with any nvidia drivers other than 352.84 using a gtx 980m?

If I have 352.84 installed, I get no downclocking but the performance could be better. In the more recent drivers or any other than 352.84, I can get better performance but the 980m downclocks every 5 seconds or so with those.

I've already asked nvidia what was changed between drivers and why this issue is happening but they don't know what's up with it.

 

Ok I've found a fix for the throttling issue for a 980M on Windows 10 x64 on an Alienware m18x R2.

Read this thread if you are wondering how to fix the problem: http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/alienware-m18x-r2-with-980m-possible-throttling-fix.791358/

 

Hi guys. To replace my 6990m, I bought a 780m here on this forum last week:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...alienware-m18x-r1.792530/page-2#post-10273406

So, It got here OK, I just installed it, switched from Intel Graphics to normal and it seems to work fine.
But now, I'm having trouble installing the driver. According to Nvidia website, I downloaded "368.39-notebook-win10-64bit-international-whql" but it can't find a compatible video adapter.

In the Device Manager, I have this (sorry, it's in French) :


I think the english equivalent is "Microsoft Basic Video Adapter", except the system knows it's a Nvidia GPU.

For the life of me, I don't know how to proceed from here.

 

I'm glad you got the card safe and sound! Didn't have to pay VAT right?

You need the modded INF for the nvidia installer to detect the card. Since you don't have a techinferno account (probably...), I downloaded J95's peg mod and attached it. All credit goes to him. Note: It works for Windows 10 only, Windows 7/8 need a different INF file.

Follow his guide here:
https://www.techinferno.com/index.p...er-support-modded-inf/&page=51#comment-144037

Bon chance!

 

I think it worked ! Thanks !

And I didn't have to pay any taxes, it went fine.

 

Good, I can move the money to my bank now lol. I never withdraw funds until the customer is happy haha

 

Hey there

First of all, Hi everybody, I'm new to this site and this sort of stuff and I come seeking advice, I hope you guys could help me figure out my problem.
I have an Alienware M18xR2 with an I7-3820qm, 24 gb of ram and a single nvidia gtx 980m GPU that i got from Eurocom last year, currently I am running windows 8.1 64 bit and BIOS A12.
The thing is that a couple of weeks ago I was using my computer as usual playing a not particularly demanding game and the computer suddenly crashed showing the "DPC_Watchdog_Violation" error, when I restated it it showed the same error and some times other errors such as "video scheduler internal error" and so on. After that I couldn't access windows so I had to perform a clean install but the problem is that I still can't use the GPU, In BIOS it is recognized, it is shown as "Nvidia GTX' but in windows it says "Microsoft basic display adapter", and whenever I try to install the custom divers provided by eruocom, the same thing happens, the computer crashes and it needs a clean installation of windows.
I don't think that the GPU is damaged because I've had that before (burned one of the 675m that the laptop had originaly) so I suspect the problem is software, maybe the VBIOS?, I don't know.
Have any of you guys encountered this problem before? Right now I just want to know what the problem is,, from there I'll see what to do, if need a new GPU or if the problem is in the motherboard or whatever.

Thank you

 

Sounds like the GPU driver is not installing correctly. I seriously doubt you have any hardware issues based on what you described.

 

try this https://www.techinferno.com/index.p...ort-modded-inf/&do=findComment&comment=144303

 

Thanks for the support man, I'm looking into it right now but I cant access the file posted on the other forum, do I have to contact the other user directly or something?
Thanks again.

 

Just make 5 posts and you should get promoted to where you can download files. just goto the forums you know stuff about. and help out some newbies with questions

 

I am still loving this beast, debating if I should go the 980 route or the easier, more affordable, and more stable AMD upgrade.

I'm running dual original issue M7970s still with zero issues, I know I am the minority. So just because I thought Id up my OC and holy smokes the latest AMD driver has made extreme (for these cards) OC stable. I re-downloaded Crysis 3 and Bio Shock 3. Ive set the OC at 980(!)/1500(!) and they ran both games as well as the more modern and demanding Shadows of Mordor extremely well with all settings the highest possible.

Frame rate for Bioshock are insane at a steady 120ish, Crysis hovers around 80 same for SM and Fall out 4 is around 70! Temps got to 84 after an hour on the master card. Ill get screen shots tonight.

 

Was that a typo? 84C is 183F and less than 1C from the max temp rating.

If it's not a typo, due to the placement of the main card directly next to the CPU, it's likely to result in a shortened lifespan of the mainboard and CPU. There's no way to definitively know, but generally speaking anything over a sustained 80C temp should be avoided.

 

Well that's the first Ive heard of that, I can back it down and will, screen shots in a few moments.

 

I just came from dual 7970m, and am very glad i upgraded, as to going with newer amd cards, i have no clue. I don't know anyone who has personally. The 980m sli has been solid for me (WITH Swick BIOS and Prema's v2 vBIOS) not able to OC though, I do miss the heck out of overclocking. I would go with what ever company has the lower TDP that way you have room to OC. just my humble opinion.

 

Im going to go the 980m route after Christmas. Especially now that there is the moded bios out.

