Smoke came out of Alienware 17 2014

As the title states, I had smoke come out of my laptop today. It's the 2014 version with the 880M and an i7-4710MQ processor. I put in a 256 Samsung SSD that I had before I even bought the laptop, but other than that its stock.

I noticed it getting hot on the bottom left side while gaming, I think that's the CPU side if I'm not mistaken. I took it apart and pulled the fans out to blow out the dust hoping that would help the issue. When it didn't, I started researching how to re paste as I've never done that. I guess I was too slow as today a poof of smoke came out while playing D3. I opened it up and pulled the fan on that side and saw charring around where the fan connects to the motherboard I'm assuming. The insulation near where the power adapter plugs into the computer is also torn, but the wires weren't damaged.

Sorry for any incorrect terminology, not super tech savvy. I'll post pictures and input advice is welcome. I'm curious if I can replace the fan and "safely" try it out from there.


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It looks like something next to the fan connection is fried on closer inspection... Am I looking at replacing the motherboard and all that? I've never done that so it's a bit scary.


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don't you have any warranty on it to have a Dell technician do the motherboard swap for you?

@Papusan

 

Unfortunately not, I bought this back in 2014.


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You can buy a MB, CPU fan and PSU if you still want to keep your machine. Not cheap but the other options(new laptop) are more expensive. You can do the MB swap yourself (or ask if a small repair shop can change parts on the MB you already have - Ask one of them). Here are a few links EBAY - Amazon - Parts-People And You will find more if you Google. A shot may be to test a new fan (if your psu still work).

 

@Nikodemus82 ask if you can extend the warranty, if so I highly recommend you do it. Few week later you can complain of this issue and Dell probably will fix it for you.

Obvious, but don't say that the laptop exploded when you buy the extended warranty.

 

Could I try to start up the computer without a fan in that slot? I know it wouldn't be a good idea to run it for long, but I'm kinda curious if the motherboard is fried.

 

Could be that the firmware can register that the fan is gone. And will prevent fully post. You could try. Finally booted up in Windoze and you see the MB functioning, turn it off again.

 

Thanks, I'll give it a shot. Just didn't want to risk messing it up more than it already is. I appreciate y'all taking the time to give me input. I'm competent enough to follow a guide or video with repairs, but I'm no modder.

I've had the computer roughly 3 years, and before I spend a bunch to repair it I wanted to see if y'all thought it was worth it. Could I still get a few more years out of the computer if I replace the motherboard and fan?

I know there isn't a clear cut answer, but I'm on a teachers budget.

Thanks again to a supportive community.


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All good It depends whatever you are happy with the performance you already have. New machines with proper socket hardware cost a lot more than fixing your MB-Fan(if you can obtain the parts for reasonable price, fix it yourself or a cheap repair shop). The fan isn't the huge cost. Almost nothing. Good luck.

 

Thanks, I'll give it a shot. Should I try to find a new MB or is a used one fine?

Push comes to shove, is this model reasonable to upgrade? Not planning on it yet, but good to know if it comes to that.


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Took the back off and when I plugged the battery back in I saw sparks and smoke immediately from the area near where the fan hooks up. I definitely feel like the problem is bigger than just the fan unfortunately. I was really hoping it was just the fan shorting out...

I guess my next step is to try to figure out exactly which MB I have since I can't get it from System Info now lol.

 

Oh'well. You can start from my previous post #5 Your laptop can use MB for 2013 and 2014 models AW17... Alienware 17R1 some call it Alienware 17, Alienware 17R5 and as well Alienware 17 Ranger. This modell have MMX graphics and the 4th Generation (Haswell) Intel® Core™ i7 Processors for socket FCPGA946 (not soldered on processors aka BGA as in newer AW models from early 2015). You will find it on the web, Good luck.

 

My experience? Don't go down that rabbit hole (trying to fix a broken system...).

If the design fault is inherent in your model (more than likely...); you'll likely run into it again whether you replace with a new or used board. Either way, even while it stays working - you'll have spent considerably more than what that platform was ever worth and still have that (same) level of 'performance' from it.

Buy a new system and don't look back. Sunk costs are called that because they shouldn't influence your current buying decisions.

Assuming you have the budget for a new/current platform; 'saving' the old one is just for sentimental value and what I call 'owner stubbornness' in keeping the old setup on life support... Any logical conclusion would be a new setup and selling/donating the old parts 'as-is' (keep your storage drive(s) from the old setup - even if just to take a hammer to them).

