Alienware 17 r2 throtting even on latest bios.

hello.. just want to know if anyone still experience throttling on bios A06. I have noticed that cpu throttles down to 800MHz (on HWinfo64) and 1.1KHz (on intel XTU). I don't really know when this exactly happens because i was just using my laptop for video streaming, browsing using google chrome and play dota 2. my laptop was on for like 9 hours that day(day off hehe..). i always tend to run HWinfo64 and Intel XTU on the background to monitor temps to know if my laptop will needs a repaste. also the laptop was plugged in the whole time and on high performance. is there a fix for this?
specs:
Alienware 17 r2
Bios A06
i7-4710HQ
gtx 970m
180W PSU

 

isnt it downclocking because you arent stressing your CPU? Because that is what all modern CPU's do to save power.

What are your temps?

 

ahh i didn't know about that. maybe thats the reason then.. max temp since they changed heat sink is 89 celcius, thats play dragon age inquisition. dota 2 is 86 celcius. browsing is 60 celcius.. but most of the time while playing it hovers around 80-85 dragon age, 75 to 80 dota 2 and 55 to 60 while browsing... so no problems regarding temps.. im happy with them..

 

The max tamps of 89c is a tad on the high side but still under throttling threshold. BUt it is normal that during browsing the CPU drops to a lower speed because it doesnt need more.

 

thanks again for helping..^_^

 

no problem! happy to help

 

If @Olok use high performance and not balanced performance in Windows power plan so shouldn't the processor throttle down to 800MHz. The processor shall run full turbo boost 24/7.

 

hmmm.. i was thinking about that as well.. just now i tested, from 7am to 11:30 am the laptop was left on and i was sleeping trying to see if the cpu will throttling down as what @rinneh said but apparently core stay from 3.3 to 3.5KHz. so there is a problem here? it might be just a minor one but if anyone knows a fix that would be great. ^_^

 

Somethings is definitely wrong if your processor throttle down to base clock or even lower. You can ask @unclewebb in Throttlestop guide. Maybe he have the solution for this but I doubt that. You can run Throttlestop and use the logging function and give him the results. Take a trip in that guide and ask for help.
Not all is affected as you see in the pict.
http://i.imgur.com/MigyICy.jpg
This will never be fixed by DELLIENWARE. Never ever.

 

Base clock is 2.5 . There is nothing wrong at all with his system.

 

but if it goes down to 800MHz to 1.1KHz thats normal?

anyways thanks for your advice it seems it doesnt happen often so i will just let it off. ill just hope they will make a new bios that fix this kind of problems.. maybe @Alienware-Frank @Alienware-L_Porras can tell the dellienware team to make a new bios for this problem.. if this problem persist ill be back and learn about throttlestop. thanks again @Papusan

 

Every processor have base clock but the processor shouldn't throttle down to this speed or even worse 800Mhz in normal workloads. If so; something is totally wrong. Maybe you think this throttling is ok or acceptable but not me.

Learn about Throttlestop. It's a very useful software. Maybe read first page and then start from page +-200 for Haswell processors. Post questions on things you don't understand or want the right answer in this nice guide. As said in previous post; Dell will never fix this. Get help if this behavior With throttling still occur.
If someone said this is acceptable or normally behavior on a modern processor they take totally wrong. Good luck.

 

Undervolting the CPU a bit of can help, at least I never had any hard throttle (i.e. down to 800 MHz) on my 4980HQ (17r2, bios A0, 240W) after undervolting the CPU.

 

I've just been to the forum after a few months to see if there is an improvement and I am sorry for my rush because I haven't read all the posts in this thread but I do experience severe throttling with A06+180/240W when CPU and GPU are both stressed for a while. For example when I play battlefield 4 my CPU downclocks to 800-1400 MHz after 15 mins.

EDIT: I forgot to mention I tried every known possible fix including throttlestop and intel XTU tweaks

 

Nice hardware sig @orancanoren what about A00 + 240w ? I can't understand why Aw Echo owners don't get this fixed by Dell on warranty... Money back or fix the damn laptop. Run games with throttled processors isn't fun. The processor shall run full speed 24/7 no matter what you put on your laptop.

 

In addition, you can raise the back of the laptop with CD cases. It improves the cooling and also prevents your table to get hot and thus reflects the heat back to the laptop.
This + undervolting, I never had throttling to 800 MHz anymore even on very demanding games like the witcher 3 or running prime + unigine valley together.

 

I can't get the laptop fixed since it is a gift to my father by some company. We don't know the buyer so I can't transfer the ownership to myself. My motivation is that I haven't paid anything to this computer. I think after a year later or so I'll sell this laptop for cheap and get a clevo with an unlocked desktop CPU and a desktop GPU. Alienware, never again.

