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ARGH (Part 2)


daveh98

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Gosh guys,

My replacement M18X was doing fine and tonight I got extreme artifacting during a gaming session that froze my computer and needed a hard restart. I chalked it up to a fluke (I constantly monitor my temps from MSI and have not once OC'ed my cards). My temps were not near extreme (75ish and I am in very warm weather). 15 minutes into normal web browsing the entire screen flickered in bright pink colors with thousands of lines distorting the screen amongst other artifacts.

I am in one of the busiest time periods in my life and I CANNOT afford to go through hundreds of hours of hassle with Step 1 agents by calling the number. I reached out through PM "the top dog" who assisted me in getting my first replacement (he posts on NBR). I am really hoping we can do something fast as I am working ridiculous hours, have numerous family issues, etc. What other things can I do to try to do to expedite getting a replacement. My first computer was bunk, this computer is proving to be bunk and this experience is just downright frustrating. Any tips? My m15x from 2008 went out the SAME way this did. It starts off like this and it isn't necessarily constant and am afraid these reps are going to want to "watch the screen." The problem is, I don't want to "wait" for it to happen again. Initial artifacts and GPU burnout doesn't go in a day. My m15x took 6 months to finally artifact upon normal browsing and during anything moderately intensive and then just "burnt out." I don't have time to waste waiting for that type of consistency with this computer. Thanks in advance:/

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Can you post a video or picture of the artifacts? Perhaps our local Alienware rep. [MENTION=4186]Alienware-Frank_L[/MENTION] can be of assistance.

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Can you post a video or picture of the artifacts? Perhaps our local Alienware rep. @Alienware-Frank_L can be of assistance.

Thanks for the quick reply Brian. That's not a bad idea. Thus far, when it's happened I lose complete functionality of the machine. I will go play another game and see if it happens again and if I can get a quick print screen to mspaint before I crash. Hopefully something can work out. My mom just broke her neck so i am caring for her as she has to wear a pretty crazy neck brace for 12 weeks to see if it heals without the need for surgery since it is her T1. And I happen to be busiest at work since my agency as Request For Proposal (RFP) new funding for the addiction program we run. I have so much traveling coming up with continuing education trainings, this is the last headache I want to contend with...seems to happen this way in life from time to time. Thanks again and will keep you posted..hopefully with a screen shot.

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You can use a camera phone to snap a pic of it since a screen cap won't show what's going on. I know how it is to be busy, I've been swamped lately as well.

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My last system was shutting off while i used the system and almost on command during a average gaming session. I reached out to AW-Federico and he was very helpful in getting my video cards replaced. Since I had enough experience to do so he let me install them myself and they were delivered NBD. This was reaching out in forum rather than calling so this was not like our pasts experiences we had. Federico was very helpful and I believe your experience on the forum will be the same. Alienware - Mark_O was kind enough to set his team up here. Thank you all. Dave H I'm glad youve kept in touch. I hope you see a swift fair resolution.

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My last system was shutting off while i used the system and almost on command during a average gaming session. I reached out to AW-Federico and he was very helpful in getting my video cards replaced. Since I had enough experience to do so he let me install them myself and they were delivered NBD. This was reaching out in forum rather than calling so this was not like our pasts experiences we had. Federico was very helpful and I believe your experience on the forum will be the same. Alienware - Mark_O was kind enough to set his team up here. Thank you all. Dave H I'm glad youve kept in touch. I hope you see a swift fair resolution.

Thanks mw86. That is exactly who I reached out to. Hopefully they can just take some good faith experience if this doesn't replicate anytime again soon. I have kept this system in such tip top shape; it looks the same as it did when I opened the box. I would have no problem swapping out and sending the other cards back. I will keep you all posted.

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Thanks for the quick reply, PM sent with information. I appreciate the help from everyone on this matter. I honestly felt this replacement m18x was bullet proof. It looks the same as it did the day it came home from the factory. I always clean my system, clean the vents, fans, etc. I was very surprised to see this happen 6 months into ownership. Unfortunately I know when these symptoms begin (nothing happened today), it's really a ticking time bomb until they die out. Happened on my m15x from 2008 in 2011, and my old Alienware desktop with dual 6800 Ultra SLI system. At least I can say I have brand loyalty despite this:

XPS with MR9800 (amazing system)

XPS with 7900MGTX

Alienware desktop FX-55, 6800 Ultra SLI

M15x, M17x R2 and M18X.

Thanks again everyone.

Ok great, I know Federico as well.

Let me help you, PM me your service tag and I'll raise the issue and get you a solution.

Did you know we came out with a new Bios? Have you tested that out yet?

http://forum.techinferno.com/

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Just an update. Nothing out of the ordinary happened on 7/15/12; games ran smoothly. Again, my temps are 72-76 which is good considering the heat I am in right with not the best AC on the top floor of a condo. I was told I would potentially get a call on the weekend but definitely expect a call on Monday (today). Nothing. Today when gaming the screen distorted and then froze. I snapped pics but it was only at the "your system shut down and windows will try to repair any errors." I let it go through that long process.

Sigh. I love my system but this R1 has been filled with so many headaches compared to my m17x R2. I really just want to enjoy and game when I can. The care I put into my PC in keeping it flawless like it comes from the factory is a priority to me. I have a nice laptop lift to help compensate for the summer heat and also use compressed air and manually clean the vents. Dust, drivers, etc are not an issue. I know they are cards that are starting to degrade and I just hope something happens without another 40+ hours of trouble shooting like I did last go around. Hopefully I get some resolution soon. Thanks for all the continued support.

