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

Can you explain what the issue is? I have intel iris pro on my gs30 and have no issues when swapping to my dock with desktop gpu. Are you guys sure the issue isnt coming from optimus due to your discrete card and not from the integrated gpu?

 

The issue is not being able to use the laptop as a laptop with exclusive discrete graphics, with Intel HD Craptastics Graphics disabled. (This not counting when it is tethered to an eGPU sitting on a desk.)

 

When it comes to the GA (from what I remember), if the display is the laptop's panel, the iGPU is the display GPU (kind of obvious since the external GPU only sends signals). I would assume once MSI updates the GS30's BIOS to have the laptop's panel be used, the same situation should happen.
When it comes to an external display, though, it depends. If the display cables are connected to the laptop, obviously, the iGPU is again the display GPU. But when they are connected to the external GPU, its both (my memory might be fuzzy on this). The iGPU can modify the display, and so can the external GPU.
I'll rerun the scenario once more just to see if I remembered correctly.
EDIT: Okay, I am using the GA and an external monitor as of typing this. My HDMI cable is plugged up to the R9 285 and onto the external monitor.
Only the AMD Control Panel (CCC) works; the Intel Graphics Panel doesn't. However, dxdiag says that the iGPU is still the display GPU. That information must be why I got confused. And HWMonitor confuse the R9 285 for the iGPU, but that's about it.
So essentially, using an external monitor from the desktop GPU backs you out of switchable mode. Funny enough, if one uses that MXM to PCI adapter, you could run a mobile GPU off of the GA/MSI Dock and have mobile power (I'm not being serious here). You could also do the same for dual GPUs (desktop dual GPUs or mobile dual GPUs, which actually have an adapter to PCI). Only issue when you run into this is you can't use the laptop's display (among other things).

 

I think the best implementation of "both gpus", is the new line of msi products, a manual switch that lets you swap when YOU decide. If msi could do it i dont see why alienware had such a hard time just implementing such a simple system to please everyone. igpu when youre on the go, dgpu when youre at a wallsocket for max power gaming.

This seems to be the majority of the case these days though, "x brand could do it why cant alienware?" dell seems adamant to sell you less for a higher price compared to the competitors these days. I hope Frank or any other higher up in alienware can see this trend and at some point say "NO. this is not who/what we are" and return to its roots.

 

I can only partially agree. Chassis and build quality, and performance, are a massive upgrade from M17xR3/R4 to 17. However, loss of functionality (no ExpressCard, one less USB port, no eSATA port, no ability to blind flash, no ability to have an unlocked BIOS, gimped fan profiles with slow fan speeds and slow fan reaction times) in addition to Haswell thermal challenges are huge downgrades no matter how you spin it. Intel is responsible only for how Haswell turned out. Alienware still owns all the rest of the downgrades. I can't pretend the 17r1 is a better machine only because of its superior chassis for almost exactly the same reasons I can't pretend the 18 wasn't a downgrade. Unfortunately, the 18 also got a chassis downgrade and a performance downgrade to boot.

 

Dellienware also keeps on destroying fan profile in the new Alienware model as I have heard. An example: " CPU spikes to 85 while playing Dragon Age: Inquisition and GPU to about 65. With the original bios (A00) i am running at about 77 CPU and 61 on the GPU. I am planning on repasting with some proper paste, but until then, i am just wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same issues". Dell want their Alienware gaming laptops to be as still as a tablet / smartphone but do not care about that temperature is sky high on their gaming laptops. A high end gaming laptop is no tablet that only run on battery. Is meaningless. It looks like Dell is totally incompetent.

 

Only useful application - troubleshooting if the GPU cards go funky. Think that was mentioned before. That and that the MB has an integrated video out port. I had that happen on a desktop and the dang MB didn't have any ports, even VGA, when my card was on the fritz. D'oh!

Rather have the capability to disable it totally than lobotomize it. Of course for 99.9% of the time its useless.

EDIT: actually it was said before. Like right after this post, twice. Oh well the MB aspect is true tho, the iGPU isn't enough for troubleshooting. Sigh.

