Alienware 15 and 17 melting DC In cable

I had an Alienware 17 R2 a few weeks ago that I had to return because the cable that runs inside the machine from the power jack to the motherboard had previously melted and been replaced, with the result that the bottom case plastic that sits directly below it was also partially melted (the seller didn't mention this until I got it). Last week, I bought an Alienware 15 R2, and when that turned up, I noticed the same localised blistering on the lower case plastics, and when I opened it up, sure enough, the DC cable looks like it has been very hot, and the plug where it goes into the motherboard has discolouration and maybe partially melted.


So now I'm thinking this is a design fault with this generation of Alienware laptops. I've done some googling around, and other people have definitely had this issue, so I'm surprised it isn't being officially called a design fault. I'm wondering if anyone here has one of these laptops and has experienced the same thing?

 

Yep, quite a few have experience similar issues.

Especially around the point the battery connection also fails iirc

 

Have Dell acknowledged it/will they do anything about it? The machine is not within warranty any more, but this is surely a result of poor design.

 

I wouldnt know personally, the machine isnt within my preference due to BGA but I would look up the clubs and see what your options are.

As for dell admitting design fault, I doubt it.

 

@rinneh may shime in. @Vasudev @VICKYGAMEBOY

 

Its a very strange issue. According to Alienware the later bioses should prevent htis issue. It is because a too high power draw from the PSU. But the margins seems to be quite thin. I recommend using the latest bios and replace the cable and in theory it should be good as long if you dont overclock.

I ran my AW15R2 for for 2 years without issues but as soon as I started to OC my GPU it came back unfortuantely but got my laptop replaced. But for that you need to have the laptop in your name I suppose and have some warranty left. If you are in NL or near NL I can send you a cable that I have new for shipping costs only.

 

Would love to get hold of that cable. I'm in the UK. Can I PM you?

 

Yeah sure. I am currently not in NL though. WIll be back in 2 weeks.

 

I am a little late but There was a bios update for that a while ago... the other fix that works if turn off fast charge, change it to standard charge. Acetate coth tape would help a lot as well with keep the wire insulation from melting... it deflects out side heat. Of course buy a new power jack cable first .

 

I saw this issue on an AW 17 R3. Had to replace cable (cheap) and then the battery promptly failed a day after. Im sure it was related. Battery was like $71 for a new OEM one.

Replacing the cable isnt all that bad but it does require some very extensive disassembly.This is one scenario where an extended warranty would have saved a lot of people a headache. I dont know of any motherboards that have been rendered unusable yet so it should be reparable.

 

Dell know about the flaws. They themself have to fix own flaws without cost for the customers if you have to replacing the cable... Takata Airbag Recall: Everything You Need to Know - Consumer...

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