Going 64-bit

Anyone done it?

I'm thinking of experimenting with both XP x64 and Vista 64 when i get my m15x, just curious if anyone else has gotten their AW Notebook to run with a 64-bit OS, how did it go? and if you got everything working?

 

it's probably not a good idea to use xp x64 since its driver support is very limited.

 

i heard the lighting FX among other features wont work with 64 bit.

 

Thats my big concern, but who knows? if i can find the actual manufacturer of the lighting elements, I might be able to find the drivers for them. Isn't it worth a shot to fully utilize the 4GB of memory in my system?

 

no it's not worth it....

 

have you tried? with what OS?

 

I have not tried it, but here are some reasons why I won't...

1. Program support
2. The small gain in memory (500-1000mb depending on hardware, but 3gb is enough for most people for now)
3. driver support

 

Drivers are actually the biggest concern. they're the only thing that won't cross over from a 32-bit operating system...

not many people realize that both XP x64 Edition and Vista 64 both have the WOW64 emulator, which seamlessly integrates 32 bit applications into the 64 bit environment. you can't even tell they're not 64-bit apps. and for the most part, can't tell it's a 64bit OS. Drivers are the only concern.

If i get the same drivers from the manufacturer for the AW-specific hardware, then the AW CP will likely still manipulate the hardware the same way it would on a 32-bit system... in theory at least.

 

My notes, considering I'm running on 64-bit right now. These are required and/or updated 64-bit drivers:

• Broadcom 5786 Ethernet NIC
• Broadcom Bluetooth driver
• Intel chipset INF update
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator
• Intel Matrix Storage Manager
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965 AGN
• Realtek High Definition Audio
• Synaptics touchpad
• NVIDIA 167.61 (full clock speed, private source)

These Alienware drivers still work:

• Ricoh MediaReader

I have yet to find 64-bit versions of these:

• Alienware Command Center
• Alienware/Quanta OSD

The following included software works:

• PowerDVD
• YouCam (although I still only get <5 fps on 640x480, much like in Vista 32-bit...)

I have yet to test these:

• Nero

The biggest disappointment so far is that due to either the Command Center and/or the Quanta OSD not being 64-bit, BinaryGFX doesn't work. Similarly, some of the other hotkeys don't work either (MSMC, Alien FX). Oddly, some of the hotkeys that I wouldn't have expected to work still work (T-Pad, the long right-click Windows Media Center).

 

why open a new thread when there was another identical?

 

Did you attempt an installation of the 32-bit versions? the emulator is very good and the OSD/AW Command Center only seem like applications, without any major "driver" components.

Someone dug up the old thread... despite my extensive research on these boards, there are still a few things i've missed. heh.

 

Of course. Neither work.

The thing is, the Command Center definitely has driver-like functionality, considering that it needs to talk to hardware for AlienFX, BinaryGFX, and Stealth Mode. The OSD, I'm not so sure about.

Although, as an odd note, it looks like Stealth Mode might be working after all, which only leaves BinaryGFX (time to update the previous post). My Stealth Mode button is really finicky....

 

BinaryGFX shouldn't be too hard to enable, but there's probably a software setting to really get it to kick in, you can probably set it up in device manager, but I have no idea... I will surely play around with it in Vista Ultimate 64 when I get my m15x

 

I gave it a try with Server 2008 x64. Driver issues, never could find them all and server 2008 has issues with bluetooth that I never figured out. Had the same problem with server 2008 x86. Finally gave up and just installed vista business.
I don't know why they offer 4gig of ram on a system that you can't run an x64 OS? As for the lighting, it still works but you can't change it.

 

Uh... because I'm running Vista x64 right now, and it doesn't have any problems? I don't know whether or not Server 2008 x64 uses all the same drivers that Vista x64 does, but if you follow the links I posted (plus a couple of the drivers from your My Hive Personal Support Area), you can get all the drivers you need to have Vista x64 up and running.

So you can run an x64 OS. And that's not even mentioning Linux.

 

I'm a bit of a noob with the x64 as far as windows goes. I could see why you want to have a linux 64 running but why would you need vista x64? If you're not developing stuff isn't it just complicating your life and the small gain in memory is lost through worst drivers?

