[Alienware - Clevo - MSI] Aftermarket Upgrades Driver Support - Modded INF

[J95]

[MENTION=5647]Lee James Wood[/MENTION] follow this.

BIOS reset M17xR4 Optimus 1- Unplug power cord 2- Remove battery 3- Hold power button for 30 seconds 4- Remove CMOS coin battery (next to GPU fan) 5- Remove gtx 980M -> 2 screws only, there's no need to remove the heat sink. 6- Reinsert CMOS battery 7- Plug power cord 8- Power on -> Beeps -> hold power button until shutdown. 9- Power on -> F2 -> Boot menu -> "Boot list option" UEFI -> "Load Legacy Option ROM" Disabled -> "Secure boot" Disabled -> "Windows 8 Fast Boot" Disabled -> Exit menu 'Save Without Exit' -> Power off. 10- Reinsert gtx 980M 11- Power ON -> F2 -> shutdown. 12- Re-install Win10 13- Windows setup hold SHIFT+F10

Warning: All partitions & data will be permanently lost on the disk

Already GPT, skip this.
Select the proper disk

diskpart
DISKPART> List disk
DISKPART>select disk X
DISKPART>clean
DISKPART>convert gpt
DISKPART>exit
Install windows

'F8' Boot options 'Safe Mode' & 'Disable driver Signing'

cmd (Admin)

bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy

-> reboot -> F8 -> select 'Disable Driver Signature Enforcement' -> Display.Driver copy/overwrite nv_dispi.inf -> run setup.exe

EDIT: BIOS reset: PEG/120Hz model will require 680M or 780M "backup card" to access BIOS settings, step 7, 8, >9

7- Install "backup card" -> Plug power cord 8- Power on -> Beeps -> hold power button until shutdown. 9- Power on -> F2 -> Boot menu -> "Boot list option" UEFI -> "Load Legacy Option ROM" Disabled -> "Secure boot" Disabled -> "Windows 8 Fast Boot" Disabled -> Exit menu 'Save Without Exit' -> Power off. 10- Reinsert gtx 980M 11- Power ON -> F2 -> shutdown.

[url=http://www.3dmark.com/aot/11880]NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-3940XM,Alienware M17xR4[/url]

[Lee James Wood]

And this will work for M17X-R4 and nVidia 980M GTX ?

Okay, I will go through this, in a systematic manner, since in your signature you literally have my exact specs save I have 2 850Pro's and run at 4.1Ghz all 4.

[J95]

Quote

And this will work for M17X-R4 and nVidia 980M GTX ?

Okay, I will go through this, in a systematic manner, since in your signature you literally have my exact specs save I have 2 850Pro's and run at 4.1Ghz all 4.

Mine is 120Hz PEG.

Warning: All partitions & data will be permanently lost on the disk

Already GPT, skip this.
Select the proper disk

diskpart
DISKPART> List disk
DISKPART>select disk X
DISKPART>clean
DISKPART>convert gpt
DISKPART>exit
Install windows

[MENTION=5647]Lee James Wood[/MENTION] the instruction above #326 are for the M17xR4 Optimus, PEG/120Hz model will require 680M or 780M "backup card" to access BIOS settings, step 7, 8, >9<

7- Install "backup card" -> Plug power cord 8- Power on -> Beeps -> hold power button until shutdown. 9- Power on -> F2 -> Boot menu -> "Boot list option" UEFI -> "Load Legacy Option ROM" Disabled -> "Secure boot" Disabled -> "Windows 8 Fast Boot" Disabled -> Exit menu 'Save Without Exit' -> Power off. 10- Reinsert gtx 980M 11- Power ON -> F2 -> shutdown.

[Lee James Wood]

Ah I see what you did there. Very detailed instructions. I see now having the "legacy" option, was what prevented me from using PEG. Did not know that. Seen whole new alienware logo and everything. I was like "huh, thats new.."

Don't know how to truely express it, but your help is invaluable. So thank you very much, thus far, very educational, and I will use it to help so very many others, I am sure.

[Zyzyx]

When trying to update to the new 353.06 I'm still met with 'could not find compatible hardware' ect.

