Robbo

Intel doesn't really test their CPUs anymore. An xm can be a piece of crap, but all CPUs pass xm testing thresholds because they are so low, so therefore all you are paying for is an unlocked part with the possibility of overclocking, even though a crippled qm may have been a better overclocker.

Don't bother buying an XM then Cloudfire if all you're interested in is getting icy temperatures from an undervolt, you might save some cash!

Really? Can you imagine that someone like myself or Johnksss would not have already tried that, LOL? C'mon, I don't know anywhere close to everything, but at least give me a little credit for not being stupid, bro. I've spent hundreds of hours testing to get my CPU overclocks dialed in for benchmarks, otherwise I wouldn't have any kind of status at HWBOT. Windows 7 CPU and GPU settings don't always work as great with Windows 8. It's super easy to test with a dual boot system.

The only thing that has changed now is I am trying harder to get good CPU performance results from Windows 8 to determine if I am going to bother with a 980M SLI upgrade. If I can get equal or better CPU performance with Windows 8, I will ditch Windows 7 and jump on the 980M upgrade bandwagon... but, so far that doesn't seem possible. This isn't my first attempt to coax Windows 8 into working well. It was too much trouble and I gave up before because I don't like wasting my time on a what seems like a hopeless case. So, now I am starting over, trying things that didn't work great for Windows 7 to see what Windows 8 likes best. There was simply no reason for me to care that Windows 8 sucked until now because there was no reason for me to use it. The more I try to force myself to use it for benching, the more I hate Windows 8. For normal everyday use and gaming, Windows 8 is fine. It does 3DMark 2013 better that Windows 7... and, well, so far, that seems to be about the extent of the value of running Windows 8 for benching.

Since you don't have an unlocked CPU, here is a clue for when you get one... Voltage and power (watts) both affects core behavior. More is not always better. Too much or not enough of either one reduces performance and stability. Yes, performance is related to core speed, but voltage and power are the keys to achieving high core speed with stability and no throttling. You cannot separate them like your comments suggest. Simply dumping more voltage on the CPU doesn't (usually) produce good results. For some reason, Windows 8 behaves differently than Windows 7 with increased CPU core voltage.

Cheers for the response, as I was saying I'm just trying to understand the quirks of overclocking the newer CPUs (out of interest), I know most of what I highlighted in your post in bold already, the only question I've asked you a couple of times is why you get more performance by upping the voltage while clocks stay the same. I know you've talked about vague hunches about Windows 8 power optimisations being the issue, and I was hypothesising that it's instead a borderline stable/unstable overclock throwing out errors and slowing down the program software. I suppose when it comes down to it, neither of us really knows why you're getting increased performance through added voltage in Windows 8. We can definitely leave it at that, I was just trying to find out if you knew why. Good to discuss it though, hopefully the mods won't mind this much off-topic, I'm ok leaving as it is though, don't feel like I need to ask you anymore about it. Thanks, and also apologies if I insulted your experience by asking you if you'd run the same increased voltage in Windows 7, 'twas not my intention.

BIOS recognition and functioning are not the same thing. A BIOS can not recognize a card, but it can work fine anyway. This is the case when a system needs the driver .inf to be modified to install a driver. I highly doubt that the m18x R2 BIOS recognizes the 980m.

When you say "recognize", do you mean being able to go into the BIOS screen and see the card listed as "980M"? (My laptop recognises my 670MX even though it's from a later generation if the definition is being able to see it named correctly in the BIOS screen).

EDIT: Actually, I'm mistaken, just checked my BIOS screen and it just says NVidia GFX, so I guess that's what you mean by the BIOS not recognising a card but still working?

@Mr. Fox, I don't think there are Windows 8 Power Optimisations that you talk of that are fixed by increasing voltage of your CPU, because you'd think if that were the case then increasing the voltage would simply mean that Windows 8 would try & kick in the power optimisations/restrictions even harder. Performance is related to the clock speed, not the voltage, unless you get power throttling which would be worse with increasing the voltage anyway. Did you ever try running the increased voltage level that works so well in Windows 8 on your Windows 7 to see if you also get a performance increase from increased voltage in Windows 7 - it makes me think that the overclock is borderline stable/unstable, throwing out errors & causing slow downs in the program software somehow? (I'm just curious about the overclocking of these new CPUs so that I can do this more sucessfully in the future if I ever buy a system with overclockable CPU).

[MENTION=119]Mr. Fox[/MENTION] and @godfafa, how does raising the voltage result in better scores, isn't performance just based on the clock speeds that are set during your overclocking (e.g. 4.7GHz in Mr Fox's tests). My understanding was that you just needed to supply enough voltage to allow whatever clocks you're running to be stable, ie not throwing out any computational errors.

