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    Latest M15 Drivers (Comments And Questions)

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by alvinkhorfire, Dec 9, 2010.

  1. alvinkhorfire

    alvinkhorfire Notebook Consultant

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    I am comparing latest M15x drivers between Alienware Laptop M15x Resource DVD Version A02 and Drivers & Downloads, for 64-bit Windows 7.

    It is emphasized so many times that Alienware Command Center downloaded online should be used, instead of the one contained in Resource DVD. For this, Dell Alienware chooses to omit this software from the DVDs, which is a good idea by the way to happen such unfortunate incident from happening again. Other than that, I believe that it is perfectly fine to install other drivers from Resource DVD. For the Version A02, most drivers from the DVD are actually of the same version as the ones available online, although the DVD is missing several particular drivers.

    I do not list the drivers for video cards as they have been discussed in other threads. I try to list only the drivers from either Dell or the original manufacturers' websites, just to be on the safe side. If everyone is of the same opinion that certain drivers from third-party websites is safe to be used, just list it here.

    The driver detail is listed in this format: driver name, version, revision, date, installer name, installer file size.

    Potential Newer M15x Drivers

    1. Applications: Alienware OSD Application
    Newer Driver from Dell: Alienware OSD Application, 1.13, A05, 26/5/2011, R302355.exe, 2.66 MB.


    2. Chipset: Intel Ibex Peak PCH Chipset
    Newer Driver: INF Update Utility - Primarily for Intel® 5, 4, 3, 900 Series Chipsets, 9.1.1.1025, 12/22/2009, infinst911autol.exe, 2.66 MB.
    INF Update Utility - Primarily for Intel® 6, 5, 4, 3, 900 Series Chipsets, 9.2.0.1025, 03/03/2011, infinst_autol.exe, 2.75 MB - does not offer newer updates compared to INF Update Utility 9.1.1.1025.


    3. Input Device Drivers: ITECIR Infrared Receiver (EC)
    Current Version from Dell: ITE IT8512 CIR Receiver, 5.1.0.1, Rev: A00, 05/25/2009, R232292.EXE, 1.17 MB.
    Newer Driver from Microsoft Update Catalog: ITE Tech.Inc. - Input - ITECIR Infrared Receiver (EC PMC), 5.1.0.7, 7/13/2010, 40 KB.


    4. Network: Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Minicard
    Current Version from Dell: 6.2.0.9603, A02-1, 09/29/2009, DELL_WIRELESS-370-BLUETOOTH-_A02-1_R235898.exe, 62 MB.
    Newer Driver from Microsoft Update Catalog: Broadcom - Bus Controllers and Ports - USB Human Interface Device, 6.2.0.9800, 7/28/2009, 238 KB.


    5. Network: Intel(R) 82577LC based Network Controller (OEM)
    Current Version from Dell: Intel 825xx Gigabit Platform LAN Network Device, 11.0.41.0, A00, 09/24/2009, R232279.exe, 153 MB.

    a. Newer Driver: Intel 825xx Gigabit Platform LAN Network Device, 11.5.10.0, Rev: A01, 10/12/2009, R255936.EXE, 174 MB.

    I know that this newer driver is stated for M17x only. Then again, this driver is contained in my Resource DVD and works just fine in my system. Moreover, it is newer compared to the one listed online for M15x, R232279.exe.

    b. Newer Driver: Network Adapter Driver for Windows 7, 15.7, 11/11/2010, PROWinx64.exe, 28.51 MB.

    I choose not to install this one as the network card is listed as OEM. It is because Intel explicitly recommends using the networking software provided by your computer manufacturer.


    6. Network: Intel(R) WiFi Link 5300 AGN
    Current Version from Dell: OEM Version: tic TRWFW0986D, Rev: A01 (Driver Version: 13.0.0.107), 01/20/2010, R248086.EXE, 18.6 MB.
    Newer Driver: Intel® PROSet/Wireless Software and Drivers for Windows 7 64-Bit, 13.5.0, 04/03/2011, ICS_Ds64.exe, 8.47 MB.