 

I didn't say it was an upgrade, just that it wasn't a downgrade. I think the pros and cons balance them out. But the R1 is definitely not a downgrade. Haswell is just ridiculous, and BIOS issues are due to that and some laziness on Alienware's side. Haswell is just insanely hot compared to Ivy.

 

Performance-wise that's true but I saw the R1 as a downgrade based on things that do not effect performance. The loss of the media bar, the loss of the lit grills, the smaller alienhead on the lid, and the alienhead power button gone. All signs to me they were going cheap.

Even the return of the power button has been done on the cheap so the eyes cannot be assigned to the disk access (not confirmed) any more?

If you prefer the new look then most of what I say is not valid for you .

 

If anybody in Alienware management is listening, the solution to your problems is quite simple really. Just use the formula for the M18x:

1. Get rid of this design. The M18x design (aesthetically) is far better looking than anything else on the market. The M17x R3/R4 also had a good design, but it needed to be aluminum rather than plastic composite. The edge-to-edge glass gave a FANTASTIC premium feel that the cheap bezels on the current lineup to do not.

2. If intel won't give you socketed mobile CPUs, then use socketed desktop CPUs. If clevo can do it, so can you.

3. Slotted graphics (MXM)

4. An UNLOCKED BIOS. There are many features that are hidden that have been invaluable to me and countless others. Prime example: ability to switch between iGPU only, dGPU only, or both. You can get better battery life on iGPU, better performance on dGPU, and ability to debrick cards on the both.

5. High CFM fans and proper heatsink design, as it was in the M18x R2

6. Variety of ports. I am dumbfounded how a performance multimedia system could possibly LOSE ports. The M17x/M18x selection of ports was magnificent.

7. RGB LED backlit displays. We do not need slow response IPS displays, the TN panels on the M17x/M18x were PERFECTLY fine for viewing angles. The RGB backlighting would be nice to have the best color accuracy possible. Resolutions higher than 1920x1080 are NOT REQUIRED, but appreciated. I would much rather have a RGB 1920x1200 panel (ala M17x R2)

8. Change the charging port location, relocate to the back where it belongs.

9. Bring back the optical disk drive, preferably with a blu ray burner option. I don't understand why this is missing on a 17" flagship model.

10. Missing physical media buttons. I don't care if you implement them M17x R2 style or M17x R3/M18x style, but they NEED TO COME BACK. Function keys do not do the job.

The PC industry doesn't have to meet certain "battery longevity" requirements, like cars have to meet for MPG. And even if they DID, you took a massive step backwards with Haswell. I get double the battery life of my Alienware 17 with my M18x R2.

So all in all, take the M18x casing, design a new motherboard to stuff in there, upgrade the LCD behind the plexiglass, and call it a new rig.

 

They are somewhat important to me but not enough to sway a purchase. Missing button or two isn't a big deal to me. Definitely disappointing, but not vital to my decision. It's like choosing a car with auto-climate control over one without - not a deciding factor for me, just something I'd like to have.

I think the 17 R1 was just something inbetween. I see the 18 as a step back and the 14 the same as the 17 R1, in respect to the M14x. The 17 R1 is the last 120Hz and upgradeable Alienware 17" they will ever have, and I think it's still a decent machine. It's not worthy of being labeled a downgrade to the M17x R4. The missing port and stuff Mr. Fox mentioned are being replaced by newer technologies (slowly). So, the need for those is diminishing.

What's even worse, is the fact that the 17 R2 is an actual downgrade to the R1, lol. But that's something I don't even want to begin getting into...

 

A big downgrade

 

That, mainly .

Might even buy an AW myself; prefer function over form, so it's Clevo up to now. But an RGB led backlight and magnesium base would be hard to resist (Latitude D800 is very sturdy). MXMs and cpu socket is, obviously, a must.

 

Very well said. No reason they cannot use a Core i7-4790K like the Sager NP9752 (Clevo P75xZM and all of its boutique-branded variants) a 4930K like the Eurocom Panther (Clevo P570WM and boutique-branded variants) or even a new X99 platform with hexacore and octocore CPU options. Dual MXM and dual 330W AC adapter options will be a minimum requirement to qualify for awesomeness status. If they cannot do this, it means they don't want to maintain a lead position in the industry and are forfeiting the competition without a real fight. BGA anything is unacceptable and as long as they are using BGA they will continue to be left behind and stand in the shadow of the big boys that do not.

