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    AW17R4 VBIOS?

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by Ranma546, Apr 28, 2017.

  1. Ranma546

    Ranma546 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just got my brand new out-of-the-box AW17R4 7820HK 1080 and I've seen a bunch of threads talking about updating the VBIOS but I have two questions.

    Is it worth it? (In terms of performance or more importantly thermals)
    And how does one actually go about updating the VBIOS? All I get when I search for answers is how to update the BIOS but nothing referencing a VBIOS.

    Thanks!
     
    Ranma546, Apr 28, 2017
    #1
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  2. Vasudev

    Vasudev Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Yes its worth it. Do a backup of current VBIOS if things go south during an upgrade.
     
    Vasudev, Apr 28, 2017
    #2
  3. Bowlerguy92

    Bowlerguy92 Notebook Deity

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    You likely already have it. Mine came flashed with it.
     
    Bowlerguy92, Apr 28, 2017
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  4. Ranma546

    Ranma546 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Oh excellent. I didn't think it might come with it already flashed on! I will have to check that tonight when I get home. What is the current version number I'm looking for if you know off hand?
     
    Ranma546, Apr 28, 2017
    #4
  5. Bowlerguy92

    Bowlerguy92 Notebook Deity

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    Should be 86.04.5B.00.8F ,A00 last updated March 2nd, 2017.
     
    Bowlerguy92, Apr 28, 2017
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  6. DeeX

    DeeX THz

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    Another way to check if it has it or not is to do either the new Unigine bench or do a Firestrike combine test only on a loop and check HWINFO64.
    If your GPU is hitting 190 - 210w then you have the newest vBIOS.
     
    DeeX, Apr 28, 2017
    #6
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  7. Ranma546

    Ranma546 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the help all :)
     
    Ranma546, Apr 28, 2017
    #7