    7. Intel Rapid Storage Technology
    Current Version from Dell: 9.6.0.1014, Rev: A00, 08/02/2010, Intel_Intel-Rapid-Storage-Te_A00_R274363.exe, 10 MB.
    Newer Driver: Intel Rapid Storage Technology, 10.6.0.1022, 06/08/2011, iata_enu_10.6.0.1022.exe, 6.89 MB.

    Questions

    1. Applications: Intel Turbo Boost Technology Driver, 1.1.1.1007, A00, 2/8/2010, Intel_Turbo-Boost-Technology_A00_R274365.exe, 3 MB.

    Upon installing this driver, an error message pops out, stating that the laptop does not meet the minimum requirement. Then, upon inspecting the User Account Control prior to running the software, it clearly states "Intel Graphics Media Accelerator". Correct me if I am wrong. I think that this driver is only for M15x equipped with Arrandale-based Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processors, containing an integrated graphics processing unit. Then, it is not necessary to install this driver in other M15x.

    So, what is the function of this driver?


    2. CD/DVD: BD-ROM
    HLDS CA10N 12.7mm SATA Slotload 4X BD-Combo, A108, A05, 9/10/2009, CA10N-WIN7-A108-normal.zip, 2 MB.

    The Blu-ray Reader I have in M15x (purchased 2 months ago) has the firmware version of A110. Thus, I am puzzled why Dell Alienware chooses not to upload the A110 version online.

    _____

    In short, for those who may have newer version of Alienware Laptop M15x Resource DVD, say A03 or A04, I hope that you can post the official link for driver download. Since there are so many models available, Dell may not post the latest drivers online.
     
  2. alvinkhorfire

    alvinkhorfire Notebook Consultant

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  3. Tpcorr

    Tpcorr Notebook Geek

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    Thanks alvin, wish that update fixed the general wonkiness I find with my OSD.
     
  4. taylrjones

    taylrjones Notebook Consultant

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    I think if you check the M17x download page, you may find it there.
     
  5. alvinkhorfire

    alvinkhorfire Notebook Consultant

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    taylrjones
    Sorry, I could not find the download link there. The list of driver for M17xR2 do not contain any driver for Blu-ray reader. The one for M17xR1 is the same version posted for M15x.
     
  6. mohamadnizam

    mohamadnizam Notebook Enthusiast

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    hi! is this the latest m15x drivers?
     
  7. Mexic00ls

    Mexic00ls Notebook Deity

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  8. mohamadnizam

    mohamadnizam Notebook Enthusiast

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    oh. ok. thanks then!
     
  9. alvinkhorfire

    alvinkhorfire Notebook Consultant

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    Well, I should be more clear about the purpose of my thread. My mistake, sorry. :(
    Yes, as Mexic00ls mentioned, go to Dell website to obtain the latest M15x drivers offered by Dell. Then again, Dell no longer updates driver list, even though Intel, AMD and nVidia have released much newer drivers. That is the purpose of my thread, which is compile a list of drivers much nwer than the ones offered by Dell. Video drivers are excluded.
     
  10. ashvin88

    ashvin88 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I think u got the link wrong, as it doesn't show the 5300 card under the supported cards?

    I found this http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=19852&keyword=5300+AGN&lang=eng instead.

    In any case, could you help me out with my video card? Can't seem to find any posts regarding which driver I should download for my GTX 260M.. there's an 257.38 A01 from dell, and a 280.26 from Nvdia. sigh
     
  11. alvinkhorfire

    alvinkhorfire Notebook Consultant

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    @ashvin88
    Sorry for not replying your post earlier. Thanks fodrr pointing out my mistake regarding the WiFi driver, which I have corrected.

    Since I am using AMD video card, I cannot help you regarding your driver problem. Try creating a new thread detailing your problem. For sure, using Dell video driver guarantee the best stability in your system. However, you can experience performance boost in gaming if you use nVidia driver. Unless there has been problems reported by other users here, there should not be any problem for you to install nVidia driver.