M11x - Alienware Formally Acknowledge Bsod On Oc As An Issue!

mine will be arriving next week, just cant wait

hmmm i guess the BSOD problem when overclocking result from unstableness due to heat. i might suggest re seating and replacing a better effective TIM paste. i have experienced this when i have overclocking sessions with my desktop. when i overclocked and upped the FSB and have not manage to ratio correctly the voltage needed, it usually BSOD regularly. But when i improve my cooling system like having one of the best watercooling setup, even with ame high fsb to low voltage scenario, its not affected by BSOD because of cooler state of the cpu.

but i hope the dell guys would enable the option to manipulate voltage for better voltage regulation.

 

Heat definitely isn't an issue with the M11x. Mine stabilizes around 48 Celsius when gaming.

 

I think it's due to them LOWERING voltage on the overclock and some just can't handle this when the overclock function is enabled.

If heat isn't the issue what else could it be?

 

I think this is issue too, my m11x has been Oc'd since day one, and recently has become unstable (acouple of BSOD's here and there and alot of application crashing). Then as soon as turning off the OC, everything becomes fine and stable.

Running memchecks returns no errors, and all the temps are more than acceptable under load. I also did a complete wipe which didnt resolve it.

Toying with the idea of contacting dell, but as im out of the returns date, they will probably send a tech around to replace the mobo. Though ive read so many horror stories about them breaking other stuff in the process, i just cant bring myself to pick up the phone. I wish they could just send me the mobo so i could do it myself

So currently, ive decided to wait for 2 months in hope they release a bios update that may change the voltages, and if 2 months passes, i guess i have no other alternative other than contacting them as i defently do want the OC feature i paid for....

 

As said, they should provide voltage regulation in the bios, and ability to overclock more. There are other laptops with the SU7300, which have been confirmed to overclock to 1.9 GHz. There is no need to hold back on those overclocking options since this machine is running so cool. In fact, this machine needs all cpu power it can get in order to play future games.

 

I agree, the overclock function needs more precision and options. I'm sure people would be able to get some really high and stable speeds out of it.

 

Ok guys... maybe this has been answered but the BSOD issue, is this a su7300 thing or SU4100 or both?
(and yes I understand the voltage issue... so to be more specific do the 7300 chips seem to be more prone or the 4100 or both?)

Thanks, StevenX

 

A small percentage of both processors suffer from the BSOD issue.

 

I can almost guarantee that the BSOD is caused by lack on juice to the CPU upon switching the OC on. From my experience all chips are different and handle OC's differently. I honestly think this "switch on" OC technique is seriously flawed since one would like to increase an OC even more based on the chip's abilities and locking a certain voltage to a set speed, for every chip is just FLAWED when it comes to OCing.

@WAZZ, you were probably never stable to begin with and only started noticing crashes now. I ran OCCT on my machine to confirm stability and it has been so far. You should contact Dell to see if they can send you a new machine since your current one if not functioning as advertised.

 

Had the motherboard on mine replaced on Thursday and now I have the OC BSOD issue.

:/

 

Can you guys who are having problems please try reseating your memory, and while in there, take note of the part number, manufacturer, etc? Reboot the system and ensure that you don't have anything that could stress the system loaded in startup. Once done, see if you can sit at a stable desktop.

If you can't, please PM me some details. (My mailbox is full right now, but I'll clean it up tonight).

Thanks!

 

Thanks erawneila for the post!

 

Been doing alot of testing over the easter weekend, and funny enough, the problems are not set off by what i expected it to be (high cpu load).

Reading back on my other post, i did forget to mention that i have no problems during heavy gaming or cpu usage, only using "standard" programs (firefox, IE, office & adobe suites to name a few).

I can run OCCT and Prime95 fine for over 12hours+, not one bsod or crash during the runs.

The biggest trigger for me (but not the only way) to cause bsod's and application crashes are viewing videos and adobe flash content, though its very tempermental and happens anytime within 1 minutes to an hour.

Bear in mind that this all happens only when overclocked. Once turned off, its completely stable. This is now leading me to believe its more of a RAM issue, even though various memchecks reveal no errors.

