Brian

I found old pics of my lian li watercooled system w/custom reservoir etc from 3 years back. I don't have the case anymore but I'll put up the pics later tonight, it still looks good after all this time.

I think the 6970M for the R3 is nearly assured but I doubt we'll see the 560M this soon unless AW has been testing it all this time. They usually release new video card updates slower than everyone else. But that G74 looks to have a VERY nice screen, I was quite shocked by the videos posted by notebookcheck. The viewing angles seem excellent as does the color reproduction and I've read 300 nits being tossed around as the brightness in addition to higher gamut. That alone should blow away the M17x-R3 display but it remains to be seen whether it can match the R2's RGB LED (doubtful) or the M18x's display, whatever that may be.

I was the one that made the PM800 thread last year but since then Dell started shipping all new Samsung's with TRIM enabled. How old are your Samsung drives? You should be able to tell if they have TRIM or not by looking at the serial number on them and then googling that serial number for confirmation. It's been a while since I used one though. I don't see why updating the firmware would brick your drive, at most if it's not compatible it'll just reject the update. As for the other problem you're having, try booting into safe mode without Raid and disabling the free fall sensor in Windows. It shouldn't start once you do that on reboot.

Corsair makes good memory, if the price is right then go for it.

I'm also waiting on V2 before I flash because the reason I want this unlocked bios is for the fan control.

It's the standard ram that Dell ships with the R2. Did you notice the high shipping price? If you're in Australia, you might be better off just buying something locally there. I am not really a proponent of low latency modules for the R2 either (e.g. Kingston HyperX) because I haven't seen any evidence that they provide added performance vs the standard stuff Dell ships. Furthermore, low latency modules require higher voltage in order to remain stable at higher bclk settings.

Hi Mark,

You can use the attachment feature and upload pictures there. If that doesn't work, just e-mail them to me and I'll add them to our main server and give you the links to the images. PM me if the images are too large and it doesn't let you upload them. There are also other online image hosting services you can use such as ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting which give you direct links to thumbnails of the images. That's a service a lot of us use and it works quite well.

What? No love for my calvin pissing on asus photoshop skills????

Mythical shmythical, M18x will come...it better anyway.

Brian can you also request an adjustment from 5-10% overclock in bios like set fsb does? I don't know if it's even possible to add stuff like that to the bios. Atleast on XM processors or even non XM would be even better.

Funny you mention it because he's already working on something like that.

This is awesome, an open forum that as long as it stays civil anything is game I can't argue a single point that was made by Brian and think they're spot on. The two systems are VERY VERY different markets even though the names don't look like it.

As someone who has owned both I chose the R3 because I wanted something more portable, don't like dealing with some of the problems dual GPU systems can bring, and needed battery life measurable in hours not minutes. If someone is out for all out power, the R2 especially right now, is the winner. If you want a rig that is more portable, higher battery life(by quite a bit with the right config), and will still do very well in gaming and productivity the R3 may be the best fit.

The main points I see on the R3 are:

-SB CPU's

-More updates left

-Battery/portability

-3D screen(if you like 3D)

-Throttling CPU after high stress for long periods

The R2 main points are:

-Has the fastest CPU(for now)

-Dual GPU's(mainly benchmarking and a small amount of games)

-RGB LED screen

-Heavy as sin (although the R3 isn't a LOT lighter)

-Probably nearly done with available upgrades, even with help from people like Wiz

Good points but I'll add:

Battery life: My R2 gets about 2 hours with both GPU's active and my display above 50% brightness. Not great but good enough.

Weight: Heavy to some but to me it's not heavy at all. I use it on my lap daily.

R3 GPU upgrade path: Apart from 6970M, I don't forsee any other GPU upgrades before the next MXM revision and another model.

SB CPU: You mentioned throttling so that's a concern because Toms Hardware initially mentioned the same thing when they tested an R3.

TheWiz: Uncertain but based on his abilities, I think we have a good shot at 6970M (or crossfire) on the R2.

My biggest beef with the R3 is that they removed dual GPU, took away the possibility of anything other than standard WLED (they could have offered B+RG) AND that they added that shiny border all around the keyboard, what were they thinking...it looks hideous. Also, I'm weary of the Trojan rubber because it can wear off or get damaged in a short period of time like some G73 owners have experienced. I'd rather they would have kept the lid aluminum or at least magnesium and left the palm rest as rubber since that can at least feel nice for lazy typists.