They don't need to toss the baby out with the bathwater. They can continue to sell BGA crap to those that have lower expectations or actually want it for some reason... that just won't be the flagship product. They could even sell a dual-MXM product in a configuration option with only a single slot filled and one 330W AC adapter for those that only want one GPU. All they need is just one killer Über-Beast with capacity to make every enthusiast happy. A good quality 1080p 17-inch display is just fine, so we can eliminate the "18-inch display availability" excuse as a reason that it can't be done. Spare me the slimy fingerprinted touch display and ridiculously high resolutions that cause eye strain (and low game framerates) on a tiny 17"-18" laptop LCD panel.

Also, "portability/size/weight" and "battery life" and "efficiency" excuses rationale need not be applied to this type of machine. Those that care primarily about having the highest level of performance possible in a DTR notebook simply don't need or want that crap mobility-centered feature set. I have a smartphone with touch display, WiFi, and a web browser that serves all of those purposes. The more power the sucker draws the better. Power means performance. Portability and efficiency-minded gamers need not apply. This is not their machine.

 

Agreed, there are plenty of machines that already cater to this market. Clevo makes a bunch of them. Slim, 13" laptops with a GTX 860M that provide "decent' mobile gaming performance while still being thin and light.

I don't know why AW is chasing this market, or at least chasing it exclusively. As has been mentioned several times, if they want to compete in that market segment, go nuts with AW13 + AW15 "thin and light" BGA laptops. But leave a flagship 17" or 18" monster of a laptop for enthusiasts.

 

I keep checking this thread a few times a day hoping for good news on new bios for the 18r2's for proper gpu support for new models..

Keep it bumped up!!

 

Me too. It's important.

 

I just found this thread and after reading through the AMA I wish he had responded to the second post of Mr.Fox.

@Mr.Fox , I'm assuming they didn't reach out to you to discuss the 980m compatibility?

 

They said that they don't give a **** and no bios will be released

 

As far as I am aware, Dell/Alienware have never made ANY revision to older systems that make newer cards compatible with them - why on earth would they start now?. It does not make financial sense to allow people to upgrade their older machines and sacrifice sales of new machines. Gone are the days of upgrading Alienware machines anyway, so I really don't see Dell making ANY special effort to make 980m (or any other card for that matter) backwards compatible with older machines which they will soon E.O.L

 

Guys.. Alienware is slowly dieing to us enthusiast and people that wanted top notch machines..
examples..

1.Frank said that intel was forcing bga but yet over on the intel site there pushing bga for tablets and all in one touch screen laptop/tablet combos..
2.frank said that they couldn't do a Desktop cpu in a laptop as it just wasnt doable but yet there are other companies doing just that..
3. Frank really didn't answer any of are Questions at all he simply beat around the bush or some how switched the topic to the graphics extender..

and lastly.. they made a ton of advancements for all there other line ups with screens/ hdds cpus/ functionality and what have you but they went backwards and on the new alienware line up and blamed the 18s discontinue on of all things a faulty screen.. gtfo here lol.. im hard pressed to believe that they couldnt source a decent panel or even went to a 20" or 19" and elevated any problems..
Now theres a ton of other things i could list but we all know em so why do it..

In the Future Alienware can not claim having the best gaming laptop in the universe any more.. I mean if we wanted a cheap laptop we go to walmart right?
Then why the heck are they selling these cheap laptops with the graphics extender.. they might as well cut the alienware line up and strictly sell the graphics extender to be compatible with all laptops..

Also any one seen any numbers on the laptops with out or with out the graphics extender?

 

Intel is forcing Alienware's hand? That's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard. Sounds more like an excuse. The only valid "excuse" ("being forced") into BGA would be if Intel and Dell made some deal and Alienware got sucked into it because the rest of Dell products are BGA filth and have been for years. Then again, Alienware's new GM is coming from managing XPS, so who knows. He probably didn't even fight it, lol.

