h3x1c

Well, I just wanted to chime in here and say "thank you" to everyone who made this thread what it is -- especially svl7! Everything worked nearly flawlessly (I ran into a hiccup trying to install Windows 7, in that the OS simply would not boot, no matter what I tried), but I'm now all configured and rolling smoothly on a fresh Windows 8 install! I played Skyrim with HD textures and a bunch of mods, and stock, I noticed a slight bit of lag every now and again; however, overclocking the GPUs made all the difference! For the cost and everything, you simply can't beat this setup (I have the 650M SLI model, BTW). I upgraded mine with 16GB RAM and a 240GB mSATA SSD as well, so it's definitely running smooth as silk. =)

I paid the $5 to have access to the files herein, and on top of that, though it's not much, I just donated $10 to svl7 for making this all happen.

Thanks again, everyone! I'll be keeping my eyes on the thread and contributing wherever I feel I may be able to. Oh, and one thing of note is that my BIOS for this system (Y500 with 650M SLI and 8GB RAM), which I purchased on Newegg about a week ago, was version 2.00. Like a dummy, I was too hasty and flashed over it, so I don't have a copy of it. Either way, I thought it might be worth a mention!

Heres an update on what ive done and think I finally solved it for now...

1. Re seated cable multiple times had no change in effect although was my first suspicion.

2. Changed cables had only made the problem worse. I tried a 11ft. Insignia branded cable and the screen saturation and contrast was completely out of whack.

3. Re-Installed drivers in safe mode after a complete wipe. Tried several times no luck :/

Then finally arrived at a solution

4. I have been using Nvidia drivers and usually check back at their website often for updates and had the lastest and greatest (according to them). Decided to go to Alienware M18XR2 Drivers page over at dell and use their drivers... problem solved.

What I dont get is how can the dell Nvidia drivers be different then the actually Nvidia drivers? Makes me think back to when I replaced Ram in Dell computers in the past, those computers would only past P.O.S.T. with Dell certified ram... Such a hassle that was :/

I had this exact same issue (well, still have it, actually). Dell basically told me that only the drivers on their site are what they support, which I think is complete BS when it comes to a computer like this. The drivers on their site are always supremely dated where the GPU is concerned. I just discount that port now, which sucks, because I really want to use it. Perhaps what littleone562 recommended earlier in the thread would be a good solution. May have to give that a shot.