*OFFICIAL* M11xR1 Owners Lounge - Part 4

heat vents.

 

that sucks man... have you tried tech support yet?

btw: sorry i'm not more help. hopefully i can be a little more helpfull when i actually have mine...

edit: wait, is tech support even open on the weekend? o_0;

 

How hot are people's M11x units getting whilst gaming?

I'm getting GPU temps about 50 degrees (Up to around 57) and CPU temps in the high 40's (Up to around 49).

The unit actually gets quite warm on my lap and gets a bit uncomfortable where my palm rests on the left.
Are these kind of temperatures too high for this sort of unit? Will they cause any long term damage?

 

Those temps are just fine.

 

@dingotech
imo that's not too bad... see here.
they're calling alot hotter temps there, so i would say you're OK...
but i'm not sure.

edit: got beat to it. sorry. i guess i was right then...

 

Thanks guys.

Yeah they seemed ok in terms of numbers, it was just the fact that the unit seems to get so hot on the left hand side that made me question whether it was normal or not.

 

isn't the fan on the left ? :O ..

 

If you're looking for a TV Tuner for use at home, I'd recommend this ethernet HDTV tuner:
Single Tuner: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815345001
Dual Tuner: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815327005

For a gaming mouse, I'm buying this in the next few day:
RAZER Orochi: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=razer_bluetooth-_-26-153-053-_-Product
This mouse can be used wirelessly, or for lower lag, you can even connect it via USB.

 

best mobile bluetooth peripheral ever( gaming and otherwise), picked this up when they first came out and then two more after..... all in use!

 

yes with the monitor facing towards you the fan is on the left side of the machine

 

If you ordered your laptop with 2 gb ram, it will come to you as 2x1 gb stick of ram so the only upgrade path would be to get a 2x2 gb ram package.

@cubswin
there is no evidence to even suggest when the M11x goes through a refresh that it will even be a i5/i7 processor. They may just keep going up higher on the Core2Duo chain.

 

RAQemup is right, so it might be cheaper just to get through Dell..

 

Ok, thanks. What is the typical length of time between refreshes in Alienware laptops?

 

If you haven't worked it out yet then it could be a setting, go to the bottom right on the alienfx and right click it for the options you can choose dim or bright. Yours should be on dim hopefully

 

I'm debating if the SU7300 is worth the extra $100 dollars over the Pentium? Are there any noticeable differences between them outside of the lack of VT? Lower benchmarks? Can it be overclocked?

 

^ tears it's weird I haven't seen very many SU4100's as most people opted to take the upgrade. There has been a couple benchmarks scoring at 6200 with CPU OC'd so it's very comparable to the SU7300 which I've seen most hit 6300 in 3dmark06.

 

i know other people will say otherwise, but here's what i know:
1. the pentium CAN be overclocked (confirmed by Jonjonk).
2. OC'd, it only scores about 20 points less then the C2D in 3dmark06.

 

You really should only get the CPU upgrade if you want virtualization or just to have the small performance boost. Keep in mind the CPU is soldered in so whatever you get will be it and that in itself may be worth the $100. I personally only got it because of how the coupons stacked in the beginning.

As far as how often they refresh, I don't know. This is my first Alienware laptop and people are assuming in 6 months time there will be one. Keep in mind that that is just a guess/wishful thinking on everyone's part. None of us really know when they will do a refresh.

 

Isn't it typical that just after I order, Australia gets a lower config that's basically exactly what I wanted? Goddamn. Oh well, I got approval for the higher-specced model and it's ordered so im not really complaining

Still waiting on my actual EDD from dellrep - he said around the 25th, but he said he'd get back to me today with a definite date.

[edit]

HOORAY! Just got a mail back from my dell rep:

VICTORY IS MINE!

