Should I return my Alienware 15 R4?

I just bought a new Alienware 15 with i7-8750H, GTX1070 and 16GB RAM. I do some undervolting via intel XTU, the system works properly under stress test for 20 minutes, but
I tried to do the under volt by my self. But I am not sure what preset should I have. So I did two three tests:

1. In the battery setting, I choose "Best Performance". In the Alienware command center, I choose "Performance" for the thermal
undervolt: -0.100V
package temperature: maximum is 100C, average is 86C
core difference: At the most extreme time, coolest core 5 is 66c and hottest core 2 is 94C. core 5 average is 70C, and core 2 average is 87C.
the maximum core frequency is around 3.88GHz, with a little fluctuation
power limit throttling and thermal throttling are turned on and off constantly

2. In the battery setting, I choose "better Performance". In the Alienware command center, I choose "Balanced" for the thermal
undervolt: -0.100V
package temperature: maximum is 100C, average is 75C
core difference: At the most extreme time, coolest core 5 is 59C and hottest core 2 is 81C. core 5 average is 63C, and core 2 average is 75C.
the maximum core frequency is around 3.44GHz average, with more fluctuation
power limit throttling is always on

Are the package temperature and core temperature difference too high? Should I return the unit or get someone repair this unit?

 

Uneven temps are normal with the infamous TRIPOD @Papusan . To be honest i'd return it and get something with a properly designed heatsink. You can fix the R4's issues somewhat but in the end the design is still flawed.

 

Thank you for the reply. Should I return the unit and get a XPS 15 instead? Or should I try my luck and get a AW15 again?

 

Depends what you want to use it for. Do you plan on gaming? If you do then the XPS 15 is no good. If you don't want to game but you want CPU power and don't mind a Quadro GPU then have a look at a mobile workstation, such as the Dell Precision 7730 and 7530. MSI are also a decent choice, but I would avoid Asus due to their terrible support. If your budget wills it, go for a Clevo.

One final thing though - do you actually need a laptop? If you don't, then return the Alienware and build a desktop, then use the remaining money to buy a laptop for whenever you need something portable.

 

Return and get you an Clevo LGA laptop. Or Desktop.

Edit. If you can, buy it from @Donald@HIDevolution or other Prema partner shop.

 

Return it and get a Clevo with an 8700K and Prema Bios (P775 TM will be good enough for you if you want a GTX 1070 model). If you want a binned CPU, get a 8086K. Make sure you buy it from a Prema partner shop like HIDevolution or Xotic PC. HID is highly recommended overall.

If you just want something light, get some $600 dell instead. Don't touch overheating alienware throttlebooks, man.

 

No need to run any modern laptop in "performance" mode. "Balanced" is just a good but it won't stay at max clocks regardless of load.

Other than that, the AW cooler mounting design needs revamped.

 

Thank you for the reply. So I should change the thermal to "Balanced" and change the power mode to "Better performance"? This is my first windows laptop after several years using mac. I am not sure about the average temp for GPU and CPU?