 

It is really strange, the AW15 & 17 motherboards are exactly the same. I dont have any throttling in any situation. So I am curious what causes these problems for some users.

 

Pretty simple. Either bad Silicon or still an unfinished bios/Ec. Several have also commented that HQ chips are of inferior binned quality than previously Mq chips. A lots of Hq chips have received a higher core voltage than necessary(I/we know this because we have seen different levels of stock voltage on Hq processors). This may indicate lower Binning of the CPU or Silicon quality. Interpret this as you will...

Much of the problems with processor throttling can be blamed on Dellienware. Not all OEMs have had similar major problems such as this. It could also be that Dell has been unlucky with a batch number.
If you search in the Throttlestop guide + multiple threads on the forums then you can see some explanations why BGA chips is a bad idea and why many people experience processor throttling Not only on this forum but the entire web.

 

For my the undervolt not help (17r2, 4980 garage, Bios A00 or A06, 240 Watts).

Enviado desde mi LG-D802 mediante Tapatalk

 

You shouldn't only blame on Intel, Dellienware have as much guilt as they wanted to go BGA and also created a rotten modern hybrid bios/Ec in their Echo models. Dellienware had other options if they wanted

 

It's a bad joke. My laptop should work well as advertising DellAlienware:


But when I play BF4, does this happen:


Yesterday I called support, detail the problem but the technical did not understand, the best way to prove it was playing BF 4 and so I could see the problem. When he checked the throttling, it is a bad joke, run standard test. All tests are for GPU, in support assistant, furmark tests and of course, everything ok. The next step was to format and reinstall the OS. But obviously the throttling still existed..................As it could not solve the problem, he called the senior technician and said: "There is no problem. It is normal, the lower performance CPU when demanding applications are used as the game ". WTF is normal

I was treated like a fool (the permanent throttling when I play is normal, this is a joke in bad taste), and also he told me: "Believe me, your laptop working properly all tests are OK. There is no reason for you to complain about the performance of your machine".

I can understand that the processor speed fluctuates, but I find it hard to believe that when playing my laptop down to the base speed sotck ......especially if we talk about a 4980HQ however, apparently Dell Alienware deceives us. If when we play a 4980 HQ (garbage) throttle to the base speed 2.8Ghz why not say it before selling. Lies and more lies ... when you call support not solve the problem in spite of being under warranty.

If this is so you do not need an Alienware, because any OEM can sell a mediocre laptop.

 

This is exactly what i was thinking.. if i go to dell tech support for help they won't do anything, it will just be a hassle. for me the best solution for this is to do a thorough research on the product that you are going to buy before really buying them. also i wont buy anymore alienware products after this. alienware brand just sounds nice but they are no good.. LOL..

 

What a joke... Perhaps Dell support team also mean that the processor does not throttle even when running at 0.8Ghz during max load(games) like it do normally without load in balanced power plan? The processors are also designed to run at 0.8Ghz .

 

It is ironic but it is a great truth, I think Dell Alienware is fully aware of problems AW 17R2 and its technical department does not know how to fix it. Nor do they know how to explain to the owners what is the source of the problem. Honestly I think it's impossible to solve a problem if there is a wrong diagnosis. For example, in my case, all the tests were for GPU but the problem that call for support was throttling of CPU. Explain many times what the problem happens when running GPU and CPU, also programs for tests used only to run GPU....all test results ok. Therefore, there is no support for the problem. But I do not call into trouble with the GPU my problem is the throttle of CPU. I wonder if they refuse to recognizing evil experiment with BGA option of Mr. Azor.

Although the support says that the throttling is "normal", the 4980HQ should run seamlessly at 3800 MHz but at full load can just keeping 3600 Mhz (with undervolting of core -74 mV and ThrottleStop). However, it is unacceptable that a high-end notebook to play with the CPU 4980HQ throttling the speed to 2800 MHz or 800 MHz. That's cheating consumers and this is a very serious fact.

Alienware owners affected by throttle problems we should collect signatures to demand a DellAlienware solution to our problem.

 

I am pretty sure that the 4980HQ is throttle because of too low temperature threshold.
Try to stress the CPU and the GPU with wprime and a graphic benchmark like unigine or whatever you like and monitor with XTU. You should then observe that the wattage will go from 47W to 20-24 W. It triggers when the CPU reach a temperature close to 80°C which is quite below the max operating temperature.

 

In my case (wprime and unigine) after reaching 85 ° the wattage will go from 47W to 25-27 W.

