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

There's still time to be the baddest of them all Alienware.. please peruse Mr Fox's benchmarks in the above posts. Then get cracking on a X99 SLIed DRT

That's what true performance should look like. No BGA/Soldered excuses. No compromises. Just a machine that can be the most unadulterated powerhouse to grace this green earth.

You bring another bad boy to market, i'll be ready to buy.

ps. How's the R1/2 AW18 Bios coming along?

 

Well, microcenter does offer a 2 year replacement plan for their laptops (alienware included). You trade in your old one for the same value you buy it and get your money back in store credits.

There's gotta be some irreparable damage on the laptop first though.


Anyone in the market for a dead 4700qm?

 

Well I've been following this thread with utmost interest.

Can honestly say that the responses from AW - Frank, Khan, and even the cameo by Luis was extremely impressive. I do know a few jumped ship already, but knowing anything about build quality, heating, etc.... if AW comes back and offers CPU socketed and with MXM slots (and non funky BIOS... the list goes on...), then that could bring a larger number of peeps back. If you think about it, that would be an amazing turnaround considering what we saw posted on here not even longer than a few weeks prior. All must been seen rather than heard of course, but I feel more optimistic regarding this engagement from AW than I ever had before.

Working in a large multi-national corporation myself, I can honestly tell you I never expected to see this (read: any) response from AW. Also even if Khan's posts are filtered somehow, I find it hard to believe that the quote along the line of "having a money fight in the Conference Room" was a powers-that-be approved line. LOL. Of course I'm still trying to imagine what that would look like, and do entirely know that there are people in the higher ranks that were very much pitched that it was a money bomb and were very content with the GA/BGA combo. At least I'm being happily fed the cool-aid for the time being, and considering I'm not looking to replace my babies for the moment in 2015... that's a-ok by me. Ohhhhhh yeah!

Ok enough of the AW-hugging rambling for now. Let's get on to more important topics like further BIOS correction / unlocks, and when it's appropriate to badger Frank/Khan/Luis on if an AW18/19/25 is a go/no-go followed by the inevitable when?

P.S. Off topic - also what's up with the "reputations" now that I'm looking at the new forum. Is that even English? Number one, isn't just having "rep" enough and understood, no need for plural forms? And two... why do I have zero??? I worked hard(ly) for my measly 3-4 or whatever I had before. NO... not looking for sympathy rep(s) (n)either. Ahem. /end off-topic

 

Hey everyone.

I made an account so that I can chime in on this discussion and let AW know what everyone's thinking, not just the performance enthusiasts, so hopefully some things can be changed.


A little about me:
I'm not really a huge performance enthusiast like Fox and the others, but I am an enthusiast of good gaming. I've been an avid Dell/AW customer for many years now. My first laptop was the XPSm1710, then the 1730. I then switched to AW and now have an m17xR1 and m17xR3. My brothers have an m15x and 14, and my girlfriend has a 14 as of last year. 2 other friends have 17s as well. All those sales for your company came from them running games on my laptops.


What's wrong with the brand today:
So let me start with that last comment above. Your laptops are pricey, not as pricey as back in the m17xR1 days, but still pricey. So gamers like my family and friends that aren't huge on upgrading or overclocking (which some have gotten into it after getting their AWs) aren't going to want to spend the extra money because they think it's "just the brand you're paying for, like apple". It's when they meet someone with an AW laptop that they see how nice they are (build quality, aesthetics, and most importantly cooling) and then go out and buy one. I hope you can start working on making changes with the 2015 line up. As a gamer first, and performance buff second (when I need to OC or upgrade to get a game going nicely), even I can say I noticed a large number of these poorly made changes and they all really bug me.

Here's a couple of changes you've made that even the average computer user will notice and be turned off of (do people even buy base level AWs?):

1. You only have 1 SATA 3 bay. M2 SATA is too new and too expensive right now for people to even buy 4 large capacity drives. What do I do with my Samsung EVO pro 840 500gb SSD now that I can't fit it as a boot drive in the new models?

2. You don't have a bluray drive option... and you still only have 1 SATA 3 bay! That is the only reason that bugs me. Even my gf's 14 has 2 bays if you don't get the bluray drive for it. So why make the 17 thinner by sacrificing so much hardware.