The new lineup should be: 13.3", 15.6", 17.3" (w/120Hz TrueLife), and 19.1" (SLI beast with optional Z97/99 chipset support). You don't need the Alienware Graphics Throttle Box for an SLI system as it would outperform (or perform similarly) to a single desktop GPU. (The AW 19 could be fitted with four fans, two for the CPU and one for each GPU, and have dual heat sinks for the CPU.) These would be built-to-order with dual-PSU support (330W x2). @Mr. Fox would need 3x 330W with a setup like that.

I'm disappointed in Alienware. They went from being a leading entity in the market to following others into BGA hell. It's shocking. #Failienware

 

You keep saying that. Want to point me to where they said that?

Unlikely or not, I just want to hear it from them.

 

Do you really want me to dig through whole thread to just prove you that I am right? Search the thread, answer is in about 20-30 page. AW man told that 980M is not officially supported and they won't release anything because it's not officially suported and good luck with installing 980M.

 

It would have been nice if you could. But since it was only on page 30 and 31 that this transpired I'll put it here.

Spoiler

Yeah, it says a lot about the current products at hand when you have to resort to social engineering and paying people to say nice things.
Geez...how many companies seem to all be flocking to these lame propaganda tactics to sell their products these days...lame.

How about using that 'hooker' money to build the machines you know we want, and that are worth genuine praise, then let old fashioned word of mouth do the talking for free ?!





How about also responding to this thread now guys? @Alienware-Frank
@AW Khan

1) News on an Updated m18x R2 / m18 BIOS to support maxwell properly ?

2 ) Were you and/or are you involved with Nvidia trying to block OCing ? Why?

3) Are you planning to bring out an Alienware for enthusiasts? ie SLI/CF socketed GPU/CPU maybe even a desktop CPU?
Not this fisher price stuff.. a real DRT


Respectfully awaiting a response...

Thanks

Note my question 2 and @AW Khan response. He's said more than once in this thread he's seeing what he can do. I believe he will in fact try and do something about it. Hopefully it's in his power and will to do so. Nothing he's said translated to he doesn't give an eff.

Whether it's a slim chance or not. Anyone with a upgradable AW would like to see it happen. If it doesn't, it doesn't - that just means I and others won't be holding a candle for Dells next greatest upgradable Alienware if it isn't going to be truly upgradable (MXM, bios support and the whole 9 yards) and move on to something else. No hard feelings, just a massively missed opportunity.

 

Well said brother tbonesan...


Would be nice if the engineering tools somehow leaked out to some of our good community modderz and let them do it if AW is unwilling to support us.

 

Don't forget us Alienware!!

we need those bios's for the 18x r2/18!!

 

I did find his excuse for moving away from MXM quite amusing actually - he went on about how Alienware helped nVidia develop the standard for upgrade ability and all that in the future then complains about how it didn't take off. The whole reason it hasn't taken off is due to the lack of BIOS support for old systems for new cards and the lack of availability on new cards. Both of these issues are something Dell could address by updating the BIOS and selling MXM cards directly for the purpose of upgrading!

 

Dell knew a long time that Intel does not come with any better processor for laptops. So they used soldered graphics and processor on the new models so you had to upgrade to a new AW laptop if you wanted gtx980m. Dell realized that many AW laptop owners of earlier AW model's, would not upgrade to a new AW laptop with soldered processor that does not perform better than the previous generation processors although new AW had a gtx980m. With the locked bios that makes it impossible to upgrade the graphics card in the old AW models, thought Dell that many would buy the new AW model with gtx980m anyway. Although Dell knows many AW laptop owners are not going to buy the new AW, they don't want Aw enthusiasts to have the opportunity to upgrade their old AW model with a new gtx980m. This is a big shame ..

 

Yep, it seems that way. They could have made their entire range absolute legends, but decided to force early retirements and try and force us onto weaker locked down machines with slower CPU's / GPU's. What were you guys thinking?

You needed to get out amongst the community before development. Now were all stuck with these gimps. Very few enthusiasts want anything to do with them.

