Area 51M R2 Time Spy and Fire Strike scores low

Hey all,

My brand new Area 51M R2 seems a bit low in performance on the benchmarks.

I am running with just the stock configuration. It is pulling around 10783 on Time Spy and 21734 on Fire Strike. It seems at least a couple of thousand below normal. Any ideas? All drivers should be up to date.

Thanks,

 

You may want to list the specs of your system and whether or not those are over all scores, CPU scores or GPU scores.

There are several "Stock" configurations floating around.

 

Look at my signature. It's a 10900K with a 2080 Super and 16gb Ram. Oh and those are overall scores. Let me get a link.

https://www.3dmark.com/spy/18507805

 

Some numbers to compare with.
Alienware Area-51m R2 Review by Spartan

https://www.hardwareluxx.de/index.p...im-test-mehr-leistung-geht-nicht.html?start=8

Here is a new one as you with too low scores but with the weaker 2070 Super. Maybe Dell screwed up latest batch with models http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...2-owners-lounge.832848/page-282#post-11080055

Be sure you use max performance power plan/settings in Windows + NCP.

 

Papusan,

I was afraid of something like that, but needed some input haha. Christ, if they did, I give up on Alienware. If I have to send this back too, I'm done. It's great and fast, has 0 issue running any game so it's strange. Any particular place I should look for the settings?

The score was higher with the non overclocked settings. I overclocked it to the 2nd pre-loaded setting and it was SLOWER than non overclocked. Weird.

 

Well I just found one thing. I went into the Bios and the performance options, overclocking was disable. It's supposed to be enabled from the factory. So I enabled it and we'll see what that changes.

 

That didn't make any difference unfortunately.

 

Hi. Nvidia control panel (NCP) Power management mode = Prefer Maximum Performance. Texture filtering - Quality = High Performance. V'sync = OFF. Use Windows power plan = High performance.

Maybe test out with same nvidia drivers as Spartan. I think its Dell drivers. But not 100% sure (see link from 3Dmark regarding Nvidia driver used). The result pict below is the same as from this link https://www.3dmark.com/spy/13296353

Run with Open hardware monitor open and compare results and temps. Post screenshoots as pict. And don't look you blind on the numbers in the red box in HW monitor. It show just single core boost.

 

Ok, so I adjusted the above settings in Nvidia Control Center and it made zero difference. I finally made a custom overclock, left the CPU as it was stock and adjusted the video card to run just a bit over. That resulted in 11k. I believe my roadblock is the 16gb of single channel ram that was installed at the factory. Spartan has XMP Ram and 32gb @ 3200mhz.

Getting ready to order some from Amazon. Would you go 64gb @ 2933mhz or 32 @ 3200mhz?

 

Hmmm. Doesn't you have 2x8GB Samsung DDR4 @ 2 926 MHz. Aka both slots filled? Check what you can see in Cpu-Z memory tab. I'm sure the sticks should be in dual channel mode.

Those ram sticks shouldn't kill the Cpu performance (physics tests).

 

You're right, I have no idea why I posted that, it was late and I was half asleep lol. I do think the 16gb and Spartan's 32 @ 3200mhz made a difference on timespy.

 

Made some progress. Interesting thing is that undervolting the 10900k by -50 results in better results than stock. What do most undervolt these at?

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER (Notebook) video card benchmark result - Intel Core i9-10900K Processor,Alienware Alienware Area-51m R2 (3dmark.com)

 

I expect most can do 70 - +120Mv. It will varie depending on the lottery. But something isn't right with your setup. Notebookcheck doesn't undervolt their test units. Aka neither should you have to do for correct results. The graphics score is ok but the Cpu is way off.


https://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Core-i9-10900K-Processor-Benchmarks-and-Specs.466211.0.html

 

What do you think it could be? Faulty processor? Is there another benchmark I could run for CPU that would tell the tale? Let me know if you don't mind, if something is truly wrong with this one, I'm returning and finished with Alienware.

I personally think it's the RAM. It's either very slow or something is wrong with it. I bet I could put 32gb of 3200 in it and it would skyrocket.

 

3DMark Suite's Fire strike test is good due the Combined tests (how ram perform). Same for 3DMark 11 who is a good test to show up Cpu performance (physics test). Grab the free key: 3D11-ADV-DJ72-S63F-PNHK-LCUM-SSSX

Cinebench R15 and Cinebench R20.

All those benchmarks is easy to compare with as guideline on how your setup perform.

If you have the paid version of Aida64 you can run the Cashe and Memory Benchmark. The free version is a bit limited but you will still get some clue how the ram perform.

I doub't it's the memory sticks or the Cpu. Please post pict of the Cpu-Z memory tab.