3. 2 SODIMM RAM memory slots. This one's a big mistake. What do I do with my 8GB HyperX RAM now? I'm forced to either upgrade to 16GB through you (cash grab?) or upgrade to 16GB later (8x2 sticks) which is really pricey ATM.

4. Soldered chips. This is an easy one. If you're b uying a smaller model, that is acceptable. My brother and gf pretty much maxed up the CPU and GPU on their 14s and are happy knowning that that will last them a long while and aren't interested upgrading. They would have just buy a new AW in 4 years. So you still have what your average user would want, but what about your loyal customers who buy the flagship laptops like me? After hearing about my disappointment with the new 17, no one that I know will be buying an AW because I was the one who backed your brand up initially. They are the ones who don't know the hardware side of things and get information from me. I have upgraded my m17xs multiple times and am disappointed that you cannot do that with your new 17s.

5. Where is the 120HZ Nvidia 3D monitor? This is a huge miss for me. I love gaming in 3D and I love gaming in 2D at 120hz even more. I'm not sure about anyone else here, but I know I don't care for a touchscreen on my gaming laptop (i'll be wiping fingerprints off before starting up every game) so why have that and no 120HZ monitor option? It's pretty obvious that gamers would a better refresh rate over touch options. I like touch for when it's needed, like for vet school I have a Surface Pro 3 so that I can draw on anatomy and physiology visuals, but not for gaming. And a little side note on this monitor topic: where's the HDMI in that I have on my m17xr3? This is an amazing feature that lets me use my 120HZ 3D screen for other machines.

6. After hearing about the PSU situation, I'm also disappointed that the machine is underpowered. It should be finely tuned by your AW engineers to squeeze out as much juice as it can. These are supposed to be premium quality, niche market machines here. Don't worry about OCing though, we like to do that ourselves

TLDR: A heck of a lot of stuff, even for us gamers!



What brought me here?

So, this part is important since I'm kind of stuck with your 2105 lineup ATM. After a horrible accident that occurred recently, I had to have my m17xR3 (may she RIP) replaced by AW. So the day before I get my system replacement approved, they changed to the 2015 lineup and I was devastated when they called me and told me what my replacement was going to be. At this time, the 18s were still on the site, so I asked to get a 2014 18 instead (ANYTHING but the 2015 lineup!). I was told numerous times that I cannot receive a refurbished or old machine (no 2014 17, or older) and my only option was the 17. So since I had no other choice I had to settle with the 17 (with no 120HZ 3D monitor and no m17xR3 w HDMI in to fix this either...). I'm also stuck with a 500GB SSD and 8GB RAM that won't fit in my new machine. I'm also a 3D bluray watcher, so that's not happening anymore either. I asked for a Windows USB install with the order, and they told me I'd have to call back after receiving the laptop to order it. Okay, so you're not only taking away my optical drive, but you're not offering me a USB install drive? Anyways, I settled because it's not worth my time, nor do I have it. So my replacement was in production and ready to ship by Jan 21, 2015. The laptop was stuck in production for a week after the expected ship date, so I emailed and ask what the situation is. I was told that the 4980HQ was back ordered and they'll be in on Monday, Feb 2, 2015. So they never came in, and this Friday I received an email telling me that the laptop will be stuck in production for a while longer, possibly into March. I'm not sure what's going on, but why do I have to wait until March to get a laptop with a CPU that's been out for months? Since I wasn't getting a 3D monitor on my laptop, I went out and bought a 27" Nvidia 3D monitor, and a 3D Vision 2 kit in anticipation of getting the new (but not as useful) laptop. I have my reading week break in 1 week and was planning on tackling some games in 3D (Shadow of Mordor, Farcry4) since that's the only time I'll really get to that being in a veterinary medicine program. Now that the 18 is back, I was going to contact AW to change my replacement to that, but I see that AW isn't offering any Nvidia cards in it so I can't even use Nvidia 3D without dropping serious cash on SLI cards. So as it stands, I'll be switching to a new company once this 17 becomes dated (since you can't upgrade it). I'm sorry that this ended up being so long, but I'm really disappointed in the current state of AW.

