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    *OFFICIAL* Alienware 15 R1/R2 Owner's Lounge

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by Mr. Fox, Dec 10, 2014.

  1. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    Porras any explaination for the cheapening out with the 180W PSU? Really now Dell can't afford 240W PSU? It makes them no different from Clevo with what they did with the P650SG/670SG..
     
  2. mdsniper7

    mdsniper7 Notebook Evangelist

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    owners where are your reviews? Im trying to see the how people like the 4k and 1080p screens.
     
  3. djcgeez2189

    djcgeez2189 Notebook Consultant

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    The works is still pretty quiet no reviews no unboxings or anything yet so still a waiting game but the more I research the im turning myself off these don't seem to be a worthy upgrade
     
  4. djcgeez2189

    djcgeez2189 Notebook Consultant

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    Yes, that's the wrong way to disable Optimus there is no switch for optimus you disable it by going into the bios and there is a setting to set the video to igpu/pcie setting this to pcie completely disables the integrated and runs 100% through the dedicated.. However the way gab systems are set up the dedicated is usually used as a slave and all video pass through is connected straight to the cpu and use the integrated ...

    I could be wrong about all soldered systems using this type of tech but in all my previous systems that use components soldered directly to the motherboard this is how it goes down...

    On a light note I never really had a problem with Optimus only ubbisoft games have problems with Optimus shockingly since they are the worst publishers in gaming outside of anything uplay related I never had any issues and it helps a lot with battery life
     
  5. silrave

    silrave Notebook Enthusiast

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    does malaysia can use? XD
     
  6. Oranjoose

    Oranjoose Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have been updating the OP with information as it is coming in. I've added an update log at the top so that people who have already read the post don't have to skim through the whole thing each time to find what has changed.

    With all due respect to Mr. Fox in that older Alienware 17 thread, to comment on the items it has:
    1) link to a review: when reviews trickle in, I plan to link to them in the OP;
    2) tech specs: that can be found on the Alienware web site, so I instead created a list of confirmed (by users) part models (e.g. manufacturer of SSD, screen, etc);
    3) useful teardown photos: if anyone has or finds a collection of teardown photos, I would be happy to include that in the resources section of the OP;
    4) full part list: this is often included in service manuals (such as the list in the Y50 service manual). Unfortunately, this does not appear to be the case with the Alienware 15. If anyone does find a full part list (not tech specs), then that could be a good addition to the OP.

    Just keep the solid info coming, and I'll try to do what I can to maintain the OP as a "living" resource

    EDIT: A couple years ago I would have created a full on review of the Alienware 15 by now, like other reviews I have on YouTube, but I have too much on my plate right now to adequately put the laptop through its paces. Sorry to contribute to the anticipation. Please do keep asking questions, and I'll see what I can do to answer them.
     
  7. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I agree with Docsteel. BGA is seemingly inevitable at this point. I'm assuming Clevo will follow soon. Skylake is looking to be soldered as well. Intel loves BGA.

    Luis is also a very cool Tech Support Agent. He has helped me a dozen times. Don't hesitate to ask him anything. But remember he's just an employee, lol. Don't flame him for Alienware's new "direction." :D
     
  8. TastefulTech

    TastefulTech Notebook Enthusiast

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  9. mdsniper7

    mdsniper7 Notebook Evangelist

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    hey dre did you go with uhd or 1080 and did u get the extended. Im tepted I got a tech willing to do 3 years total coverage for 350
     
  10. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I went with 1080p because even the GTX 980 (desktop card) struggles with 4k gaming. I don't want that stupid Graphics Amplifier, either. I just want a "mobile powerhouse." As for the warranty, you should get at least "2 Years of Enhanced Support" but I recommend more. See my post here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...ranty-option-worth-getting-3.html#post9899642

    That link should be of some help. :thumbsup:
     
  11. XtraChrispy

    XtraChrispy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Forgive me....I've never played Minecraft...but....30fps on a 980m is a major win?? I would have never guessed that game to be so graphically intensive? Or am I totally missing the point?
     
  12. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Maybe the question should be more like "who cares if it can run minecraft....." - I'd rather be locked in a room and be forced to pluck out my pubic hairs one by one with tweezers before resorting to playing minecraft......grab a console if you wanna play that crap :p
     
  13. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I don't believe so, no. It looks like only U.S. customers.
     
  14. terminus123

    terminus123 Notebook Deity

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    Yes please! Could anyone please answer if the M2 SSD drives are PCIe or only SATA?
     
  15. XtraChrispy

    XtraChrispy Notebook Enthusiast

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    I wasn't intending on commenting on the gameplay....rather the fact that something that superficially looks like an NES would so heavily tax such a powerful card?
     
  16. rojames30

    rojames30 Notebook Enthusiast

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    cool, My laptop shipped today. i should have mines this friday.
     
  17. adriano_banano

    adriano_banano Notebook Consultant

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    Hi everyone. Do AW 15 has an HDMI input as well as AW 17? How about temps with this model?
     
  18. Th4tRedhe4d

    Th4tRedhe4d Notebook Evangelist

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    Neither have it.
     