 

Im having second thoughts, my 7970s are really liking the new drivers, 3D Marks score have almost reached 9500 with stable clocks at 990/1550!!!!!!!!!!!

Im going to wait and see how the AMD cards perform, if they are as good as my 3rd grn 7970s are Ill be staying with AMD.

 

how much is a alienware m18x r1 that has 8 beeps worth it turns on but no LCD, has dual 6790M cards, old I know but worked good as a general usage machine until it started doing 8 beeps.

 

Hi everyone,

I would be posting on the price check area but seems I don't have enough posts to do so (need 100). Uh, sure. I'd rather post when I have something to say, but whatevs.

Anyhoo... finally thinking of betraying my fellow brothers (and sisters) and selling the ol' M18x R2. Both my this and my 14x are on the chopping block, as I have been using more desktops as of late. The m14x doesn't bother me.. its just another BGA'ed laptop from AW for me.

I *LOVE* my M18x, but to be honestly I rarely use it as my main machine. Honestly it never was my main machine. I always used it as my trophy to use while I was dual boxing on the MMOs I played (yes, sad to say that WoW was one of them... but those were my younger years... promise. )

So would just like some fellow members opinions. It is a very good machine. One of the best. I even saw DxUltima's post on another forum board talking about the upgradability of this beast. Just I always intended on tinkering but never did. Always wanted to add a couple 980ms, with prema's INFs, but didnt'. Now just saw brother usmc1488's post about how the 7970ms are working wonderfully now with new OCs and drivers... d'ohh - regrets!

Point is: I would be much happer finding this baby a home with a NBR member that would upgrade it (yes don't have a OC'ed CPU - my bad), and really appreciate it. At the end of the day the wifey wants it sold. So given it's value now, even though I don't want to let her go for nostalgia sake, figure it's now or never. My guess is I wouldn't sell it for less than $1500 because I've seen that at listed at places. Also since I can't sell it here, don't have much choice but will say through eBay as don't trust craig's list and don't want to doing cash transactions for amounts that large.

So here it is.

Appreciate fellow member's thoughts.

TL;DR: Selling my AW M18x R2 at great pains, but figure now is the time.

 

I have seen it sell between $900 and $1500, but you can try for $1500. I will never get rid of my M18xR2. This machine is still going strong.

 

I really must try to upgrade the graphic cards on it, the 780 sli are showing there age, i have to say when the extreme processor is overclocked to 4.5ghz and playing a 90 gig 4k movie with DTSMA it really just tears through it with absolutely no issues at all. It keeps up with Core i7 5820K nicely.

 

has anyone had any issues with the m18x R2 and a no boot black screen and 4 beeps? trying to trouble shoot.

 

4 beeps is video card error, I believe.

 

Any updates on getting the 1060/1070 working on the m18x R2?

 

Hello fellow M18xR1 owners!

I've tried searching the net to no avail so I was wondering if anyone here would be able to help ...

Does the unlocked modified bios allow wake on lan to work?

 

Long shot but wanted to check in with the good ol' AW forum - does anyone know what the BIOS_ID is for the M18xR1?

It would be a 3 character value. EXAMPLE: 43D

Thanks (and a big hello to all the old timers! hope all is well!)

 

Big hello back at you, Bat. Haven't been on here myself much. Wish I could answer your Q but I'm sure someone else will chime in for ya! - good to see you are still about!

 

Thanks Stevie - great to see you are still here!

 

Hi StevieJones!

 

Hey bud! - my gosh, all the old timers are still kickin' about, I see!!!

 

Not as active but still here and the old girl is still going strong. New AMD drivers and up to date cross fire drivers are keeping the M7970s competitive.

 

Yo ... teeheee

 

Hey all wondering if I can get a little help.
Way behind on the curve here, my GTX 675 SLI seams to be dying with constant black screen but with sound playing. Prices for 780m or 880m are just stupid here in the UK, going between £230-£300
0-o.

Found someone who is selling there MSI 980m 8gb Vbios 84.04.48.00.32 for £300, seller claims it will work in the M18x R2 but with so many posts over the years I'm clueless where to look.
IF this card will work what else do I need ? I am already running the A11 Unlocked Bios.
Not sure how long these dying cards will last so any help will be appreciated ^^

 

Check our website Upgrade section - there are few GPU upgrade options listed there.

 

I’m currently upgrading my old M18x R1 unit, and it should be done by the end of the month/first week of December.

The CPU will be a 2960XM while the GPU will be a 780M SLI setup. I have a few questions:

1. Is there an unlocked BIOS for this (with noob-friendly guide)?
2. Do I use ThrottleStop or XTU for the CPU (I know some options won’t be available in TS)?
3. What temps (average and max) should I expect to have on my CPU after I overclock it?
4. What temps (average and max) should I expect with the SLI setup?
5. What can I do to control the fans? Is it worth controlling (I sometimes get annoyed with the noise)?
6. Any other tests, tweaks, mods, and whatnot that I should be doing with my unit?

 

1) Yes A05 unlocked is the bios. Available at techinferno, I don't know if it was ever posted here.