Getting some replacement dimms to test the theory with, which will hopefully resolve the issue. Could be worst though, I count myself as a lucky one of the unlucky ones! hehe

Thanks for taking the time to read and post here, means alot!

Tried resetting the memory, seems to be alittle bit more stable (not had one bsod yet, though still testing as the machines only been on a couple of hours), but still experence application creashes. The dimms in my m11x are 2 x Samsung 2GB PC3-8500S (M471B5673EH1-CF8). Desktops always stable for us with or without OC on. Hope this helps.

 

Email from Alienware today:

The suggested steps I got were:

 

Duffking, this is a complete opposite as to what was previously stated by Dell.
OFFICIAL response from Alienware

Actually the linked post has more to do with the warranty and whether or not it voids the warranty, which it doesn't. But if Dell is going to advertise it to OC to 1.73GHz, then they need to honor that and realize the fact that if they say it can do something, then it should work as advertised. If it doesn't then they should offer a replacement since the system doesn't live up to expectations actively advertised by Dell.

 

I should point out I'm in the UK and IIRC it's only listed as 'overclockable to whatever' in a few territories. Still, good to know that they seem to be working on a BIOS update/the problem in general. It's not a deal breaker for me in any case, I generally can't tell the difference between OC and non OC when playing Crysis Warhead...

 

It's "the same" M11x shipping to anyone regardless of country. Dell should more consistent in their advertising. If living outside the U.S I can imagine there will be more hassle to deal with returning a machine that fails to overclock.

Good to know they are working on a BIOS update. Will be interesting to see what it brings.

 

Just picked up an M11x from Best Buy today, with the SU7300. BSOD or random lockup with OC. Just thought I'd add mine to the list in case Dell is monitoring.

Fix it ASAP Dell!

 

You need to return yours to Best Buy for another one Andy. Its not a matter for Dell to really fix as either your processor overclocks stably or it doesn't. Most will, but a small percentage have issues with it. You need a new system to fix the problem, not a software update from Dell. You have the luxury of returning yours to retail for another, which most in this thread do not. Thank god mine works fine!

 

I read on this thread that Dell thinks a FW update will fix it.

I tried booting three times with OC enabled. Twice BSOD before the desktop even showed, once completely froze while running WEI test..

My BB store only got two units, and I bought one.

 

Went back to BB where I bought my M11x, they're out of stock now. I enabled OC on their display unit, no blue screen no lockup, and this was with all the Best Buy demo crap running while I ran WEI.

Came home, swapped out memory and all with my XPS, BSOD before even the desktop shows up as soon as OC is enabled

It's my standard practice with a new computer - wiping out the factory OS and installing my own. Just didn't get to it yet. I wanted to mess around before wiping it, but I guess I'll do it now. Highly unlikely though a clean OS will fix this issue.

30% complete loading Win7 U x64, no lockup yet... Spoke too soon, BSOD during install. I thought so.

PS I really hate to generalize, but many of those blue shirts and white shirts (ie Geek Squad) really have no clue, and they really believe they know better than YOU. My BB went OOS, the guy checked another store 15 miles out shows as available. Went there, grabbed the first guy I saw (white shirt). I mention Alienware, he looks at me like I'm an alien and says no alienWARE here. White shirt grabbed a blue shirt, says we'll NEVER carry Alienware here. I showed him my receipt from yesterday, oh... Fiddled around on his computer, which he didn't look like he knew what he was doing. Nope no Alienware. He went to his supervisor, I asked him to explain what I bought yesterday. He says I must have purchased an old unit returned by a customer as Best Buy will never carry Alienware! (I did not tell them I wanted an exchange, I simply said I wanted to buy another M11x).

Wow.

Sorry for the rant. As much as I love the M11x, I think I'm going to have to return it.

PPS Dell no longer states the CPU is overclockable to 1.73ghz. It now simply states overclockable. I suspect they may yank that too.

 

right, you are!

even if I go check my old order status/details page, it now shows the CPU in the list as "Overclockable Intel Core2 Duo SU7300 1.3GHz (3MB Cache, 800MHz FSB)"

...interesting...
still, they advertise it should be overclockable, yours isn't - as others have said u should be able to return it, plain and simple (imho).