I've downloaded GeForce_353.06_PEG_MOD.7z and extracted over top of the files in the \NVIDIA\DisplayDriver\353.06\Win8_WinVista_Win7_64\International folder.

Any steps I missed? (I'm using an aftermarket 980m in a M17x R4. Used to have a 675m in here.) Everything has been working fine with the current driver up till now (344.65 driver)

[thegh0sts]

I hope this means you got it working now?

[Lee James Wood]

Oh yeah, up and working, and getting better performance then ever. This is retarded how much faster the 980M is in dedicated mode. Its plain and simply silly.

[Lee James Wood]

I do seem to have nVidia driver crashes, and fans seems to not be stable. There are times my GPU with no activity at all, runs itself into 92C and crashes the whole PC. Then, there's times it works fine by itself. Very irregular.

[thegh0sts]

Have you tried win 8.1 in PEG mode?

[Lee James Wood]

When trying to update to the new 353.06 I'm still met with 'could not find compatible hardware' ect.

I've downloaded GeForce_353.06_PEG_MOD.7z and extracted over top of the files in the \NVIDIA\DisplayDriver\353.06\Win8_WinVista_Win7_64\International folder.

Any steps I missed? (I'm using an aftermarket 980m in a M17x R4. Used to have a 675m in here.) Everything has been working fine with the current driver up till now (344.65 driver)

thats an old driver for sure, like last year. Shit theres a modified driver from FOX on NBR thats just after that 344.75 and I used it to test stability when I am very power sensitive.

Anyways I think if you have the same issues I have you should go through the steps 1 by 1. And the driver you need, to modifiy, is just a single file, the NV_DISPI.INF, unless you got something fancy like a 120hz screen or 3D.

Have you tried win 8.1 in PEG mode?

I don't like windows 8. So no.

Also +1 to moderator, for STICKY on these, literally someone picked it up in a google search!

[wanttolove]

Hello,

I'm using alienware 17 R5 . after upgrading to 980m. each time I change from optimus mode and peg , I must install driver again. The internal speaker is not reliable, sometime it doesn't work .

Thanks

[Zyzyx]

Thanks for the reply,

I've determined my numbers are %NVIDIA_DEV.13D7 and SUBSYS_05511028

To modify the NV_DISPI.INF file with my numbers, what line would i need to add/replace?

I'm using Win7 Ultimate, but I can't tell which headers are the ones designed for my setup.

I am running Optimise btw (I believe that's the correct term) as I've got both the onboard Intel card and the 980m Enabled

[J95]

Hello,

I'm using alienware 17 R5 . after upgrading to 980m. each time I change from optimus mode and peg , I must install driver again. The internal speaker is not reliable, sometime it doesn't work .

Thanks

Switching to dedicated use nv_dispi.inf. Optimus, install nvcvi.inf instead.

Thanks for the reply,

I've determined my numbers are %NVIDIA_DEV.13D7 and SUBSYS_05511028

To modify the NV_DISPI.INF file with my numbers, what line would i need to add/replace?

I'm using Win7 Ultimate, but I can't tell which headers are the ones designed for my setup.

I am running Optimise btw (I believe that's the correct term) as I've got both the onboard Intel card and the 980m Enabled

• Disable driver signing.
  
• Extract driver using 7-Zip
  
• Display.Driver folder -> copy/overwrite the proper .inf file
  
• Extracted driver package -> run setup.exe
  

Win7/8.1

GeForce 353.06 WHQL

Best gaming experience for Heroes of the Storm
INF MOD v353.06
nv_dispi.inf: PEG/Dedicated All Models (including Optimus/M17xR4) excluding AW 2015 - GTX 980M , 970M , 965M , 880M , 870M , 860M , 780M , 770M , 765M , 680M , 675MX , 670MX
nvcvi.inf: Optimus Alienware 17 / 05AA (only) GTX 980M - 970M - 965M
GeForce 353.06 WHQL

*900M* driver regression, core throttling 135~400 MHz, vram P-states matching (only). Unfortunately NV messed up really bad, it seems that Kepler wasn't enough, testing our patience...rather than drivers itself (980 Ti release). Voice your opinions here Official NVIDIA 353.06 WHQL Game Ready Display Driver Feedback Thread

I have very little spare time, I'll try to work around it...shady business practices by Nvidia!