But as you mentioned, the M17x-R3 is an M17x only by name and is vastly different than it's predecessors. It seems Alienware's target is the Asus G73 and we'd all agree that they've done a good job in that regard. Speaking of G73, I'll be doing a SB G73 review once it's available to me locally.

Viking - you're right, it's not a disappointment if you take it for what it is but if you consider the legacy it has to live up to, then it is a major disappointment. I do agree with Michael that something of the R3's caliber could have been brought to the newly revamped XPS line (e.g. XPS 17) and done very well without having to sacrifice Alienware's quality. Because if we're all frank about build quality, then R3 is a step down not up. Even the new XPS line are made of aluminum. Keep 'em coming guys and remember, this is for fun so don't get upset.

One thing I think all AW fans can agree on:

A mumak and unclewebb combo would be awesome! It all depends on them I guess. Or better yet, a mumak/wiz/unclewebb ultimate triad.

Well we know some places don't allow this kind of discussion but this is Tech|Inferno, not only do we allow it, we encourage it!

So I'll start first:

M17x-R2 Pros:

• Dual 5870M is still FASTER than a single 6970M in most cases
  
• M17x-R2 RGB LED can't be matched
  
• The 920/940xm + TS combo beats a 2820qm and there is no 2920xm for R3 currently.
  
• Construction: Aluminum vs Trojan Rubber. 'Nuff said.
  
• Unlocked bios by TheWiz and possible GPU upgrades coming ala Crossfire 6970M.
  
• Has been around longer and is now a very stable system.
  
• You can grab it cheap on the Dell outlet.
  
• Better touch panel.
  
• IMO looks better than R3.
  

M17x-R2 Cons:

• Older chipset + CPU architecture
  
• No official 6970M love from Dell
  
• Slightly heavier
  

M17x-R3 Pros

• Sandy Bridge + Cougar Point (once it's revised haha)
  
• Newer design that may appeal to some.
  
• Lighter than R2 and thinner.
  
• Soft Touch Rubber
  
• 120 Hz 3D display technology
  
• Extended battery life thanks to graphics switching tech (optimius + amd manual switching)
  
• Low starting price
  

M17x-R3 Cons:

• Soft touch rubber flakes off - rut roh!
  
• It has been reported that the CPU throttles (DaneGRClose can confirm this)
  
• No RGB LED
  
• No dual card support
  

So there you have it, that's my list and my overall preference goes to the R2. R3 would have been in my sig if it had dual card support despite it's inferior build quality and lack of RGB LED.

Don't like my reasons? Well bring it!

So Intel is denying there is any exclusivity with Apple with regards to releasing Lightpeak/Thunderbolt early. They claim that PC manufacturers can release it anytime but personally I think there's more to it than that. Given that the technology was a collaboration between Apple and Intel, I don't think it is too far fetched to assume that because of prior knowledge, Apple was able to push out the technology before anyone else. It may not be an exclusive deal but they definitely got a leg up on the competition because of this IMO.

Here's our recent Thunderbolt article for reference: Intel's lightpeak now shipping as Thunderbolt in newest Macbook Pro. | Tech|Inferno

Thank you, you are too kind. I'll upload all needed pics of the cooler asap. I'll get some good shots and take the thing apart to show its construction. I'll show the process i went through and hopefully what everyone will get from this is that its construction was practically free, these were just parts laying around my computer work area! One could even power a basic PC fan in any way, put feet on the bottom and top and place their power adapter on top of it. With mine theres no need to buy anything more than a basic 12v PC fan, some kind of enclosure made of a naturally cool material (i choose aluminum) and a basic power-supply strong enough for a small fan (mine was built into enclosure). The fan is attached in a way to create a basic seal around bottom inside of enclosure with it pulling air in the hole on bottom and up through chassis of enclosure till spreading the cooler moving air out evenly of those holes on top dowsing the entire bottom of laptop power-supply with cool moving air. Any other heat dissipating naturally from the top of power supply unit. I'll get a guide done in the next day or so. Cutting metal is involved. The fan noise is a little on the higher side but that shouldn't stop anyone who's over-clocked, in fact its probably a welcomed sound. I think ill just need to be acquainted with the upload tools i'm not familiar with them.

Fantastic! Looking forward to your write-up. If you need help w/the images, let me know.

Brian, see if you can prod TheWiz to get the C-States option unlocked. If can disable c-states, we can have fast ssd's!

