The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Random Shut-Down while Gaming

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by ZeroCell, Dec 14, 2011.

  1. ZeroCell

    ZeroCell Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    104
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    To the helpful NBR community,

    Recently, my computer (R2) has been randomly shutting down while gaming. For instance, 20 minutes ago, I was playing a match of BF3. Had been playing for about 30 minutes already when the computer suddenly shuts off, as if I had done a cold boot. I'm sure my temps, while they are pretty high (mid 80's), are not the problem, as once I accidentally got it up to 95C and it was fine. Using TS and MSI, with a stable overclock that I've been using for a while.

    Does anyone know what might be causing the problem? Should I contact tech support to come out?
     
    ZeroCell, Dec 14, 2011
    #1
  2. James D

    James D Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,314
    Messages:
    4,901
    Likes Received:
    1,132
    Trophy Points:
    231
    You are talking about GPU and CPU temps or only 1 one of them?

    You can try to run memtest86+ from USB or just try to play with 1 RAM stick, then another 1. Will you get same shut downs with all stick or just with 1?
     
    James D, Dec 14, 2011
    #2
  3. ZeroCell

    ZeroCell Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    104
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Sorry, GPU gets to around 85, CPU usually 2 or 3 degrees cooler.

    How do I disable individual RAM sticks?
     
    ZeroCell, Dec 14, 2011
    #3
  4. James D

    James D Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,314
    Messages:
    4,901
    Likes Received:
    1,132
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Physically unplug, can you do this? This is the best way to diagnose. I don't know if you have them under the keyboard or not...
    On the other hand do not do it if you don't know how. At first watch video how to video on Youtube and only then if you are sure you can do it - do it.
     
    James D, Dec 14, 2011
    #4
  5. ZeroCell

    ZeroCell Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    104
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Just out of curiosity, what leads you to think that the RAM is the culprit?

    Tbh, I'm a little scared at disassembling my computer, would just calling tech by easier? And, if they brick it, I could get a replacement system. :p
     
    ZeroCell, Dec 14, 2011
    #5
  6. James D

    James D Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,314
    Messages:
    4,901
    Likes Received:
    1,132
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Yes, it is the easiest way if you are OK to wait for some time till they fix it.
     
    James D, Dec 14, 2011
    #6
  7. ZeroCell

    ZeroCell Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    104
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    ...and now its shutting down even at base clock speeds... :p Hopefully I can get a tech out here soon.
     
    ZeroCell, Dec 15, 2011
    #7
  8. zenstrata

    zenstrata Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    14
    Messages:
    98
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Good luck! I hope they are able to fix your problem with a minumum of fuss.

    On a related note, I suggest never overclocking unless you need the performance for something and are able to replace the equipment when something goes toasty. I am unsure of the warranty coverage on the R2. I hope they cover overclocking!
     
    zenstrata, Dec 15, 2011
    #8
  9. ZeroCell

    ZeroCell Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    104
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I've heard mixed reports about using TS (pretty sure that's okay), overclocking, and benchmark software. Can anyone confirm on way or another?

    I also got a screenshot of Kombustor getting my GPU to 95C without OCing, would it be a good idea to not show that if kombustor voids warranty?
     
    ZeroCell, Dec 15, 2011
    #9