 

I'm running Vista Ultimate x64 on my Area 51-7500. Everything is fine except AlienFX. It came with AlienFX 1.05 and now they are up to AlienFX 1.5. The latest installs ok, apparently, on the X64 system, but crashes when I run it. I don't get why they don't fully support x64 systems on the bleedingest edge systems that they make... And I don't get why a USB device would have problems at all, unless they were sloppy somehow. I would expect USB drivers to be completely isolated from the X86 / x64 differences.

Since Vista x86 only supported 2.7GB out of my 4GB of memory on the Area 51-7500 Motherboard, I really needed to run X64. I've been running X64 for about 11 months now and while AlienFX doesn't work and there are some missing drivers - like the Epson R200 printer, which I reach over the network, the system is running like a champ.

The only real bummer was that I had to purchase another license for Vista Ultimate to get the x64 media since the Alienware supplied Vista license is a NO-support, No-Media OEM license. Purchase a top of the line system and get a crappy NO-support OS license?? That is fairly lame IMHO.

With your Notebook, did you get 4GB and does Vista x86 support all the memory? I thought there was a fundamental problem with the PCI memory space taking up a bunch of the address space on x86 based OSs.

Hope that helps.

Thanks,
Windy

 

ha... most have never tried and thus would never know. despite some of the complications in getting x64 enabled drivers, all apps still work (32bit apps run, full support), with the minor exception of those that are XP SPECIFIC and test the OS to see what it is. XP x64 edition, when polled, comes up as a version of NT, because the Kernel is the EXACT SAME as the Server 2003 x64 Edition.

the benefit is more memory, and, you have the option of actually running apps in 64-bit mode... as they become available, apps will run better in 64-bit mode than their 32-bit equivilants will. right now a small core of apps are popping up... mostly compression routines and such i believe at this point. however, being that i've used XP x64 Edition for some time now, I can also say some games have adopted x64 support.

Half-Life 2 comes to mind.

 

Vista, as of SP1, supports displaying the correct amount of system memory by default. PAE has been implimented in 32-bit versions of windows (apparently XP had it too), and is supported in Vista. PAE will allow more than 4GB of RAM to be used, however, it may corrupt some drivers.

I must have enabled PAE at some point (though I could never prove that Windows was infact using more than 3.1GB of RAM) because it corrupted my display drivers. I got an XD (Stop Bit) error from windows every time the nVidia CP tried to start.

currently 3.1GB are recognised. I'd like to see AW release the OCD drivers and the AlienFX CP for x64 (both XP and Vista), however, i'm not hopeful. I havn't yet reformatted into x64 yet due to the fact that there will be a minor gain (.9GB of RAM), for a great loss (no AlienFX or BinaryGFX), the cons simply outweigh the pro's at this point.

I'll likely be dual-booting before long, using ubuntu 7.10 or 8.04 in the 64-bit flavor.

Edit: I almost forgot, as I stated elsewhere on the forums, 32-bit OS's only support up to 4GiB of memory, including Video/System/Reserved and lower memory (Cache, Bios, etc). there is usually 256-512MB used for lower/reserved, add video memory (256 to 768 depending on config, 512 is the max on this system), and thats the amount you will lose from 4GB of system memory.

 

did you guys think about the fact that a 64bit system will need more memory when running programs (even windows itself)because they are running in 64bit? So running vista x64 with 4GB of memory is not a good deal considering that there is no memory advantage compared to the 32bit version (maybe even losing)
just for them who wants to run x64 cause of the memory-usage thing!

 

I've not seen anything about x64 using more memory for all programs compared with x86 mode. Do you have a reference? Most of the software is still running in x86 anyway, and it's not really being emulated in the AMD scheme of x64 support. Sure would like to see why x64 OS would take more memory to do the same things.
- windy.

 

I read about it at tomshardware.com - its a german article but the graphics are quite meaningful. I've attached them to my post. Take a look at them and you'll see that windows x64 uses a bigger amount of memory.
I think there is first a memory-advantage when using >6GB ...

stating following sentences from the articel (translated): "On the 64-Bit-version Windows takes siginificant more memory in. Thats because in 64-Bit-applications the variables are available in 64bit instead of 32bit word length.
Typically applications get 20% - 40% bigger and are using accordant more memory." (sorry for the poor translation)

the link to the article (but like I said its written in German): http://www.tomshardware.com/de/Microsoft-Windows-Vista,testberichte-239936-5.html

 

First of all, let me tell you that an 64 Bit OS does NOT use more system memory a priori. It's just capable of adressing more (about 16 million terabytes. I should know, i am teaching this stuff at the University). Programs themselves can get (a little) bigger because an instruction is double as big as in a 32 Bit proggy. But smart compilers can also make use of this fact and therefore 64 Bit will be standard in the future.