TLDR: I'm stuck with a 2015 17 w a 180W PSU, 60HZ screen, and the 4980HQ is back ordered until March?

Sorry for the rant, but I needed to put that out somewhere where it could make a difference. Hopefully AW can see that even PC gamers that buy their product for the things that made them unique are also frustrated with the current direction AW is going in.

 

Little harsh to be asking me to do? Just because I think it's OK with soldered SLI. As long as we get a 18 with it, I take any power. Different people, different opinions.

 

soldered gpu defeats the purpose. we are trying to get away from soldered...

 

Yeah, that's a little much. Please don't kill yourself over something like this. I doubt the intent is literal, but it was not very nice to say, even as a joke. See comment below.

Exactly. With the flippant attitude that it's OK, this won't be a landslide victory for those of us unwilling to settle for this worthless and unforgivable soldered filth.

 

@Zero989 Not sure how to pm you (or start a conversation). Wanted to ask you about the Area 51 R2 if you can PM me, I'm just over in Guelph. Thanks Zero.

 

Build your own is cheaper

Most of the internal parts of the Area51 is just slightly over average. It's much cheaper if you do it yourself.


The case sure is cool though, I'd give a praise to the designer.

 

The only way to get away from soldered is to get away from alienware. Sad to say .

 

That's what I'm currently looking at if I go desktop for my next build. Was just wondering what the benefits of the A51 were. If anything, I'd just get the base model for the case and upgrade. +$550 CDN to go up to a 980? I'd just buy one for cheaper and throw it in.

 

According to the Dell rep I phoned, if you change anything inside the computer you 100% void the warranty including accidental damage.

It's either spend overpriced GFX card upgrades with turd reference design or void the warranty completely to buy a nice non-reference.

 

But we know this is false. Alienware advocates upgrading, so why void what you are supporting? You just don't get full support with the upgraded computer, depending on what is upgraded and upgraded to. Go back to stock, and you're fine. Upgrade with validated components, and you're fine as well.

 

Never mind, Game7a1 beat me to it - Please delete.

 

Be careful about that idea. Buying a barebones unit and expecting to not run into some unexpected snags with aftermarket upgrades, you may end up frustrated and disappointed. Unless they changed something just recently, the extra cables for the PSU are not provided (only those necessary for factory configuration are included) and the PCIe slots are not standard spacing. A proprietary SLI bridge is required, and I don't know that they are readily available for purchase.

Never talk on a technical level to a Dell rep about Alienware. This is a myth and most of the sales reps (probably goes for most companies) are idiots that know hardly anything about the product they are selling. Chances of getting a Dell sales or tech support rep that knows squat about Alienware is pretty slim. The sad part about this misinformation is, it doesn't void your warranty on a Dell computer either, so the person you spoke with is double-stupid. You can do whatever you feel like to your Dell or Alienware as long as you don't break it. User-induced damage and aftermarket parts are not covered under warranty. Companies that won't let you open your computer and change anything really suck and they don't deserve to be in business.

 

Hi, I believe this is a local issue. I have found that in some countries dell contractors do not know, or do not want to know if you open the machine. I was in Hungary some time ago and they refused point blank to even log a call as the memory had been changed! Diabolical but apparently 'locally acceptable'.

On-site is the same, some countries will provide this without a question (like here in the UK) but in others they will avoid this every time. There is a clause in the on-site. If the remote engineer cannot identify the fault then it has to be shipped. He only needs to find two things it might be and contract fulfilled. I'm sure dell do not like this but the local country is responsible for its own P&L and as such pays what it decides is good enough for on-site support.

I'll leave it to a dell rep to confirm their warranty does not preclude you repairing it yourself if you want.

 

Not true though.

Yet reference coolers are the optimal solutions for multi-gpu desktops, unless water cooling is involved.

Anyway it would be great if we could stay on topic.

 

Since you're all talking about desktops - if any of you (or others reading) would like an Alienware desktops subforum, I'd be happy to create one. "Like" this post or PM me if you want the subforum.

Otherwise yes please keep at least part of your post on the topic at hand. Thanks.

