Poll: Has your M15x downclocking been fixed by the BIOS Update?

Hey guys, this poll is intended for people who have experienced downclocking issues on their M15x and have received the new patch. If you are having downclocking problems and haven't tried the patch then call up Alienware in order for the TS agent to walk you through the steps.

I'm just going to leave this simple with 2 options. Fixed or not fixed.

Also, leave a post to let us know which users have had their issues fixed or not. By the way I just made this post because I am curious to see how well the patch is working. I am not from Alienware. This is for the community to see and maybe even Frank if he wants to take a look at it.

 

Fixed. I also need to call them tomorrow cause they called me today when I was at work. Not sure what it was about, most likely feedback on the BIOS.

 

I am going to wait a day or two to answer this. Just being cautious. So far, it's working great, but I'm gonna really put her to the test tonight and tomorrow.

 

Fixed, as long as the right fan stay reasonably clear (intake and out).

 

Not fixed...

 

do i need this bios patch if I'm on the 8600gs?

 

8600M GS? There are no M15x systems that ship with the 8600M GS...? The 8600M GT, sure, but not the 8600M GS.

In any case, if you actually do have an M15x (and are mistaken about the 8600M GS), it's advisable to get the BIOS patch. You'd probably want the final one anyways, for some of its other fixes (like for the touch controls).

 

It's nice that Alienware managed to find such an easy fix even though it took them longer than it had to.

Just glad there isn't a fault with the case design or something else.

 

Please explain.

 

also not fixed. and what's to explain? beta bios applied, downclock still occurs.

 

Are you Scrog? If not, I didn't ask you.

 

wow, for someone new to the discussion you've certainly decided you own the place. xxoo

 

ps - he did explain, in another thread, but since you're so rude you can find it yourslef.

 

i think there are some voters who dont have m15x
also this vote suppose to be only for 8800m gtx, alienware say its would help only 8800m gtxes

 

Hey Fusioncan so sorry to hear your issue isn't fixed.. That's sad. I am happy to report so far so good. Although I would strongly urge everyone to be more patient, and give it more time to ensure it actaully is fixed.

So far I have been able to play games without downclocking. Frontlines still has freeze ups for 10seconds every minute or so. Wow FPS still drops into the low teens for now aparent reason, (although I am pretty sure that is Driver isues) and the fact that my CPU is still downclcoking. Ordered the repalcements parts March 4th. Only thing I heard from AW regarding that was information on how to send my system to the UK for repairs. That it was pretty funny actually since I live in Canada and ordered my system from the US. HE he he he. Spoke to their tech support about it and they still haven't figured out how I recieved that email, or where my parts are.. Good thing I am a patient man, but that is slowly wearing thin.

 

they are definately getting closer, but i wouldn't say they've nailed it just yet.

 

Not fixed... have a weird situation with mine that i need to do some more testing on.

I can get it to downclock or not downclock depending on if i 'lift' the back of the machine while playing (to get a little more air circulation to the intakes). What's weird is that if i LIFT the back, it DOWNCLOCKS and if I put it flush on my table, its fine. Weird.

 

That's totally strange... Worth investigating lol. Do they have some kind of sensor that is malfunctioning? Like on macbook pro in the early days they had a sensor that was supposed to detect sudden changes and shut off HDD and stuff to prevent fall damage and it was working so well that when you placed your computer on a cooler with a smal tilt angle everything was going weird .

 

Wow that is wierd. For my XPS ssyetsm the best cooling solution ever was 2 bottle stoppers from a coke bottle. Place them underneath the rubber rear footpads and lift the unit 3/4 an inch and it would run about 5 degrees cooler..

That really needs some more looking into. Using thermo Fan I noticed an increase in RPM of eh fans when lifting the bank of the unit. Just assumed it was getting better air flow and now trying to create a vacuum underneath the fan intake.

 

Just an FYI, two weeks or less is when the BIOS will come out. I called them today to return their call to me and he asked how the BIOS was working out, gave him some info including how I have tested it and the issue that some people still have with the downclocking (he mentioned something about thermal pads vs. thermal paste or something).

Also asked about the issue some people have with the quick touch controls, he said that they are working on it, but they are spending most of their resources on the BIOS. He also said that they don't really see a solution for it at the moment, but that was due to the BIOS focus.

Here's hoping that he was right.

 

First i would like to commend alienware to stepping up to the bat on the heating issue, also i would like to wish all of you the best with your m15x notebooks. I sold mine just recently, and made sure the person i sold it to was aware of the situation of what was going on and how warranty doesnt transfer. In the end he was fine with it, which puts me on the fence again and possibly moving back to good ol desktop.

