My laptop is still under warranty, so I've already sent an e-mail to Dell Tech support about this. But I figured I'd post here too to see if my problem sounds familiar to anyone.
My new 2016 AW15R2 went to sleep yesterday, and won't wake back up. I've tried holding down the power button for 10 seconds or so to force a complete shutdown to no avail. I've unplugged and plugged back in the battery without any affect. I've also tried reseating the memory. No dice there either. The problem persists whether I'm plugged in or not.
I made a video of the machine's current behavior:
As you can see in the video, the power button will illuminate as well as the left half of the keyboard. Then nothing. If you listen carefully, you can even hear the mechanical drive spin up for a little bit. So I'm thinking it's not a power issue. Any of Dell's diagnostics tools are completely useless here since the thing won't even boot up at all.
Does this problem look familiar to anybody? Better yet, do you know of a solution? The operating system is Windows 10 Professional.
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Zoltan@zTecpc Company Representative
Most likely you will have to have Alienware fix it for you.
Spartan@HIDevolution likes this. -
Geez I hope not. I have until the 6th to decide whether or not I should return the machine to Dell for a refund. If I can't fix it myself and will need to ship it off somewhere, I think I might just take that route.
I literally just closed the lid of my laptop and walked away for a few hours. When I came back to it, it was in a coma. It's not like I was being abusive to it or something. I've heard of quality control issues with AW laptops, but I just chalked those stories up to User Error. I think I might be a believer now. While the laptop was nice while it lasted, I can't be worried about whether or not my laptop will turn back on every time I put it to sleep. -
Did you update to bios ver 1.2.12?
Because that one is killing machines now unfortunately.Spartan@HIDevolution likes this. -
This is probably a problem with the motherboard, but I'd try a power drain first. Remove the battery, unplug the AC adapter, and hold down the power button for 20-30 seconds.
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Happened to my aw13r2. Had the mobo replaced and sold it asap
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I've got the i7 quad core CPU, 4k display (non-touch tho), 970M, 32GB of RAM, 1 TB PCIe SSD, and a 1TB mechanical SSD (which I planned on swapping out for a SATA SSD at some point down the road). Since there's two M.2 slots in the thing, I have the option of adding another M.2 SSD later should the need the rise. Then there's the things that come standard like the USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3, Killer WiFi, and graphics amp (the amp comes with the rig if you buy it from Dell direct).
Spec wise, this is a damn nice machine. It performs like a champ too. Really, the only thing that bothers me is the weight which is about 7lbs, plus the weight of the power brick. I don't think I could deal with carrying a heavier machine around.
In addition to doing a little gaming on the side, I'll be using the machine as my daily driver work machine. I do software development, so I need high memory capacity (for running virtual machines) and a high screen real estate display (for code editing).
I've been looking at other gaming laptops, but they either top out at 16GB of memory, has only a 1080p display, have more limited onboard storage options, or are heavier than the AW15R2. -
Corrupt IRQs in the BIOS, version 1.2.12, no fix released. It will randomly brick your computer, only fix is a new motherboard on a lower BIOS. Best bet is to get it fixed and sell it ASAP, Dell will not be fixing this anytime soon.
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Ooooo that sucks to read. Like I mentioned in my previous reply to jpsm, I haven't been able to find another laptop that would be as good a fit for me as the AW15R2. I'll keep looking though; I have another 3 days before the 30 days for refund period is over.
Or maybe I can just live with an older BIOS? But whose to say something else won't break. I depend on this machine for work too. -
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Its about BIOS, they will replace the motherboard unfortunately. Not about the laptop, its about the update that dell released without testing which kills your motherboard.
I got mine replaced last week. well basically i got a new laptop lol -
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Clevo P650 series:
- Crappy screen lid
- Unlocked BIOS
- Socketed desktop CPU
- MXM GPUs
- Larger PSU
- Excellent overclocking
- Better performance
- Replaceable CPU and GPU
- Upgradeable
- Crappy warranty service
- Nice screen lid
- Crippled BIOS
- BGA CPU
- BGA GPU
- Marginal PSU
- Pathetic overclocking
- Lower performance
- Disposable mainboard/CPU/GPU combo
- No upgrades possible
- Better warranty service
But, that Alienware lid is so nice! -
- Nice screen lid
- Crippled BIOS - BIOS isn't crippled anymore as of R2 / R3. Confirmed by me.