Compared with the AW's of yesterday, these machines suck...really bad. I'll just hang on to my precious R2 and build a desktop or buy a Clevo thanks.

Really, this one is on you guys. Dell.

Still waiting for that m18x bios though...?
How about some news?

 

Maybe start a pettiton on that idea storm thing again? I don't know... We should at least try right? I have a communicty behind me that could give in about 100 votes if that helps the cause.

 

IdeaStorm, at least when I last checked, seems to be withering and dying. They fired our buddy, Cy Jervis, as part of a workforce reduction. Seems nothing has happened on the web site since January. It seems they stopped caring what we want about 12 to 18 months ago. They acknowledged numerous submissions by Alienware fans over the past couple of years, but never actually fixed the problems or implemented the things we asked for. The last thing I can identify that they acted on was tweaking the EC/BIOS to allow us to use HWiNFO64 to run the fans fast enough for them to actually be useful on the 17 and 18.
.

 

Ideastorm, and this thread, are nothing more than a PR stunt that Dell did to try and gain some credit for "listening" to their clientele. What I find hilarious is how Dell pretty much reads everything we put up, then does the exact OPPOSITE of what we ask.

 

I don't think they're doing the exact opposite of what's been asked. I'm thinking they'd already decided, long ago, on which path they were going to take. This thread (and other media/PR stunts) was likely their attempt to try and steer the conversation, to get us to accept their new direction before it was publicly announced.

Or something like that.

 

To me, it's a bit mixed.
One one hand, they aren't doing much for the older laptops. But on the other hand, they're trying to do better for the new laptops (I have to say, the effort in trying to make up for the errors that have happened is alot better than I've seen with the older laptops).
Here's something you may not know. The new laptops are able to have unlocked BIOSes. Take of that as you will, but I am hoping Alienware updates their BIOS with the features the unlocked BIOS has, or else it won't end well for them (consumers get a win-win here).

 

I am loosing faith....... I know it takes time... Still everyday slips by with no interaction or word from Frank or Kahn on the 18xr2 or others a little part of me dies...

 

Not just the M18x - all their older models.

What is the point of having a socket CPU + MXM GPU if there is no future software support? You need both sockets + software support in order to be able to fully upgrade your system later on.

I almost get the feeling they never really wanted sockets in their laptops, but put it in anyway to please certain customers. Meanwhile, they never intended to provide BIOS/VBIOS/Driver updates to ensure compatibility with future cards.

In other words, they "sort of" gave customers what they wanted, but because there was never going to be full/official software support, you never were going to be able to fully/painlessly upgrade your machine.

So the illusion of choice was given to us, though Dell knew it was only a matter of time before the lack of software support from them drove everybody away from sockets.

 

See how it went when Dell promised to help Mr Fox .. I do not think he has heard a damn answers yet. He asked if Dell could help to get gtx980m work on previous AW model's. I have totally lost the desire to buy a Dell computer in the future .. Dell will not earn any more money on their strategy when they will not help former customers ....

 

Well, I don't know that is really matters that much on a machine with a low-TDP BGA CPU and BGA GPU in the grand scheme of things. Saying "who cares" about something as critically important to performance enthusiasts as full BIOS access is kind of a flippant view, but I can't think of a more appropriate response in light of the status quo. Their last generation machines that could actually put an unlocked BIOS to effective use are still blocked, so this is too little, too late, on a platform model that doesn't matter much to real performance enthusiasts. Might as well be announcing the capability of unlocking the BIOS for a mainstream consumer Inspiron or XPS laptop.

Sorry I haven't been around much. I've got too many irons in the fire right now. I should be back in force in a couple of weeks. I had a few minutes to check on things before going to bed. You guys be good.

 

AW Crew...

What's happening fellas? Am I totally jumping ship or are you going to let our 18's get back out in the field amongst the top teirs and own some more?

A quick yes or no response will suffice. Thanks

 

Hello from non-Alienware world, guys!

I, as many other enthusiasts in laptop world, have never had an Alienware. My first laptop was Acer Aspire 5739G. This is still my current laptop. You can start to laugh, but please take a while and read the whole message.