 

Ya, that what I meant.
They probably set the temperature threshold for throttling too low.
Since they did not repair that since almost one year we will probably get screwed forever.

 

Have you explained to Dell support that the processor should run minimum turbo boost (3.8 GHz all 4 cores) and should not throttle to base clock in games when you have set Windows power plan to high performance? Tested Dell support your laptop when it was set to high performance in Win power plan? Have you also explained Dell support that others with the same laptop model and i7 processors did not experience the same problem as you?
Dell support want to use the Dell diagnostics bloatware. This software is useless if you want to stress your PC to the limit.
If you feel that turbo boost decreases to much at a certain temperature point maybe a new application of a quality thermal paste and use of Hwinfo64 will help.

 

Having same problem with my 4980HQ 17R2, my work around is, f my Bios A06 fan profiles which is auto of course cannot keep the temps lower than 80deg then i do HWinfo manual fan full blast, and so far it keeps me playing here onboard a tanker ship. When Im home Im planning to use the Prema mod which i believe will solve the 80deg CPU throttle threshold.

Waiting Dell to fix the threshold limit is already too long, whatever technical difficulties they r having now i cant wait. I need to use my AW as i buy it for ASAP. Try some work around not to waste time waiting.

 

As the pict I showed in previous post; Much can be explained by a lousy job on bios made by Dell's engineers/partners.

Hope some Aw owners have learned their lesson now so that this mess does not happen next time they buy a new gaming laptop.

 

And you are definitely right saying paying more for the 4980hq was quite cheating

It is not that true
If they want they can
My 13 r2 6500u 960m does not throttle at all even under cpu and gpu stress test. Plus they implemented in the bios a so called cpu performance and fan performance modes that play on fan tables.

 

If they want yhey can... But what happened to those early 2015 Aw15/17 models? Nothing

 

Sure I know
I own a 17r2 as well

 

When I play BF4 my temps do not get to 80ºC but there is always throttling, so I do not know what happen. Something goes wrong and I suspect that Dell Alienware knows what. The solution to our problem requires time and resources that Dell Alienware prefer to use for other projects, but our case is very serious but as it is very easy to show that it has sold a defective product and more importantly, he has lied, cheated customers. If you are a serious company you can not say pay more to have better performance (for example the i7 4980HQ) and then saying it is normal that the speed down to 2800 Mhz when you play BF4. If the machine has no lag, freezing or off ... working properly and no problem. Accordingly, to pay more money?

In my case it is even worse, my machine is the third replacement (in the R4 failure cards graphic and sound, in the Alienware 17 failure card graphic GTX 880M --temps very high equal to throttling-- and now my worst nightmare the Alienware 17R2) and I obviously lost with this latest change. I can not ask for the return of my money and the computer does not work properly, the technical support does not help.

But as I said before, we can demand a solution to DellAlienware because this problem is not as simple as table fans, the problem is most serious is related to the sale of products high-end do not work according to the offered advertising. It was paid an extra for better performance one performance when you play is almost nonexistent

I explained technician that having the high performance profile the turbo boost is 3.8 Ghz but his reasoning was illogical, the CPU always goes throttle with demanding applications and that is normal provided that the equipment operates without freezes or turns off. So if BTF 4 is a demanding game is normal that the computer slow down regardless of processor speed is 2.8 GHz because the equipment is operated within normal parameters. In other words to them if no freezes or shuts down no problem, no matter the speed or whether or not turbo boost.
All tests were done with high performance profile but that does not seem important to them, also with the software testing only run GPU and obviously the issue does not occur. Misdiagnosing bad solution.

When explaining that I was aware of this issue other equipment the technical senior, he said: "We have no official knowledge of this problem. Nor have we had the same problems with customers". It is unlikely that Dell Alienware solve our issues of throttling if we AW owners do not demand a solution, there are little willingness Dell support for help.

 

Well I don't really expect Dell to resolve this problem one day. They do not produce units with 4980HQ anymore and they probably do not have the competence/control on these technicals aspects, at some point their are just computer assembler, apparently they don't even code the bios by themselves, they lose control. It does not change the fact that they committed a fault by selling units that cannot fully exploit the CPU.
The only thing they can do/understand system replacement under guaranteed.
So if your system die for any kind of reason you will probably get a Skylane version which seems to not be affected by throttling.

 

After this bad experience with Dell Alienware not want any more replacements. Alienware no more, for that there are other brands mediocres.