 

wow i wonder if the results are true. 7 still having issues. thats bad.

 

Not fixed in that I have installed the new "beta" bios and my gpu is continuing to downclock. I actually had the tech online with me through alien-contact while it downclocked so we both saw it happen. I noticed a post somewhere a page or 2 ago that having the laptop flat might help in fixing so I'll try that cause i have mine slightly elevated about .5 inch in the back. I'll be calling them in the next half hour when i get home and see when can i expect a somewhat newer version of the beta to help me out and then Ill look into options.

Just a side note to but I also ordered with SSD.

Scrog-

 

Also just curiuos but do all the users with the now fixed option also have SP1 update to vista. Asking because i have not intalled the update yet.

Scrog-

 

that was me. this whole time (since i got it in Jan, I've also had it elevated about .5 inches. Give it a try flat... what was equally surprising is that the temps didn't fluctuate nearly as much. I think this is because the bios-changed super fans kick in more frequently.

im going to get another game and give it a shot... i've only been testing w/ crysis. i think i'll download orange box later today and test it out.

 

Commend Alienware for selling and finally repairing a defect product. OMG how soft have we become. My goodness people. Many many people have shelled out alot of money to own one of these systems. And it seems to me we are all bending over backwards and giving AW a pat on the back.

Let's remember "who" sold us the defective product. Let's remember what steps we all had to take to get them to admit to it and provide a solution. Alienware has you all eating out of thiers hands. If anything Alienware should be bending over backwards for us. Hell I have been waiting over 2 weeks to try and get some parts shipped. And I can't even get a straight answer from them regarding what is going on.

Get a grip everyone, AW need to step up to the plate and provide alot more then just a simple BIOS update.

Let's put it in perspective you spend your hard earned cash to buy a BMW. You get it home and realize it won't do highway speeds. So your stuck driving around back roads. Would everyone here just be content with that, and sit back and wait for BMW to provide an update??? HELL no you would beating that dealers door in and be demanding something be done. And I can guarranty you that BMW would go out of thier way to ensure your content with your purchase.

To me AW has done nothing! Absolutly nothing!!!! They provided a patch to a faulty product that they claim passes through a 200 point inspection. Yet we have craked system, downcloking CPU's and GPU's, Touch controls that just provide lights, Webcams that can't function as intended, Extreme Processor that are locked up like a criminal. ESD's way past due and not even a public announcement as to why. Come on people, am I the only who feels this is completely unacceptable. AW should be be doing alot more then they have. Hell I haven't even recieved my Hat that was supposedly on back order. But yet I see alot of other people here who have recieved new system with the Hat included.

Sorry for those of you feel this rude, but let's face it AW has really done nothing. Sorry people it isn't the cost of the notebook, in the big role of life it isn't much. It's the principal behind the issues. I would be quite content (actually ecstatic) if AW would step up to the plate and get my issues fixed but so far they have done nothing for me, besides fix a busted GPU they sold me with a BIOS update that I had to jump through hoops to get.

Alienware-Frank if you would like to contact me directly(PM) please please do. I am getting a little dissapointed by the lack of repairs after almost 3 weeks.

 

I concur. (10 characters)

 

Sorry just wanted to get that off my chest.. But thanks for taking the time to read it.

Plus I am sitting at the airport waiting for a flight, maybe too much time on my hands.

 

Very nicely said. Are you using the m15x to write this?

 

Yup but because of the downclcoking Issue with my CPU I can no longer play any games. I have to run the system in Power Saver mode. If not the CPU will just continue to downclock during games. One thing I did notice was the difference in size of teh CPU heatsink in the Answers section on the AW website. My CPU heatsink only covers about half the CPU Fan. So maybe when this new heatsink arrives (if it ever does) I will be in the clear. But I think my CPU is cooked now. Just sitting in High performance mode it will run at 80 degrees and the fan seems to spin all the way up..

 

don't blame ya newf, seems like because all is golden for most, it must be for all. funny though, i still have the same recurring issues that i've had since day one, just less frequently.

AW is definately trying to fix these, and that's great and all, B for effort (not an A since we have to scream bloody murder to get them to react), but all their efforts still doesn't leave me with the 100% functional product they were supposed to sell me in my hands. or you newf, or several others.

i know, i know, all of you with your orders delayed cause of this are screaming in your heads "at least you have yours!!!"

 

Well hopefully once things calm down a bit Fusioncon they have more time to spend with others, and hopefully get us sorted out. I am not upset with the issues I am having, we are breaking new ground with these systems and I expected those problems. My "beef" so to say is with how long and how frustrating it is to get the darn things fixed. The tech support guys say everything will be fixed and corrected this time, but still nothing gets done. I wish I could head up that CS department. "Here are you operational objectives, here are your personal performance goals if you can't and don't meet these, then I am sorry you will be replaced. And so on and so forth". In other words light a fire under those Support guys and get this sorted.