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  19. uofaboy

    uofaboy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Woohoo.. my Alienware 15 shipped out today and I should get it next week! :D :D
     
  20. rojames30

    rojames30 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I order my alienware 15 on Jan 16, with expected Delivery date of Feb 24th. i got a email today that says my laptop has been shipped out. I should have it tommorow
     
  21. tecton3d

    tecton3d Notebook Enthusiast

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    Too bad I just ordered mine day before yesterday!
     
  22. tecton3d

    tecton3d Notebook Enthusiast

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    I don't buy new tech very regularly and after a lot of research, I pulled the trigger on a base I7 $1499 Alienware 15! I've been a fan of Alienware for a long time but couldn't validate spending the premium until now where the performance and overall package and expandability truly provide a good value.

    4710HQ
    8GB
    GTX 970 (295X didn't seem worth the extra $ - esp, considering the GA and the fact that the 970 is very fast)
    1920x1080
    1tb hd @ 5400rpm (...really Dell... 5400rpm...?)
    USB OS key
    Alienware Vindicator 15" Neoprene Sleeve (when released)

    Honestly, I wish the 15 lost more weight and became thinner in a similar style to the MSI GS60 Ghost but considering I'll be using the machine for 3D modeling/rendering and some FPS gaming, the thicker chassis with a better heat management system should serve its purpose well and, all things considered, 7lbs for these specs is not bad at all (and is still better than my work Dell 6800M and gigantic psu). This laptop will be resting on the Cooler Master NotePal ErgoStand Lite to help with the heat and expand USB accessibility. Since I'll be working primarily from an external display,the onboard 4K screen didn't seem worth it to me as I'll be upgrading to a 4k external display when the refresh rates come up (if not before) as well as the fact that I hate glossy screens. I'll be upgrading the RAM and adding an SSD at some point in the future and depending on how much I get into gaming, the GA may even be in my future. Speaking of the GA, I am excited about the "overclocking" that happens to the CPU when the GA is plugged in... how much does it overclock the laptop (this could come in handy during long renders)?

    In a perfect world...

    Styling: Well..., they do what they do and this iteration is one of the more subtle versions that I've seen which helped me make the purchase. I personally would prefer an almost-stealth type of slab that is particularly understated visually and aesthetically but that's just me.

    RAM: would lbe nice to be able to expand to 32+gb as my model sizes increase
    HD: a 7200rpm drive seems minimal and expanded cache nearly a requirement but you can't really argue with 1tb of capacity
    Display: Why couldn't the 4k panel be offered as a matte finish?
    Keyboard: 15.6" isn't a small machine and since I'll be doing some work with this rig, a full numeric keypad would have been sweet (but would have thrown off the appealing symmetry of the layout)
    Thickness: Would have been great to have a thinner and lighter A15... but as I already mentioned, if thickness helps with heat and overall durability, I'll suck it up.

    I opened a Dell Preferred account and they mailed me a coupon 2 weeks later for 10% off of all new desktops and laptops (thanks Dell)... I nearly bought the newly redesigned and wicked Area-51 but wanted the portability.

    All in all, I haven't been this excited about a tech purchase in a long, long time. I hope it lives up to my expectations and I'll post benchmarks as I'm able.

    Ordered 1/20 - delivery expected 2/5
     
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  23. adriano_banano

    adriano_banano Notebook Consultant

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    Wait, are you saying that AW 17 R2 does not support HDMI in anymore? That was one of the best features over any gaming laptop out there :(
     
  24. XtraChrispy

    XtraChrispy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Has anyone discovered the make/model of the 128GB SSD?
     
  25. adipocere

    adipocere Notebook Enthusiast

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    Okay, so I got my 15 today... But it's having MAJOR issues... I did a clean install on an SSD which I am happy to report it took just fine but I cannot get the Nvidia drivers to install at all. Guess what, Dell's driver page had the nvidia drivers for the 13...winners. Anyway my MAJOR issue is I have a bad fan. Sounds like a bearing issue, it even vibrates the palm rest. Not happy, going to try and get and RMA tomorrow since I have the Dell RMA center on speed dial from my Alienware 13 issues...Just a really bad time. Otherwise the lappy is nice, very premium feel. One note though, the keyboard is off center, its really going to take some getting used to.
     
  26. Th4tRedhe4d

    Th4tRedhe4d Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm 99% sure it doesn't anymore. You may want to get confirmation from someone else on that though. It definitely would have been nice to have.
     
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  27. mdsniper7

    mdsniper7 Notebook Evangelist

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    Come on I know some people got there's waiting to see pictures and reviews
     
  28. Th4tRedhe4d

    Th4tRedhe4d Notebook Evangelist

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    I'll try to have mine up by tomorrow night.
     
  29. CSHawkeye81

    CSHawkeye81 Notebook Deity

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    Keep us in the loop, also you are pretty close to me so how long did it take from order to ship out?
     
  30. tecton3d

    tecton3d Notebook Enthusiast

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    Dang. Good luck with the drivers and RMA. Keep us posted.
     