Dave

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Dave, I'd call tech support again and ask for replacement cards. They should have no problem doing it. Just make sure Frank_L is on board so he can back you up on it.

Sent from my GT-N7000

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AW called me, apparently my warranty expired 3 days ago. I had no clue. I thought I was given a 1 year warranty as of January of 2012 when I got my replacement system as it was a completely new build. My fault I didn't get it in writing. I guess I spend top dollar to have an expensive paperweight. However I should have gone with the bigger warranty upfront. I just never had problems like I have this go around in all of my Dell/AW experience. pretty bummed. The rep was rather rude anyway once I said I couldn't pay for the two graphics cards he wanted to sell me with "free installation." smh....

- - - Updated - - -

Maybe that's why I got the call today as my service tag would have shown the date my warranty expired and it was given out and diagnosed by me prior to it's expiration. I said to the guy on the phone "i brought this issue up on the 11th so doesn't that count for anything." His response "Sorry sir, I can only sell you the graphics cards."

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@daveh98, did you file a claim before the expiration of your warranty? If so and it was recorded in their system, then it should have been processed while your warranty was still in effect. Maybe [MENTION=4186]Alienware-Frank_L[/MENTION] can look into the matter for you. PM him your service tag and what has transpired. That reminds me, I need to either extend my warranty soon or sell my M18x for a cheap price before it runs out.

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@daveh98 , did you file a claim before the expiration of your warranty? If so and it was recorded in their system, then it should have been processed while your warranty was still in effect. Maybe @Alienware-Frank_L can look into the matter for you. PM him your service tag and what has transpired. That reminds me, I need to either extend my warranty soon or sell my M18x for a cheap price before it runs out.

Brian, unfortunately I made the contact with Frank and just gave him my service tag number when we made contact. At the end of the day, I am impressed with the AW reps on the forums as they have been able to help me resolve the issues I have had. It was my fault for not being on top of my warranty as I was just under the wrong assumption regarding my system's expiration date. Hopefully, my system will last awhile longer and I will know now to either:

A. Not be a test pilot for new systems

B. Get the big warranty up front.

But Bill, Federico and Frank were all very helpful for all the troubles I have had with my system. Let's just say an Alienware prayer that it doesn't become a paperweight as soon as I think....

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Well there may be a SMALL glimmer of hope here. Federico responded to my earlier request before I put my situation on here. I am hoping they will count my communication with Frank and Federico which would have been prior to my warranty expiring. I assured Federico I love my system and have no problem swapping out my GPU's and sending them back to AW. Fingers crossed something positive works out.

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  • 2 weeks later...
Good luck let us know how it turns out.

Sent from my GT-N7000

Update: The social media AW team has taken the case and they are proposing to give me the GPU's that shipped with my original system (6970s). I replied stating I was surprised I wouldnt be offered their successor equivalent in the 7970/680 for the 580M being the best mobile option at the time my second unit shipped. They said those solutions are not supported. So I guess that left me with the 675m. Yet, they are only proposing to send me refurbished GPU's. What are your opinions on this and on refurbished?

I thought all was going well and perhaps maybe my pink screen of distortion were just a few isolated incidents but it just happened while surfing the web...again. caused shut down which prevented any screen shots to show to see the level of distortion. Looks like I should just risk it with the refurbished GPUs?

Edit: http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/354228-my-m1330-gpu-dying-symptoms-not-typical.html

I searched google to try to find if my issue could be a rule out to maybe bed memory or driver or something but this popped up. This is exactly what has happened with my computer and am fully certain it's the GPU's..and likely to kick soon then. So I guess I'm stuck with getting used 580M's to replace my used 580ms? Kinda lame....

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@daveh98 for now I'd take a pair of 675M's and call it a day. I think Dell has likely stopped giving out upgrades unless its a very unique case. Or you might just have to keep fighting for an upgrade but that's up to you on how much time you want to spend on this.

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@daveh98 for now I'd take a pair of 675M's and call it a day. I think Dell has likely stopped giving out upgrades unless its a very unique case. Or you might just have to keep fighting for an upgrade but that's up to you on how much time you want to spend on this.

Ya hopefully they send 675s and not 580s. They are asking for my "order numbers" though for the parts that came with my new system with the 580s. How do I get that information and more importantly, why do they not have that information themselves???

I'm not even really trying to upgrade, I just want a functional system with little hassle at this point.

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Ya hopefully they send 675s and not 580s. They are asking for my "order numbers" though for the parts that came with my new system with the 580s. How do I get that information and more importantly, why do they not have that information themselves???

I'm not even really trying to upgrade, I just want a functional system with little hassle at this point.

Order numbers? I suppose when they built you the current M18x, there should have been an order number associated with it. If you log into Dell's website, go to "My Account", you should have the option there to view your past order history and should be able to pull it up.

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@daveh98 for now I'd take a pair of 675M's and call it a day. I think Dell has likely stopped giving out upgrades unless its a very unique case. Or you might just have to keep fighting for an upgrade but that's up to you on how much time you want to spend on this.

Well Luis told me that a Dell rep would call me to set up an appointment to come down to my house and get this resolved. He denied even the 675's as they are "not compatible with my system" and I suppose I understand why. I'll just be happy to get the replacements and my system working as it should. Unfortunately there has been no follow up since Monday. Hopefully tomorrow or especially by the end of the week I get a call or even an order/dispatchment number.

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