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    New M15 R2. Power Button Flashing Blue & Yellow?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by User_Error, Jul 26, 2020.

  1. User_Error

    User_Error Notebook Enthusiast

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    Purchased an M15 R2 via Dell Outlet last week.

    I have had a slightly annoying issue with it where the Power button flashes (default) blue & yellow while I am gaming. When this happens and I try to shut down the PC, the power button light will still be flashing blue & yellow as if it's in Sleep Mode. I assumed this is setting in Windows 10 but I have set all the power settings to "Shut Down" and removed the sleep mode option.

    A brief history: I have contacted Alienware tech support 3 times on this issue. First I was told it was a Windows issue and I might have a corrupt install of Win. Moving ahead, I now have a clean install of Win 10 using Windows Media Creation tool & all drivers up to date. My HD was wiped clean & tech support ran through several hardware tests (GPU & CPU) without issues.

    Fast forward to today while I was gaming, yet again the Power button starts flashing alternate blue & yellow. I attempt shut down my PC and the power button is still flashing. I have always set the power options in Windows to always shut down and NEVER go into sleep mode. After powering back up, the blue & yellow light goes away on it's own but I would like to know WHAT is causing it .

    This is my first Alienware but not my first Dell laptop. Is there another setting I am missing? I don't OC and wasn't using Command Center while gaming. The fans were running faster while gaming but the game is more CPU than GPU intensive.

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. User_Error

    User_Error Notebook Enthusiast

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    Alright, after further research the flashing yellow is an indicator that the battery is charging? Confusing since I always have the laptop plugged in. It appears the battery is (partially) being used while gaming.
     
  3. blazeghost

    blazeghost Notebook Consultant

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    What PSU do you have? What are your system specs? Something similiar used to happen to me, and it was a problem due to my system being to power hungry and my 150W psu barely meeting my power consuption. Upgrading to a bigger one solved that issue and allowed me to upgrade my latop beyond normal specs.-
     
  4. User_Error

    User_Error Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the reply,

    It's 240W

    Specs:
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6
    RAM 16GB (2x8GB) 2666MHz DDR4
    Intel Core 9th Generation i7-9750H Processor (6 Core, Up to 4.50GHz, 12MB Cache, 45W)
     
  5. User_Error

    User_Error Notebook Enthusiast

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    While gaming, it's doing it again. The fans run faster/louder. Checked online for Alienware accessories and 240W is the most powerful adapter for this rig. Any way to change the Power settings to stop this?
     
  6. User_Error

    User_Error Notebook Enthusiast

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    Further research shows I'm not alone. Found an old post on Reddit of all places. Someone with an Alienware had the same issue. The high powered GPU maxed out will definitely drain the battery and 240W is (apparently) not enough. It's mentioned that a 330W power pack should solve the issue. Guess I will have to request one since it's not listed for this item at Dell's site.
     
  7. User_Error

    User_Error Notebook Enthusiast

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    I posted my issue at the Dell/Alienware forum. I wish I had done more research before purchasing this model.

    My gaming draws more CPU than GPU resources. It's more text based. After about 45 minutes-1 hour, the M15 gets extremely hot and draws from the battery, about 8-10% used. So theoretically, if I'm gaming for 5-6 hours straight (which I never do) the PC will not have any power and shut down.

    Had to make a decision since there is a 21 day return policy. I sent the laptop back to Dell today. Very upset with how this turned out. Really wanted an Alienware. I am looking to upgrade from my Inspiron 15 which been very dependable, other than a busted hinge. Not sure I'm going to do.