- BGA CPU - BGA is subjective. To me it means a thinner lighter notebook. So long as BGA is done right it just means one single part and no upgrading. Which can be impossible even for socketed / MXM anyways as generations change compatibility.
- BGA GPU - BGA is subjective to me it means thinner lighter notebook.
- Marginal PSU - Pardon? the 240w is fine for the systems. The one provided is on part for the draw. Yes previously this was not the case.
- Pathetic overclocking - The overclocking on the i7-6820HK is decent for an actual laptop with laptop parts. Most people don't buy a laptop to overclock. To those that do this isn't bad and if you want more ya buy a Clevo. I personally have a laptop and a desktop.
- Lower performance - Because its a laptop and not a desktop that is to be expected. However my i7-6820HK isnt far off from a 4790k which I'm happy with.
- Disposable mainboard/CPU/GPU combo - Not totally bad. If you have a nice next business day warranty what does it matter if they replace the whole board? I guess I can see after the warranty expires it being a pain as it might cost more, but thats why I always buy like 3 / 4 year warranties. But on a side note if an MXM card breaks after it is mass produced it usually costs more then half of a new laptop for much less performance.
- No upgrades possible - Not totally bad. Many MXM and socketed clevo boards cannot be upgraded very far after new sockets and chipsets come out as the new cards and chips are simply not compatible.
- Better warranty service - Whats the point of a bad mutha system if it isn't properly supported, pain to deal with the warranty, or even worse have to use a middle man like the reseller.
Who likes sending off their system for a few weeks while waiting for it to get fixed? Call me spoiled but I like having a technician come to my house in two days and fix my ish at my dining room table with me hovering over them.
It really comes down to personal preference and circumstances. I fully understand why you guys all feel this way. Many of you guys were long time Alienware loyal customers and have been through the ringer.
I felt this way two after several times Dell failed to take responsibility for design flaws like during the 15R1/17R3.
The one thing that even Clevo users complain about is some of the driver/BIOS support. Plus the build quality of things like the keyboard and the plastic LCD lid simply are not up to snuff.
To be fair it seems every single laptop manufacturer has its pros and cons.
To me those build quality issues and the lack of NBD warranty are the biggest things. Yes its really awesome to have the most powerful laptop, especially if you can only afford one single system.
However in my opinion its best to have a killer really powerful laptop for on the go and trips and a killer desktop rig at home.
If one has a killer desktop rig at home the power in the laptop doesn't have to be as powerful as possible. Things like a balance of warranty, build quality, and general support start to matter more and come into play for me. Dont get me wrong again If I only could get one system that would be for travel and my main power house my only option would probably be the best Clevo as it would be a Desktop Replacement.
So side from me having had one of these nice Clevo systems, having Alienwares since back in the day... I also have had two very vocal, well respected advocates for Clevo privately tell me they wish they didn't drop the $3K-$4K on their system and regret it for several of the above reasons.
I know many of you feel betrayed almost by how Dell has handled Alienware recently but there really isn't a reason to take personal emotions about it and totally knock the systems like they are total garbage because they are not. Again much of it is personal opinion and seems to be biased.
Besides if they suck so bad why are some of you still posting daily about them.
I just feel it does a disservice to come by Alienware forums and constantly talk junk about them. They exist, people buy them, and they are on these forums to talk about them.
This wasnt directly referring to you MrFox. However I recognize that you were not happy with AW and have made the switch.
If it applies then consider what I said if not then just ignore me.
Anyways end rant! -
woodzstack Alezka Computers , Official Clevo reseller.
XD ( I've been too butt hurt by Alienware to be nice to them anymore..)
What's the score after that ?Last edited by a moderator: May 10, 2016Mr. Fox likes this. -
@DeeX - As you know, I was a very happy and loyal Alienware fanboy for many years and I doubt any of their competitors will ever match the quality they used to produce on a consistent basis. Alienware spoiled me really bad and they have only themselves to blame for my current state of displeasure. You cannot get away with lowering the bar when you're the one that raised it to begin with. Alas, my loyalty always ends abruptly the moment any brand stops putting out. I work hard for my money and there is no way in hell I am going to waste it on junk.
