[AW 18] - BIOS update A02

[svl7]

First BIOS update for the new Alienware 18 has just been released, grab version A02 here: Driver Details | Dell US

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Before updating to A02 please check whether your machine came with A01, I'm still looking for a dump of that version. If that's the case please wait with updating and let me know so I can tell you how to dump your current version for me. Would be really appreciated.

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Changelog A02:

1. Update Intel GOP 5.0.1032.

2. Update Intel VBIOS 2175.

3. Modify load default behavior in Setup Menu.

4. Enhance secure boot function.

5. Enhance Panel information interface.

6. Update Microcode 306C3h Rev.09h.

7. Add New ROM part support.

8. Disable WLAN ASPM L0s.

9. Modify SATA configuration behavior for tool load default.

10. Add CMFC OEM Project Function.

[Riri-Fifi]

hello

Thx .....

[deckard]

I'm assuming this bios has no effect on the throttling issues being reported recently? I haven't even gotten my AW 18 system yet and now we have throttling problems, driver issues, inadequate PSU, GAH!

[Guest]

The PSU is not inadequate for almost all purposes. If you ordered 4930MX and 780M SLI and plan to do extreme overclocking, it won't be enough. Otherwise, it will be totally fine. Even with extreme overclocking, there are not many benchmarks that will completely exhaust the 330W AC adapter and no games will unless you are pouring on more power than appropriate or necessary. The GPU throttling problem is fixed thanks to John and svl7, and I am optimistic there will be a BIOS update to take care of the CPU power settings that prevent the CPU from running full speed under load. I believe your story should have a happy ending, but you may have to be patient while it gets worked out. This is one of the hazards of being an early adopter/pioneer with a new product... happens a lot of the time. It was like that with 580M, 680M and 7970M. None of them were without issues or performed that well at launch.

[Onyoto]

Hi svl7, I just got hold of an AW18. it was built last week and shipped with BIOS A00, do you need this BIOS version?

Also what is the precedure to dump the BIOS?

I could not see any way to do this using various windows or DOS BIOS tools. The supplied flash utility just flashes your BIOS without giving you a backup option as far as I can see.

To this point I have not tried to flash A02 on this system.

[svl7]

Thank you, I already have a copy of that version.

[unityole]

any chance for unlocked bios for new AW systems?

[svl7]

Yes, I can send you a chip with an unlocked BIOS.

Flashing per software won't work at the moment. I don't have a system to test it myself and most people don't seem to be eager to test anything.

[Onyoto]

I just updated to BIOS A02, and noticed the CPU fan is now always running. with the A00 BIOS it would switch off when the CPU was idle and had a low temp.

Has anyone else found this?

Also is there an application that can contol the fan speed on these systems?

[svl7]

For fan control check HWiNFO, I think @Mumak has already done some magic for the new systems: http://forum.techinferno.com/hwinfo32-64-discussion/65-alienware-fan-control.html

[Onyoto]

Thanks svl7, I gave it a go and here are my initial results! - http://forum.techinferno.com/hwinfo32-64-discussion/65-alienware-fan-control-95.html#post60155

I think many more hours tuning and tweaking are needed here!

[unityole]

a chip for unlocked bios!! don't got the machine and I likely won't have enough skills to use this unlocked chip.

[titansfan]

Anxiously awaiting whichever genius manages to unlock the Alienware 18 bios. Able to tune about 95% of what I want using Intel XTU and the unlocked 780m VBios but still missing some things like core current limit.

Good luck!

[svl7]

Already did that, only need to figure out how to flash it. Kinda hard without a system for testing. Or a tester.

[titansfan]

Already did that, only need to figure out how to flash it. Kinda hard without a system for testing. Or a tester.

[svl7]

I'll see that I can come up with some easy things to test. I'll send you an email when I get the chance.

[kh90123]

I'll see that I can come up with some easy things to test. I'll send you an email when I get the chance.

Hey let me know if I could help test out the unlocked BIOS too, as long as it won't break the comp

[BlackjackCZ]

Already did that, only need to figure out how to flash it. Kinda hard without a system for testing. Or a tester.

[TCollinson]

How do you install a chip to unlock the BIOS?

[kh90123]

How do you install a chip to unlock the BIOS?

[TCollinson]

Would it be worth it to update to A02 or should I stay at A00?

[Lee James Wood]

Yes, I can send you a chip with an unlocked BIOS.

Flashing per software won't work at the moment. I don't have a system to test it myself and most people don't seem to be eager to test anything.

May I have this, and what would it cost you to provide me with this please. We're talking some small microcontroller or the bios rom itself on ic itself ?

[svl7]

An eeprom flashed with the modified bios. Send me a PM with your location and so I can check shipping costs and tell you a total.

[Lee James Wood]

An eeprom flashed with the modified bios. Send me a PM with your location and so I can check shipping costs and tell you a total.

sent awhile ago, but haven't heard back from you. Any news? Did you get my paypal ?

[Lee James Wood]

bump. still now word. Also, where is the bios chip itself on the mobo ? And anything think using some thermalconductive paint to hold a new on be okay ? shouldn't have more then like >100 Ohms resistance... probably single digits too...