*OFFICIAL* Alienware "Graphics Amplifier" Owner's Lounge and Benchmark Thread (All 13, 15 and 17)

Wow, so I ran a real bench test for 15 minutes and compared cpu temps. With liquid ultra applied to my cpu, I dropped it 9C from factory temps down to 87C. With the graphics amp plugged in (and the 980m automatically disabled) running the same test cpu peaked at 69C. That's a huge drop in temps.

 

Try unplug aga, turn on, disable intel graphics, then try again with the aga.

Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk

 

There really is no need to disable intel graphics. Yesterday I had my laptop on, installed my 980ti into the amp, and plugged in the amp into laptop while it was on. Windows gave me a prompt that amp was detected and asked if I wanted to restart. I said yes and then it did its own thing and it worked. The AGA should be plug and play unless something is defective.

 

The first time i connected it to my 17 r3 AGA software detected it and device manager had it as 2 r9 200 adapters then i restarted the AGA software and all it does is a continual boot loop never loading windows till i disconnect the GA. I'll try a different bios but it does work with my 6950. I originally wanted my 7990 in there but I have the early 3 slot version from power color so i pulled out my 295x2 from my desktop to try it out.

 

Has anyone here seen someone with a 295x2 working in their GA

 

Well, I remember during the early days of the GA that someone got the R9 295x2 working, but there was a caveat. The laptop's screen wouldn't work because of the 295x2's Crossfire (Enduro doesn't work with Crossfire), so you were only left to use external monitors.
Given that you have been dealing with a reboot loop, I suggest uninstalling both Intel and discrete drivers (Nvidia and AMD) using DDU and installing the latest Intel and AMD GPU drivers from their respective websites. As for Nvidia, choose whichever version, but it shouldn't matter. AT least, this is what I remember from the engineering team telling me.

 

So did anyone manage to trick/hack the laptop to go into sleep mode with the AGA attached? it gets so annoying to disconnect and re connect i know some people have done this but how?

 

So, ran 3dmark with my 980ti hybrid in the graphics amp. I had a titan x in my desktop before and ran the same test. Titan X scored 17626 (pretty sure it was o/c, I don't remember) with a 5820k o/c to 4.2ghz and graphics score was 21090. With the 980ti in the graphics amp, I scored 16113 in firestrike with the 6820hk o/c to 4ghz and with a graphics score of 20075. Pretty beastly stuff. So as proven, even though the graphics amp is only 4x as opposed to the 16x pcie in desktops, the difference is negligible really when you take into account that the titan x and 980ti are almost the same (titan x is just a hair better). So hopefully this holds true for pascal!

Edit: More number crunching. Running unigine at my particular settings, benchmark for 1080p was 132.9fps, benchmark at 3440x1440 is 68.7fps, and 4k is 37.8. This is using my overclocked 980ti in the amp. Hopefully the pascal titan will produce some impressive 4k numbers.

 

The Nvidia 1080 is supposed to be unveiled at the end of May. Should be interesting to see what that will look like and if someone can test that in an AW GA. I've come close to pulling the trigger on a 980 Ti, but I'm holding steady.

Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

 

I'm going to assume the 1080 will be about on par with the 980ti. But even if it's the same speed, supposedly pascal will be cooler and physically smaller, so that'll be nice.

 

I think it will perform a bit better than the 980TI. Just as the 980 did with the 780ti. But kinda disappointed it will be fairly midrange to what Pascal was supposed to be. Curious what AMD will bring to the table. But hopefully this time with better driver support.

 

Lol, that's what every AMD user wishes for in each generation, better driver support. We'll see. It all lies in the pascal titan because every card coming out that generation will be weaker than it. So I hope it sets a high ceiling.

 

Hahaha very true, but a monopoly is dangerous. I did had some good experiences with amd in the past, but recently only nvidia received my money. But this will be an exciting year for sure.

 

hello guys i have a question. i have the new aw15 r2 i7-6700HQ,16GB ram,GTX 980m 8GB . i tried updating the firmware from dell on the system, after update i noticed my intel display driver is totally disable. i checked my device manager and its there working properly, dxdiag do not detect it anymore only showing my 980m. Also i used a tool to test optimus (NvOptimusTestViewer64) it shows no support in nvcpl to update optimus driver registry. this happened after flashing the new bios. How do i fix it? and is it important to (in terms of battery boost and less fan activity)

 

The one big question in the next few month will be if there will be a driver support for the new radeon pro duo in the AGA... if yes, I'm pretty sure I couldn't resist giving it a try :-D

 

I could be wrong, but I seriously doubt a 4x lane will be able to handle a dual gpu setup.

