Going to test clevo 980m in alienware m17x R4, m18x R2, AW17

[LVNeptune]

Who knows if that bracket is compatible with the current screws/heatsink though? Also I am 99% sure it would still need to be reflashed with an Alienware BIOS for thermal control but possibly not. RJTech stopped taking any returns on GPU's so I am not willing to beta test it.

[thegh0sts]

Who knows if that bracket is compatible with the current screws/heatsink though? Also I am 99% sure it would still need to be reflashed with an Alienware BIOS for thermal control but possibly not. RJTech stopped taking any returns on GPU's so I am not willing to beta test it.

well with the heatsink yes, but the screws no. alienware uses different screws to clevo so you have to use the screws that come with the clevo 980M.

[LVNeptune]

Well. I just found my other heatsink. I ordered a secondary one because I was under the impression I had the "old" heatsink before they started using the 3 pipe one. Turns out I already had the new one so I have a spare X-Bracket and heatsink.

EDIT:

Just FYI Squaretrade covers Video Cards and it is $100 to cover this card valued at $720 for 3 years.

If someone can confirm with certainty that I can install this in my M17x R4 and it works I will purchase it from RJTech.

[thegh0sts]

Well. I just found my other heatsink. I ordered a secondary one because I was under the impression I had the "old" heatsink before they started using the 3 pipe one. Turns out I already had the new one so I have a spare X-Bracket and heatsink.

EDIT:

Just FYI Squaretrade covers Video Cards and it is $100 to cover this card valued at $720 for 3 years.

If someone can confirm with certainty that I can install this in my M17x R4 and it works I will purchase it from RJTech.

don't get it from RJ Tech then.... pick someone else.

[LVNeptune]

don't get it from RJ Tech then.... pick someone else.

Messaged HIDEvo on ebay and they replied pretty quickly. They say the R4 w/ 120hz screen 100% does NOT work at all. I don't know what to believe anymore

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So, what guys? It's gonna suck if 980M only works with Windows 8 on Alienware, cause Windows 8 is a piece of crap OS.

Windows 8 is crap. Windows 8.1 fixed all the issues with Windows 8. It runs better, driver support is better, boots faster. It's an all around better OS compared to what Windows 7 was. I would never go back to Windows 7. I've used Windows 8 since it released on my MSDN account. Take the time to learn the minimal UI changes and it will be fine.

[thegh0sts]

Windows 8 is crap. Windows 8.1 fixed all the issues with Windows 8. It runs better, driver support is better, boots faster. It's an all around better OS compared to what Windows 7 was. I would never go back to Windows 7. I've used Windows 8 since it released on my MSDN account. Take the time to learn the minimal UI changes and it will be fine.

ORRR.......

install classic shell if you want to ween your way off it

[LVNeptune]

If you do a side-by-side comparison of the 880m and 980m on the nvidia site you will see the features they dropped. 3DVision was one of them .

Confirmed incorrect by NVIDIA rep. It's supported on supported laptops or through external display.

[LVNeptune]

I have installed hardware - took off 7970m and installed 980m .

but I cannot find and install working drivers for it

pls help

does anyone have the hidevolution drivers which are supposed to work on m17x R4 ?

or any drivers that would work ?

Have you successfully got a 980M working on your M17x R4 with the 120hz panel? HidEvo claims that it does not work in that configuration

EDIT: You need to update your signature. You keep saying you don't have a 60hz panel but your signature says otherwise. Fix it to fix the confusion among everyone =/

[davenam]

Have you successfully got a 980M working on your M17x R4 with the 120hz panel? HidEvo claims that it does not work in that configuration

EDIT: You need to update your signature. You keep saying you don't have a 60hz panel but your signature says otherwise. Fix it to fix the confusion among everyone =/

I'm sorry about that. There was a mistake in my signature. I do have 60hz screen without 3D .

