BIOS A02 for M17x-R2 is now available!

Playing some Mass Effect 2 and no flicker so far. Man I got to say this internal display looks awesome!

 

First let me say how helpful this forum and all you knowledgeable posters have been. I wish Dell tech support was half as good.

Second I'm looking for any advice in dealing with my issue here.

I've had issues with my crossfire since day one. My system shipped with the cable incorrectly connected. After looking up a video on how to access the GPUs (Don't remember who posted it, I don't think it was Moo's) I spent a couple hours on the phone with tech support and fixed that problem easy.

Then I got to the flicker, as I wasn't the only one having the problem I waited for the BIOS update hoping that would be my silver bullet.

Sadly I still have the same flickering problem whenever I game with Crossfire enabled.

I've done everything I possibly can, from using Dell's drivers, to using the catalyst 10.3beta drivers. I've reseated both GPUs and made sure to check the bridge interconnect cable.

I've even tested my cards using the FurMark program Joker recommended. I get the flicker there too.(Not to mention really bad FPS after switching drivers back and forth )

So far the Alienware hardware support line people have told me that they would look into the issue and call me back on Saturday. The tech insisted that it was a software issue, even after checking all my drivers etc.

I don't know how some of you get them to give you the needed parts or if I should be doing something specific when I call in.

Again, thank you all for the information you pass along here. Very useful.

Gabe

 

I think you have either a software or hardware problem. Given your specs, there should be no flickering at all with or without the new bios. Have you tried doing a system restore using the built in utility?

 

I haven't tried a system restore. Mostly because in the three weeks I've had my system I've gotten everything transferred from my old Aurora (File wise) to this one.

I didn't wanna wipe it all out

If it's a shot at really fixing the problem I can back up whatever I need onto a DVD/my old laptop and try it. I would have never thought of doing a system restore since I've had the problem all along.

In my limited experience it seems like a defective bridge cable or second GPU. Not that I'm super qualified to say.

Gabe

 

Each day so far I am impressed with how good the RGB LED looks... I look at the regular CCFL screen on the M15x and think *gah* even though it looks pretty good. Well worth the wait!

 

If it's been that way since you received the system, then opening it up to check if the crossfire cable is properly seated can't hurt.

 

M15x is LED..you'd cringe if it was a single lamp CCFL.

 

I've read everything I can here about troubleshooting.

Like I said my system shipped with the cable attached incorrectly, and I've since reseated BOTH GPUs and reconnected the cable.

 

Oops that's what I get for skimming. Don't know what to tell you then, it shouldn't be occurring since this flickering is largely based on a "power trip point" according to what an AW engineer told me. You should ask for a system exchange. BTW this is just a shot in the dark and probably won't do much good, but have you tried running the system with just 4 GB of ram? If nothing else is solving it, you have nothing to lose by pulling one of those sticks out and testing.

 

Now, is that something that's limited by my 21day return policy? Because today is the 21st day.

Also, is that something I just ask for upfront? Because Dell obviously doesn't wanna replace my stuff if they can help it.

Thanks for the speedy replies.

Gabe

 

I would tell them flat out that you want a system exchange because it doesn't work. If they refuse, ask to speak to a supervisor and get the case escalated. Like I said, your configuration shouldn't even have those flickering issues and if the bios isn't helping, then it appears you have defective hardware.

 

Alright, I'm going to give em a call now. Or in the morning if need be, and go for it.

Thank you for the advice, Joker. +Rep.

Gabe.

 

bleh wrong thread lol

 

Not sure how much this might be a complicating factor in some cases, but I ran again into the non-functioning Crossfire problem. I think the system is having the problem of sticking in stealth mode if I have the system up and either am disconnecting the power while the system is up, or possibly on battery a power profile is being enacted but not turned down once the power is connected. The giveaway (besides the fans never kicking up) for part of this problem was that the touch-strip along the top had stopped responding; even hitting the caps lock wouldn't reactivate it, and the Stealth button like all the rest was non-responsive.