Those things aside, i received my m15x with 4 Gig Ram and almost fell off my chair when i discovered they installed a 32 Bit OS! And that for 180 Euros additional costs! First thing i did, i wrote them and they replied it's because of "mostly unsupported drivers". Second thing i did, i set the lighting to something i liked and installed Vista ultimate 64 bit. Everything fine except AlienFX and DualGFX (and maybe a bit slower 8800GTX driver). Btw, i think it's a shame they don't support a change in system lighting through bios settings, as Dell does.

On the bright side: As soon as they release a 64 Version of the Control center and the graphics driver, you can enjoy a (minor) boost in performance (coolness). And until then it's still one of the best notebooks on the market.

Cheers and chill out

 

I agree with WongDong. Why in this day in age are will still messing with 32 bit apps. As Micr$oft has noted, this will be the last 32 bit os. I using X64 on 3 different systems, and I prefer it much over 32 bit os. Any kind of video editing or photo editing. I record my home movies in 1080i and 1080p and on my old 32 bit os it would take forever to encode and burn to DVD's for friends and other family members.

So far the newer Nvida drivers and SP1 installed and I am never going back to X86 (32 bit). I have a decnt gaming rig at home, and have seen no performance issues with X64.

Home system is:
Intel Extreme QX6850 at 3.4 ghz. Extreme tt Cooler.
Cosmos S1000 Full tower case.
Raptor X in Raid 0
2X500 gig back up and storage.
4gigs Dominator ram at 1066
2 x Asus 800gtx in SLI.
Dell 24" ultra sharp.

Give x64 a try I bet yo will never go back to X86. Once my new build comes I am going to try one of those new velociraptor (out of the Cooler) and X64 on my M15x.

 

I too am annoyed that Alienware does not supply or support the x64 operating system. And as it turns out there are key devices that Microsoft does not support - notably the fingerprint reader.

You may be interested in my Area-51 experience over the past year or so.
You can find my postings on the subject here:
http://www.windyweather.net/wp/?s=alienware

Many of these posts deal with the x64 issue. Note particularly the "Vista x64 Hall of Shame" for a list of things that don't yet work on x64.

Enjoy,
ww

 

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but you didn't need to buy a new licesnse. If you would have downloaded an iso of vista ultimate x64 your key would work. They say it won't but believe me it definitely will.

I have the same oem license as you (except from dell and not aw) from my 1730 and I thought I'd give it a try and it worked fine.

Plus, when you download a copy of vista x64, you are not doing anything illegal since retail copies of ultimate ship with a x64 disc.

 

I had talked to Alienware a couple of times and Microsoft a couple of times and nobody said that the ISO was available. Well If I want to run x64 on my m15x, then I can use the disk that I already have and the m15x vista license key. So I guess I'm set. But the way things are, I will lose control of all my lights on the m15x, which is a bigger problem than losing control of the lights on the Area-51. Sure wish they would release a working version of the AlienFX software / drivers. The new version will install, but doesn't work on x64...

Sigh... Someday I guess they will support x64...

- ww

 

So now that there ARE working 8800M graphics driver, the only problem is the command center/osd and binary gfx. honestly i don't care about the osd(or the cmd center).

I plan on triple booting(kinda crazy) vistax64, xp 32, and linux. i can change the colours of the alienfx when i'm in xp. so thats np for my use.

the question is, if i change binary gfx IN xp 32, it will carry over to 64 right?.
right now, when i change to integrated in vista32bit, and restart in linux, it's on integrated too - so they should work in the same way?

 

I can confirm that if you're in an OS which doesn't support the command centre the BIOS just remembers your old alienfx settings (but things like the touch buttons and Fn commands won't work)

 

That's why you find the iso yourself, not through M$ or AW. It is rather easy to find on isohunt, etc....

 

what about the BT/Wifi on/off buttons? will they hardware work without the OSD driver in?

 

That's a good question, unfortunately I cannot answer it directly (I only know about the alienfx situation from another poster who described his experiences running linux on the m15x). My guess would be that if they were on when you shut down the computer, they will remain on no matter what you boot with (because the BIOS remembers to light the WiFi/BT lights if they were enabled last boot, before Vista starts).