 

hi, just curious.....anyone remember which bios ver. they have before the upgrading to the new bios? thnx.

 

This should have been a "Public" poll. At least there would be a little accountability.

 

@newfiejudd

I only can agree 100%. I am with this forum since November 07 and following the issues you guys had so far. I ordered the m15x myself and just recently canceled the order because of all those failings on AWs side.

Alienware should be ashamed. At least they could write an official Statement to their dissapointed customers and apologize saying: "Its official: we sucked".

Paendrag

 

I never got my hat yet. I should call them after Easter and be like "DOUBLE YOU TEE EFF".

 

i'd say.

Thats gonna be a big part of my enjoyment. to be able to wear the free apparel around... haha.

 

Well let's face it more should have been done period. Now they say we will release a BIOS update to those that have emailed them. They should be going out of thier way to offer some sort of compensation to M15x Owners. So far they have done nothing for my CPU overheating issues. They semi repaired the GPU issues and I am extremely content wth that. but some how I just can't keep from feeling I got cheated out of my money. I am sitting here with an Extreme processor that can't even run in High Performance with out over heating. And I all I get are sorry's and miscommunication on what they are doing to repair it. Say what you want about Dell, I had some issues with a bad GPU once and a sevice repair technician was out our door 2 days later, parts in hand. And he took the time to explain to me everything he was doing.

 

I have been stress testing my m15x and the downclocking issue is nowhere to be found for me.

If you guys are still getting it after the BIOS update, I'd recommend sending in your systems for repair/replacement. Maybe the thermal compound is the culprit.

 

Hey Chaz, that's good news. Seems Alienware are deffinately sorting out these issues, which is great especially as Dell's support is eh, not so good lol
Proves they are still an elite company, despite who their parents are.

I was wondering are you going to do a review of the M15X after the bios fix?

OB

 

Is the fan after the bios update always running at higest speed or only a short time to cool down the system. Did the M15x get much louder than before ???

 

The new BIS has been releases. M15x 30x installing now. Spoke to AW again today so hopefully now I will get started on the remaining issues.

**EDIT** Latest BIOS still only kicks fan into higher speeds at 87 degress on my system. Sory Fusioncon not sure this newest BIOS update will help you at all.

Good news is it certainly drops those temps and fast. If wold could develop some sort of Fan control software and unlock thee GPU I think you actually might have some serious overhead room for Overclocking the 8800m gtx. The temperstaure drops fast to 75 degrees were the fans speed slows down again, if we could over ride that some how and run the fans at max speed I think this system would allow for for some OC..

 

Well, depends. At least for hardware issues, I've generally not had a problem with Dell, which corresponds to what newfiejudd was saying.

If you have a problem with Dell hardware, assuming you have on-site support, if they can make the next-day ship date, you'll have somebody on-site replacing your hardware the next business day. Compare that to Alienware, where everybody's been saying (even with on-site support) that they've been asked to ship their systems back to Alienware. What's up with that?!

 

Don't get me wrong, i have nothing against Dell, we only use them at work because the machines are great. The support isn't though. We generally only have the one year warranty as they very rarely go wrong. We have had a few hick-ups though and trying to get someone who wasn't speaking from a script and didn't ask you to go through the same checks before they will put you through to tech-support was a nightmare. The Pc's are great.
I'm not keen on the 1730 because of it's size, weight and colouring...

OB

 

Oodle agree with you on the M1730. Great performance but not so mobile.

I think you must have had bad luck with Dell. I know with work we had some problems with overseas tech support but since that has been taken care off(Moved back to the US) I really must admit they have bent over backwards to make sure all our systems are in perfect working order. I am really dissapointed I paid the smae amount for the AW onsite as the Dell would cost, to only find out they want me to send my System in for repairs. That is complete nonsense, why even offer a $300 Onsite warranty upgrade if you will still insist on having the system sent in. I am still fighting tooth and nail to get my money back on that. Onsite means Onsite. Not oniste in thier depot.

 

Yes, I was waiting for the BIOS fix so I could actually do the review. The downclocking prevented me from doing proper 3D benchmarks. I wrote the review this week and submitted it today, it should be posted this weekend . . .

It only runs at the highest speed when the temperature gets into the upper-80s, and it's on that speed for less than a minute.

 

what is the best program to check on the temp on the computer + to check for downclocks etc.. thanks

 

You have to download RivaTuner

 

By the way, I started experiencing downclocks after a week form the BIOS update. (Totally weird I know :-/ )