Edit. Checked your Firestrike results on 3DMark leaderboard (I expect the King Reaper user is you) and the Cpu performance doesn't indicate faulty Cpu. Neither for the ram. The FS combined score who reflect memory performance isn't very much off vs. GT76


Not top Cpu performance (physics) vs other computers as Clevo and desktops but not too bad vs. etc Msi GT76 who have same Cpu. But the graphics score in Firestrike is your main problem here.



Maybe a reset of bios and a clean install of Windows and drivers (factory image) could help. Aka it should then perform same as it come out from the factory (the way the reviewers test them).

 

Yes, that's me. I appreciate the follow up and suggestions. We'll, I just received this a few days ago so it is just like it came from the factory. I could do a reset which installs the image like it came. I did update the bios to 1.0.6 I believe it is. Oh and you mean without doing updates and windows updates that's how they test them?

As another edit. The bios had the Performance section disabled. That's for over clocking as you know. That was strange as that always comes enabled. Thoughts on that?

 

Ok a follow up. Cinebench 15 and Aida64. Not sure these were the right tests in Aida64, but seems to be on par.

 

Let me help you.
It's not necessary that bios is set to performance to have good results. If you use AWCC (wich i don't recommend) it will set it to the performance you desire. If you use ThtottleStop 9.294 (wich i highly recommend) to set your clock speed, it will work.

You seem to have an issue with your CPU score.
First thing you should do is:
1- Reset the Bios by restoring default using F9 and the F10. If you had to many BSOD, the alienware system will go in protection mode and run all cores at 37X. Resetting the bios will restore the desire clock speed. Using ThtotleStop will avoid this procedure. it will bypass this protection.
2-I noticed your clock speed during TimeSpy is 5.2 or 5.3Ghz. This is too much for this lapop. You shoud set all your cores to 48X (that's the normal operation for this 10900K) undervolt -50 cache and core (no more for now).
3- You should set your fan speed to maximum and monitore clock speed and temps after the benchmark (you can use HWinfo or 3Dmark details results) to see if you have an overheating issue. Your sytem should run 48X all the time during the bench.
4-Make sure you don't use any overclock settings in AWCC (turn it off in fusion tab) it might try to bypass ThrottleStop.
5- For now you should not try to overclock GPU or CPU. Your looking at stable stock clock. 11 to 11.5K in graphics and a 13k range for the CPU in TimeSpy.
6-Like papusan mentionned don't forget to set max performance in widows power plan but also make sure it's the same in AWCC.

Finally if all those things don't work, you might wan't to reinstall AWCC (most of the issues with alienware system is with this software). Your version of GPU driver is ok.

Good luck

 

Norm,

I need more help. This is a brand new laptop. I haven't changed anything. A few things.

1) The bios defaults to disabled for performance mode overclock. If I change that to custom, it changes back to disabled as soon as I boot into windows and the AWCC is loaded.

2) In AWCC, on the Fusion tab, the overclock presets, you cannot disable them, they are grayed out.

3) I have the default loaded in the bios as it came. However the factory service manual says overclock in bios should be enabled and set to custom from the factory? That's the issue there is no way to correct that.

4) Can I not undervolt by creating a new profile in fusion and use the slider in AWCC? If not, where in the Intel Extreme Tuning software should I set all cores to 48?

5) Lastly, and most important, so there is nothing wrong with the processor? It's just a bit too overclocked from the factory?

If that's the case, I am fine with the laptop itself as there is nothing wrong with it and I don't need to send it back. I can configure like you advised.

I've only had it 7 days and haven't used it probably an hour because I started a new job. I just want to make sure it's not defective so I kiss the opportunity to send it back.

I love it, but would you keep this or go with either the MSI Titan or the new GE76 with the 3080m?

Really appreciate everyone's help and look forward to your answers.

 

Do as i say in the previous post with the bios (never mind the performance tab) ThrottleStop will bypass it. Trust me. Now i am not sure if your laptop is ok. You need to have the stock score like i previously said in time spy. Copy all those settings in the picture and run the time spy results.

 

Here you go, didn't change hardly any.

The link online is https://www.3dmark.com/3dm/58915840?

 

Did you do all the things i asked you to do?
If yes then the CPU results is bad. Should be 13K.

Make sure both power supply are connected and working. You should see 570W in HWinfo


Edit: i highlighted all the settings you have to have in the instruction i gave you before:à




Also adjust PL1 and PL2 the same i have

 

Yes, I did everything you asked. Don't take that the wrong way, I really appreciate everything you have done. Just frustrated. This is the third POS.

 

Everything is fine sir .
I need some details. Did you reset bios? Did you undervolt with ThrottleStop? Did you ajdust AWCC overclock to off?
Show us a HWinfo print screen while you run CBR20 just before the test ends. Reset all info in HWinfo just before the test starts.
Score should be 6k or more at 48 or 49X.

