Ask Alienware's General Manager, Frank Azor, Anything on AWA!

Even if the "Tonga" stomped the 980M, by the time AMD released it, NVIDIA will be onto Pascal which will stomp Tonga. It's also unlikely that their M390x will beat the 980M. The M295x isn't even beating the 780M, lol.

AMD is about one (1) generation behind NVIDIA in regards to performance. This is bad because NVIDIA doesn't have to do anything but re-brand while their largest competitor plays catch-up. In other words, there's no incentive for NVIDIA to move on because there really isn't "good" competition. However, I suppose if they keep moving forward, they will have larger capitalization of the GPU market. So, NVIDIA is in an excellent position either way.

What's up with these names? lol.

 

Nvidia and Intel seem to be very closely running in the same market situation.

 

True, they both seem to suffer from the same form of brain damage.

 

That's true. The entire market is in shambles right now. Everyone is attempting to make this transition from powerhouse to "greenhouse."

 

@Alienware-Frank

I've had the absolute worst customer service in my life from your company. Nobody in your tech support or anything has been able to do anything right. I'm sending you a PM for when you're off vacation. If you can fix the issue for me, I'll keep the laptop, if not I want my money back.

I'm sick of this ****.

 

We're sorry to hear about the issues that you've had with the machine. The best thing to do is to email [email protected] with your service tag and a brief description of the issue and we'll get you the help you need.

 

I already talked to enough of you guys about the issue so far and nobody has done anything right. All half promises and lies and doing crap without my consent.

 

Same here, i hear ya man.

 

I get that. We would still like to help out from that address which you may have not contacted yet. Frank will probably see the message until he gets back, and it may take longer than it would take for us to resolve from there.

@hendav Try the same, email us to that address with a brief description of your issue and your service tag and we'll help as much as we can.

 

omg guys i really i don't trust DELL anymore i should receive my laptop two days ago but i received two tablet *snip* i talked to them they did NOT believe me they said you already got your laptop i keep explaining to them i only got two tablet omgggggggg. Finally after taking pic and sending them to dell they did believe me and they said they will send me my laptop the Alienware 17 and i will get it next month really next month *snip*. *snip* is this a company or what really i paid $2,316 and that what i get ****ty service. i keep calling them to see when i will receive it.If i'm not going to receive it this month they can keep it i will ask them for my money.I still i can not believe what happened to me with them two tablet that what i got for $2,316 !!!!. you can see the order number in the pic the alienware is 775320407 but its not its a *snip* tablet. sorry if my English is bad its my second language


*see forum rules - removed foul language

 

That's very uncommon, probably because of that they couldn't believe that it happened. We usually create separate order numbers for orders that have 2 different things for some to ship before the others. In your case, it seems like the order numbers were mixed during the shipping process and they thought that you were missing the tablet when you were actually missing the laptop. At least our team is getting the mistake corrected and giving you what you paid for. I understand that having to wait more isn't really what one wants but it's necessary for us to build your machine and ship it.

I would like you to send us an email to [email protected] with your order number and a brief description of the issue, we'll try to expedite the order so that it ships as soon as possible to you. We would also like to see what we can do to keep you on our team for a long time.

Mention my name on the email and I'll handle the case myself internally.

 

i just send an email. Thank you for trying to help

 

How about overclockable unsoldered GPU/CPUs, dual GPU notebooks and 240W PSUs?

I'd buy one today if I could.

 

Sounds like a Clevo.

http://www.eurocom.com/ec/configure(1,240,0)ec

 

@Alienware-L_Porras
Hey did you ever here back from the engineers about whetther or not there is a bios lock on the 970m preventing it from overclocking ( using older drivers of course)?

 

No problem. I'll try my best to help out.

We have already answered to most of that with Frank Azor's AMA. If it wasn't answered we've sent it to the marketing team and developers for them to review the feedback.

The GPU is only open to slight overclocking if used with the Alienware Graphics Amplifier according to our engineers. Besides that, no other info has been offered.

 

Eh, I'm just poking fun at all the flak there's been about the whole ordeal, I'm not much of an overclocker, and I see the value of a single GPU vs 2 since i've had some issues with Crossfire before, Although my main concern is that if I buy a 2500-3000$ computer now, and it fails soon after the warranty, I can't replace any parts. I'm in that situation right now with my M17xR2, where either the screen or the GPU failed and Dell can't help even with the paid out of warranty service. If I couldn't replace any parts there's be even less options to repair it.

 

How would the graphics amplifier overclock the GPU exactly? if what your representative said at trade shows like CES is accurate, the graphics amplifier detours the motherboard entirely from the onboard 970m/980m in favour of the desktop graphics inside the graphics amplifier.

 

You could technically have the GA plugged up to the laptop and not have the desktop GPU but the mobile dGPU run.
The laptop should detect that the GA is connected up to a point (command center won't acknowledge such connection). Though I might be wrong on this. Only way to find out is if the BIOS overclocking settings stay enabled even if the desktop GPU is deactivated.

