J95

Uninstall v.6330 IDT 92HD73 (Programs and Features)>reboot>Run>AppData\Roaming delete IDT folder>regedit(Registry Editor)>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software>delete IDT>Delete MaxxAudio. 7-Zip(v.9.25)>extract Audio_IDT_W8_X02_A00_Setup-CGH70_ZPE>Run setup.exe>reboot. Control panel>open IDT>Advanced>Uncheck enable power management>Main> Maxx Audio 3 Movie preset>Waves> MaxxBass 55-65>MaxxTreble 55-65>MaxxStereo 80>Equalizer>Default Preset>Speakers / Headphones>Test speakers twice>Close IDT>Again open IDT Speakers / Headphones>Test speakers, now speakers are properly configured (repeat "test speakers" after every graphics driver update) Improved sound quality and no Hanging/Freezing upon launch (Win 8), fixed Windows compatibility triggering; randomly not playing system sounds e.g. UAC. IDT original .inf includes M17XR3 (IDT 92HD73)= %ST.DeviceDesc%=STHDA,HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7675&SUBSYS_10280490, Dell offering updated Windows 8 IDT drivers for low end laptops, nice http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER00875675M/4/Audio_IDT_W8_X02_A00_Setup-CGH70_ZPE.exe (IDT 92HD87B1) Obs. M18XR1 included %ST.DeviceDesc%=STHDA,HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7675&SUBSYS_1028048F

Run wPrime or TS benchmark, speeds should remain constant(temps). There's a fix for XTU 2.1 (Sandy Bridge) download Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 Service Pack 2 for Windows Desktop https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5783 7-Zip>extract>first Install the 32-bit version followed by the 64-bit one>install XTU 2.1https://downloadcenter.intel.com/confirm.aspx?httpDown=http://downloadmirror.intel.com/19683/eng/XTU_2.1.zip&lang=eng&Dwnldid=19683&keyword=%22%22extreme+tuning+utility%22%22>reboot. 24/7, even better as XTU 2.1 won't install under Win 8.1 due to IOCBIOS instant BSOD.

Black screen, tried from laptopvideo2go with the same result. Uninstalled under safe mode and installed 314.22 without issues. Windows 8 enable F8 (safe mode) Command prompt (Admin) type "bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy">enter>"The operation completed successfully.">reboot. Disable safe mode to restore startup speed: command prompt (admin) type "bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard" >enter>"The operation completed successfully.">reboot. Drivers | GeForce Disable driver signing first. "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning yes">enter>reboot. nvdmn.inf_M17XR3_M18XR1_GTX680M_v320.00.zip

Has anyone tried modding nvdmn.inf and had success installing this driver? win 7/8 Alienware M17XR3 / M18XR1 (R1 motherboard) NvCplSetupInt installer(Experience incompatibility) - it looks like this one needs additional modding - M17XR3 WIN 8. Drivers | GeForce

Crysis 3 default 10 ms this sets to 0.500 ms run and minimize it; closing or pressing enter restores defaults. Crysis 3 10.001 ms 3DMark11 1.001 ms Dragon Chromium 1.001 ms Monitor CPU usage in demanding scenes>check fps, alt/tab taskkill (batch file) and compare results.

TimerResolution_3

Modded Nvidia nvdmn.inf Alienware M17XR3/R2+M18X GTX 680M Dell/Clevo GeForce 314.22 Driver Drivers | GeForce GTX 680: Up to 60% faster in Tomb Raider Up to 41% faster in BioShock Infinite Up to 23% faster in Sniper Elite V2 Up to 13% faster in Sleeping Dogs Windows 8 - Disable driver signing. 1) Open command prompt (Admin). 2) Type "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning yes" (without quotes)enter>reboot. 3) Install Driver>reboot 4) Exit test mode type "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning no" reboot. nvdmn.inf_M17XR2_GTX680M_v314.22.zip nvdmn.inf_M17XR3_GTX680M_v314.22.zip nvdmn.inf_M18X_GTX680M_v314.22.zip

Modded Nvidia nvdmn.inf Alienware M17XR3/R2+M18X GTX 680M Dell/Clevo GeForce 314.21 Driver Drivers | GeForce Windows 8 - Disable driver signing. 1) Open command prompt (Admin). 2) Type "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning yes" (without quotes)enter>reboot. 3) Install Driver>reboot 4) Exit test mode type "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning no" reboot. nvdmn.inf_M17XR3_GTX680M_v314.21.zip nvdmn.inf_M17XR2_GTX680M_v314.21.zip nvdmn.inf_M18X_GTX680M_v314.21.zip

Try it out. Run TimerResolution.exe>minimize console window.

