[m17x R3] Upgrading...

[christophe]

Hi (I'm new in this forum).

At the beginning of january 2012, I've bought an Alienware m17x R3 with an i7 2860QM CPU, a GTX 580m GPU and 120Hz FHD.

I use this computer to work (I'm a system programmer). It's keyboard is perfect to use !

I've got some fix with my computer I'd like to share.

Hope these little things will help...

Problem : The display could slightly hit the keyboard.

Solution : Add 3 low profile pads (4mm is sufficient) : top-left, top-center, top-right

Problem : DisplayPort problems with some FHD+ display (2560x1440 display) - the native configuration : 2560x1440 at 60Hz could not work properly.

Solution : Create a 2560x1440 at 48Hz or 50Hz to avoid the problem.

Problem : Freeze or blue screen without any solution ?

Solution : Just disable the internal IDT sound device (only applies to m17x R3). I’ve tried all possible drivers : no one could correct the bug (3 or more freeze/BSOD per week). You need to add an external audio device (I use an external Asus Xonar U3).

Problem : USB 3.0 does not work properly ?

I’ve never found a correct solution… use USB 2.0 instead !

- Sound device m-Audio FastTrak Ultra works fine into USB 2.0 (sounds bugs with USB 3.0)

- Sound device ASUS Xonar U3 works fine into USB 2.0 or USB 3.0

- Webcam Logitech C910 or C920 never work fine into USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 (it works fine with an iMac 2010 !)

Problem : 1920x1080 120Hz panel with strange colors ?

Solution : Here’s my own settings (need to be used inside the nVidia control pannel)

Red : 50 / 40 / 0.83

Green : 50 / 17 / 0.87

Blue : 10 / 0 / 1.00

Problem : Too high cpu temperature will shut down the computer (100°C over heating protection)

Solution : Change the cheap CPU fan for a better one !

I use a DELL DC28000AJF0 (5V 0.5A 10.4CFM) instead of DELL DC2800099F0 (5V 0.5A 2.3CFM).

I've found later some info here : http://forum.techinferno.com/alienware-m17x-aw-17/3479-m17x-cpu-fan-upgrade-mod-2cfm-10-4cfm.html

Old one fan and new one : http://imageshack.com/a/img855/9035/rzui.jpg

Some modifications of the new one : http://imageshack.com/a/img839/3178/w42d.jpg

The new one inside the m17x R3 with new R4 motherboard (but without thermal pads) : http://imageshack.com/a/img401/7682/pl3k.jpg

Upgrade :

I need to install (in the future) a more powerfull Ivy bridge processor. But the m17x R3 isn't Ivy bridge compatible : I've already tested an i7 3630QM inside my motherboard (no boot at all, no beep, nothing) but my 2860QM works perfect inside m17x R4.

I've have a post here : M17x R3 Ivy Bridge compatibility - Page 2

I've bought the Dell Alienware 0THTXT motherboard (original m17x R4 motherboard).

It's very easy to change the motherboard, but I've got only one problem : the screw of the Bluetooth module was very hard to remove.

I've reassembled everything (with my old Sandy Bridge i7 2860QM and nVidia GeForce GTX 580M).

I've started Windows in safe mode, updating drivers... Rebooting again, but I've got some problems with graphics drivers... The GPU is not detected.

I've tested the unlocked A11 BIOS... but the GTX 580M requires a modded graphics driver.

I've dumped the BIOS from a nVidia GTX 675M (found in a m17x R4 at my job). I've flashing my GTX 580M with this new one.

The result is PERFECT ! No needs of unlocked BIOS or modded driver !

After some days of my m17x R3 with R4 motherboard :

- The power requirement during programming session is lower, and heat too !

- Integrated audio works fine

- all USB 3.0 ports work fine

- I've killed my old GTX 580M/675M after modding the BIOS (I've used the same voltage and frequency from my 580M modded BIOS : 720MHz / 0.87V) and testing with furmark : At 80°C the computer stop ! Only 80°C ???!!! And it never restarted... My 580M is dead, RIP. I've ordered a 680M, it will work fine for a long time.

[J95]

Welcome to T|I @christophe

I've removed both Bluetooth/wifi modules, $35 upgrade Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260.

R3 traces...

[christophe]

Hi J95 !

Thanks for this info.

I've previously (in 2011) bought an intel Wifi card in place of original Wifi card.

One question, you've got a GTX780M with M17x-R4, do you use a modded driver and an unlocked bios ?

[J95]

Yeah, modded INF (nvdmi/1028) drivers http://forum.techinferno.com/nvidia/6307-%5Balienware%5D-aftermarket-upgrades-driver-support-modded-inf.html the 3D model is already set to PEG so the unlocked BIOS is not required, still I recommend flashing A11 unlocked for tweaking/OCing, first flash stock A11 then follow method 2 http://forum.techinferno.com/alienware-m17x-aw-17/1964-%5Bm17x-r4%5D-unlocked-bios-versions.html

As you can see my card reader is still 0490-1028/M17xR3 and the 780m/057B-1028 = M17xR4 3D, new factory sealed motherboard...

[christophe]

J95> Did you disabled the internal sound card to like the m17x R3 requirements ?

[J95]

Nope, the Creative sound card works fine.

[osmosis86]

<gs id="960195fd-9ba3-49a7-a833-38cbb75c7166" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="d27c73ea-4809-4a40-816b-673ade14c647" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">i</gs> need to try this upgrade. However, may <gs id="7136870b-2c34-4541-92d5-7d57acea7aef" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="dfa5eebe-6c39-44b6-838b-d49e30213545" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">I</gs> know 1THTXT and Dell Alienware 0THTXT motherboard is the same?

[umbrellacorp]

Wow this is pretty cool. I have a bad mxm port on my r3 MB and I'm looking at buying a new motherboard now and using the 780m I just purchased.

Edited January 28, 2016 by umbrellacorp

[aicragleon]

Same boat as me, except I have the 770m and a bad mxm slot of my m17x R3.  It is time to buy an R4 mobo.  We can now upgrade to the 900 series in the future and even perhaps beyond to the 1000 series if they make them in mxm format.

[namasral]

I am new , and my Nvidia driver cannot be detected and crash while connecting to my external monitor. try uninstall and use MSI AFTERBURNER, STILL GOT PROBLEM...

aNY IDEA WHY?