Graphical Corruption

Hey guys. After searching through 20 pages of posts and using the search function to no avail, I decided it was time to ask!

I got my m11x (R1) about two weeks ago. I put it through its first real test this past weekend - took it to a LAN. I noticed graphical corruption (tears/lines) multiple times throughout the day. Some games worse than others (SC2 and Red Alert 3 were particularly bad). I'm hoping this was just overheating...it was on a fold out plastic table with nothing obstructing the venting in the rear. I eventually elevated the rear with a book, but it didn't seem to help much.

Any ideas? I think I'm going to invest in a cooling pad..

Btw, I am currently running the core2 @ 1.7 - default drivers (197.72), all nvidia panel options set to stock. Most of the games I ran at native resolution with around medium details.

Thanks..

 

Before you invest in a cooling pad, run a temperature monitoring program like SpeedFan and see what your CPU and GPU temperatures are.

If your temperatures are normal (around 50C under load), then a cooling pad won't help. If your temperatures are way too high (90C or higher under load), then something else is seriously wrong, and a cooling pad won't help.

I'd figure out exactly what the problem is first, before you throw money at it to try and fix it.

 

SpeedFan reports temperatures incorrectly because it's not using the correct TJMax value, which is 105C for the SU7300 and the i5/i7. Use either ThrottleStop or RealTemp - both created by uncleWebb - and both configured properly from the get go.

 

the R1 runs really cool. even with my intake vent blocked i still dont hit over 60c on anything. im 99% sure getting a cooling pad wont fix your issues.

sorry to say but you might have a bad chip or the heatsink may not be mounted correctly to your CPU/GPU. (ive seen it happen before)

if your on the latest driver from Dell's site and your temps are fine. then you might want to call Dell/Alienware...

 

I used CoreTemp - according to the logs I hit 54c when I noticed the graphical issues (tested with Starcraft2). Should I bother checking RealTemp?

It begins almost immediately too...its not like I'm running something for 30 min before I see it. Disappointing to say the least.

 

CoreTemp is accurate if I recall correctly. 54C is a very moderate CPU temperature. Use GPU-Z or EVGA Precision to track GPU temps too.

 

Just tested with GPU-Z and temps were around 51-54c.

Think I got a lemon?

 

Do you have V-sync turned off either globally in the nvidia control panel or in the game settings? If so, turn it on and see if that gets rid of it.

 

I get graphical corruption too. when I am playing any game whatsoever, or when I have my zune software open and a browser too. A call to dell?

I have an R2

 

Photos would be helpful.

 

I just uploaded a screenshot.

 

that looks like a artifact to me.

if your not OCed and on the correct latest (non-beta) drivers i would get on the phone and get this fixed.

 

Well, in case anyone was wondering I'll have to call them back and schedule a time for them to send a technician out and replace the board. Kind of a bummer, but I do like this machine a lot. I hope this isn't the norm...