  31. xxpmrong

    xxpmrong Notebook Consultant

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    just curious, how useful is HDMI in?

    youd surely want to watch on a bigger screen right?
     
  32. mdsniper7

    mdsniper7 Notebook Evangelist

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    can you give a sneak peak please!!!!. Like what screen did you get are, you happy with it. Is there a boarder around it. did you get a warranty. come on red just a peak
     
  33. xxpmrong

    xxpmrong Notebook Consultant

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    my order has been reset :(

    Ive been waiting for a week and the status was stuck at "order received"

    after i checked with them the sales agent gave me a call saying there was a problem with the initial order
    she cancelled the previous order and gave me a new order number

    now its back to square 1 - can the alienware rep here tell what happend?
     
  34. Th4tRedhe4d

    Th4tRedhe4d Notebook Evangelist

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    haha I would but I still haven't gotten to open it yet! I got the 1080p screen and no extra warranty. I'll let you know what I think about the screen as soon as I get to it.
     
  35. mdsniper7

    mdsniper7 Notebook Evangelist

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    yea im about to order but I am waiting on screen, cause Im getting the amp. Also trying to see on warranty I got them at 400 for 4 years with accidental.
     
  36. Th4tRedhe4d

    Th4tRedhe4d Notebook Evangelist

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    If you've got the money for the warranty then go for it.

    My MacBook died after 3 1/2 years (no warranty would have covered that) and replacement of all faulty components in the system cost a flat rate of about $320 (for me that included the motherboard with a soldered CPU and GPU, Wi-Fi card, and some internal cables); that's why I didn't go for a warranty this time either. I'm hoping Dell has a similar program, and if it lasts as long as the MacBook I'll be happy.

    Honestly I'm surprised the MacBook didn't die sooner because that CPU was always sitting at 99 degrees Celsius when playing games.
     
  37. adipocere

    adipocere Notebook Enthusiast

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    I got Dell to setup a replacement, 7-10 days which sucks but they offered a small credit for the inconvenience. I was also told that there is only one Nvidia Driver that works with the 970m and that is Nvidia 344.73. They don't even have it listed on their driver site because " The laptop wasn't supposed to get to the customers before Feburary" so they haven't updated it with everything. Sounds like a bearing issue in the fan but definitely there. Has anyone started an Alienware 15 troubleshooting/problems page?
     
  38. mdsniper7

    mdsniper7 Notebook Evangelist

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    Yea mainly Im trying to see what you think of the 1080p when you open it. I want the 4k cause of the amp but man if the 1080 is nice I will save the money. Come on red open that baby lol, if your at work go home and play it :)
     
  39. trooper1414

    trooper1414 Notebook Deity

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    its the best feature of my aw 18, the ability to plus in a ps3/ps4 to your laptop is god like :)
     
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  40. adipocere

    adipocere Notebook Enthusiast

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    :hi2:Hello All,
    I have started this thread for all of you eager Alienware 15 2015 owners. I have recently received my 15 and had issues that required an RMA, I wanted to create a place where we can gather and share information about our new machines!
     
  41. adipocere

    adipocere Notebook Enthusiast

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  42. silrave

    silrave Notebook Enthusiast

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    guys so the aw 15
    get any m2 ssd also can
    no problem right ?
     
  43. M1nh

    M1nh Newbie

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    Tell me more about it please.

    I only can find a coupon with 100$ off.

    Can it use together with your coupon?

    Thanks
     
  44. adipocere

    adipocere Notebook Enthusiast

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    I got Dell to setup a replacement or RMA for my 15. They quoted 7-10 days which sucks but they offered a small credit for the inconvenience. I was also told that there is only one Nvidia Driver that works with the 970m and thats Nvidia 344.73. They don't have it listed on their driver site for anyone doing a clean OS install so you'll have to go to Nvidia for it. The RMA is for a faulty right rear fan, it sounds like a bearing issue and its driving me nuts.
     
  45. M1nh

    M1nh Newbie

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    Can someome provide me some info about the Screem quality??

    Because I saw on Dell website it said Anti glare. I used a vaio pro once with touch screen and it so glossy as hell i can barely see anything. :(
     
  46. bumbo2

    bumbo2 Notebook Deity

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    Well, I Ordered Today. Estimated Delivery Date 02/102015 :D
     
  47. wolfscream

    wolfscream Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey guys, how easy is to upgrade the hard drive on this bad boy? RAM upgradability? Temps?

    One of the things I loved about my M15X was how easy it was to upgrade the components.
     
  48. silrave

    silrave Notebook Enthusiast

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    guys i not sure the m2 ssd stuff
    is this all below is m2 ssd?
    samsung 250GB : mSATA : MZ-MTE250BW
    CRUCIAL M550 mSATA III SSD 256gb
    CRUCIAL mSATA III SSD 6Gb/s 240gb
    plextor M.2 2280 256GB N/B
    which better?
     
  49. terminus123

    terminus123 Notebook Deity

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    plextor m6e M2 should be faster
     
  50. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Can't stack coupons. But you can configure a system through the Dell University pages and they will have about $100 off the regular prices already.
     
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