 

So I went to BB to return my m11x today. It was supposed to be OOS yesterday, they happen to have another today. Made the exchange. So far so good with OC.

Based on my experience, there's a 1 in 3 chance of a M11x with problem OC'ing - my first M11x was no good, the display unit is fine, my exchanged unit is fine.

If you guys received a bad one from Dell, I would insist on an exchange. Do NOT let them fix and brand new laptop.

 

Hello All,


I was informed by ALienware Technical support agent today via special call he made to say overclock option is not supported by them.

I told him,
a. Dell website advertises overclockable to 1.73Ghz (it does on american websites)
b. The whole internet is with the news that it is covered under warranty.
c. Its a manufcaturing defect on my computer and if you dont support it then who does?

He just repeatedly said the same sentence as it has been told to him by his manager. He was probably Russian (by his name ) as he was struggling with his English.

The Problem:

Since bought new (40 days) it has never been able to pass the OS screen when the overclock option was selected. Sometimes it never switched on display, sometimes it hanged at the Alienware logo, sometimes it hanged at POST.
I have tried re-installing OS's(all kinds), I tried clean install after enabling overclock but the system hangs while copying files in DOS.

Although it is a manufacturing defect, the technician doent like that word and wants to still call it technical ffault and wanted to replace the motherboard. Then he called in after 3 days to inform me they dont support overclock option.

When I spoke to some other tech support the very next say with proof that oc IS supported, he told me someone will get back to me with a solution after 3days as he cannot help me anymore, nor will he replace the mobo. He was fullly aware the problem has not been resolved for more then 2 weeks, but still insisted that I need to wait untill they decide what to do with my case. I asked him to send me a email confirming what he has told me over the phone, which he promised to but I havent received any email from him.

I am way over my 28 cooling off period, will they still accept a return?

 

Hi all! First post, so be nice please!

I ordered my m11x about a week ago, so I am still waiting for it in the mail. After reading all of the people having issue's with oc'ing, I am beginning to be a bit concerned. I know it only affects a small amount of computers but it seems that there is a lot of disagreement as to whether or not oc'ing is under warranty within the dell community (I personally think that it is, or should be at the very least because I paid for it). So anyways the question is, should I even try to oc? Thanks

 

Yes you should try to OC because when the OC is stable the performance is spectacular for a 12" notebook. If it doesn't OC and Dell doesn't give a hoot then just escalate the problem with higher ups.

 

I am in a similar situation as yourself however I bought mine online from best buy - and my fiance shipped it to me in dubai where I am at the moment. (It was a week old buy the time It arrived and is coming up on 2 weeks old now...) The thing is perfect - except I cant boot into windows with OC enabled - BSOD. I am totally unsure what todo as I do not go back to the states till the middle of may and cannot ship it back again before hand..... if it can be fixed with a bios update great but will one ever be released?? Are people sure that by increasing the Vcore we can get a stable chip at 1.6 Ghz? ... Thoughts or advice anyone? Not to sure what my rights are and with whom....

Thanks!

 

used to have this when i had desktop and overclocked it.... it turned out to be ram problem have any of you changed your memory?

 

Yes I have Tried different combos of four 2gb ddr3 sticks and doesn't matter which way I always get bsod on oc. ..

 

I have the SU4100 overclocked through the bios, the problem I'm having is when I go to "Control Panel" it locks up about 2 out of 3 times. I can Ctrl+Alt+Del and go back in and usually it works. When not overclocked I never have a problem. Ive had my M11x for 9 days now, and really don't want to return it. As far as Dell not going good on others having more severe problems, that's some bull on Dells part. It's a built in feature of the notebook, it certainly doesn't void the warranty so IMO it must be accepted in the warranty.

 

I have an overclocked SU7300 and whenever i click on Control Panel it'll lock up once.. after closing the window everything will perform without a hitch. I think this problem for me is consistent regardless of the processor being overclocked or not. If there's no other problem i wouldn't worry about it.