Modded Nvidia nvdmn.inf Alienware M17XR3/R2+M18X GTX 680M Dell/Clevo NVIDIA DRIVERS 314.14BETA Windows 8 - Disable driver signing. 1) Open command prompt (Admin). 2) Type "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning yes" (without quotes)enter>reboot. 3) Install Driver>reboot 4) Exit test mode type "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning no" reboot. nvdmn.inf_M17XR3_GTX680M_v314.14.zip nvdmn.inf_M17XR2_GTX680M_v314.14.zip nvdmn.inf_M18X_GTX680M_v314.14.zip

Timer Resolution (NtSetTimerResolution)interferes with in-game sleep functions, in most cases speeding up CPU frame preparation process for the GPU. Crysis 3 +6-9 fps - FXAA - Highest settings - VSync disabled - Motion Blur off - GTX 680M. Sets timer resolution to 0.500 milliseconds. Thanks to mbk1969 Guru3D.com Forums. TimerResolution_2.exe enhanced + batch file (taskkill) compiled C# source myself using .NET csc.exe. Console app, run .exe and check current max resolution (console window), minimize button. Hidden start : create TimerResolution_2.exe shortcut>right click>properties>select run minimized>apply>pin shortcut to taskbar (select icon). Current 5000 = 0.500 ms. <img src="http://imageshack.us/a/img401/7189/timerresolution2execons.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/> Killing it w/ task manager or .bat restores defaults. @echo off taskkill /f /IM TimerResolution_2.exe Pin batch file to toolbar : create .bat (I) shortcut>create folder>name it "batch_folder">copy .bat shortcut>properties>select run minimized>change icon>select icon>apply>right click taskbar>unlock taskbar>toolbars>new toolbar>select batch_folder>right click taskbar set no text/title>lock taskbar. using System; using System.Diagnostics; using System.Runtime.InteropServices; namespace SetTimerRes { class TimerRes { [DllImport("ntdll.dll", SetLastError=true)] public static extern int NtSetTimerResolution(uint DesiredResolution, bool SetResolution, out uint CurrentResolution); [DllImport("ntdll.dll", SetLastError=true)] static extern int NtQueryTimerResolution(out uint MinimumResolution, out uint MaximumResolution, out uint ActualResolution); static void Main(string[] args) { var tb = new Taskbar(); tb.DeleteTab(); uint CurrentResolution = 0; uint MininumResolution = 0; uint MaximumResolution = 0; NtQueryTimerResolution(out MininumResolution, out MaximumResolution, out CurrentResolution); bool SetResolution = true; uint DesiredResolution = MaximumResolution; NtSetTimerResolution(DesiredResolution, SetResolution, out CurrentResolution); Console.WriteLine("Minimum={0}; Maximum={1}; Current={2}", MininumResolution, MaximumResolution, CurrentResolution); Console.WriteLine("Press <Enter> to exit..."); Console.ReadLine(); } } class Taskbar { public void AddTab() { GetTaskbarList().AddTab(GetMainWindowHandle()); } public void DeleteTab() { GetTaskbarList().DeleteTab(GetMainWindowHandle()); } ITaskbarList GetTaskbarList() { var taskbarList = (ITaskbarList)new CoTaskbarList(); taskbarList.HrInit(); return taskbarList; } IntPtr GetMainWindowHandle() { return Process.GetCurrentProcess().MainWindowHandle; } [ComImport] [Guid("56fdf344-fd6d-11d0-958a-006097c9a090")] class CoTaskbarList { } [ComImport, Guid("56fdf342-fd6d-11d0-958a-006097c9a090"), InterfaceType(ComInterfaceType.InterfaceIsIUnknown)] interface ITaskbarList { /// <summary> /// Initializes the taskbar list object. This method must be called before any other ITaskbarList methods can be called. /// </summary> void HrInit(); /// <summary> /// Adds an item to the taskbar. /// </summary> /// <param name="hWnd">A handle to the window to be added to the taskbar.</param> void AddTab([In] IntPtr hWnd); /// <summary> /// Deletes an item from the taskbar. /// </summary> /// <param name="hWnd">A handle to the window to be deleted from the taskbar.</param> void DeleteTab([In] IntPtr hWnd); /// <summary> /// Activates an item on the taskbar. The window is not actually activated; the window's item on the taskbar is merely displayed as active. /// </summary> /// <param name="hWnd">A handle to the window on the taskbar to be displayed as active.</param> void ActivateTab([In] IntPtr hWnd); /// <summary> /// Marks a taskbar item as active but does not visually activate it. /// </summary> /// <param name="hWnd">A handle to the window to be marked as active.</param> void SetActiveAlt([In] IntPtr hWnd); } } } updated - without cycle updated - without thread sleep updated - with info output C# source Guru3D.com Forums - View Single Post - Another look at HPET High Precision Event Timer TimerResolution_2.zip TimerResolution_3.zip

@svl7 Modified

Command prompt (Admin) windows key + X Type "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning yes" (without quotes)hit enter>reboot.