I had trouble with this last night and spent about 3 hours on and off testing and playing with the system to get it "unstuck" to go back into Crossfire mode. To make a long story short, I finally had to pull the battery, allow the system to discharge by pressing the power button, etc. then having the system re-detect the keyboard and video cards and made sure apply hardware settings is checked on in ATi tools (not using the CCC now). I then tweaked the power setting to stay on full power even if disconnected (not good for the battery, but..).

Doubt this is anyone else's problem here, but I figured sharing this is what the forum is for.

EDIT: I plan on putting on the new BIOS tonight, figured on top of the other problem it was too soon, and wanted to see the experiences here for a few days.

 

Joker could you explain exactly what you think this really means? Is there protection settings in the BIOS designed to kick in and prevent damage to the power supply or an internal component from pulls of power over 150w?

 

Hello guys, I did flash the A02 BIOS yesterday and the flickering persists, like he sayed in the other post our problem is different, as disabling turbo mode didn't make any difference at all.

I've opened my system and reached the graphic cards, and checked the blue cable that comes from the left to the right and it seems to be well plugged, anyways I've unplugged and plugged it back one more time just in case.

After that I removed the graphic card on the right, but I couldn't tell about the cable, seems to be well placed but I can't tell for sure.

Then I removed both memories tryed with one, then with the other, then changed slots, nothing, I don't even know why I was testing it, but I gave it a shot, and nothing, flickering persists.

The only thing that I didn't do was to remove the graphic card on the left, I don't know if the card on the left is the primary or secundary, I assumed that the one on the right would be the secondary.

I am calling Alienware right now. I've made a video and will be posting on youtube anytime soon.

Do you guys have any idea what it might be?

 

Sup Spinal. I am wondering since as the tech told Joker this is a "power trip point" issue if in some cases the power supply is barely cutting it... but i would hope yours isn't THAT bad but you see the issue regardless of the BIOS. If you're getting it even without turbo I would just live with one card and call Dellienware for replacement since you tried the BIOS fix.

 

Yeah, I am always lucky with computers...

The problem is, I am moving to Brazil on March 13th, so I need this fixed/replaced before I move..

I'm so pissed with this system.. I always felt that my problem was different, as disabling turbo mode never make any difference.

 

Offtopic: where in brazil are you gonna be? I am moving there in July too!

 

Offtopic:
I'm moving to Belo Horizonte on Minas Gerais state.
South-east region by the mountains.
Big city there.

 

Just an update with my issue: I don't seem to get any flickering with crossfire enabled while on battery power.

 

Here is a video with my problem:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVvCtnNpGhE

 

Probably have a bad psu then, get dell to send you another one

 

You might have a bad gpu. You should be able to get one sent out to you and installed either by you or specialist within a week

 

That's definitely not the flickering issue that the A02 bios addresses. Seems you have a defective crossfire cable (or bad connection) and/or a defective video card. You need to call Dell and have them send you a pair of new cards + crossfire cable.

 

Thanks folks,
I've called Alienware yesterday they're sending me a new pair of graphic cards, it will be here maybe on monday or tuesday.

Let's hope for me to finnaly be able to use my computer with 100% of its potencial.

 

My screen does that roll too, with some distortion across the screen too.

Wow, I've been going back and forth with Dell's tech support trying to get them to solve my issue. So far all I've gotten is promises for a call back when they research the issue.

I've been calling them everyday to check up on it too.

I even posted on the Dell Team Blackhawk page, AND the tech support forums trying to get resolution.

 

I know that the folks in Dell Financial Services are aware of this; try to speak with someone on the escalation team.

 

I think it was just a matter of follow through, and/or communication.

On my fourth day of calling them back to check the status of my issue (since they never called back as promised ) I got someone to get approval for a replacement secondary GPU/Crossfire cable. Supposed to get here this week.

Also my latest tech told me that when I first called my issue was forwarded to their software people for some reason. I don't know if that's standard, but I was already 99% sure it had to be my hardware. Go figure.

Fingers crossed that the replacement parts solve it this week.

Gabe

 

They were sending me just the secondary GPU too, but I complained and sayed that I would send it back for a return, then they're sending me both new GPUs and a XFire cable....

I'm too with fingers crossed

 

Ok then. I had a faulty GUP/Crossfire cable it seems. Looking good so far.