Feedback please, AW17/M17x Optimus mode & M18xR2?

Windows 10

GeForce 352.84 WHQL

This driver, version 352.84, is the first WHQL-certified and latest recommended driver for all pre-release Windows 10 testing.

• Win10 'F8' Boot options 'Safe Mode' & 'Disable driver Signing'
  cmd (Admin)
  

  bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy

  
  -> reboot -> F8 -> select 'Disable Driver Signature Enforcement' -> Install drivers.
  INF MOD v352.84
  nv_dispi.inf: PEG/Dedicated All Models (including Optimus/M17xR4) excluding AW 2015 - GTX 980M , 970M , 965M , 880M , 870M , 860M , 780M , 770M , 765M , 680M , 675MX , 670MX
  nvcvi.inf: Optimus Alienware 17 / 05AA (only) GTX 980M - 970M - 965M
  Windows 10
  GeForce 352.84 WHQL
  

Windows 10

GPU 13k NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-3940XM,Alienware M17xR4

- - - Updated - - -

@thegh0sts

Regarding Win10 blank screens, uninstall w/DDU (latest version). Switch to dedicated, install this inf instead.

nv_dispi.inf_v352.84_Win10_Alienware_17_PEG_mode_.zip

[thegh0sts]

@thegh0sts

Regarding Win10 blank screens, uninstall w/DDU (latest version). Switch to dedicated, install this inf instead.

The black screens were occurring in dedicated mode. Did you update your modded PEG INF?

[J95]

The black screens were occurring in dedicated mode. Did you update your modded PEG INF?

Nope, this is v352.84 Win10 driver. Just install using nv-dispi.inf (custom) above, Alienware 17 60Hz dedicated mode.

[thegh0sts]

Will try when I get home.

EDIT: I noticed that there's a few settings missing in the custom INF.

[mariussx]

I have an issue with using GTX 980m in dedicated mode. I can get it working fine without throttling in Optimus:

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-3740QM Processor,Alienware M17xR4

But if I switch Intel GPU off with Fn+F7, remove all the graphics drivers in safe mode with DDU (they are missing anyway, but just to be safe) and then install 335.06, card throttles. At all times, even without any overclock - just svl7 vBIOS. I tried setting the card on maximum performance, multiple drivers cleaning (enabling Intel, clean all GPU drivers with DDU), disable Intel, clean the drivers again and then install with no luck. The drivers always install fine, I have no issues with that, but the card throttles every single time regardless of what I do. Is there any real benefit in having the nVidia card in dedicated mode performance wise?

[Kedawg]

can someone help me with my new gtx 880m throtheling ?.... i have just get it and it is working really slow. put in in alienware m17x r3

[Zyzyx]

Switching to dedicated use nv_dispi.inf. Optimus, install nvcvi.inf instead.

• Disable driver signing.
  
• Extract driver using 7-Zip
  
• Display.Driver folder -> copy/overwrite the proper .inf file
  
• Extracted driver package -> run setup.exe
  

Thanks for the help, sad to report this didn't work for me for whatever reason.

Firstly , i did this :

(then restarted my computer as recommend)

Secondly, I extracted the downloaded driver, using 7-Zip, to an new folder :

Thirdly, I downloaded this file of yours, from your June 2nd post, and copy/overwrote to Display.Driver folder where I had extracted the driver :

And finally, ran the setup.exe from extracted driver, but was met with :

Back to square one ^^

Are there other things I can try? or a way to possible find out what is causing it to halt progression at this point?

[J95]

Will try when I get home.

EDIT: I noticed that there's a few settings missing in the custom INF.

Correct, if it still fails try using nvcvi.inf, yep even dedicated mode...

I have an issue with using GTX 980m in dedicated mode. I can get it working fine without throttling in Optimus:

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-3740QM Processor,Alienware M17xR4

But if I switch Intel GPU off with Fn+F7, remove all the graphics drivers in safe mode with DDU (they are missing anyway, but just to be safe) and then install 335.06, card throttles. At all times, even without any overclock - just svl7 vBIOS. I tried setting the card on maximum performance, multiple drivers cleaning (enabling Intel, clean all GPU drivers with DDU), disable Intel, clean the drivers again and then install with no luck. The drivers always install fine, I have no issues with that, but the card throttles every single time regardless of what I do. Is there any real benefit in having the nVidia card in dedicated mode performance wise?