[Guest]

Windows 8 is crap. Windows 8.1 fixed all the issues with Windows 8. It runs better, driver support is better, boots faster. It's an all around better OS compared to what Windows 7 was. I would never go back to Windows 7. I've used Windows 8 since it released on my MSDN account. Take the time to learn the minimal UI changes and it will be fine.

To a large extent this is personal preference, but numbers don't lie. I have also been using Windows 8 since beta on six different computer system and I have concluded that it's a largely a pile of sh*t OS. So, please don't try to be condescending and pretend to lecture me about learning, LOL. It is NOT fine and the reasons it is not have nothing to do with UI changes. It excels at a couple of minor things like Fire Strike but Windows 7 kicks its butt in everything else, especially where CPU performance is concerned. Windows 8 (which included 8.1 and 8.1.1 service packs) impairs CPU performance. Until 980M ruined everything on Alienware I have dual booted Windows 7 and 8 so I can enjoy the best of both, but I have very few reasons to like Windows 8. I don't distinguish Windows 8 from the service packs in normal conversation. I did not do that for Windows 7 either. It's easier to just refer to them as Windows 7 and Windows 8. On top of sucking at more things than Windows 7 does, it's a butt-ugly OS UI... that much is personal preference. Yes, it boots faster, but I don't really care about that. This is irrelevant to me and Windows 7 boots fast enough. What I care about is what happens after it boots. BTW, I've been beta testing Windows 10 since the start of the preview and it is also a pile of sh*t OS that has not fixed Windows 8.1 Update 1 CPU performance and RTC problems. Some people like it and I don't have a problem with variance in personal preferences.

[LVNeptune]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion I was just throwing that out there. At least you aren't one of the crazy people who is refusing to move off of XP. You are seriously limiting yourself on that OS. In any case Windows 7 will eventually be discontinued and not supported like XP is now and you will be forced to upgrade. Yes, some benchmarking utilities have issues on Windows 8, even 3DMark confirms they've had issues and have issued updates to address that. Eventually you will need to upgrade to Windows 8.1+

You should distinguish Windows 8 and 8.1 for the simple fact that Windows 8 is discontinued and non-supported and no updates are being issued for it anymore. It's a complete kernel rewrite, Server 2012 = 8, Server 2012 R2 = 8.1

I moved all my customers off of Server 2012 as soon as R2 was released because it was very buggy as was Windows 8. I reported an issue with a GPP drive mapping bug that existed in a beta revision and it took them SIX months after RTM gold to actually resolve it. Ridiculous.

Microsoft is failing hard and it's going to get worse. They are opening their own stores and going the way of Apple. When Windows 10 releases OEM will be unavailable except for top-tier dealers such as Dell, HP, etc., my company will not even be able to resell Windows X because of their ridiculous attitude towards the channel partners.

[thegh0sts]

really need a sticky with all these findings tabulated cos trying to follow all this is quite the difficult thing to do.

[Guest]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion I was just throwing that out there. At least you aren't one of the crazy people who is refusing to move off of XP. You are seriously limiting yourself on that OS. In any case Windows 7 will eventually be discontinued and not supported like XP is now and you will be forced to upgrade. Yes, some benchmarking utilities have issues on Windows 8, even 3DMark confirms they've had issues and have issued updates to address that. Eventually you will need to upgrade to Windows 8.1+

You should distinguish Windows 8 and 8.1 for the simple fact that Windows 8 is discontinued and non-supported and no updates are being issued for it anymore. It's a complete kernel rewrite, Server 2012 = 8, Server 2012 R2 = 8.1

I moved all my customers off of Server 2012 as soon as R2 was released because it was very buggy as was Windows 8. I reported an issue with a GPP drive mapping bug that existed in a beta revision and it took them SIX months after RTM gold to actually resolve it. Ridiculous.

Microsoft is failing hard and it's going to get worse. They are opening their own stores and going the way of Apple. When Windows 10 releases OEM will be unavailable except for top-tier dealers such as Dell, HP, etc., my company will not even be able to resell Windows X because of their ridiculous attitude towards the channel partners.