Modded Nvidia nvdmn.inf for Alienware M17XR3/R2+M18X GTX 680M Dell/Clevo Drivers | GeForce Windows 8 - Disable driver signing. 1) Open command prompt (Admin). 2) Type "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning yes" (without quotes) enter. 3) exit> reboot. 4) Install>reboot 5) Repeat/replace with "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning no" reboot. nvdmn.inf_M17XR3_GTX680M_v314.07.zip nvdmn.inf M17XR2_GTX680M_v314.07.zip nvdmn.inf_M18X_GTX680M_v314.07.zip

There's no need to set a delay start with windows 8 native driver for Intel Management Engine. Launch ThrottleStop at windows start.

Lazy noo...sure you have better things to do, I usually do but...

Yeah I know it works, but the paths are different and when I used the same .inf like laptopvideo2go usually have issues with flash player/Premiere pro.

Modded Nvidia nvdm.inf for Alienware M17XR3/R2 GTX 680M Dell/Clevo Drivers | GeForce Windows 8 - Disable driver signing. 1) Open command prompt (Admin). 2) Type "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning yes" (without quotes) enter. 3) exit> reboot. 4) Install>reboot 5) Repeat/replace with "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning no" reboot. nvdm_M17XR3_GTX680M_v313.96.zip nvdm_M17XR2_GTX680M_v313.96.zip

Thanks, I'LL do that.