@J95, I think you're saying that M15x doesn't have UEFI and doesn't have Optimus right? That's the info I've found out about it anyway from a quick google. I'm interested in this because it means we might be able to get 980M/970M to work on older Alienwares.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]13279[/ATTACH]

... and M15x

980m and 970m, AW17 and M15x

Sure, see attached files. Will only work for AW17 and M15x though. I don't know the AW18 and other device ideas by heart...

Brilliant, it will be interesting & useful to hear how you managed to get it installed in an M15x, because so far we've only seen people installing it in Optimus Alienwares (bar UEFI enabled Win8 Alienwares). Will be interesting to hear how you got it to install in that M15x, hopefully will be the same process for all M17xR3 and older laptops that don't want to use Optimus (or can't use Optimus).

Are you looking into unlocking the overcocking & overvolting aspects of the vBIOS? So far overclocking the 980M, people have pretty much universally easily managed +135Mhz without extra voltage.

Excellent, what system are you using it in svl7? sli then (you said cards)?

pci\ven_10de&dev_13d7&subsys_05aa1028&rev_a1

pci\ven_10de&dev_13d7&subsys_05aa1028

pci\ven_10de&dev_13d7&cc_030000

pci\ven_10de&dev_13d7&cc_0300

here is my hardware id

and here nvdispi

nv_dispi.inf (413,61 KB) - uploaded.net

could anybody prepare it??? thanks

Have you tried using a modified inf from this website, I used to use these guys, they were good:

LaptopVideo2Go: Drivers

Download the modified inf from the driver you want to install from that link above.

I reinstall every day twice.... max score in 3dmark 11 7002, I shuold remove my 4930mx too, with my old 4700mq 3dmark runs great, but only 7002 points...

please could anyboy make me a nvdispi.ini for last nv drivers????

Yes, it could be that your graphics driver install is messed up. Try the following:

Try uninstalling & then reinstalling the NVidia drivers:

1) uninstall NVidia drivers from the Windows Control Panel.

2) Use DDU uninstaller to remove any remnants of NVidia drivers (http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/...-download.html)

3) Reinstall the latest NVidia drivers using modified inf like you normally do.

So for my old m17x r2 who hasn't got uefi bios it's not availible , sad news :[

So far, so bad! But, in the future maybe they'll be some work arounds with a different vBIOS maybe - who knows!

Hey Robbo,

but it does not. As you can see, the Bios from svl7 is flashed, but i still cant to more. I also reinstalled the K3000M in the devicemanager.

svl7 hasn't even provided an unlocked vBIOS for the K3000M to my knowledge, so I'm at a loss for your situation.

EDIT: apologies, I just checked, there is an unlocked vBIOS that he did for the K3000M, but unfortunately I don't why that made it different for driver installs, should just stay the same (thought initially that you hadn't flashed it yet & were just asking if it would affect driver install).

After à Vbios flash, is there something special to do with original drivers?

After the vBIOS flash drivers should install normally, assuming they were doing so before you flashed your card.

@godfafa, that's good news, we're getting closer, still unanswered questions surrounding why that vBIOS didn't work for you, good suggestions from the 2 people above though.

Two years ago, I failed to upgrade my m17x R3 with clevo 7970m.

You maybe right but how the world can dell block maxwell when maxwell wasn't even released.

I think there is something in vbios not bios.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-4710HQ,Alienware 0146Q8

This is a recent 970m 3gb (board-type) Dell bench result.

I think they are doing something

Good news! :-)

Me:

"From the lack of updates from you guys in almost a week, I understand it isnt exactly a cakewalk to upgrade Alienware 18 with 970M/980M"

A well known company:

"Nope - this is going to take some time to find a solution"

So yeah looks like we are doomed. If only SVL was here and could give it a go. There are two companies working tirelessly on getting the Alienware notebooks to work with 980M to be able to sell a notebooks and hardware, and since nobody have managed to fix it at this time, I'm thinking there are some serious blockage somewhere in the systems that blocks them from working.

I don't see why Alienware would be any different from any other manufacturer, I don't see what could be blocking it, unless it's a restriction that Alienware have put into their BIOS that's not allowing an upgrade to 900 series.

Alienware will for definite offer the 900 series, but when that's another story - it can only be in their benefit to do it now rather than later! They're dropping the ball!

@ robbo, yeah since the thread was AW thought I'd chime in .

One thing I know for sure is the unlocked bios is dangerous on a 120hz machine. Activate the iGPU and you've bricked it. Been there, done that on my R3 .

I'm not even sure a modded vbios is going to help. The base VGA compatibility code is failing for some reason meaning that an iGPU is needed to get past POST. Whether that code is in the vbios or on-chip (generic pre-programed for basic compatibility required at POST) I have no idea...

Yes, good point, definitely need to be careful with the BIOS settings when you're running a 120Hz screen to avoid bricking! :-)

Is it a 120hz display? Not that I can offer any help yet except it should boot if the iGPU is active, but may still need another fix (vbios?). Something seriously wrong with the boot microcode on these cards...

Nobody knows for sure what the issue with the 980m is yet so you will have to hold tight to see what solutions appear.