As if it isn't obvious to everyone, I have no problem giving lavish praise where I think it is due. Likewise, raining down hellfire and brimstone if I'm not pleased about something comes naturally. They don't deserve to receive any credit based on past performance. Coasting is not allowed, and neither are free rides. Yesterday is gone, and if they're not putting out today I have no more use for the brand. I care a great deal about people and want to do what I can to help everyone. Warning everyone that will pay attention against buying trash is just one of the free services I am happy to provide. They can decide whether they want to believe me or someone else that thinks the Kool-Aid is safe to drink. All I can do is spread the bad word and hope at least few will be smart enough to listen.
I don't take Alienware's horrible downturn personally, but I do take it very seriously. Where we have a fundamental difference in values is that I honestly do believe their new stuff is terrible garbage and you think it's not that bad. Clearly, we have different standards. To be perfectly fair, I have that opinion about almost everything else being sold by all brands, so the hate is not something I have reserved exclusively for Alienware as punishment for their recent string of abject failures. Alienware is now selling only trash and they're in good company with other brands selling similarly putrid feces. There are now, and always have been, for as long as I can remember, maybe 2 or 3 models (at most) in the whole wide world at any given point in time that I would view as being good products worth of my purchase. I can generally count them on one hand with a leftover digit or two, or three.
Unfortunately, Alienware does not have a current model--not one of anything... not even desktops--for sale that I can personally regard as anything less than worthless rubbish. Maybe they will turn things around, maybe they won't. It would be nice if they do. I would be really happy about that. I'd forgive them too, but they'd have to earn it... no freebies and no more opportunities to get a pass based on benefit of doubt. That ship has already sailed. -
Well I don't really know what to say...
It is not fact that Alienwares are trash.
They perform exactly as advertised.
They cool better and designed better then many other laptops of the same exact spec.
Are there more powerful laptops out there? Yes but they have desktop components in them.
Are there better designed laptops out there? Not sure, again I point out that even the utmost loyal Clevo person has some complaints about their design.
Cant complain about the power thats for sure.
With that said....
I have an Alienware 17 R3 and its not trash.
My Maya renders are quick with no throttling...
My Premiere renders are quick with no throttling.
My games run smooth with no throttling.
I have even ran several obnoxious games, stress tests, and benchmarks at the same exact time still unable to make this thing throttle.
So how is it trash?
On top of that I showed Dell that this system isn't throttling and my old AW15R1 was throttling and they refunded me my full original purchase price and also refunded my 3 year warranty that I added 6 months after the fact. I purchased the system in April 2015!!
I totally 100% fully understand where you are coming and have the utmost respect for you...but In all fairness several people could easily focus on the negatives of Clevo and spend a bunch of time on their sub forums constantly talking about how trash their build quality is, how they dont last several years with out failing, and how their warranty sucks yada yada yada..
And if I personally was brutally honest with my experiences with Clevo over the past decade (which used to be a lot back like 8 years ago) I could reign fire and brimstone and talk heavy (but truthful) smack about the quality of their systems.
My point is that it does no good to approach things this way. Its best to focus on the positives about the system you currently have, are loyal and experienced with. Again that's just my opinion.
Anyways like I said lets put this to bed and recognize that everyone has their own opinions.
Just to add though. The Clevo P870DM-G is an amazing system and I suggest it to anyone that has the need for one machine with desktop power.
For the person that cannot buy a really powerful desktop and a laptop.
The only gripe I have about it is as I mentioned before. The keyboard kinda sucks and feels a bit awkward.
The LCD lid was a bit weaker and flimsier then I would have liked.
I also didn't like how some of the drivers were maintained and the "support" page. (however this is easily over-combed)
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@DeeX - I'm glad you are satisfied with your product. Let me clarify a few things:
- You asked, "How is it trash?" - BGA is always trash and I will never change my opinion about that. Even if it works as advertised, it is still going to be something I regard as pure rubbish. Is Alienware rubbish better than some of the other rubbish? Yes, certainly is and I can admit that. Probably even safe to say it is better than all of the other BGA rubbish.
- I never dreamed I would own a Clevo again. They are far from perfect and without @Prema fixing their BIOS problems they would all be junk. I love the Sky X9/P870DM and Panther/P570WM because they deliver laptop performance on an order of magnitude that used to be available nowhere other than Alienware.