The USB FAT32 flash drive default upgrade is faster and smoother, update System Bios to unlocked A12 (Sata III fix) http://forum.techinferno.com/alienware-m17x/2279-%5Bm17x-r3%5D-bios-a12-unlocked-sata-tweak.html WIndows 8 is not officially supported "....a new BIOS came out just a few days ago but I believe it was meant to enhance windows 8 and provide working switchable graphics with Fn+F7." Alienware Staff member referring to A12 release. Windows 8 upgrade. After downloading Win 8 Upgrade with "Keep Nothing" option search for folder options>show hidden folders> browse C:\ESD>open it>copy all the contents to a formatted FAT32 USB flash drive and back it up somewhere else, use this tool to format Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way + very useful for firmware/bios updates. Windows 8 already installed("Keep Settings/Files" want to perform a clean install). Microsoft confirmation email download link with product key, when finished it formats the USB flash drive to default FAT32. SSD AHCI MODE (middle bay 1 aka drive 1 SATA III 6GB/s) 1- Enter the Bios, set AHCI mode. 2- Install windows> select custom Install (Advanced)>Drive Options (advanced)>>Delete all partitions SSD Drive 1 (including system reserved 350MB) until it is only unallocated space>Select Drive 1 unallocated space (SSD)>Next. 3- Follow these instructions "System Setup after Installation" Sean's Windows 8 Install & Optimization Guide for SSDs & HDDs Shrink System Protection 1% 1.19GB and don't Turn Off page file. 4- Shrink Page file>Windows Key + Pause|Break Key>Advanced system settings>under Performance click Settings>Advanced>Virtual memory click Change>uncheck "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives">Select the C: drive>check custom size> initial / Maximum size set both to 2048MB>click set>apply>reboot when prompted. Latest Windows 8 drivers. Chipset. Native driver. Intel Management Engine. http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriverDetails/Product/alienware-m18x?driverId=H0P3V&osCode=W764&fileId=2731100829&languageCode=en&categoryId=CS Intel Rapid Storage Technology (Raid) http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriverDetails/Product/alienware-m17x-r3?driverId=R302553&osCode=W764&fileId=2731118169&languageCode=en&categoryId=SA Standard SATA AHCI Controller (SSD) https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=22271&lang=eng Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Release 12.5.0.1066 is designed to provide functionality for the following Storage Controllers: • Intel® 8 Series/C220 Series Chipset Family SATA AHCI/RAID Controller • Intel® 7 Series/C210 Series Chipset Family SATA AHCI/RAID Controller • Intel® 6 Series/C200 Series Chipset Family SATA AHCI/RAID Controller • Intel® 5 Series/3400 Series SATA AHCI/RAID Controller • Intel® X79 Express Chipset TRIM check tool TRIMcheck: A FREEWARE TRIM TESTER Realtek card reader RTS5209 Realtek Qualcomm Atheros AR8151 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller http://www.qca.qualcomm.com/download.php?type=driver&id=73 Wi-fi Intel 64-bit https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=22741&lang=eng BigFoot Networks Killer Wireless 1103 Killer Gaming :: Support :: Driver Downloads Dell Bluetooth 375 (driver only) Windows Update Catalog (AMD64) Microsoft Update Catalog Bluetooth on - 7Zip extract to desktop>right click .inf(bcbtums-win8x64-brcm.inf)>install Dell Bluetooth 375 Software http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER01052616M/1/Network_Application_C71DK_WN_12.0_A02.EXE Touchpad Drivers | Synaptics USB 3 Microsoft Renesas driver device manager>universal serial bus controllers>USB Root Hub (xHCI)>uncheck power management. IDT 92HD73 Audio updated Windows 8 Driver http://forum.techinferno.com/alienware-m17x/3549-m17xr3-m18xr1-idt-windows-8-driver-v-6-10-0-6421-maxx-audio-3-quality.html OSD R3 version is the only one with no compatibility issues, even for R4 and M18XR2 users Driver Details | Dell United States Command Center grab R4 A02 (Win8) it works both M17XR3 / M18XR1(installation issues fixed)Driver Details | Dell United States Title: Application: Alienware Command Center Application Version: A02-00 OEM Name: OEM Version: 2.8.10.0 Computers: Alienware Notebook: M14x, M17xR4, M14xR2, M18xR2, M11xR3, M18X, M17xR3 OS: Windows 8 64-bit - Pro, Windows 8 64-bit - ALL Languages: Chinese Simplified,Japanese,Spanish,Danish,French,Portuguese (Portugal),Finnish,English,Br Portuguese,Norwegian,Turkish,Korean,Arabic,Russian,Greek,Polish,Italian,Chinese Traditional,German,Swedish Created: 11/28/2012 Edit: Dell fixed command center installation issues. Different packaging, previous oneDriver Details | Dell United States(both are 2.8.10.0 A2) 1 -Obs.before installing IDT/OSD/Command Center enable .Net framework 3.5. Program and Features>turn windows features on and off>check .net framework 3.5>ok>download/install>reboot>install IDT/OSD/Command Center same order. 2 -Important extract all downloaded DELL files with 7Zip, install from the extracted folders. This will prevent install errors and windows compatibility settings due to packaging. 3 -Windows 8 System image backup. To enable custom backup instead of all or nothing, Control Panel>Windows 7 File Recovery>Set up backup>select media>Next>let me choose. 4 -Nvidia GTX 680M modded .inf http://forum.techinferno.com/nvidia/3201-%5Bmobile%5D-modded-nvdmn-inf-v314-22-alienware-m17xr3-r2-m18x-nvidia-gtx-680m.html 5 -Optimizing GPU FPS rendering http://forum.techinferno.com/pc-gaming/3066-gpu-rendering-optimazation-fps.html#post42540 6 -CPU OC. http://forum.techinferno.com/alienware-m17x/2285-unlocked-throttlestop-alienware-m17x-r3-r4-m18x-r1-r2.html 7 -Start menu. Try StartisBack fully native StartIsBack - real start menu in Windows 8 8 -Windows 8 Dark themes fix AeroByDesign For Windows 8 by ~LiveOrDieTM on deviantART uxstyle X64 beta for Win8 UxStyle - no more patching. (Reduced black color w/ intensity slider) Obs.Install uxstyle core beta only after there are no windows updates left, future updates>task manager>processes>end task "UnsignedThemesSvc" ( theme binaries updates icon fix KB2751352/IE KB2761465 ) personalize>change to windows 8 default themes. This is to prevent black screen with flickering backlight after reboot and sfc /scannow is useless, create restore points/backups:mad:win 8 dec updates failed [Archive] - My Digital Life Forums Thanks Ballmer for Windows 8 design flaws. 9 -Windows 8 Dark themes fix 2 (Aero)Dark theme for Windows8 RTM by ~Nighthawk-F22 on deviantART (Themes only, don't use Aero Glass fixes) AeroByDesignSignature Windows 8 dark themes fix 2

M17XR3 Clevo 680m 80.04.33.00.10 revised01 OV 1025v OC 1000(993)/2250 reached 68 °C running 3dmark11 Maracatu Atomico.

Modded Nvidia nvdm.inf for alienware M17XR3 GTX 680M/660M + M17XR2 GTX 680M Dell/Clevo NVIDIA DRIVERS 310.90WHQL Windows 8 - Disable driver signing. 1) Open command prompt (Admin). 2) Type "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning yes" (without quotes) enter. 3) exit> reboot. 4) Install>reboot 5) Repeat/replace with "bcdedit /set {current} testsigning no" reboot. Clean install guide How to: Remove your Nvidia GPU Drivers. upgrade default. nvdm M17XR3 GTX680M v310.90.zip nvdm M17XR3 GTX660M v310.90.zip nvdm - M17XR2 GTX680M v310.90.zip

Great job with the Kepler vbios mods.

P-States enabled C-States enabled http://forum.techinferno.com/attachments/alienware-m17x/4714d1344610215-10-advanced2-advanced-cpu-control.jpg

Edit: Unlocked ThrottleStop for Alienware M17X R3/R4+M18X R1/R2