So, my story is as follows. I received it as a gift from parents when I was 20 years old. That was like a dream for me. I didn`t know which notebooks are in the market. I didn`t know, that there are gaming laptops, professional laptops, budget laptops and so on. I started to enjoy a world of portable PCs. I realized (after service manual has been read for several times) that my laptop can be upgraded, such as every desktop could be too. That was a surprise. First of all I upgraded my CPU, than RAM. After some time I started to think, that if the GPU is swap-able, than on the market there must be tons of GPUs, such as for desktop systems. That was another surprise for me - it is not so easy, as for desktop. There are different slot types, MXMI, MXMII, MXMIII an so on. There are ROMless versions and versions with ROM chip on-board of the GPU. My first GPU upgrade was HD6770M. ROMless. I didn`t know (on that moment) how to manage it work with my laptop. After some time I`ve bought FirePro M4000. I started to benchmark my laptop with configuration of X9100, 8Gb 1066MHz DDR3 and M4000. ANd I realized, that my old laptop after such upgrades still can kick some of modern systems ( years 2010-2013). And it still is quite good laptop for me. Of course I would like to see in it QX9300, but, unfortunatelly, my laptop doesn`t support Quads. But that is another story.

But... But when I have made my first upgrade of the laptop, I saw the Alienware for the first time. "Ooooooh man, that`s the beast. That`s like a desktop PC, but scaled 1:10 in format" - I thought. And I thought that I would buy an Alienware. Deffinatelly I would buy an Alienware. Just LOOK at it - MXM SLI/CF (!!!!!!! IN A LAPTOP!!!!!!) GPUs, powerful CPUs, huge amount of slots, 2-4 HDD slots, huge display with beautiful colour palette. And the build quality of the machine.

And what we have now. I, as another laptop performance enthusiast, realized that modern Alienwares have soldered CPU`s and GPU`s... Wait. What? When I realized, that ACER doesn`t manufacture anymore laptops with replace-able CPUs AND GPUs I thought that I would never buy such an ACER again. But when they started to manufacture these ultra-mega-super-turbo-slim pseudo-laptops I thought that I really, really wouldn`t buy such thing from the Acer. And now the same with Alienware.

Yeah, that was like a dream to buy exactly Alienware. It is like a Grand Cherokee among others pseudo-SUVs (I know what I`m talking about).

Is it time for Clevo/Sager systems? Maybe, but I don`t believe, that Alienware won`t change anything it their product lines. I hope that they`ll realize the mistake they`ve made. Because now they`ve lost not only part of existing costumers, but a potential costumers too, like me, for example. I understand that for the CPU part that isn`t Alienware`s failure, but for as for GPU it is strange that main laptops are with soldered GPUs.

Of course for some part of users it will be enough to use eGPU. But it is not a main part of users, because using that eGPU for power-hungry applications your laptop becomes a desktop PC. And I don`t think that somebody wants to carry additional PSU and eGPU station, while he is not at home/office. All the time the main benefit of laptop before the desktop was ability to carry just a laptop, mouse, PSU and that is all.

P.S. sorry for my english.

 

Good read man (and good english!)

I ended up going Clevo/Sager after intending to buy one of these 'fake' alienware's. I am lucky that I got into laptops with the R3 then an R4 where both machines were still as strong on delivery as their reputation. I had never considered laptops to be upgradable and just thought you get what you buy and if you want better you buy better. A nice surprise .

The Sli machine in my sig is simply awesome . Looks are reasonable and the only weak part of the construction is the lid. It can be pressed in from the back so never put anything on it with the lid closed. Apart from that I've had it apart and although not as easy as the AW it's pretty close - it just has fractionally different size screws used so you have to be careful to put them back in the correct locations.

I do miss the security the Dell warranty gave me and I have never had any problems with getting parts or replacement engineers on-site, but I have a feeling that is getting starved of funds since the level of complaints has certainly gone up in the last 6 months or so.

I went with Eurocom for the 120hz panel options but they are cheaper from the likes of http://www.xoticpc.com/.

Good luck.

 

Thank you, MickyD1234.

