[Alienware 15R3/17R4] Problems & possible Fixes

So since everything is a bit spread over all the other threads i think its a good idea to get a Thread with everything out of one hand.

I will try to keep the OP updated if we get new problems or fixes.

So here is the list of everything I found so far about the 15r3:

1. Throttling and Heatissues:
Every CPU and GPU Combo seems to be suffer from this.
Possible Fix: Repasting! The dell stock "paste" is crap!

2. Mouse freezes:
In windows the mouse seems to freeze randomly for 1s. Only happening with non-gsync 15s.
Possible Fix: Switch to "Discrete only"-mode (fn+f7). Seems to be a bios or intel gpu driver problem.

3. Crackling sound:
After installing the sounddriver from dell website there are crackling sound if using speakers or headset-out.
Possible Fix: uninstall Realtek HD Sounddriver and use the Windowsdriver

4. Fans react slowly if temperature rises:
Similar problem like we got with the 15r1. Fans react to slowly when the system is under load..
Possible Fix: This only occurred to me after I installed AW Control Center 4.7! Before that the Diagnostics in bios had thrown an error at testing the CPU fan. After installing AWCC the error disapeared but the fans reacted so much slower! Don't have a Fix for this now, cause I think it is a bios problem.

5. Lightbleed issues:
Some lightbleed problems (yellowish lights from around the bezel). Happens primarily on qhd/uhd displays (pls confirm this!).
Possible Fix: Some say they could fix it by disassemble the Display and loosen the screws or the bezel. This need some confirmation! Other options is to get on dellienwares nerves and let the display changed until u get a good one

6. Display flickering with gsync:
There is some Display flickering with gsync 120Hz Displays.
Possible Fix: Nvidia released a Hotfix driver for the problem. Should be fixed with that (needs confirmation and pls provide me a link to the hotfix so I can link it in the op)

 

Some remarks regarding all the issues:

- I also had huge overheating on my laptop (not possible to go above 3,5-3,6ghz without throttle) and uneven core temps (over 20° between cores). Fans were also so slow to react that it was going up to 90°+ before they turned on. After it was re-pasted with liquid metal by @Mobius 1, it is now stable even at 4.3-4,4 GHz, the cpu lost 25°+, core temps are within 2° of each other, and fans kicking in late is not an issue anymore as the temps are low enough (I have seen idle temps in the high 20s very often). Everything got solved from that side.

- I didn't have mouse freeze issues yet.

- No crackling sound either but I haven't listened a lot to music so it might happen.

- I have some light-bleeding issues on the 4k screen, but it's quite minor and isolated on the bottom left corner mainly.

- I had one bios crash today (checksum error and bios reset to default), probably because of software overclocking instead of bios overclocking. I cannot replicate it.

 

Flickering with the Gsyncs: Obviously a software issue, apparently resolved with new nVidia hotfixed drivers. Anyone could confirm please?

 

One note on the mouse freeze, is it the trackpad? On my 17 the trackpad will freeze if I am trying to press multiple keys and also use the trackpad.

 

Yes, its the track-pad software. Turn off palm rejection and the mouse will work while typing/gaming.

 

Got some news for you who are expecting Bios update to reduce temps from Alienware Tech support. Lol

Engineering releases a new BIOS every time they find something that needs improvement, however since this temperatures are approved by Intel for this processor, most likely there won't be a version to reduce them.

Lol so Alienware is lying then about having an amazing cooling system then, no?

Sent from my E6853 using Tapatalk

 

I was testing my Alienware 15 r3 earlier today and for some reason i couldn't play any games without fps lags even simple games that it should run without any problems.

After a couple of hours troubleshooting with no explanation i browsed around notebookreview forums to see if anybody else is having the same problem and came across this thread and tried the Switch to "Discrete only"-mode (fn+f7). and it totally fixed my problem and it even gave me around 50-60 fps more.

No idea if its nvidia optimus not working properly or something is wrong with the integrated graphics card. Maybe it actually never tried to use my nvidia card even tho i selected it in the nvidia control panel for each game i tried.

Anyways just wanted to say thx

 

Hello everyone !
Biggie Savage here, just received my Alienware 15 r3 as I enjoyed the scene of owning my first Alienware piece or a device that's $1000+

I download ESO and Gears of war 4
I came across with my fans kicking in instantly but! 8 wanted to know if it's normal when my CPU shoots to 100%? I'm trying so hard to figure out what's he deal here ... I used the reset for the OS but still same :/ anyone having this issue too ?? My desktop that's 4 years old runs quieter and better than what I'm down so I know there has to be something wrong !

Inbox me here or on windows !!
[email protected] thank you everyone !!