Your i7-4710MQ based platform is still viable today - if it was working. But an equal or better replacement (depending on your budget) will serve you better and cost you less in the long term.

With at least 4 years since your cpu/platform was designed - the overall experience will be greatly enhanced with a new/current platform. The extra $$$$ will be worth it, ime - especially if you do more than just game on your setup.

Good luck.

 

Thanks @Papusan and @tilleroftheearth

I'm concerned with either route to be honest. I worry if I try to fix the issue, what initially caused it in the first place...Was it my CPU getting too hot, or was it something else? It would be the cheaper route by far if I can fix it though.

If I go for a new system, that opens a whole new can of worms with what brand and model...

I'm going to go by a repair shop in town and talk with the guy there, but I'm also looking around at new models.

Any you would recommend?

 

You're welcome.

ThinkPAD is about the only brand I'll recommend wholeheartedly for productivity - (but obviously, not for gaming...).

I feel for you... make sure the repair shop doesn't charge for an estimate. And, if they give free estimates; that they're guaranteed to fix the actual issue (you want a notebook that works at the price you agreed at; you're not simply asking for a M/B, CPU or any other component Remove & Replace 'job'). It is easy for them to promise you that the 'coil' is defective and for $200 they'll fix it... then, with the notebook in a hundred pieces - they show you how they need to bill you an additional $1K or more to get it actually running properly.

 

It is unlikely that your problem is due too hot cpu. Motherboards can fail as everything else. Get you an unbreakable price estimate on the repair(fully fixed machine). I do not remember where you come from (regarding where you will buy a new machine or repair).

When it comes to new machine... There are only three options I will give you. Everything else out there is mainly pure Trash. Take a look in these threads and ask Q...

17,3 inches machine Clevo P870KM1/P870KM1-G --- Clevo P870DM2/P870DM3 --- Clevo P775DM2/3

15,6 inches machine MSI 16L13 (Eurocom Tornado F5)/EVOC 16L-G-1080 same machine as EUROCOM Tornado F5 Mini-MonsterBook

You can get very good advices from @Mr. Fox He have both the 15 and one the 17 inches machines listed here. Tag him in your post if you have Questions.

 

I'm in eastern NC. I took it by a repair shop today, parents of a girl I went to school with. They remember me so they agreed to check it out at no charge, though I don't expect a big discount on the repair. Not many big stores in my area for computer sales, but I'm an hour from Raleigh.

Thanks for the help on the models, I don't know much about Sager/Clevo or MSI. I definitely like the idea of parts being interchangeable if something does go wrong, but a big concern is cooling. I'll look into those machines while I wait to hear what the repair shop thinks.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply.

 

Tag in @Donald@HIDevolution in your posts. I expext you are from USA. And HIDevulution is one of the best in the class and deliver world wide. Give him a call [email protected] The best you can get!!! Just Ask @Phoenix But don't listen if he suggest you a Jokebook aka laptop with soldered junk!!

 

@Nikodemus82

Defintely go with HIDevolution, their service and quality control and ability to properly do a CPU thermal paste job will give you a much better experience....

see:

HIDevolution - The Best Company I ever dealt with

HIDevolution's Warranty!

 

Sounds like a great company, I'm going to check them out.

How's the cooling on the 15" models? I've had heat issues on several laptops, though I didn't repast either... I'm willing to watch videos and learn how on my fixed or new laptop in the future.

Are the laptops from HIDevolution equipped with soldered parts?

 

Tag @Mr. Fox in this thread EUROCOM Tornado F5 Mini-MonsterBook He can tell you everything as he knows the whole machine from end to end. The best 15 inches machine out there!! I always suggest people going with socket hardware. Always. And HID can offer this!! Aka machines with pure socket hardware.

 

Yeah, Pure powa bruh

 

HIDevolution is fantastic. I highly recommend them. Get ahold of @Donald@HIDevolution or @Ted@HIDevolution and make it happen.

Don't buy a soldered piece of garbage. It doesn't matter what brand or how nice the people selling it are. It will always be a trashbook.

This is not a BGA turdbook, therefore I can recommend it as the only 15-inch notebook worthy of consideration. The Clevo P750 would come next, but this is better than the Clevo.

The playlist is here: Eurocom Tornado F5 Playlist (MSI 16L13)

 

Do you think there is a potential for heat issues in the long term with the F5? I ask mainly because I've had heat issues on gaming laptops before. I've typically gone 17" models as I assumed it was easier to cool them, but I like the idea of a 15" model.