 

Well, I'm posting from an Alienware (sort of). Just the outer chassis

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/desktop-aurora-4000-predator-2-0b-chassis.770479/

 

guys is there a way i can get Windows® 7 Professional (64-bit), English with the Intel® Core™ i7-4980HQ Processor (Quad-Core, 6MB Cache, up to 4.0GHz w/ Turbo Boost)

I did try to talk to dell but they said they can't i even told them i will pay for it extra but they said no when have what is in the site win8. Any idea guys please ??

Thank You

 

I think another way of putting this is that dell reps rarely know what their are talking about other than what coupon to apply, or what deals you can get with your purchase like a tablet. Even that is not a guarantee.

It may be country dependent, that I cannot say. But minor upgrades to sdd, ram along with cpu repasting (as the tech rep even told me it was probably better if I did it myself) were allowed even encouraged. Did that in both the usa/france.

For a definitive answer, best to ask Luis or the Khan on the forums here.

 

All anyone needs to do is look at @Alienware-L_Porras forum signature. Here is his post in this very thread: [ LINK]

 

Good morning everyone, we recently uploaded this article for you all. It's about the CPU throttling when using 180 watts Ac/Adapter.

Check it out!

 

Nice! But... any chance of getting such a service call link for EU customers? (Local phone support here is usually not very helpful...)

 

Any chance this article will be updated for the AW15? It just feels incomplete without it and its 100w+ GPUs.

 

Our concerns are actually being addressed, and in a timely manner. I'm very happy to see this. Hopefully they continue to do so.

The adapter issue likely applies to the AW 15 as well.

 

It's good to see that you're offering this. I'm not sure if it would benefit the system at all ( @Mr. Fox might have an answer), but do you have a 330W PSU to offer people who have the 4980 and 980m?

Also, my order has been pushed from Jan 21st, to "sometime in the last week of Feb or early March" because the 4980s are on back order. Do you have any news on this situation @Alienware-L_Porras , bc that's a huge wait! Thans for your time.

 

@aliminvte We provide an estimated delivery date when you are given your order number. However, that delivery date is subject to change depending on availability of the parts. We would need to check it on a case by case basis in order to determine what caused the delays. At the moment, we have no info about anything missing, so it could be an isolated issue. Also, I believe there are no plans for the 330W supply on the configuration you mention.

@Game7a1 I'll ask for that, thanks for pointing it out.

Edit 1: I just asked the team in charge and it seems like a new BIOS will also be released for the Alienware 15 R2 (2015) for the same issue. I also asked to change the article linked for it to reflect that as well.

 

Alienware desktop subforum:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/forums/alienware-desktops.1122/
We'll move threads in there as appropriate but for now, feel free to create new ones.

 

@Alienware-L_Porras Sorry to bombard you with questions here. Just wondering if you can comment on AW's ability to supply 330W PSUs for 17R2 owners with maxed out machines. Thanks again for being so active on the forums.

Sorry , I saw that you answered this above.

 

That's great, Bro.........BUT......what happens if you want a 240w PSU and you aren't in the US or Canada? - the article clearly states that this remedy is for "US and Canada Only"



That's a bit unfair, isn't it? - you guys ALWAYS forget about the rest of your customers outside these regions.......

 

@steviejones133 - perhaps Dell EMEA has to agree to handle it in the same manner as Dell North America. They seem to operate in two different worlds.

 

They sure do, Bro! - it would be good to get some confirmation, if at all possible, from Brother Luis.....just for all those other poor souls out there.

 

Hi is there a way i can get Windows® 7 Professional (64-bit)English with Intel® Core™ i7-4980HQ Processor (Quad-Core, 6MB Cache, up to 4.0GHz w/ Turbo Boost)

I did try to talk to dell but they said they can't i even told them i will pay extra for it ,but they said no . is there anyway they can do that for me ??

Note: I want it to be done by Dell
Thank You

 

Lol, leave it to Brother Fox to find relevant threads in a moments notice! Very suave sir!

I find it odd that Mr Fox posts about Luis then all of a sudden Luis posts immediately after?

Coincidence? Hmmm ....