 

While that could be true, but i must then ask who in their right mind would buy a graphics amplifier and NOT put a desktop gpu in it? this seems like a completely ludicrous idea for a cashgrab if that is what they are intending to mean by "overclocking".
Basically saying that "you need to pay $300 to overclock", god forbid if youre living outside of the US like me and have to pay even more for the graphics amplifier.

 

I ordered one with the GA specifically to test this CPU overclocking out. As we know the machine does not have enough power at stock without the battery topping it up but if the internal chip is disabled that leaves a big chunk for the CPU? The other school of thought is that it has a +5v line that is both detect and supplemental?

I wanted to know all about it while I could still return it. Unfortunately with dell's delays and then the announcement that the BIOS was being hacked to provide extra power from the battery I cancelled. If I wanted a Prius, I would drive one. If I want an eco-laptop I'd buy one - not what AW have been known for or advertised .

 

Alienware seem to be trying to shamelessly put a smokescreen around their newest lineup of laptops with this graphics amplifier nonsense, i mean seriously it is not even pcie 16x, how dare they advertise this as a futureproof solution any more than a mxm modular gpu?

seriously, i believe the alienware's design team and engineering team need to rething their priorities. I am all in favour of trying to maximize profit, but with this new direction alienware is moving in i do not imagine they are going to be pleasing any audience or any crowd. Unless for some reason a customer prefers gimped performance for top dollar.
Ironically, these new 2015 alienwares have less bling bling lighting than the previous incarnations too so that is no longer a valid selling point either.

 

I think Alienware need to rethink their place in the marketplace. They seem to be trying to provide a premium experience to people, but they failed hard and dropped the ball multiple times with me.

They ultimately sent me a broken machine that is half functional.
Then in the effort to get a replacement, I get rude snarky reps, lies and them not listening to me or doing things without my confirmations. Extremely unprofessional, worst customer service I've ever had. I've had reps flat out refuse to let me speak to their supervisor/manager.

Now with the no overclocking bit on laptops, I can see why people would turn away from laptops now.

 

Trying to order one for my friend here, sales rep insists that 180W is "enough" lol.

180w = single gpu
240w = m18x

Shows you how much info Dell sales reps have.

 

Honestly, the reps have no clue about anything. The hybrid power thing Alienware tries to use for the compensation of a weak PSU, the hybrid battery thing, will affect the battery's performance (any discharging of charging of the battery will degrade it over time). When the battery degrades, so does the performance of the laptop.
Get a 240W adapter, but after my experience, I'd recommend another brand, they have messed up so much with me, I'd hate to see someone else go through the same when there are better laptop companies out there.

 

If you want desktop graphics and need mobility - get an msi gs30 - im telling you all these problems you new aw consumers are having - i have none - it works great. I saw them on newegg open box for 1520$ - add a 300$ 970 and its cheaper than an aw13 with 16g ram and ssds with ga and card - plus no gimped cpu no gimped pcie no fit and finish probs, no display ghosting, no underpowered psu and most of all no driver deleting and reinstalling. Seriously - fellow laptops gaming enthusiasts put your money towards a solid working product. Cheers
P.s. 10,300 score on firestrike

 

I have a desktop. When I want mobility my 18x r2 goes with me. It's a laptop, it fields up and is mobile for my liking. I hate compromising wih anemic crap even if gaming on the go.

 

Still soldered CPU, so no.

 

The alienware CPU & GPU are both soldered. Unless I'm misunderstanding what you are saying.

 

He's saying both suck eggs because they both have soldered CPUs.

 

Ohhh.
If he wants a non soldered laptop, he should try Eurocom, they have some nice options and can be haggled. Some people have haggled them $200-300 and in some cases a bit more.

Regular old clevo is an option too.

 

Frank you win this round.

 

Meh to me - cpu development has slowed down so much the ability to swap out gpu gives plenty enough upgradeability - in 5-6 years ill buy new - in the meantime this rig will likely have good enough hardware to run anything (with 1 gpu upgrade in a few years)

 

Not following you there?

 

Just purchased a 17r 2

 

Remember you have to lug with you the empty G / A amplifier wherever you go, if you have or want a little overclock on the laptop. WHAT ?

 

Sounds utterly ridiculous doesnt it?
I cant even comprehend what alienware is going towards anymore. Like did honestly nobody at alienware engineering or development say "wait a minute, this seems stupid" and pull the plug and go a different direction? like wow... i can't even....

 

papusan said: ↑
Remember you have to lug with you the empty G / A amplifier wherever you go, if you have or want a little overclock on the laptop. WHAT ?

Remember that in addition to this nonsense with overclocking the laptop with G / A amplifier, you have also another problem .. What is going to happen with hybrid technology which will deliver the laptop enough power, when the battery is broken and you might not buy a new .. A total useless concept. Many are waiting to buy new battery, as this is very costly. Where do you get the extra watts you need under heavy load when the battery is empty and degraded ?