[/edit]

--neg

 

Hi again, I'm trying to sign in on the alienware.com support site. It asks for a account number. I've tried the service code, service tag, customer number, order number, dell purchase id but am getting the "invalid account number or zip code" message. Does anyone have a solution? Thanks again.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5936282#post5936282

 

Anyone know how I can get 1366x768 res in cs: 1.6? I only have the option of 128x720 when I select widescreen...

I know I can run in a window, but otherwise it kinda looks like crap?

PLEASE?

 

some games just don't have 1366x768, it's kind of an odd resolution that may not be in older games from what I've seen.

 

Are there any problems with the M11x? I've heard that you get BSoD problems when you OC your processor VIA BIOS is this true?

I'm very happy with my M15x, just need something more mobile on-the-go while I leave my m15x here.

 

as far as i know, only one guy had that problem. another guy got the bsod without the OC, though...

 

When that happens - everyone will then be asking - "Should I wait until the next refresh with the Core i9/i11?"

 

Go to dell.com --> For Home --> Support & Drivers --> Drivers and Downloads --> Choose a model --> Laptops --> Alienware Laptop --> M11x --> Confirm

In console type:
vid_config_x 1366
vid_config_y 768

At least one person has experienced BSOD. This is not a common issue and nothing I would concern myself with.

 

There's been a few people (to-date I've counted 2, possibly 3) that have had BSODs. However, while it appears to be, in part, related to the OC via the BIOS (i.e. these members/users are getting BSODs while OC'd) - there hasn't been a true confirmation validating that the OC of the processor actually causes the BSOD. In fact, some theorize that, since the processor might be potentially undervolted (another discussion altogether), that by OC'ing it - it's become unstable and is the root cause for the BSODs. Other theories include bad RAM, heat issues, driver issues, video card issues, stinky diapers, and the misalignment of the planets on 2/2-2/3 that have caused certain members that ordered on these particular dates to be placed in build purgatory while others who ordered well after them have since received their units...

There are many other members/users of this forum that have been OC'd since the first day they received the unit (including yours truly) without any problems/issues at all (at least related to BSODs).

My take? As with any mass-produced product - there are going to be problems and/or issues that will not be caught by the QA process and will ultimately cause a problem for the customer. Look no further than the issues with Toyota for a comparison...

Move ahead with your order - and OC away once you get it. If it doesn't work - then send it back or request a replacement...

 

Thanks very much for the link!

 

You are welcome.

There is no hidden keypad function on our M11x. I'm surprised I hadn't noticed that. If its any consolation, the going rate for an external USB keypad is roughly $15.

 

no the m11x only has the 1-0 keys above the letters.

 

Thanks, I've just sent an email to dell asking about this numpad question too. Too bad that this one doesn't have it included. I think I'll get the logitech wireless unified numpad and notebook mouse (m705) so as to take up only one usb slot. Thanks again to all that replied.
Otherwise, am very happy with my m11x!

 

I remember seeing that the m11x only comes with 10/100.
but http://i46.tinypic.com/nvbeao.png

perhaps this is because we dont get the sim dealy? also get bluetooth as standard by looks. (this is in New Zealand)

 

Thanks for the reply, I guess this is narrowing down the options. It appears then that for headphones we will need to go for USB with the 5.1 decoders built in. Does anyone have any experience with the Logitech G35 or the NX USB Medusa? The only other option I've heard of is the Sennheiser PC 350 but these aren't strictly 5.1 but apparently are quite good simulating it in gaming.

 

Is the processor in the M11x really soldered to the motherboard??? http://portables4gamers.com/?p=12373

Could anybody confirm?

 

Somebody already took theirs apart complete with pics in a separate thread here and said so.

Here it is.

 

Doh! I did actually know that, just wasn't thinking straight, 2x2GB is what I will be buying.

It's unlikely that they'll continue higher along the C2D chain with the units effectively being phased out. I'd be very disappointed (and surprised) if the refresh came without a low-voltage Core iX CPU.