In addition what I would like to say. That is about Dell/Alienware support. I`ve never seen that ACER representative was visited such known forums, as NBR. But look at Alienware - even in such situation with their brand, they continuously try to help. Or just answering.

What I`m talking about. When I wanted to upgrade my laptop with QX9300 I`ve asked acer support some technical questions considering PM45 chipset. Why it doesn`t physically support Core 2 Quad Mobile processors, when it is written on the specifications, that there is support of Quad processors? What I received was something like - "This product is discontinued..." and blah-blah-blah. I had to make a research by myself. The problem was partly their - ACER putted first revision of PM45 in which Quad support was forgotten to be enabled by Intel.

And what we have with Alienware? Users, that make their own experiments, such as Mr.Fox, have a support from technical department in BIOS versions and other stuff. That is cool. As I know it has been so since the Alienware establishment. Such things are "hat-off-head", if it is correctly to be said. And that is not only about laptops or desktop PCs. Take other market or industry - you will not see such support for their customers, as usually do a brand called Dell or Alienware. But, maybe I`m mistaken and watching too straight.

But, as I said, if Alienware continue to adhere the same politics, as for now, they`ll lose ton of potential costumers and gain only some % from them, that`ll buy their versions of un-upgradable laptops or versions requiring eGPU for better experience.

Sorry for such off-topic from non-Alienware user, but, as potential customer I couldn`t stay aside from the ability to share my thoughts for Alienware representatives.

 

You make some good points.. This isn't off topic.. it's sad but as far as I'm concerned Alienware is no more an enthusiast brand.. The only remaining one is Clevo.. Alienware has been fed to the dogs by Dell..

 

Please be aware, Dell/Alienware has had absolutely ZERO to do with any modifications that we do on Alienware. Everything done is created by ordinary users (or extraordinary, rather) such as svl7, Mr. Fox, and countless other form members. Dell/Alienware does not endorse or recommend anything that we do on here. What we DO have, is a community, that I daresay is the most active on this website. We used to be able to come up with some pretty incredible stuff for our systems, but no more. With the advent of secure BIOS/UEFI signatures and soldered components, there really isn't much for us to do here anymore. I feel like within 4 years time, most of us will have either gone to the Clevo side, or desktops. You see, it is the ability to customize that promotes creativity. Take that away, and you're left with a standard run of the mill ordinary laptop. Do not confuse the Alienware laptops of yesterday with those of today.

 

Preach it, Preacher!

 

Dell has also lost me as a customer too now .. I do not buy soldered garbage .. You might as well buy whatever laptop brand as everyone is exactly the same. Alienware does not stand out as an enthusiast brand longer. Only option is Clevo / Eurocom. The rest is garbage ..

 

If Dell/Alienware came out with support for the older models, I'd go out there and buy another AW17 R1 today. Seriously. Update/unlock the BIOS, let us get official/native support for the newer hardware.

But I just feel like having to tinker just to get the new 900 cards to work is silly. To me, tinkering is about increasing performance, not trying to simply get a card to work. Having to fiddle with BIOS settings, modded drivers, modded VBIOS just to get a working laptop makes no sense.

 

I really wish some AW reps would give us a glimmer of hope and some sort of reply here. It's great they stopped by for a couple hours ONE day and pretty much have been gone since. I absolutely love my 18xr2, 11xr3 and am on the fence upgrading my 15x. I will keep the last generations I have around even if they ae to slow to play latest games in a couple more years. However I will not be buying any of the current garbage they have out currently. Hell I can get a msi, Asus, he'll even a lenovo or ho now with the same crap alienware is dishing out of i wanted to go down that road. So I o Lu hope clevo can see this as an opportunity to out the nail in AW's coffin and step up there build quality and feature set somewhat and obliterate AW. If clevo IPS their quality game to close to AW standards they will be my next laptop (I've owned 3 clevo's coukdnt get use to the lackluster build, that's my personal opinion).

The ball is in AW's court to make the last couple generations right. I surely hop they reply here soon with their intentions for us loyal enthusiast.

 

From what I've seen so far, I doubt anything is going to happen.. Starting saving for the Clevo laptops...