Should you be forced to buy a new battery from Dell, so your Alienware gaming laptop work optimally under load ?

 

In a way, frank and khan are doing a great job allbeit slowly helping people get 240w psu's to bypass the abominable hybrid technology and kudos to them for it.
but the idea of having to even ask for a 240w in the first place seems like a completely disastrous oversight by the engineering team who thought that it would be ok to have hybrid power in an EMBEDDED BATTERY laptop. Msi did it, but it was forgiveable because it was somewhat ok but had a removeable battery. I feel like this new engineering/design team need to be fired or have to strongly sit down and re-evaluate their goals and intentions.

 

Beauty to look at? A perverse idea from Msi who is finally realized that they tricked their customers .. They send their gaming laptops with a better 230W now ..

 

Welcome to the club! (of 17R2 owners)

1. Don't get all the negativity in this forum. Just don't buy AW, buy something else.
2. If the PSU problem bothers you, get the 240w, or pay for a 330w(most of us will be happy with 180w and new bios).
3. I think there is a difference between the MSI battery power solution vs the AW have chosen.
4. I always tough the batteries died if they didn't get used/charged a little? What harm can a power spike do to the batteries?
5. Dell Service have been perfect for me, every time I have asked for help!
6. AW are much like Apple. You can sell it for good money, when you buy a new, unlike desktops or other brands.

I have owned 4-5 desktops (self build), and I do change every 2 years. When I sell them, I get about 1/4 of the invested money.
When I sold my AW18, I got 3/4 of the investment. Happy that!

 

New AW = Apple.. Yes

 

1. Indeed.. That's what I'm going to do.. Not buying BGA junk
2. Indeed... However, the screw up was by AW so they should provide 240W PSU without asking any questions
3. No there isn't.. Both are quite stupid and will wear out batteries
4. It can do a lot of harm
5. Indeed, there were plusses and minuses... When I asked for my 7970M to be replaced by 680M and even offered to pay, they refused.. This was in the UK while in the US, they would do it for free under warranty..
6. Indeed.. Now they're are like Apple, which is ****!

 

Thank you. Luckily I already have a 330w from my 18 that I will just swap over and use that one.

 

I don't see how ANYONE thinks that going out and buying a bigger PSU is an acceptable solution to problem No.2 - that problem lies squarely on the shoulders of the manufacturer to get right. If they cannot do the simplest of things correctly (without involving additional costs to their customers to get their machines to function as they should do) then that does note bode well, in my humble opinion.

I wouldn't go out and buy a brand new car and be happy with the fact that it needed additional money spending on it from the get-go for it to work properly.....I fail to see the difference with a computer, toaster or anything else that I would buy brand new.

As for point No.1, if you don't get the negativity it is probably because you don't comprehend the serious change of direction and lack lustre offerings that Dell are now offering under the 'once dominant' Alienware brand - now they are just the same as your average gaming laptop. Dell has lost what advantage it once had over its competitors by doing what they have done....soldered BGA crap, no more Aluminium casing, no more SLI machine.....you name it, the list goes on and on and on.

That's why there is discontent - especially if you owned AW previosuly when they 'were' great machines. Of course, buy something else if they don't appeal, but for those who expected more, and who owned fantastic Alienware products in the past, it's a huge let down as there was so much more that Dell could have done this time around.............

As for point No.3, comparing Alienware to Apple is a joke. Show me an Apple product that could compete with the power and performance of previous Alienware machines - you cannot. Sure, the way Dell have gone makes them 'more like' CrApple products, but that is not a good thing - even if aftermarket values are good. We don't buy high end laptops based on aftermarket values, we buy them on a current performance basis.

 

In the brisk of gloom, Dell says something unexpected.
http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/t/19620124
Progress has been made.

 

Even better, nvidia is reversing its decision:
https://forums.geforce.com/default/...king-with-347-09-347-25/post/4466443/#4466443

 

Too funny, 'it wasn't me, honest, NV never told us'. And only after it's resolved - nah I call BS on that one.

At least we are in the damage limitation stage now. Expect denials and FUD. Like NV are going to arbitrarily change a basic feature on their largest single customer without any reference? Looks like they are going to be the fall guy and just try to keep saying 'we were listening', without root-cause.

 

Given that they replaced the 347.25 driver on their support page with the 344.88 driver, I don't think this is bullcrap.
One more thing. The thread was created before Nvidia's forum post about making the next driver having overclocking.

 

So why no request to Chris for dell to apply pressure on NV. Get real, it was already over. If you don't want to see this pathetic manipulation then so be it. The decision was made, announced internally, and they all got their stories straight. NV you get to take the blame, what could they do? Loose their biggest customer?

Just more dell cynical manipulation of their faithful, and I was one up until this BS.