I am already on Windows 8.1 Update 1, just not happy with it for the same reasons I was dissatisfied with earlier versions of Windows 8. I've butchered it to the point that I can tolerate the UI. It actually looks better than Windows 7 when I am finished correcting all of Micro$haft's mistakes with the UI. I have tweaked Windows 7 UI to look like my tweaked Windows 8 UI, so they are almost the same aesthetically. I never use the Modern UI and worthless adware apps, so there is zero value in those features. Windows 7 just rapes Windows 8 in several performance areas. CPU, memory and drive read/write performance are all slower with all flavors of Windows 8 and Windows 10. I know I will eventually have to ditch Windows 7, but that won't be for a long time. I do not use or apply most Windows Updates, including most of the "security" patches, and I have Automatic Updates completely disabled, so for the most part I do not require any Micro$oft support. I don't have to be concerned about being forced to upgrade because I already have and always do. I just straddle the fence and exploit each OS for what it has to offer me, on my terms, not Micro$haft's.

I agree, they are failing really hard. Micro$haft is an evil empire that exists only to serve itself and fund the eccentric goofiness of the liberal socialist weirdo wacko, Bill Gates. It's really a shame that Linux has so little to offer. If I did not have to sacrifice so much, I would have ditched Windows several years ago.

[LVNeptune]

really need a sticky with all these findings tabulated cos trying to follow all this is quite the difficult thing to do.

Serious.

I still don't know if the 980m is compatible with my R4 w/ 120hz. It sounds like everything is working on the 60hz panel though. I don't even care. I am buying an external monitor for 144hz. If I need to get a 60hz panel please send me a link to a cheap one <$100 preferrably the whole panel and not just the lcd so I can do a straight swap out.

[thegh0sts]

Serious.

as in you agree? LOL

I still don't know if the 980m is compatible with my R4 w/ 120hz. It sounds like everything is working on the 60hz panel though. I don't even care. I am buying an external monitor for 144hz. If I need to get a 60hz panel please send me a link to a cheap one <$100 preferrably the whole panel and not just the lcd so I can do a straight swap out.

try this for starters?

HIDevolution AUO AU OPTRONICS B173HW01 V0 17.3" FHD MATTE LED DISPLAY

[LVNeptune]

I can get the panel for <$60. I want the whole assembly. I don't want to mess with removing the plexiglass and getting dust in the screen. I've worked on iMac's and it's impossible to prevent dust if you aren't in a clean room.

And yes, I do agree. There's too much I tried this then this then this then this especially between here and NBR. I found a thread that I swear said the 120hz panel DID work but I can't find it anymore. It said you just needed UEFI. I can do that, I don't care. They also said that the MiniDP works for display but the LCD doesn't display anything. Which honestly, to me, is fine! IF this works. I just can't confirm it myself. If that's the case the R4 should technically work without a dGPU with 120hz using the MiniDP but I can't find anyone that's tried that.

[thegh0sts]

I can get the panel for <$60. I want the whole assembly. I don't want to mess with removing the plexiglass and getting dust in the screen. I've worked on iMac's and it's impossible to prevent dust if you aren't in a clean room.

And yes, I do agree. There's too much I tried this then this then this then this especially between here and NBR. I found a thread that I swear said the 120hz panel DID work but I can't find it anymore. It said you just needed UEFI. I can do that, I don't care. They also said that the MiniDP works for display but the LCD doesn't display anything. Which honestly, to me, is fine! IF this works. I just can't confirm it myself. If that's the case the R4 should technically work without a dGPU with 120hz using the MiniDP but I can't find anyone that's tried that.

doesn't look like many sites are selling displays with the chassis / bezel....just the panel.

[J95]

I can get the panel for <$60. I want the whole assembly. I don't want to mess with removing the plexiglass and getting dust in the screen. I've worked on iMac's and it's impossible to prevent dust if you aren't in a clean room.