Please try the PEG mod v353.06 or 350.00, "P-states matching" from here AW (PEG) Mod v353.06 GTX 900M Throttling FIX

or flashing stock A11 first and then unlocked A11 sBIOS, better use the stock card for this. Method 2 FTP http://forum.techinferno.com/alienware-m17x-aw-17/1964-%5Bm17x-r4%5D-unlocked-bios-versions.html

Once flashed, disable IGP and set display to PEG.

@mariussx

Edit: Set UEFI before disabling IGP and setting display to PEG.

Power on -> F2 -> Boot menu -> "Boot list option" UEFI -> "Load Legacy Option ROM" Disabled -> "Secure boot" Disabled -> "Windows 8 Fast Boot" Disabled -> Exit menu 'Save Without Exit' -> Power off.

http://forum.techinferno.com/nvidia/6307-%5Balienware%5D-aftermarket-upgrades-driver-support-modded-inf-34.html#post136207

can someone help me with my new gtx 880m throtheling ?.... i have just get it and it is working really slow. put in in alienware m17x r3

Install any driver previous to v347.xx. Options are v344.80 , v344.75 , v344.65 from here http://forum.techinferno.com/nvidia/6307-%5Balienware%5D-aftermarket-upgrades-driver-support-modded-inf-11.html#post116879

Thanks for the help, sad to report this didn't work for me for whatever reason.

Firstly , i did this :

(then restarted my computer as recommend)

Secondly, I extracted the downloaded driver, using 7-Zip, to an new folder :

Thirdly, I downloaded this file of yours, from your June 2nd post, and copy/overwrote to Display.Driver folder where I had extracted the driver :

And finally, ran the setup.exe from extracted driver, but was met with :

Back to square one ^^

Are there other things I can try? or a way to possible find out what is causing it to halt progression at this point?

You're using the wrong .inf, nvcvi.inf / Alienware 17 60Hz, nv_dispi.inf is the correct one (extract). First try installing v350.00, then v353.06.

GeForce 353.00 Hotfix

This is a GeForce Hot Fix driver, version 353.00 that addresses the following issues:

• Fixes a regression that prevented overclocking the GPU on some GeForce Notebooks
  INF MOD v353.00
  nv_dispi.inf: PEG/Dedicated All Models (including Optimus/M17xR4) excluding AW 2015 - GTX 980M , 970M , 965M , 880M , 870M , 860M , 780M , 770M , 765M , 680M , 675MX , 670MX
  nvcvi.inf: Optimus Alienware 17 / 05AA (only) GTX 980M - 970M - 965M
  GeForce 353.00 HF
  

[Kedawg]

Pls can u guys help me with this gtx880m i am in deep shit with it:(

pls i have this gtx 880m rom

[thegh0sts]

Correct, if it still fails try using nvcvi.inf, yep even dedicated mode...

nvcvi.inf did not install on dedicated mode.

nv_dispi.inf v1 installed but caused black screen from cold boot.

nv_dispi.inf v2 installed now testing.

No nvidia driver and it boots fine. I even updated the os just to be sure. Will report back about it.

Edit: doing a cold boot test with no nvidia driver.

[Zyzyx]

You're using the wrong .inf, nvcvi.inf / Alienware 17 60Hz, nv_dispi.inf is the correct one (extract).

That was it

Thanks a million!

I noticed from your signature you are using "CMSX 16GB CL9/1T @2000MHz" , how has that been for you? would you recommend it?

I've been shopping around, looking for RAM upgrade (no budget) and came across this.

Would this be compatible with my machine and run well, or is there something bigger, better, more expensive I should order?

Thanks again for all your help with my driver issue!

[thegh0sts]

Anyone looked into the 353.17 beta drivers?

[thegh0sts]

Looks like the drivers are still black screen on a cold boot. It might be the is and the drivers.