 

I would think the BIOS would still disable the Wifi's antenna (amplifier, the most power-hungry part of the card), if the wifi touch button were activated, and same with the BT, if it's touch button were activated.

same as in windows, just no prompts... at least, not from the OS.

 

Confirmed. When you install Vista 64 Bit on your m15x, the following will be available:

- Loudness control works (the touchbar)
- Bluetooth can be enabled/disabled by the BT Button
- Wifi can be enabled/disabled by the WiFi Button. Vista just disables the BT/Wifi device. Everything fine
- You CAN actually engage the stealth mode. What it does: It throttles your CPU to about 60% Speed (my 2,5Ghz to 1,6 Ghz on both cores). And it clocks your GPU/Memory speed from 500/800 to 275/301 (8800M GTX). Thats nice, because it causes your GPU temp to be at around 55 degree instead of 80 in full-power mode. One strange side-effect: I use my laptop split screen with a Flatscreen-monitor. When i do that, the GPU always runs at full speed (causing the fan to kick in even on the desktop). There it is nice to engage the stealth mode. When i use just one monitor (internal or external) the GPU automatically clocks down when in desktop mode.
- Touchpad lighting will switch off wenn you plug in an external mouse (and back on when you remove it).

So i'd say: Go 64 bit it's woth it if you don't want to constantly change your lighting setup. Fow show-off purposes (don't look so innocent, i know thats 50% why you have this laptop you still need 32 bit (dual boot).

Personally i'm (almost) completely satisfied with vista ultimate 64.

Cheers, WD

 

wow, that's great to hear that most of the features still work in 64bit. thanks for updating us

 

I had sent them an e-mail about their lack of 64-bit OS support and not giving any indication next to the 4GB upgrade option that the 32-bit OS they're installing won't actually let you use all of that. I already knew this but not everyone does. Anyways, they come back and say it's because there's a lack of 64-bit driver support. Then I shoot back that the only drivers that are lacking are Alienware's drivers and I get no response. I think it's a little ridiculous, it's not like re-inventing the wheel and I say if they won't do it then let the community develop it. There may be one last hope, depending on what they come out with for Montevina they will undoubtedly have to support 64-bit since you'll be able to get 8GB in it. If they stick with command center for montevina maybe they'll make it compatible with the current m15/17x laptops. Of course we could all just get screwed and they'll only make the 64-bit version work with the new laptop or just have something entirely different for it. Anyways, has anyone looked at the drivers included with command center, anyone feel like coding?

 

Can we use the key on the bottom of our m15x for 64-bit if we get the DVD??

 

I notice that high-end HP and SAGER notebooks support x64.
http://www.sagernotebook.com/product_customed.php?pid=51114&action=customize
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...books&a1=Category&v1=Entertainment powerhouse

I'm not clear why DELL, Alienware and ASUS still don't support x64. [I just checked DELL and ASUS.]

Buddy of mine got a medium level [sub $2000] HP desktop and it came with x64.

Sigh...

- windy

 

But we can use the OEM key in 64 bit vista right?

 

Yes, you can. The Vista key is independent (can be used with both x86 and x64).

 

Best idea is install the 64bit frist and then the 32 bit so the 32 bit vista will start up frist. But you can change to the 64 bit to play with it. You will have to setup 2 Partions. the Main partion will be vista 32 bit. The other Partion will be 64 bit. Yes I would love to try vista 64. But due to the issues I will stay with vista 32 bit.

 

Im tri-booting ubuntu,vista and xp, so thats not a problem . Also, it seems that the only thing you lose is changing colors (no command center) and changing into binarygfx.

 

Hi Sogarth,

Can you please provide me with the latest private build for nVidia 8700M for my m15x?

Thanks,
Vikas

 

you mean these? v177.79 is the newest one, although it doesn't dynamically DC, so i'd recommend v177.72.

http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index.php?showforum=94

 

so did you actually go to 64 bit then whizzo?

 

no, but this is a "going 64-bit" thread

 

touche good sir....

 

ok, we all know that using 32bit you can only see 3.1gb ram. everyone is talking about 64bit and 4gb of ram but computers with montevina now have the option to upgrade to 8gb ram.
my question is does anyone know if 64bit will actually see and use the full 8gb and if so who is going to be the first to try it out?

 

They are using it in the Macs as we speak, full montevina, 64bit and up to 16 ram.

 

really,kin hell.
i bet the page opens even before you click the mouse