 

Norm, that's the thing. I ran Cinebench 20 yesterday completely stock and received the following scores. Yes, I followed everything you listed step by step.

Again, this is just factory stock as it comes in the Cinebench 20. Let me know if this is what you needed. These screens are not using throttlestop, just factory stock.

 

Your CPU score is fine if it's stock.
What we need to see is this in HWinfo:
Reset before test and print screen just before it ends

 

OK, I will run that in just a bit and post it. Thanks again.

 

Don't look you blind on the 53 clock speed. Futuremark System info will read the max multi if its all core bost or TVB (single boost). This doesn't mean he run it at that speed. See my older post here http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-fire-strike-scores-low.835433/#post-11080296

https://www.3dmark.com/fs/23232880


In short... He should be able to run his chips at stock and get correct Cpu scores in the short 3DM physics tests (his scores in benchmarks as Cinebench seems ok). You shouldn't need to do anything. Not even need to undervolt for this to happen. Exactly as notebookcheck test their laptops (out of the box). Undervolt is for making your chips run colder under prolonged heavy usage, and to keep all cores boost clock at max. Futuremark benchmarks don't max out the Cpu in same way as etc Aida/P95 stress tests. 100% load is somewhat different depending on the applications.

Regarding Aida64 Cashe amd memory Benchmark... See my post here http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...ware-17-r4-15-r3.797653/page-11#post-10507393

 

So, there's something wrong with the processor then if it won't hit scores in Timespy, but it does in every other benchmark? Yea, I don't want to have to undervolt and all that to get normal scores. It either works or it doesn't and for 4k, it should work. I'm super disappointed after 3 months and 3 laptops. I thought this one was good.

I don't see the sensor data in HWinfo64 that shows the power supply data. I've looked and looked.

 

For the power supply data you need HWinfor latest version. You can also see power supply in Bios.
@Papusan is right (again ) when he says that Fururmark reports turbo boost for the highest core (single core) I didn't know that. Thanks @Papusan. So maybe you were running the test stcok then.

All your other test appears normal, other then timeSpy CPU. I personnaly think you have an issue with your settings not being correct in AWCC/ software issue but i am not sure. Please. post the HWinfo print screen when running CBR20 (now you need a little undervolt otherwise your CPU will thermalThrottle like crazy) set it at -100Mv core and cache and 48X all cores. You need 6000 minimum.

Edit: Just re-read the @Papusan post and listen to what he suggest. Your CPU score looks fine but run it stock (no undervolt and post picture of HWinfo, just to confirm everything is fine).It will hit 100C but it's ok.

 

Well after two days of non stop digging, I finally saw the problem in XTU. I ran the benchmark and the Thermal Throttling and the Current/EDP limit throttling was flashing. I undervolted - 100 and it stopped. And the temps in HWinfo64 and HWmonitor were in the high 80s. That seemed to not matter.

I just don't know, a new laptop that has to be undervolted to even work right and a 4k one at that? About ready to return and go with a different brand all together.

 

At least you can undervolt. But who knows what the future will bring with new bios updates. I’m sure bro @Normimb know what I mean http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...3-owners-lounge.770314/page-434#post-11081693

And their buggy software mess is now up in +34 pages on Dell’s own tech forum. The thread started up last year. We are now come into March 2021.

The latest update I found was stating there would be a fix/update for SupportAssist towards the end of March that should fix the Alienware and Inspiron systems."

https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware/17-R4-reseat-the-memory-message/td-p/7753621/page/31

 

So you are saying that when running a benchmark (don't know wich one, you don't provide informations) your CPU thermal throttles your 10900K...correct?
So if you undevolt -100 then thermal throttling is gone...correct?

Well then, my friend, your laptop is working as intended. NO 1 0900K can run cool in any laptops stock withouth an undervolt, with stock paste on top of that. Actually it would appear that this result is very good.
The 10900K is THE most powerfull CPU (10 cores ) on any laptop ever built.I dont't know anyone who purchase such a powerfull machine and expect it to worked perfectly without any tweaks and maybe a repaste. All other lapops your are going to purchase in the future (less powerfull) will also need to be undervolt.

Maybe this laptop is just not for you. Maybe the solution for you is a desktop because all other CPU from all other brand will need you to undervolt the CPU for better performance.

 

Norm,

Don't treat me that way baby Haha. I love it, if it's normal then so be it. I will repaste it today and be fine with it. I just didn't want to pay for something that isn't as intended. I do understand the 10900k was a very hot chip in Temps and wattage.