I'll PM him on his forum tonight and see what he says.

I have yet to put the 920XM back in the system Nice work TheWiz!

Welcome to the forum bud! Any luck with the fan trip points yet?

You can use the method that mw86 mentioned or you can also use the guide posted on our front page for very quick results within Windows 7: Miscellaneous Tutorials | Tech|Inferno

I personally use a combination of both. When I'm benchmarking, I use a custom vbios with 1.15v so that I can push the GPU above 900 mhz using Rivatuner. When I'm not benchmarking, I use the default vbios and only use Rivatuner for overclocking when I come across a game like Metro 2033 that requires that extra bit of horsepower.

Those are some awesome vantage scores. That lian li case is pretty sweet looking too. The CPU temperatures are shockingly good considering how small the Vantage radiator is and the clocks you have the CPU at. Are you going to replace it with the TEC unit or stick to this WC setup? I'm looking forward to seeing the final build and accompanying pics + benches.

Hi Mark,

That's a pretty creative solution for the PSU and you're right, heat is a definitely a factor in PSU efficiency and longevity. Could you post some higher resolution and larger pictures? You can use our upload feature to create a gallery if needed. I can (or you can) create a separate thread for this PSU mod if you decide to put up higher resolution photos + a how to for those that may want to do it.

Welcome to the forum dan. That's what I'm hoping for at this point too..adding a 6970M in Crossfire would be amazing.

I think based on the fan trip points that's exactly what it lets us set. I plan to flash my system in the next few hours.

Read all about it here: Unlocked Alienware M17x-R2 Bios Released! | Tech|Inferno and continue the discussion in this thread.

So I must admit I have been away from the various m17x forums for a few months. My system has been working fantastically well and I have been rather swamped with work, so my head has been in the sand.

What is this statement describing? Has someone hacked the last Dell BIOS image to unlock OC options and add HW IDs for non-Dell video cards? Does this mean I might be able to use one of those 5970 cards currently sold "for Clevo machines"?

Still using a solitary 4970 card in my R2. It works great for my current needs, but I plan on keeping this machine for another two or maybe even three years, so eventually I will want some more horsepower in the GPU department.

Yes someone has hacked the Dell bios which has unlocked several hidden options. In addition, we may get future GPU support like the AMD 6970m (there is no such thing as the 5970m for notebooks). I'll post up the link + photos on the main page (Tech|Inferno) once he releases it and make a thread about it on the forum here.

I know the Dell monitors typically get rave reviews but you have to decide whether you want to go with a TN panel or IPS. The IPS cost a little bit more but IMO are much better choices for a desktop display because of their color reproduction. They've also closed the latency gap with the newest ones so while they're still not as fast as a TN, the gain in color reproduction is well worth it. Also, do you want a 60 hz display or 120 hz? There's a lot to choose from.

All questions related to the Miscellaneous Tutorials section on the front page can be posted here.

Could I get the latest information about all the tweaks we are doing?

In regards to:

• Modded Bios
  
• Latest Catalyst Drivers
  
• Win7 Sp1 64-bit Aero performance increase patch
  
• SSD drive speed increase tweaks
  
• Throttlestop tweaks to get the best performance
  
• Anything else?
  

Been a lot of changes since I last did this and I cant find any topics that sort of put it all in one place.

Doing a clean install with an sp1 integrated image, sandforce 120gb drive as primary, and dual 120gb indlinx drives in raid0 as my 'my documents' drive.

-Ash

Hmm okay I'll try to answer it but I'll probably edit this post later on to fill in some gaps:

• TheWiz hasn't released the modded bios publicly yet but it should unlock OC options for non-extreme CPUs and fan control trip points among other things. He plans to eventually incorproate new GPU hardware ids so we can use aftermarket video cards (e.g. 6970M).
  
• Latest Catalyst drivers are the 11.2 release. You can grab them off AMD's website.
  
• I haven't run that particular Win 7 patch yet.
  
• SSD tweaks: See the Tech|Inferno front page featured article.
  
• TS tweaks are the same as before: Set your TDP/TDC + multipliers how you like and watch your temperatures.
  
• Not much else. You haven't missed much.
  

On the SSD front, I'm sure Stamatis will be able to help you with tweaks since that's his area of expertise. I've since switched back to a hybrid Seagate Momentus XT drive because I needed the extra HDD space.