 

This is just so tragic that some must accept such nonsense. No wonder most of all power/Oc enthusiasts escaped from Dellienware when they saw and heard about the new Crippled aka BGA AWbook models... But try this.
You can test the Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool for Processors. If the result is a big failure Call Dell Support again. Dell Support can't ignore the test results from Intel's own processor test software.
If the processor runs under its fixed TDP of 47W in the test can't Dell Support deny that something is completely wrong with the processor.

Run Hwinfo64/xtu monitor in the background so you can see the result through the test. Take a screenshot of the result so that you have something to show to the Dell support if the result is hideous.
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/processors/000005567.html
So Dell support are unfamiliar with div tests of their expensive products?

 

Thank you very much for your advice. Download the program and perform the test, the default and the long, all without issues.


However, I can say that I discovered the source of the problem. I tried some settings in TS8 and I found the sweet spot:


After, manually set the maximum speed of the fans with Hwinfo64 and I played 4 hours BF4, the result was 3800 Mhz stable. As Ufomammut said, It triggers the throttling when the CPU reach a temperature close to 80°C. During the time that I played my temperature was below 80°C and only once the problem was reproduced throttling, this was when my temperatures are above 80°C.
In conclusion, the source CPU throttling is the thermal limit than Dell Alienware has established. A limit which is quite below the max operating temperature.

However, I'm not sure if that limit was set by Intel (hard code in the CPU) or DellAlienware for Bios. If by the latter at least we have a chance.

 

Most likely done by Dellienware... I can guarantee you that nothing will be done to fix the problem (see picture in previous post from me). Aw15/17R2 is EOL now. Dellienware have no interests to to fix this. Don't forget this when you again will buy a new laptop.
Ps. Have you seen all the complaints about the screen quality to the new rebadged Aw models? Have never seen anything like this from any brand... Some may get an approved screen after the third attempt by Dell. Nice.

 

Thank you for confirming the 80°C threshold.
We just need a bios update as they did for the new skylane version.
Once again with my 13R2 not throttling at temp over 80°C and different fans profiles available through the bios, I don't understand why they do not update the bios in a good way...

They clearly have QC problems, I heard about this yellowish screen stories but it is might be an Alienware subdivision problem. I never got issues like that with a Dell laptops or desktops at work.
Got the 13R2 which is great for for my need, but it looks to be mostly a XPS13 (with the QHD+ screen) supplemented with a 960m, maybe that is the reason why this particular platform works flawlessly.

 

I agree with you, Dell Alienware has no interest in solving the problem but it makes a lot of noise in social networks can take effect. The throttling of the CPU in the high-end notebook when you play it is unacceptable and an image is very damaging...I have no problem sharing online the Performance the images of my AW. An image is worth a thousand words. This probably is not important for DellAlienware but the future consumers should know when you have a problem like ours there are no solutions. For my part Alienware is dead and all the people I know will not recommend.

It is sad but true, the last major notebook was the Dell Alienware R1 (2013), it was a serious and exceptional quality premium brand. But from 2015 the new line has worsened in every way especially in the performance, nowadays is comparable the standard OEMs far from being a premium brand. The Business Policy DellAlienware to give preference to all types of consumers and he has turned its back on enthusiasts. No longer relevant with a key aspect of laptops AW: the performance (our problems is a clear example), the quality of the panels of the new line or the upgrade options.

 

lets try getting their attention.. they might ask dell engineers to fix the bios for alienware 17 r2.. @Alienware-Frank @Alienware-L_Porras @Alienware-Wasserman

 

Dude this has been tried countless times for a variety of issues....NOBODY CARES on the Alienware management side. We are maybe 0.238% of their client base that is voicing an opinion and for statistical purposes, we fall in the margin of error. If more people spoke up we might have case, but the fact is, the people that buy into these new Alienwares are borderline mentally retarded enough to believe whatever the brochures and Alienware tell them. There will be no fix.
PS: I own a 17 R2, i'm not just flaming for the sake of flaming. I am also actively looking to ditch it in favor of a M18x because it is such a POS.

 

Then you must not pay much attention to other brands. Apple has had the complaints of a "yellow" screen quite a few times on new releases. Phones also CONSTANTLY have screen complaints on new models.

 

Aw laptops have always had good screens (litle complaints on the quality). But not in the latest Echo models(complaints on the screen quality has skyrocketed). Either a bad batch or the choice of screen. Notebook Check also complained that Dell chose an inferior screen than its predecessor. Interpret this as you you like

 

Forget notebookcheck. I have had 8 alienwares under my possession. The 4 with TN panels (M17x/M18x) had zero issues, and the other 4 with PLS/IPS screens (AW18/AW17R2) have all had significant light bleed.