Your statement was exactly what I was looking for. As far as tests, these were the ones I was running. I only ran the CPUZ as 100 undervolt. Is that a normal undervolt or should I go more?

Below is the CPUZ screen. I believe timespy throttle the CPU on the CPU test part, but Intel XTU is what throttle and helped me identify. I will post that screen too. Thanks for all your help Norm and Papusan.

 

More

 

. I asked to provide HWinfo print screen when running CBR20 and you Provide CPUz stess test with HWmonitor.?
(HWinfo is more complete then HWmonitor, HWmonitor is a basic monitoring tool but is better for benchmarking since it uses less ressource. For diagnostic it's HWinfo all the way.)

I also asked you to download ThrottleStop but you use XTU Hum...

Now back to your CPU. I have compared the picture you provided and compare it with mine.


So your CPU is performing better then mine on this test.

Then i looked at the HWmonitor picture you provided and i am pretty sure i find one of your setting that is incorrect: Your windows power plan is not set to Performance in windows or/and in AWCC. When set correctly it shoud run 48,49X. Yours is running at 8X . User error .



Ok so for now we know for sure your CPU is running fine in all CPU benchmark test.

What @Papusan and i want you to concentrate on now is your 3dmark benchmark only. TimeSpy (you firestrike score was fine).
Run it without any undervolt, no overclock. And monitor your clock speed during the test.
Make sure you set your windows powerplan at PERFORMANCE and FAN at full speed. Look at you max temps after the test.

Post results.

 

Not so fast, see my post in page 2. Both need to be re-done. 3DM Firestrike graphics score doesn't match what to expect from 2080 Super.

Edit.
From review with the weaker power gimped 2070 Super

 

You are absolutely right (i repeat myself...lol) i just did a stock test and his graphic score needs to improve. @jpowell490 fire strike too need to improve. Don't forget perfomance mode
Here's mine:




VS @jpowell490 score

 

Sorry fellas for the late reply, been busy with new job. So I was taking the laptop down to repaste it to see if that helped any when I saw the last straw. There are 4 tabs holding the rear, black vent piece in place. One of the tabs was missing the screw and was broke off.

For $4000, I was done. It's crazy to get that problems out of that kind of money. So I decided to return it and go another route. Building my own and bought the following components last night. Should be a screamer, I will post these Timespy scores!

Intel Core i9 10900KF 3.70GHz (5.30GHz Turbo), 10-Core 20-Thread

ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 3090 OC 24GB (White)

ASUS ROG STRIX Z590-E GAMING ATX Motherboard, WIFI 6E

CORSAIR Vengeance Pro RGB 32GB DDR4 3600MHz

2TB Intel 660P M.2 NVMe SSD

CORSAIR Hydro Series H115i RGB Platinum 280MM Liquid Cooling

CORSAIR RM850x 80 Plus Gold PSU

CORSAIR Obsidian 500D RGB Case

 

Congratulations. Happy for you.

Discusting that you were having screws and broken tabs issues. For sure the person who built it knew about it. This happened to me in the past. Hum....it's sad that such a beautifull and powerfull laptop (well designed) was destroyed by bad quality control or eventually by future bios updates to cripple the performance,

The problem is: There's absolutly no laptop manufacturer i trust right now. So there's no other good options other then going desktop.

 

Normimb,

I couldn't agree more with you. Neutering a pure gaming machine and providing subpar QC is atrocious. I don't understand it. I love laptops, but you're right, none really that have any advantage. I thought seriously about dropping 4500 for the MSI Titan with basically the same specs and better cooling. In the end, not much sense in dropping 5 grand on something you can't upgrade and I don't really need a laptop, I just love them.

Appreciate all of your help again and hope to discuss future opportunities with you!

 

Good luck and have fun with your desktop bro. When in doubt, go 3090 (SLI) or go home

 

Here is one more in Dell Hell. There is some minor differences between R1 and R2 but the problem is still the same.

Area-51m R1, lags due 3DMark

 

wow. That's terrible throttling. Doesn't seem to be caused by thermals. Defective hardware i think.
Maybe an update bios with TCCoffset feature would fix it......LOOL. (joking)

 

Just wanted to post this, I just finished the desktop and haven't updated all the drivers, but the video and done updates. This is not overclocked at all, just stock.

https://www.3dmark.com/3dm/59503343?

 

Ouch

 

Haha Yea, not bad at all! I wanted to thank you all agaim for all your help. Maybe we can stay in touch and work on something together.

I'm close to that top score, might have to over lock a bit today akd go for the record! The temps are excellent, here they are in that run. The frame rate was even higher earlier on on the graph.

 

Happy for you. This score is AMAZING. I am considering to swith to a desktop in a future also. Kids are leaving the house now and i have empty rooms so maybe i will .
Enjoy the beast!