Was a bit tense watching the tech manhandle my system

He even managed to snap one of plastic teeth off my touch panel. Something he's supposed to order for me.

So yeah, thanks for the advice etc.

Time for some happy gaming.

Gabe

 

Hello guys, yesterday a guy came in with the new graphic card, as usual Dell promised a pair of cards, but they sent just one, just the secondary.....

Anyways, we give it a try, the guy removed the secondary card, installed the new one, closed everything, plugged the AC Power, and started windows.

Boom, that nasty flickering was still there.
He immediately called Dell and they agreed to send a new pair of graphic cards..
While he was on hold (for more than 40 minutes) he opened the laptop again and removed the secondary card, and tried the games without the secondary card, no flickering obviously, then he set up again the secondary card, close everything and went to his office to finish the call with Dell.

Disappointed, I didn't play any games yesterday, but today when I started the computer I started L4D2 and there was it, no flickering, perfectly, smooth.

Tried several other games, same, perfect.
Restarted, turned off several times to make some tests, and everything went fine.

Now here is my deal.
I have a new set of graphic cards coming, and mine are working properly, what should I do? Cancel it with Dell? or Should I wait and get them installed on my laptop?

ps: why the Hell the first time when he changed the graphic cards the problem was still there?

This is so intriguing.

 

did you make sure your running with xfire and turbo mode on?

 

Yes, and it's easy to tell, I got a good increase of FPS on my games.


Everything is set.
Turbo mode ON
Xfire ON

 

then id tell them too not send them. the tec might hurt your system the next time he is in it. try shacking it might bee a loose connection in which case youll just need to tighten it.

 

i say shake it just in case when he first did it he didnt seat it properly and when he was on the phone putting everything together a second time hit it just right it works now but maybe it will loosin up down the road

 

Yes, that's my fear.

Maybe when he install the new graphic cards it should be everything ok, for a long time.

Now if I keep the way it is now, probably anytime in the future I might have this problem again.

 

guys, i would appreciate some help.
I got the laptop today, installed A02 bios. Reinstalled windows, installed 10.3 beta drivers. Ran furmark along with prime95, and i see flickering. The same one joker posted in his video. That's with A02 and 10.3 beta on a fresh windows install.. how can that be ?

 

P95 + furmark will trip the power point even with the new bios. It's an unrealistic stress test. Run furmark alone and if it doesn't do it, then it's fine.

 

furmark alone runs totally fine (12 minutes and all good)... gpus hover around 69-70, cpu at 62....
hmm, still leaves a bad taste that i can't run furmark with prime...

 

Run it with kill a watt and you will see why. It's a very unrealistic test and will never be encountered in a real world situation.

 

Thanks Joker! I am convinced, however I was trying this test out following your suggestion

can you confirm it happens to you too ?

 

Yeah I should edit that post. It does happen to me and will everyone else with 820 and above (maybe even 720). It may not happen once the 5870s hit because they consume less power.

 

Cheers!! I can go to sleep satisfied, knowing that I have a beast of a machine and it's troublefree!

 

Man, if they run cooler too while giving DX11 and aboutg 15% improvement that is quite a nice upgrade... except for the cost

 

Hello, I've got my new set of graphic cards yesterday, Dell sent a new motherboard just in case. But thank god that was not necessary.

Now finally my computer is 100% and troublefree.
I'm so happy with it. The 1 month wait for a fix was worth it.
Nice machine, running pretty much every game I own on everything maxed out with constant solid 60fps.

Thanks for the help from everyone.

 

Don't you love it man, glad to hear you got it going Spinal! You should put your specs in your sig now and benchmark it!

 

Any word on pricing for a pair of the 5870s in an OEM pack by chance?

 

Can anyone give me a hand please? I've been away on vacation and haven't been around to flash my BIOS yet. I'm very excited to do it and hopefully fix my flickering, but I've never installed a new BIOS before.

I followed the instructions to a T, I opened the download, double clicked the .iso and burned to a CD. Then rebooted, hit f12, booted from the CD, and....no dice.

It said something like "cannot recognize media, operating system no found."

Then just stalls. I have to hit escape to get the system to boot normally.

What gives?

 

Hmm maybe a bad cd? Try to burn another one just to rule that out.