Being tortured right now as the shop I brought my AW 17 to is closed until next week and I didn't realize that! Don't know what the verdict is in my old rig.


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You shouldn't be afraid of it.
Go with resellers like HID or EUROCOM who do proper work and testing the unit before they send it to you. You have already got the information you need!! All models mentioned in your thread is a good go.

 

Thanks, I see EUROCOM sells a 1070 model on Amazon. The only reason I'm considering that over HID is the option to get 1 year interest free with my Amazon card.


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Talk with @Mr. Fox Who have contact with both resellers... I know he likes them both. He will visit your thread

 

I don't think you will have any issues with the heat sinks. They are really well made. I wish the fans were stronger (and louder would be OK) but the heat sinks are top notch.

Yes, both are good vendors. Both are trustworthy and the product is the same machine from either company. HIDevolution will do things like de-lid and use CLU to be sure what you receive is ready for battle. There are very few vendors that will do this.

 

Yeah. I would go with the vendors who offer de-lid and CLU if you don't manage to do it yourself. My best advice regarding what you should opt for.

 

None of them run particularly cool. This will always be somewhat of a challenge, especially in a small notebook with a powerful CPU and GPU. The MSI 16L13 is no exception. That just goes with the territory. It is better than most, but don't expect to overclock it and play games or benchmarks with temps in the 60's and 70's... ain't gonna happen even with the best heat sinks.

 

Well I'm not exactly sure what de-lidding is so I doubt I would be up to it.


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Well... (1) it is absolutely necessary to have better CPU temps; and, (2) doing it is not a big deal. It's extra nice that HIDevolution offers this service.

 

There is only 2 viable options. The bigger P870KM1 or the smaller MSI barbones 15.6 inches model with socket hardware. Or go with a homemade desktop!! P7 series Clevo as a last option. All the rest out there is pure garbage!!

 

I agree with you 100% on this. Choices are easy... A, B or C. The rest of the alphabet is reserved for castrated turdbooks.

 

As I said in previous post. Go with the vendor of the two who offer you de-lid and Liquid metal if you can't do it yourself!! + mentioned laptop models. I can't give better advice than this.

 

I thought I saw two options for the Tornado on HID the other day, now I can't seem to locate either. I saw a 1060 and a 1080 model.

Watching all your videos @Mr. Fox, very helpful and informative.

Sorry for all the questions, I'm always like this on big ticket decisions.


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The 1060 model is a pure JokeBook. Stay far away from it

 

I'm sorry, I used a bad way of describing what I meant. I didn't realize there was a 1060 model number. I meant the GeForce 1060 and 1080. I saw those on HID the other day and now I'm not seeing them. I'll reach out to the folks on the site.

I was leaning towards the GeForce 1070 to hit the sweet spot financially and performance wise.


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I don't think HID can offer the 15.6 inches Msi Barbone beast with 1070. 1080 is their option. Everything else is soldered trash. Not what you should opt for.

 

On chat with Ted K and their version is the 16L G1080/1060


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If you have the money, rather opt for 1070. If you go for 1080 chose HID for de-lid and Clu. If you can't do it yourself.

 

I may do that and attempt to follow the guides on here and mod it myself. A little nerve racking as I've never repasted...ashamed to admit that.


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Everyone has been there. Nothing to be ashamed of.

 

He recommended their EVOC systems.


There were GeForce 1060 versions that were a bit cheaper as well. The de-lid process does worry me a bit. I don't have the experience handling the CPU or pasting so I'd worry about messing something up. Not trying to knock any advice you all have given, I'm just doubting myself and the equipment/work area I have. Maybe I'm not ready to be an enthusiast yet...might still need training wheels. I am willing to try and learn though. I'm going to continue watching the videos though.


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Put this ****y in the Trashcan, dustbin or what you else call it. Soldered fith!!!

 

Haha, roger that. The 750 as well? Is there an easy way to tell if it is soldered or not by looking at the description?


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The 750 with lovely socket hardware can work, but the MSI barbone should be better (if you have the money). @Mr. Fox Where are yooo? And @Donald@HIDevolution STAPH!!

If you go for 1060 or 1070. See what price it will be for the bigger 17,3 P775DM3-G almost same as this one from HID

Everything that smell as 6300HQ - 7300HQ - 6700HQ - 7700HQ - 6820HK or 7820HK Processors.

 

I wish we had more options. I dont like the options we have available so ill just be sticking with haswell until its not viable anymore.