 

I've been freeze/blue screen free until recently. Since the Dell thermal paste isn't very good, my temperatures slowly get higher as the weeks go by. Now with these higher temperatures, the M11x periodically will freeze during gaming, make weird sounds, and require a hard power off.

A new bios would be nice. 1.3Ghz really isn't good enough, but I don't want to feel like a crash could be imminent at any time.

 

I don't have the cpu overclocked at the moment and it did it again today. So not just a overclock issue, just does it more ofter when overclocked.

 

No doubt a software issue. If you did some research you'd find that it's a prominent problem with all systems, not just the M11x.

 

I think I solved the control panel issue. Since the moment I turned on my M11x on day one I got a message saying Java needs to update using "jucheck.exe" I thought since I had not even opened a web browser yet this was a update from Dell installed Sun / Java. Upon further research if the file is located in windows/system32 it is most likely a virus!!! I completely deleted Java and updates and have opened control panel at least 10 times with no lock up.

 

M11x, BSODs
* Download, unzip, run CPUZ
* Click the SPD tab to see the memory
* Write down the Slot #1 manufacturer
* Click the down arrow to choose Slot #2
* Write down the Slot #2 manufacturer
* Are they the same or different? If different, what are they?

 

Hi Chris,

Both original DIMMS here were 2 x Samsung 2GB PC3-8500S (M471B5673EH1-CF8)

 

Mine were same

 

this happens on my studio xps 13 also. i think its a problem with windows. everytime i try to go to control panel for the first time. it freezes and windows becomes unresponsive so it closes and then when it comes back up it works just fine. sooo its not just on the m11x.

 

Hi Chris,

Also got identical 2x 2Gb factory Samsung modules here, though bandwith ref and part number is slightly different from WAZZ UP's at PC3-8500F and M471B5673FH0-CF8 respectively.

 

Mine are:
Samsung
PC3-8500F (533Mhz)
M471B5673FH0-CF8

Same on both slots

 

Add me to the list. I just got my M11X this week. Works great except I have about 1 random power off a day (usually when the system is idle but once while I was loading COD:MW2). This only occurs with OCing on. I wish they would release a bios that ups the juice a bit to the CPU. Then it would work fine imo.

 

I think they would have already fixed it in a BIOS update if they wanted/could. Not really sure what is going on there, the Asus ULxx models have this CPU and can overclock without problems. With the M11x R2 version coming soon, I am not sure the R1 will receive much more attention, unfortunately.

 

Unfortunately that's the reason I called Dell today to take it back

I will definitely test the R2, since the alternates are at least 1.7" larger and I'd like to replace my 12" netbook & my desktop with it. But for all the guys that can't give back their R1s, I hope that they'll fix the worst issues

• BSOD while on oc
• enabling speedstep on oc
• using charging disabled function from operating system
• faster shutting down nvidia (currently ~15mins) and fixing stuck fan after switching to IGP

 

Hi all,
same issue with mine, once the overclocking feature is enabled i get random system crashes. system is totally stable when the feature is disabled.

RAM Specs:
Nanya Technology
242C01C0
232C0129
PC3-8500F (533 MHz)

 

Same problem on a m11x r2 i7 just bought it 2 weeks ago... Returning if no solution is found. Samsung m471B5273CH0-CH9 ON BOTH 8 GB

 

Dell has already posted their policy on OC for the 11x. See:

Quote Src:
M11x & M11x R2 Overclocking Policy - Alienware Forum - Alienware Club - Dell Community

 

Interesting -

I've discovered I can get my system to simply switch off when OC@166 when playing TF2, of all things, after an hour or so.

Rock solid at OC@150 mind.

However, not entirely surprised by Dell's stance mind. It's not unreasonable to accept they can't guarantee that the system would be stable on OC under every condition (or running a particular game).

Cheers, Paul.

 

Agreed - CPU performance/tolerance varies. This is a given.

Anyway, this thread is outdated. It was originally created to discuss the failed OC on some 11x's. Given Dell has publically stated their policy on OC, I'm closing this thread.

If anyone has an issue while OCing, feel free to create a new one and the 11x community can assist with troubleshooting/suggestions.

Thanks all.