Big Video problem

Here is my problem:

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Im coming here for help because I just do not know what to do at this point. What I have done so far:

-clean install using all dell supplied drivers(updated versions from the website)
-uninstall and reinstall stock drivers on the supplied disc several times
-uninstall and reinstall dell 4870 drivers on dell.com several times, as well as re-downloaded it several times
-uninstall and reinstall dell 5870 drivers on dell.com several times, as well as re-downloaded it several times
-uninstall and reinstall ati mobility 5000 drivers on amd/ati website several times, as well as re-downloaded it several times

I know the proper way to remove and replace a driver so I know its not the process. Im wondering if this means my brand new 5870 is dead or dying already. When I have done each driver replacement several times I am saying that I have done it at least 10 times per driver. I'm at a complete loss here and starting to worry that it is hardware related, and if it is I think Ill just return the laptop and look elsewhere.

 

wow thats crazy.. cant return or get dell to fix?

 

Well if it is a hardware issue I will just go back to business models. I know its giving up to soon, but I shouldnt have an issue with a pc this soon especially with as much as I have spent on it. If nobody has any insight Ill be going through yet another reformat and if that still causes the issue well then Ill be sending it back.

 

Only ever use the drivers off of Dell's website.
There should be a sticky at the beginning of this forum as to why.

 

I have use the drivers on dells website, the disc they gave me with my m17x and even ati. Even with a proper removal and replacement still have this issue. I have re-downloaded several times and still nothing. I gave up on the disc and ati drivers and now Im on my 15th or so dell 5870 driver remove and replace and Im done. Just waiting for a spot of luck in this thread and then Ill try one last reformat as my last ditch attempt.

 

ugh, another flicker issue. Does it happen with other games?

 

It happens in the ati catalyst control center, I havent tried another game but I can re download SC2 and try it.

 

My bad, I thought you had an m15x.
I'm on my phone and couldn't watch the vid.

Hopefully your problems get fixed

 

Updated bios and drivers again and still nothing. Im on a05 currently.

 

Ok so I dont know if this is can be called a fix, but I turned CCC off during startup and no more flickering. But still see it if I have wow open and am focused on another program on top (I play in windowed mode).

 

I see the same thing when overclocking my video card too high. I also had the same thing with a video card overheating. Sounds like hardware, if you aren't overclocking that is.

 

WoW in Windowed mode = bad juju I've found.

 

I suggest you ask for a replacement system since you are within your 21 days from invoice I assume.

It could be a bad card, bad fan (the card getting too hot), etc...

Just don't bother troubleshooting yourself at this point, get a new system.

 

Ok well same thing is happening, granted its only in certain situations and less obtrusive, but still happening. I will be trying 2 more things and then Im washing my hands of this and going a different route. I have to say Im very sad as this is the laptop I have been drooling over for months while my other one was suffering through GPU failure. I guess such is life...

I dont OC anymore as I cannot afford to have my hardware fail on me. The temps are all fine with heavy load.

I have played wow in windowed mode for a few years now and it has worked great on my dell until the 8600mGT started crapping the bed. But Ill try that and see if that fixes it

See theres the kicker, this has been a problem for many revisions and cards on the m17x and I cannot afford to have my main rig go down like this. Granted it may just be a fluke system, btu I cannot risk in a few months or a year that this common issue comes back. I rely on my rig too much to make my living and I cannot have something like this to render it useless and unable to repair (if this were to happen 1 day post warranty then it would be bricked for good).

 

Well, hopefully it's just a dud system that you got. But I think you can hold onto your laptop until the replacement arrives so you can still use it for work (or whatever, I assume it still does normal tasks lol). But many, many, many people have been very satisfied with their m17x so I hope you don't give up on it just yet my friend.

 

I think you may have just convinced me to stick it out.

I wonder if my ram being 1066MHz on an i7 quad might be a factor in this situation.

 

if you think about it, the people who post on these forums usually have an issue. 99% of the people who don't post are very happy and that's the vast majority I'm sure! Alienware wouldn't be the premier gaming machine if it sucked.

And yeah, why not try the ram? It's definitely a cheap thing to fix, rather then replace the whole thing. And who knows, if it works it'll be oh so satisfying to finally beat your system issues!

Hopefully it works out mate

 

I know the ram is limiting system performance, but I just dont think that would cause the issues Im having. Would be nice if it was as it would be a nice excuse to upgrade.

 

Looks like a heat issue. I have seen similar results overclocking video cards, might want to take a look at the GPU temps. download HWiNFO32 and check out your temps. Could be a easy fix like the heatsink isn't getting a good connection to your video GPU. If you decide to open her up make sure there is some sort of thermo paste/pad. Good luck!

 

Problem with that is that it does this right when I start the game, so no time to work up alot of heat.

 

I had a issue like this with Civilaztion 4 and last part of Crysis. But one fix work was Change crysis to directx9 I finish the last part of the game. Civilaztion 4 when I zoom to see the Planet it was wacked. I swich that to windows xp mode and work fine.

A few trick

 

Have you try playing around with Catalyst AI settings? In some games, using Catalyst AI can cause flickering on ATi cards.

 

Ill check out the AI settings when I get everything setup. I just got done with another reformat as I was satisfied with the previous one. I usually dont use CCC (disable it usually) where are the AI settings in it?

 

Open ccc click graphics tab select 3d you will see it

 

Even with it disabled I still see the damn flickering in CCC preview. Im reloading wow to verify and once I do Im requesting a replacement.

Edit: Thanks Sauce, I feel kinda like a nooblet with CCC as I have always either not installed it or disable/removed it.

 

Ok well wow is installed and the flickering is still present. I checked dxdiag and even trie running in compatibility mode and still no dice. Calling dell now and thanks to those who tried to help me.

 

Called dell and should have a tech here tomorrow. First time dealing with dell tech and while it took me 6 or so people and explanations to get to the right person and everything worked out, the total time to get a tech on their way was 20min. Not bad. I have to say I'm impressed and further cemented my love for dell.

Im giving the alienware a second chance and if it does the same thing again Im going to swap it for an XPS16 and use the savings to buy a sony viao p. But I have high hopes this m17x will work well for the next 3-4 years.

 

FYI, I had video problems Dell really tried to help, some nice techs took all the time there was to fix mine. But in the end could not. So took advice from the members here..very helpfull people might I say..and emailed [email protected] within 48 hours had approval for a new system being built now. Don't give up, even broken I can see when it work's right nothing is even close..good luck!