As for the pad layout, I looked at a 980m pic and the component layout and sizes were identical to the 680m/780m (at least by eye).

Pad layout is slightly different for the 980M in comparison to the 680M/780M - there's an extra inductor (the big grey quite tall square things at the top of the card), so those need considering when padding up if changing from a Kepler.

Pity about hearing the problems alienwareliam is having with the 970M in the R3, if I was him I'd flash svl7's 'A12 Unlocked BIOS with Sata Tweak' (the one I use), and then try different BIOS configurations in terms of IGD enabled or disabled, etc, to try and find something that works. The 'A12 Unlocked BIOS with Sata Tweak' has extra functions that might help him install it. (P.S. this post is more directed at alienwareliam - I know you know this stuff already MickyD after knowing you from notebookreview forums!).

Ah, of course, I missed that part of the post, he can't even get into the BIOS configuration screen. Hmm, I'd double check padding up was done properly and not applying uneven pressure which could be warping the card. Then I'd re-seat the card in the PCIe slot, maybe using a can of compressed air to blow out any dust that might be in the slot. That would hopefully rule out any physical problems associated with the card & it's interface.

I might also try removing the 970M, flashing the A12 unlocked BIOS I mentioned before - then try different IGD settings, etc, before replacing the 970M and trying to boot. Perhaps the correct settings need to be applied into the BIOS before installing the 970M and booting up. (The settings in the BIOS screens I think would need to be messed with are PEG/SG, and IGD enabled / IGD disabled). Given what we have heard so far about BIOS settings for the 980M then I would try:

1) SG + IGD enabled (IGD is in the Advanced Video Configuration Menu)

2) PEG + IGD disabled

The above Number 1 is effectively Optimus enabled. Number 2 is Optimus disabled, and just using the NVidia GPU directly.

Question.

I'm swapping out a potentially faulty MB on my R3 to correct a screen issue that I've narrowed down. I upgraded to the 780m as well so I have the A12 BIOS flashed to the current board, but the replacement board will have an older BIOS set flashed by default.

Can I still boot into windows with IGP enabled and the card installed in order to flash to the A12, or should I create a bootable USB with the A12 on it in order to update the replacement board?

Thanks ahead of time.

Considering you have to remove the card anyway to replace the motherboard, then you may as well boot it up without the 780M and flash the modified A12 BIOS having just booted up using the IGP. Then you can put in the 780M, and go from there. But, I don't think it would hurt trying it with the 780M installed - if it doesn't boot up you'd just remove the card. You have nothing to lose either way, that's how I see it.

GeForce 344.60 WHQL

nvdmi.inf v344.60

Feedback?

No issues on mine (I modded my own inf). Driver is fine.

Well the 980M pics floating around was from AW17 (not M17x).

He did mention something about FN+F5 in Chinese so I assume it was something regarding the MUX

I wish more people would try on their AW18/17 if godfafa is an isolated case or not.

I may dish out for a AW18 and buy 970M SLI but I got to be certain I'm not buying trouble.

You could take a bit of a risk and buy and A18 from that HIDevolution link that we were talking about. You don't have anything to lose, they're not gonna send it to you if it doesn't work. Worst case is that they take your money, and then in a couple of weeks say that they can't get it to work (I know you were doubting their ability to make it work) and give you a refund.

Hi,

I recently downgraded my Windows 8.1 to Windows 7 and want to know: Do I need to flash the modded vbios again? I deleted erverything, a complete formatting of my computer!

Greetings

No, I don't think you need to flash it again.

HID has reputation. But they and some ebay sellers have listed "for alienware" "AW18 980m sli" even before they got the GPU.

This is why I've asked them to show me the evidence that 980m works on alienware.

HID said they've not even tried the configuration.

And this is the letter from upgrademonkey.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]12982[/ATTACH]

I really dont like to distrust people. However in this case, I think I have to before anyone really come out to show his/her alienware with 980m.

- - - Updated - - -

I meant "the problem is not the driver".

I misstyped. sorry for that.

I'm pretty much 100% sure that if HIDevolution are selling the A18 with 980M sli then they would have tested it already - I think we'll eventually find that the 980M will be compatible with a good number of the past Alienware machines. If I had to place a bet I'd bet they'd even be compatible with the M17xR3 (but I don't need to upgrade yet!).

i for one am staying optimistic whatever the case, i plan to OC the crap out of every single component in my new rig

Yeah, I'd definitely like to hear the results you get from it; OC'ing's got to be done - it's free performance! :-)

Robbo, the desktop cards can clock that high because they can use more power under load than even GK110. I wouldn't count on it.

Yeah, I wouldn't count on such high overclocking promise, but I think it's a possiblity - I'd imagine they'll use better binned silicon enabling higher Mhz for lower voltage - so with something like a voltage adjustable svl7 unlocked vBIOS I could imagine it getting quite close to desktop speeds.