- It is unlikely that any brand of gaming notebook is going to match Alienware chassis quality. This is one of the reasons they cost more and it's worth it when everything else is up to snuff. But, build quality alone is not enough to make me happy. I view it more as icing on an already delectable cake. Having delicious frosting on a loaf of poop doesn't cut it for me. Remember, from my perspective, if the CPU or GPU are BGA it instantly qualifies as a piece of poop and that product is no longer eligible for consideration.
- Clevo, MSI, ASUS, HP and Acer warranty service sucks. Dell, and in particular Alienware, is head and shoulders better. However, when they fail they fail extra hard and getting resolution can be extraordinarily difficult. This is generally the case with gigantic corporations. They have great intentions and they are genuine, but processes and a workforce tainted by incompetent employees can make it difficult to deliver on their promises. I have worked in that kind of corporate environment for 30 years. I used to place a great deal of value on Alienware's amazing warranty, but now that they have no ability to service their previous flagship products the warranty has become totally worthless.
- When I decided to go Clevo, it was with an expectation I would be fending for myself if something failed. I felt is was the lesser of two evils to have a machine built the way I want it to be built rather than settle for something less on the basis of having a better warranty or slightly better build quality. I don't replace laptops every year or two like some people do. I upgrade them because it is a lot less expensive, a lot more fun and generally matches (in many cases beats) what I can purchase new. I also derive some pleasure from mopping the floor with something new and expensive with something old and obsolete. Maybe that's because I am old and obsolete now. It took 4 years for anyone to release a laptop that performed better than an upgraded M18xR2 with an unlocked BIOS. That's pretty dog gone amazing in my book. It took a lot of awesome new tech in the Sky X9/P870DM to get me to finally decide to part ways with my M18xR1 and M18xR2.
woodzstack likes this. -
Its all BGA and pretty much the Clevo version of the AW15. So you have the exact same specs, in a bit thinner body, but worse battery, extremely poor screenlid, less good keyboard, even smaller PSU and the sam eoverclocking performance.
The worst thing is that many resellers even say it is an al metal chassis. While those are just some stick on aluminum sheets on top of plastic. -
Thanks for pointing out my error. Everything I posted would be accurate for the Batman or Sky X9 or DLX7 models, but not the P650 BGA turdbook. -
Anyway that laptop is still miles ahead before this
For a good laugh
Mr. Fox likes this. -
rinneh likes this.
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The keyboard tray
I know a lot of you are damning Alienware's current offering. But it is nowhere this level. A level currently well reviewed on all major websites -
That's really sad. I hate to see such horrendous quality getting pooped onto people that haven't done enough research to determine what they are buying is such a terrible engineering abortion.
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What the hell is that? It's even worse than Dellienware
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Huh. Im not into new models nowadays. Sadly, this is my first and last Alienware
They turned this into crapbooks like MacPoop Pro. I would like to buy some Russian made laptops if they would be available. Heavy, aluminium machines with powerful components. I don't give a damn to weight. I have arms to carry that beast.Papusan likes this. -
I like thin laptops, but not when it seriously hinders the cooling. I had a Gigabyte P34Wv3 (the non gaming look Aorus/Gigabyte laptops). And it could never hold even base clock for more than 30minutes. It would just become too hot and loud. Repasted it, underclocked it. So i could keep it steady at 2.2ghz.
The Aorus SLI offerings are terrible, they are loud as hell, hot as hell and very poorly built. -
With @Prema firmware, this truly is a "desktop laptop" LOL. CLEVO Alienkiller powered by premamod.com FTW!
http://www.3dmark.com/compare/fs/8423441/fs/5251310#
Attached Files:
Papusan likes this. -
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Here in holland your config costs around 3500~4000euro. its just a different type of machine I think. In terms of price but also function.Mr. Fox likes this. -
I don't get the heavy part though. Maybe I am just so used to loving huge machines like the XPS M1730, M17xR2, M18xR1, M18xR2, AW18 and Panther that I am completely immune to any sense of that. It is lighter than any of those machines and it doesn't seem heavy to me at all. In fact, I had a hard time getting used to how light the Sky X9 felt in comparison. Something just did not feel right... like not combing your hair or not brushing your teeth in the morning. -
Regarding weight, the recent Alienware's like 2014/2015 have been slimmer and lighter then past systems.