 

Not with the stock PSU as the Radeon Pro Duo requires three 8 pin connectors, and the stock PSU only has two 8 pin connectors (well, they're technically 6+2, but it's the same thing at the end).

 

I changed my PSU already, as I watercooled my 980ti, so no problem here. As I read, some users got a 295x2 running, so maybe there is a chance to get it done with the duo pro as well... would be nice
I'm not afraid of bandwidth limitation as I'd push the signal to en external screen anyways. I think the limitation is way more a problem if you want to push the signal back to the laptop.

 

I think about buying Alienware 15 + GA with a gigabyte 980ti waterforce ( http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=5683#kf)

1) Did you Replace the loud fan of the GA with you watercooling fan?
2) How much watt do you think i need 600W or more?
3) If i Remove the Stock GA front fan will there be a problem with an overheating psu due to the lack of airflow?

 

How exactly does one fit a 980ti Hybrid on the Amplifier and where does the radiator go?, if that's possible i would order the upgrade hybrid kit for my reference evga 980ti sc. Also does anyone here can identify the type of cable that is used by the LED, i think mine is malfunctioning. Thanks anyone for any help in advance.

 

If you go back to page 104 or something someone posted a link with how they set up the hybrid. Radiator just sits on the opposite side.

 

Hello everybody.

I have a 13 R2 with 6500u, after reading a lot of information about the bottleneck of the CPU, the 4x lane and etc.
I already have an AGA, i sold my 960GTX and now im trying to finding a new GPU. My question is, buying a 980ti the gpu will be underuse? Whats GPU will be better choice for this CPU 6500u?

THanks in advance

OBS: I don`t want to be the top 5 in benchmark, only want play games in full HD or be ready for VR.

 

Thank you, sorry for being retarded. Thank you sir.

 

No not at all. Before I saw the picture I was boggled also if it were even possible. There's no need to epoxy and double tape it down. I just have my radiator sitting on the side where the cut out on the case is. Idles super cool.

 

Great! Just ordered the hybrid kit, also went with your advice and ordered the Noctua fan, actually ordered 2 one for the AGA and one to replace the hybrid kit one as well, will share my results in a week or so.

 

http://kotaku.com/razers-notebook-boosting-graphics-card-box-arrives-in-a-1765215077

Haha, damn this thing is expensive. Makes our AGA look like a steal in comparison. But to the core's credit, it *should* work with any thunderbolt 3 port. If not, then oh boy.

Edit: To save you from the clickbait if you buy it separately it's $499.

 

I can't open it as it says you need to be a blog member to read. but at $499 I expect that it comes with a low end external GPU as you can get an AGA for around $200 now.

 

http://techreport.com/news/29858/rumor-razer-core-graphics-dock-will-cost-500-and-ship-in-april
Here we go.
If it costs $500, it's because it's a first. It costs $400 when bundled with a Razer Stealth.

 

Pretty ridiculous that they want $500 for an empty box. And I thought $300 was a little pricey already. Kind of feels like deja vu with VR. Rift comes out at $600 and vive decides to one up them by coming out at $800 after. (yes I know, it's got more capabilities packed in)

 

Well proprietary stuff turned to be cheaper so good on alienware on that, feels nice, but at the same time feels bad for people that will actually pay $500 on tha, dont think is worth at that price. Got my AGA at $130 brand new on ebay. Now here's an interesting question about alienware 17 r3 and 15 r2, is the type c port , usb 3.1 (10gbps) or thunderbolt 3 (40gbps), cause some people claim it is thunderbolt 3 speed. Not that it will make any difference for the razer dock but one never knows, although we have the AGA so not like we care much.

 

Can someone give me the Dimension of the Power Supply in the Amplifier (

 

Check out this video. Dimensions alone isn't the only thing you need to look for. You need the sockets to be in the correct area. Which effectively limits your choices by a lot unless you're willing to mod the case of your amp.

 

Thanks for the video, very helpful. Looking into getting a AWA for myself too.

 

yes it was on ebay , i decided not to get it.
ordered a new one off amazon instead seeing that i wasnt saving much if i had to ge the cable from dell.

 

Will the PSU in the AGA be enough for overclocking a 980 ti? I dont care about noise honestly.

 

I dont

Don't see why not. Keep in mind the power supply is only powering the video card not an entire computer system. I have the 980ti hybrid (built in water cool) over clocked and it's just fine. I didn't add any voltage to it but default volt over clock is stable.

 

Yeah more than 300watt is plenty for the card. It uses at most 250 watt if I am remembering correctly.