I've counted three owners with definite BSOD's only while OC'd. We know the SU7300 is more than capable of running high clocks (even higher than 1.6GHz) 24/7 so the only thing that differs from stable high clocked SU7300's (Asus's UL50VT) is the 10%-25% less voltage the M11'x SU7300's operate at. It's very unlikely with the small amount of owners we have, that three machines were shipped with bad RAM. But, we can't say for sure 100% without further testing and diagnosis. I would however place my bet on the CPU Vcore.

The SU7300 only comes in BGA-socket form so it has to be soldered to the MB. Hence the "ball" in BGA = solder balls.

 

Has anyone tried using their m11x without the battery installed? (using the power cord to turn it on/use it of course)

 

Can anyone explain the Fn+F2 combination. I've yet to figure out how to disable the charging of the battery while on AC power.

 

Installing Starcraft II (Lazytown edition... google it ) as we speak!!

 

aerosheik - it's not working for us yet.. or most of us at least.. I think they need to do something to fix that issue.

kahi - I uploaded a vid of SCII lazytown last night - in sig. SCII plays very nice with the M11x.

 

The keys on my keyboard rub up against the screen when the lid is closed. Anyone else have this problem/is there a fix?

 

it's my first time posting here, and a lurker since the m11x went available for pre-order...

I am hoping someone who has their m11x can give a `lil help... I am curious about linux support with the m11x's graphic cards?! will one be able to push Fn+F6 (or whichever button combination in win7) to swap between the intel 4500HD and the nvidia 335 GT?

also the wireless card has pique'd my interest... a/b/g/n 2x2 MIMO, I'd like to see some #'s comparing this card with another card... maybe netstumbler graph, anyone (in win7), or kismet in linux?

what drivers are best for the graphics cards, and the network adapter? someone wanna run "lspci -vk" and "dmesg" and present the output here, purrty please?

I'm also soooo looking forward to trying elive compiz on this thing!

I ordered my m11x on 2/5/2010 and somehow with 7day shipping it says its due by the end of the week?! ... can't wait to get this thing!! ...

 

It's normal. This was first an issue for me with my unibody macbook. You can buy a screen cloth protector that fits in between keys and screen when you close it and use as a screen wipe. I did that b/c the grease on my fingers then to screen bothered me a lot. Currently using kabuto mouse pad for that job although it's a hair too thick for it to close 100% flat.

 

Got a call today my part is in to fix the broken hinge "The Whole Screen" has to be replaced.
The service guy is coming here within the hour and hes going to replace it and we will see how that goes if it holds up! Ill be on here letting you know what i think of the service while the guys here working on it.

 

There's currently no on the fly graphical switching support within Linux and having X on. However, vga_switcheroo was just merged into the 2.6.34 kernel. It's mainly focused on ATI and Intel graphics switching, but it does have some nvidia support. I'll probably test it out once 2.6.34 has a rc out.

Right now you can go into BIOS and set it to either switchable or discrete. Switchable will use the intel chipset while discrete will use the nvidia. One downside of this with a default install of ubuntu is that if you install the nvidia proprietary driver then the machines crashes when it's set to switchable. I'm thinking that this can be pretty easily worked around, but I haven't had a chance to look at it. Probably won't until Thursday. Sound is also not working correctly, although I also think that can be easily fixed.

PM me and remind me and I can get this info for you tonight. the wifi card is the dell 1520, which uses the broadcom bcm4353 chipset. I'm unsure if there's any open source drivers for this, but there are closed source that seem to work. I wasn't able to get it to connect to a 802.11n network with ubuntu 9.10, but it connected fine using backtrack 4.

 

Does the M11x have a metal body like the M17x Some say its plastic others say its magnesium alloy

 

Excellent, someone is trying out Ubuntu. If you uninstall the proprietary drivers, does it stop it from crashing? I have no use for the discrete GPU in Linux so I'd like to conserve my battery life with the integrated.