I too have been around since M1710, M1730, M17X R1,R2,R3,R4 etc etc.
As a long time desktop builder I too love modular things like socketed CPUs and MXM slots etc...
However my work and professional life has had me rethinking things and be open to things like BGA.
That is the one thing about BGA that is a benefit. It can create a less bulky, slightly lighter laptop. I personally like it for my media production.
Also to point out that a BGA 980M benches the same as a BGA 980M. (assuming that both have mobile proc)
Again pointing to the perception of BGA as being trash as just an opinion or even an emotional response to being screwed by Dellienware.
Regarding being tethered to my desk; I personally don't mind. I like having my freedom of customization and enjoy the building of my systems.
I like my closed liquid loops, my fancy gaming LCDs, planning out my air flows, being able to upgrade and use the old parts in my media center PC etc.
I also like having my 980Ti or later on my 1080Ti
There is nothing wrong with loving a particular product that one owns and nothing wrong with repping it.
When it becomes fanboyism is when you look at your product as the best simply because you want to feel better about owning it.
I just feel that all the laptops currently on the market (including AW and Clevo) have pros and cons.
So really its a personal preference based on the circumstances.
Personally if I were to own a laptop it would only be an Alienware or a Clevo nothing else.
At this time in my life I currently am happy with the AW15R2 / AW17R3. -
The second statement can be played both directions. However, it is not necessarily accurate to view contempt for an inflexible design as fanboyism. When an individual weighs the pros and cons and lands on what is most important, this is not fanboyism. It's using your noggin and making an informed decision. When people do not weigh the pros and cons, then blindly defend their indiscriminate purchases, then yes... that is fanboyism all the way. Where the contempt and hatred comes into play is when the options that are viewed as crucial no longer exist. That also is not fanboyism. It is being pissed that options are severely limited and the brand you would normally prefer to do business with no longer sells a product that meets your expectations. -
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk -
woodzstack Alezka Computers , Official Clevo reseller.
I would still add, my personal belief that Razor does make BGA better then the rest, and is the only REAL option, but like Alienware, they charge an insane premium for that quality chassis. However, also, the Razor's main Razor Blade's are outdated and now falling even further behind. Clevo's can be great for many looking to compromise on smaller details to save larger sums of money. Your not compromising power or performance though, that is the part that is important, in a laptop right ? (otherwise wouldn't we use an older laptop or a used laptop that was proven to be superior / performance aside ?) -
Yeah that's too much for me. It's too expensive.
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cavell219 likes this. -
The chassis itself is nicely built but it is simply too small for the components inside. A 15inch version and 3mm thicker would benefit those laptops. -
@Papusan
Is this you on your avatar when saw BGA Crapbook?
@cavell219
Enjoy throttling. Motheboard in 17R3 is... the same from 15"...Papusan likes this. -
. I was much much worse. The ambulance picked me up home and helped me. I couldn't breathe. I was dizzy and nauseous and pie in my pants, so I had a trip to the hospital for help. Stay there over a week before I come back home. Still dizzy when I see and read about BGABooKs...
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Yeah it is very sad, I got the 15R2 in beginning of February and it has spent more time waiting to be fixed than I actually spent using it. Hell I got it with a faulty motherboard on day one... Should of been the first sign.
Papusan likes this. -
And not you
Hopefully everything will be fixed for you...Last edited: May 11, 2016 -
WHen I read this I always feel weird that I am that lucky. Used mine for a long time happily. THe only real problem I ever had was that ****y 1.2.12 bios that bricked my system. Luckily they replaced my motherboard quickly. Using mine 5 days a week at the office and around that time for gaming.
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If that happens I will get some popcorn and watch you and Fox hit the fan. LOL. -
Even a Msi barebone have desktop hardware. Not a good option, but still better than BGA *** http://www.xoticpc.com/force-msi-16l1-11-009.html
http://www.xoticpc.com/force-msi-16l1-11-016.html
2016 AW15R2 went to sleep and won't wake back up :-(.
Discussion in 'Alienware' started by asincero, May 2, 2016.