 

someone asked the size of the psu: it is 86mm (h) x 150mm (w) ≈ 3 3/8"h x 5 7/8"w which is an Industry Standard, therefore:

• w + h are always the same
• only the depth (d) / length is the changing variable
• these are basic desktop psu's (see caveat)
• the larger the wattage the 'longer they get'

In the utube, Antec 600 is 140mm depth-length = 5 1/2". It has a 120mm fan; a marked improvement over the whimpy purposely undersized fan you get in the AGA. Grfx card & psu internals will be happy now with the cooling-effect of added airflow caeteris paribus.

The utuber we can be sure is smitten with the powder-coated / painted 88% efficient psu, the event-free swap & the case fan mod; however, this is an out-of-pocket expense - but - it seems money well spent which thankfully makes for a now respectable AGA & a happy-ending Down Under.

Caveat Emptor: the thrust of the utube vid is a lesson on buying a correct replacement, based on the rear plug housing, while further info resides in post #1197 by @kakashisensai who has onhand swap experience.

 

Hey guys while we're on the topic of swapping out parts, has anyone swapped out the front fan with a noctua WITHOUT needing to buy a new powersupply for more connections? Was wondering if it's possible to splice the factory fan connection cable with the noctua fan.

 

I haven't read it, I just 'member seeing it; give it a look-see: AGA Fan Upgrade w/ Tutorial

 

Right on, that seems on par with what I was looking for.

Looking through the comments in tutorial, it seems there's an adapter that may work for those who don't want to deal with cutting wires. I'll probably order one to see if it works.

http://www.moddiy.com/products/4%2d...-Mini-2%2dPin-GPU-Fan-Connector-(Female).html

 

I have the 980ti thats in my sig and it overclocks with no power issues that im aware of?

 

I replaced the PSU, mostly because of the terrible coil whine. I could not find any standard ATX ones that could fit and line up with the power receptacle. I was unware of the Antec 600W one as previously mentioned. I chose the silverstone SFX-LG 500W because it is listed as at least a tier 2 PSU ( http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html). It could also fit without modding the case and was fully modular.

To make it work, I had to use some extra long (~1.5") screw stand offs ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/25-Standoff...-Smith-8259-/321963876214?hash=item4af68adf76). I also had to use a rare right angle extension power adapter ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/short-c14-t...ting-tv16cm-/251499311107?hash=item3a8e86f003). It is rare because the right angle had to be a certain direction, and most of them are the wrong direction for this power supply. I also added a rubbery support on the front end for the weight since the PSU is suspended.

Spoiler: See image links

 

Hello.

I received today my new gpu MSI 970 GTX. I tried to use it, but after the driver installation the windows 10 shows an error in control panel(Error 43).

I'm using with Alienware 13 R2.

EDIT: Driver error. With the Dell's drivers work fine.
My 3Dmark11 - performance score = 9981

Thanks

 

Hey guys, could use some help here. Had a 980ti in the amp and wanted to disconnect it. I unplugged it while I was in windows and computer turned off, probably because the 980m was also disabled so there's no display adapter. Restarted laptop and now I only see the Intel 530 in display adapters under device manager. Seems my 980m is missing. Anybody have any solutions?

 

Hello guys.

I use GA with Asus Titan X and BenQ G sync external monitor, 120W PSU, 4980HQ

My trouble that I have many BSOD with this setup.

So I want ask, I need install driver from Titan X or from 980M?

Now I use DDU, rebot in safe mode, delete drivers for gpu, reboot again to normal mode and install driver for Titan X and Win10 64, am I wrong?

 

Well I got a new card for fun and popped it in the AGA with no issues what-so-ever so far. It is a Gigabyte R9-390 windforce and it works great. I ran a few firestrike runs and a few small gaming benchmarks and I was able to get 10521 without any overclocking (not that overclocking a 390 gains that much anyway).

One thing that I did do was remove the front AWA fan. I had forgotten how loud it was. I have not run a full 8 hours of gaming on it yet, but from the several Fstrike runs I ran, it didn't seem to get overly hot in there. Did anyone else just unplug the front fan? Is this stupid? I would not mind replacing it but it seems like its a major hassle due to the small pinsize.

 

Check a few posts back. I linked an adapter that should connect a noctua fan into the small plug. I already ordered it so just waiting however long to receive. If you unplug your amp do you get your internal video card back?

 

I saw that adapter and figured I should order it (expecting long shipping times). You can't really unplug the amp once you have it running. You have to shut down the system completely when you want to switch back to integrated graphics... its not hot swappable like some of the USB-c adaptations. I haven't really taken it off the amp since its been plugged in... I don't see why it wouldn't just work as intended.

 

I advise you both to uninstall your current Nvidia drivers with DDU and reinstall a more up-to-date Nvidia mobile driver (can be from Nvidia or Dell). Do this when not connected to the GA.