 

Again, this is yet another US vs rest of the world kinda thing. The US web site clearly gives buyers the option of Windows 7, however sites like here in the UK are sporting only Windows 8, which sucks. I called and spoke to a rep who gave me the lame excuse of "Most deepest apologies sir (in my best Indian 'call center' accent) but that particular configuration is not compatible with the graphics card you have selected" - sure, we can say that call center / Dell UK staff are imbeciles, but that is extracting the urine, or as we say here - taking the p**s

Incompatible, huh? - explain this then (from the US web site):



What a load of crap, Dell. I won't buy any computer where I only have a choice of Windows 8 or nothing......if that's the case, you can shove your PC where the sun don't shine.

 

From what I heard, I thought there were issues with compatibility with the 970m/980m with anything but Windows 8 or higher.

 

If that's the case, why is it a US option? - the Dell US web site does NOT throw any compatibility alert when configured with Windows 7 Pro and a 980m

 

I'm not sure why they'd let you but it's Dell, so I'm not surprised they'd let you.

 

From Nvidia's web site regarding the 980m: http://www.geforce.co.uk/hardware/notebook-gpus/geforce-gtx-980m/specifications

 

This is not accurate, but I bet I know where that confusion is coming from. That's only applicable with past generation Alienware systems, and it's only because of a BIOS incompatibility with 970M/980M, not 970M/980M incompatibility with Windows 7. The older Alienware systems (meaning Alienware 17, 18 and M17xR4, M18xR2) will not POST in PEG mode except with pure UEFI/GOP BIOS, which requires Windows 8. The M15x is an exception to the rule and will work with Legacy BIOS, but it does not have InsydeH20 BIOS... therein appears to lie the problem... somewhere within the Alienware version of InsydeH20. The new BGA models have Aptio (AMI) BIOS, so they can use Windows 7 and Legacy/VGA BIOS mode.

 

Thanks for clearing that up. I hate Windows 8! This is good news for me.

 

Me too!

Windows 8 = Windows Hate

 

Not so good news for folks like me in the UK who (may) want to order a new AW from Dell UK - stuck with Windows 8 trash........along with BGA filth....

Oh how I yearn for an Alienware SLI beast with Windows 7 and all the proper trimmings - I can see myself heading off to Eurocom to order an X8 to configure a beast exactly how I would want one...

ARE YOU LISTENING, FRANK?

 

yeh i know i hate that too . i did talk with them I'm in USA they only have WIN 7 for this Processor i7-4710HQ ,But i want it with this Processor i7-4980HQ. i talked to them in tweeter no answer in the chat no one can help me wtf . i will pay for extra just gave me what i wan. Really DELL wtf <<<

fahad120: "how can i talk to the Marketing Department"
02/09/2015 04:55:04PM fahad120: "because i do not want WIN 8"
02/09/2015 04:55:25PM fahad120: "i know you can NOT help with this"
02/09/2015 04:55:55PM fahad120: "so gave me any number that could help me or email"
02/09/2015 04:55:59PM Agent (TIP_****): "I do understand your situation. I wish I could be of further help but as you've reached the Computer Sales Department, our tools here have limitations to building new computer purchases. But our Customer Care Department would be able to better assist you"

 

@Alienware-Frank @Alienware-L_Porras
Still Really hoping to get an answer about Dell locking out overclocking on the 970m in the 17r2 and 15r2 now seeing lots of confirmation that this is happening (again this is not a driver issue tried many driver OC for the 970m definitely seems to be locked at a bios/hardware level) An official response to let users know one way or the other would be really appriciated.

 

Guys, Frank is on vacation for two weeks since yesterday. He said that in the AMA or something I believe, he told me again in PM. Told me concerns should go to Khan or other reps in the mean time.

 

He probably needs it haha

 

I'll tank an answer from any AW doesn't have to be Frank, getting pretty irritated with the 970m OC issu can confirm now it's definetly not just me sever users are having the same issue and an official response would be helpful, I mean at least an offical confirmation that overclocking has been locked off on the 970m in the 17/15r2 would allow me to just stop wasting effort and return my machine.

 

@thorok - if you are using any of the GeForce drivers after the 344.XX branch your GPU is going to be locked down. This is NVIDIA's fault, not Dell/Alienware. The Jolly Green Giant screwed everyone over with those drivers. If you want to overclock, go back to 344.75 or earlier.