random power off events since changeover to new 6970's...

Hi,

Dell replaced my one dead and one working gtx 560's with 2 new 6970's due to the 560's being backordered.

Since then, 2 days ago my system has been randomly shutting off. No BSOD, no windows shut down, just BAM off.

its happened 4 times now, it doesnt happen under load so i dont suspect it being a heat issue. every time its happened before ive just been web surfing.

is this happening to anyone else.

All that changed was the bios update and the new cards+ drivers were installed.

The system did not do this prior to the new cards and bios.

 

Is the battery installed? That would eliminate a power problem.

 

yes, the battery is installed.

 

I wouldn't even bother messing with it. You could open up the system and re-seat the cards and check the CF cable connection but if you are shaky on this, don't do it. Just contact Dell and get another service call logged. Drivers would not account for this and if it was related to the BIOS flash, others would be seeing this. Its the cards.

If it were me, I would kindly inform them that I required a new replacement system. I would sit there wasting time with on-site service. They may want you to give them one more chance to resolve with a on-site visit and do be open to this. If so and there are still issues, I would accept nothing less than a new replacement with the NV GPUs. Its what you originally ordered - just because its backordered doesn't mean you have to switch over to AMD.

Its entirely up to you but do contact support and get the ball rolling.

Good luck.

 

Monitor the temps.

 

+1 -- lol. forgot to ask that. @OP, definitely check temps and see where they are just prior to the shutoff.

 

heh, i was responding to your message when it shut off again...

 

In any case its not a temp thing. so far it hasnt shut off gaming or running anything. Just while web surfing and replying on NBreview. lol.

I have a callback with my ongoing tech tomorrow and i'll inform him of the status. I just installed the new keyboard surround/media/power button part. They sent me a new one since the genuis tech broke the tabs when he disassembled the system to put the cards in. Maybe he damaged that part and it is shutting down the system. dunno at this point.

thanks again for your replies.

 

Its the GPUs - either they need to be re-seated or something is just screwed up. Either way, the on-site tech damaging the system + having to switch GPUs based on lack of availability + the shutdown issue, I would make a case for a new replacement. Shelling out the cash for this system and then having a tech damage it and have to replace parts is not a reassuring feeling. Talk to your rep who is dealing with this mess and let the rep know exactly what will make you happy again. AW/Dell wants you to be satisfied with your purchase...

Let us know how it works out.

 

Thanks Batboy,

I just got off the phone with my ts agent. He had me roll back to a04. If it fixes the problem i'll be fine with it. If not then i'll escalate the case. Indeed it has gotten a bit tiresome to constantly troubleshoot the laptop.

 

I understood that A05 was for ati cards, fan algorithim. So i hope that rolling back to a04 doesnt cause card issues.

 

update: ran system all day. No shutdowns. unfortunately i tried to play a game and system shut off twice. So i fired up gpu-z and right card was at 94c. 94c holy crap!.

i'm going back to a05 to see if it will engage the fans.

 

Did not think the 6970's had the overheat problem but it looks like you have.
Are you sure there not 6990's?

Can you try running without the battery in as I think there was a thread about a similar issue and it was a bad battery (I could be wrong).

 

I have that problem too
except I got GPU replacement on Nov with same cards
and here is my problem

recently my laptop almost always completely shutdown without any reason when either play game or benmarking
and the tech support told me that in order to get an replacement for GPU I need that screen shot that my GPU temp is around 110 degree C @@
and my laptop can't even go to 90 and already shutdown
then I have to press power button go back to window again
any advice for me in this situation is really appreciate

funny thing is the tech support run benchmark around 90 degree C and she told me it's overheating
now they told me that it's have to be 110 degree or more to be consider overheat

 

The A05 Bios update should stop the overheating, it did for me. before i updated the gpu had got to 110C

 

well its down to the wire with Alienware support. They are now insisting that i send them my m18x so they can sort it out.

It just did a random "bam" off event a couple of minutes ago after not have any issues at all yesterday. its hard to understand.

I insisted on a new replacement and they are refusing and stating that they have done all this work and upgrades to this one. I do appreciated what they did however if they had gotten the first exchange the correct color with the second video card for sli they wouldnt have needed to perform any services or upgrades. Their lack of attention on the original exchange is being used as a reason to deny a correct exchange.

 

I don't think it's overheat
because it's never have chance to reach 90
around 85 and bam @@
have to turn on again
still can't figure it's out why @@
I have A05 and newest dell driver @@
however
as long as it's stay below 85 then I'm good to go @@

you don't need to send
just make them give you free upgrade to NVIDIA which is I did
just be calm and polite
if they don't give you what you want then ask to talk to their supervisor
and you should got what you want
well, it's all depend on your negotiate skill ^^!

 

thank Asa,

I did make that request. they are refusing to do anything but a depot service at this point. They said i can have my money back otherwise.

 

well
that's what they always said

"I'm sorry sir but right now send it to the depot is the only option we can offer." @@
but eventually they will do as you ask if you push enough but don't forget polite.
if you still in return window then make them offer you a system exchange
with brand new system