And yes, I do agree. There's too much I tried this then this then this then this especially between here and NBR. I found a thread that I swear said the 120hz panel DID work but I can't find it anymore. It said you just needed UEFI. I can do that, I don't care. They also said that the MiniDP works for display but the LCD doesn't display anything. Which honestly, to me, is fine! IF this works. I just can't confirm it myself. If that's the case the R4 should technically work without a dGPU with 120hz using the MiniDP but I can't find anyone that's tried that.

Here you go Alienware M17XR4 Voyager MLK - DHCG2, Dell Spare parts - order and info site

Contact them, the price will drop significantly $450-$500. Mine is R3/120Hz LGD02C5 same as Clevo P37xxx 120Hz/980M confirmed working http://forum.techinferno.com/alienware-m17x-aw-17/6645-m17x-r4-display-upgrade.html

[LVNeptune]

Thanks but that's the 3D panel.

[J95]

Thanks but that's the 3D panel.

Listing error Alienware M17XR4 Voyager MLK - GN36T, Dell Spare parts - order and info site

Dell short spare part description: LCD,17.3FHD,WLED,TLF,3D,SEC

Dell functional spare part description: LCD, 17.3FHD, WLED, TLF, 3D, SEC (uses eDP cable)

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Alienware M17XR4 Voyager MLK - DHCG2, Dell Spare parts - order and info site

Dell short spare part description: ASSY,LCD,17.3FHD,WLED,3D,V MLK

Dell functional spare part description: LCD Assembly 17.3 FHD, WLED, 3D, M17XR4.(Dispatch for GN36T)

[LVNeptune]

Both those links say they are 3D panels. That second one I believe is LCD only, no assembly. In any case don't worry about it. It's over the $100 I'm willing to spend to swap my 120hz panel to 60hz. This situation is turning me off from ever buying another gaming laptop and just dumping what I have. Alienware and NVIDIA are the Nazi's of the gaming world. NVIDIA gimps their drivers all the damn time. "Oh you are using 3D on an unsupported projector? BANNED HWID. Oh you are using 3D over dual-link DVI using the Apple Mini-DP->DLDVI adapter? BANNED HWID. You are using a non certified GPU with your 120hz 3d compatible lcd? BANNED HWID."

[thegh0sts]

and this is why i didn't get the 120Hz screen!

[Guest]

Both those links say they are 3D panels. That second one I believe is LCD only, no assembly. In any case don't worry about it. It's over the $100 I'm willing to spend to swap my 120hz panel to 60hz. This situation is turning me off from ever buying another gaming laptop and just dumping what I have. Alienware and NVIDIA are the Nazi's of the gaming world. NVIDIA gimps their drivers all the damn time. "Oh you are using 3D on an unsupported projector? BANNED HWID. Oh you are using 3D over dual-link DVI using the Apple Mini-DP->DLDVI adapter? BANNED HWID. You are using a non certified GPU with your 120hz 3d compatible lcd? BANNED HWID."

120Hz Alienware M17xR4 LCD and "3D panel" terminology are one in the same for that system from what I understand. You can have 120Hz without any 3D emitter on some systems, but you don't get one without the other with Alienware. They do not sell it like that.

[BillyXq]

Hi guys, seems like my 980m's delivery is due sometime today so i'm back again seeking advice regarding it. Hopefully it doesn't DOA on me again like it did last time

Anyway, I'm installing it on my AW 17 60hz. Which driver is the recommended driver as of now for it? Should I use it on windwos 8.1 optimus or Dedicated mode?

[thegh0sts]

Hi guys, seems like my 980m's delivery is due sometime today so i'm back again seeking advice regarding it. Hopefully it doesn't DOA on me again like it did last time

Anyway, I'm installing it on my AW 17 60hz. Which driver is the recommended driver as of now for it? Should I use it on windwos 8.1 optimus or Dedicated mode?

curious about this too...probably won't be overclocking the 980m for a while after i get one just so i can see how it settles in.