2) You should use the BIOS to overclock or throttlestop.

3) This really depends on which heatsink you have, your thermal paste choice/application, and ambient temps

4) 780M SLI should use about 300W or less depending on what you're doing. unless you are overclocking everything really high, a single 330w ac adapter will work fine

5) HWInfo supports controlling the fans manually if really needed

6) Run a benchmark such as 3DM11, Firestrike, etc. and see if you are scoring what everyone else with the same system is.

 

3) I bought a triple pipe heatsink, and I’ll be using my leftover Kryonaut. Ambient temp should be between 20~24°C.

4) I do have the huge and heavy power brick because I used to have a Crossfire setup. I just forgot about the temps which is why I want to know what to expect this time as a sort of benchmark.

5) I don’t know if I have to tweak the HWiNFO settings this time. I remember tweaking something a long time ago. I also don’t remember what sensors to use for which fans.

6) I’m assuming they’re all free programs. I’m excited to try them out.

 

3) Then you are good to go. Should be getting 7XC temps at load. Overclocked will be higher but shouldn't have to worry about anything.

4) 780M SLI temps will be less than 6990M Crossfire temps. They run cool compared to the AMD cards, also expect temps in the 7XC.

5) Just load HWInfo, click sensors only, then you will see a fan icon at the bottom. Click that and you can change the fans, making a profile will of course require a sensor to select. But I don't think you will have to do anything with the fans, everything should run cool enough.

6) They are paid programs but have free versions that don't allow you to change settings. But that isn't an issue since you want to run default settings anyways. Also run Cinebench R11.5 anr R15 for CPU. Cinebench is free.

 

3) My current CPU idles at around 50°C and goes up to around 65°C. Good to know that I’m looking good temperature-wise.

4) Ah. It seems I did a good repad then on my single 780M. It idles at around 57~60°C and goes up to the mid-70s when it’s under load.

5) That’s the thing. There are three fans there, and they’re not labeled if they’re for the primary/slave GPU or the CPU. As for the sensors, again, I have no idea on which to select to get the proper readings for the fans to work correctly.

6) I hope I at least get average scores. Seems like every part gets delivered by the first week of December.

EDIT: I saw the unlocked A05 v. 2.0 BIOS over there, but I’m still waiting for my account to be cleared (minimum post rule). I also am not sure how to find the stock Intel RST for my unit because the person posting the BIOS says that I need to have it that way.

 

Looking for some opinions on my: Alienware M18X R2, i7-3940XM, 32GB 1600MHZ DDR, 1.5TB SSD TRIPLE RAID, Dual Nvidia GTX 680M SLI and Blu-Ray. Basically was a 6k laptop with completely max spec brand new.

I still have the complete care and premium plus warranty coverage till 4/28/18 after extending it when the original 4 year warranty expired.

After years of running great and minimal issues the display finally crapped out along with a few other things like overheating and sounding like an airplane when running at times because of the fans.

I originally called them on 12/11/2017 and after walking me through some troubleshooting unsuccessfully they decided to have me send in the laptop to be repaired.

On 12/13/17 i received the box and mailed back to them which they received on 12/16/17.

On 12/19/2017 they began the diagnosis.

I called several times about every other day after this to try and make sure they were staying on top of it and also trying to get an idea of when i could expect to get it back. Every time i was told either they would mail that department and email me back or something similar to other posts on this thread. Finally on 12/28/17 they told me the warehouse should have it ready the following week.

On 1/02/18 they said that there was a Part Backlog and that they no longer make or can replace the m18 screen and so are unable to fix my laptop. They said that i qualify for a system exchange and should be getting contacted by that department in the next 24-48 hours.

As of today 1/4/18 i still have yet to hear from them regarding anything as far as what I would be getting other than what the rep had originally told me that they can exchange it for an m17 R4 since they don't make the m18 r2 anymore.

I want to make sure that i hopefully can get a maxed out m17 r4 since my original r18 was over 6k and the m17 r4 max out around 5k today.

Do any of you have any advice on what i should say or ask for when the exchange department finally gets ahold of me or any other advice to make sure this doesn't turn into a several month process? I have never dealt with Dell on a exchange but want to make sure i don't get a lesser system, refurb or somehow screwed over in this process.

 

Does anyone have an updated version of @Mr. Fox's HWiNFO64 settings from here?

 

Anybody selling gpus?

 

@ssj92 @Raidriar

How low of a power consumption can you manage on the 3920/3940XMs on idle?

 

Greetings.

I've got a strange problem.

M18x R1, 2960Xm, 24Gb, 780m single.

Normal CPU temperature in idle workout like browsing is about 45 degrees Celsius.
Some sites, like TechInferno, bursts it to 90 Celsius in seconds, the vents are like a turbine.

After closing TechInferno the temps drop to usual 45 in seconds and vents are silented down.
The further browsing is just fine with 45 degrees.

Heavy load like Valley Mark bursts temps, but to average for this config.

Can anyone clear out this mystery?

Here are some screens, made within a minute :

https://imgur.com/a/gyuDPFf

 

Stop use that Tech Inferno Forum. It's the new Devils page!!