*OFFICIAL* Alienware 15 R4 Owner's Lounge

Ah, well I bought my new laptop without G-sync, so I guess I'll be suffering from the same issue as it was on my Echo 13 R1.

 

Sadly yes but this is more sort of like a test case to see if my hypothesis works. If it does, I'm going to proceed to engineer a more viable option for more people. But if you want to extract all the performance out of your AW, you need to get your hands dirty.

 

Keep up the modding work!

 

My system replacement arrives tomorrow after almost 2 months...

Original system 15r2
6820HK
512 nvme SSD
3840x2160 screen
16GB ram
980M

New system offered in early Oct:
15r4
I9 8950HK
1070OC
512NVME, 1 TB HD
16 GB ram
3840x2160 Gsync screen

I bought the aero 15x deal from Adorama on ebay that ended up being 1360 after the ebay coupon, rebate and Samsung pay cash back due to the long wait - 8750 h, GTX 1070 max q, 16gb, 512ssd, 144hz fhd panel. That one arrived today. Time to decide which one to sell and which one to keep!

 

Hello people,
I just wanted to share with you that i finally was able to get a good system from Alienware. After 3 system exchange, 6 MB and HS replacement. At least 15 repaste attempts, using Kryonaut, Conductonaut and MX4.
My config is: 8750H and 1070GTX, TN G-Sync. Bios is 1.5.1. UV is -165core and cache, intel GPU -73,2 uv. Performance mode in awcc for fan. LM for CPU and MX4 for GPU.

OCCT= 73 max temps (all cores 3.9 all the time)
FC5= Max temps of 86C, (all cores 3.9 all the time, no thermal trhotling)
BF1= Max temps 0f 84C. (same thing for all cores.)
CB15= 63C max temp and 1294 is my best score.
NO BSOD

Those temps are 10C lower compare to what i ever achieve with previous system after repaste.
My pch temps are low on this system compare to the previous system (max 70C after an hour of gaming) but my GPU temps reached 84C no mather wich paste i used.which was: Kryonaut, conductonaut and MX4.

Hope this helps anyone trying to find a solution for those overheating system. I really hope it last.

 

I think your current configurations became less efficient at cooling the GPU and thats why the CPU temperatures are lower. Because it is an unified heatsink, both components influence eachother. You can only can get real good experiences by changing the thermal pads to softer pads so that the heatsink has better pressure on the chip dies.

 

What i don't understand is that Dell original paste for GPU (i thinks it's a stamp) had better temperatures. It would no exceed 77C compare to the max of 84C on aida stress test GPU + FPU.
My max results for different paste were:
LM=82c
Kryonaut=81C with just little and 84C with more paste.
MX4= 84C

I have to disagree with your statement that says GPU hight temps seems to lower the CPU temps. Because if you looked at my results in CB15 and OCCT that stresses only the CPU you will notice very low temps. I believe i received an excellent CPU and PCH chips but a moderate GPU chips. As for changing pads i have tested in the past Fujipoly extreme and Artic without any improvment, My next try will probably be Phobya nanogrease extreme for GPU and see if it improves my temps for GPU. Right now i am very happy to be abble to play games like FC5 with max temps mid 80s.

 

Tests that stress either cpu or gpu only are useless. The heatsink is shared. So during actual use like gaming when both GPU and CPU is stressed the temps will be higher than these solo tests.

So GPU getting lower temps will also cause CPU to get lower temps (vice versa) during actual use.

 

Trying to install the graphics amp software on my 15r4 and I keep getting a pop up saying this device is not supported and installation is aborted. Any thoughts?

 

That's odd! Didn't you install OSD app?

 

Yes

 

I agree. That is why i tested both. CPU only to compare temps with my previous systems and Gaming (CPU + GPU in shared heatsink) in wich i got, (i believe) good results in Far cry 5 and BF1. I would certainly get better results if i could find a solution to reduce GPU temps and my next step will be to try phobya nanogrease extreme. will see.

 

It should be available on latest AW Command center. Do you see any AW Graphics amp service in services.msc?

 

Does it automatically install with command center?

 

You must also install GeForce experience now to enable the AGA


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It is something I experienced myself. While I was testing various thermal pads past summer, I repadded with arctic pads first, those where slightly too thick and not compressing enough. This caused the GPU to run at 85c unlike the usual 70~75c that it was running at. But the CPU temps where quite a bit lower because of that. The CPU temps are always low even when the contact is poor because it suddenly has more cooling capacity to its disposal because the GPU wasnt running as well.

as @nemoris said, its a shared heatsink, both components have strong influence on eachother their temps and non optimal balancing can cause this.

 

Have you installed Dock accessory UWP kit?

 

OK, At this point I really wanted to ask where we can get an entire list of UWP apps on the Microsoft Store that we need to install/update?

 

So what all do we need to install to install the AMP them. This is ridiculous. It was easy on my 15r2...

 

Installed all that other crap and still getting the same thing about not being supported on my system. Alienware tech support is also f...ing useless.

 

Even I don't know. You need to download those kits from Dell and they'll redirect to correct download in MSFT store.
All I know is everything is UWP including Touchpad,AW CC, OC controls, Thuunderbolt 3/USB C,Audio, GPU, Dell SWs, firmware/BIOS and list goes on....

 

You need them to find on your own as me,VICKYGAMEBOY are searching and testing each and every drivers so that boot time is minimal when UWP driver is used. At least thanks to latest driver UWP my old laptop boots under 30 sec as opposed to 1 min.
Takes hell lot of time to test and see if it causes any issues in long term usage.

 

So no one knows specifically how to get the amp installed on the 15r4? It is just, "find them on your own" and trial and error?

 

Grab revo free and in options check off Show system components. Type Alienware or Dell in search bar and send me a screenie. Let me take a look. I'll let you know tomorrow evening.

 

Trying Dell tech support again- here is the error the keeps popping up. They are indicating they might need to replace the MB.... Oh and the screen needs to be replaced again - does dell do any quality control anymore???

 

Your model doesn't need it. That is for 17 r4. You might need this:
https://www.dell.com/support/home/i...XW6C&osCode=WT64A&productCode=alienware-17-r5

 

Did you install nvidia GeForce Experience as I mentioned earlier?

This is a hard requirement to enable eGPU.


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Yes. Dell tech trying to install the amp now. They are indicating if this does not work they will request a MB exchange. I am a little apprehensive on that.

 

Thanks. That is the software that Dell sent yesterday. Lets see if they have better luck.

 

Those aren’t Dell techs and the guy has probably never seen the AGA before. It’s a third party company that does all sorts of on site repair.

If you mean you’re on the phone with support well I wouldn’t expect much that way either. Those guys probably don’t have these at home so you should know more just from being on this forum


After installing GeForce experience did you shut down the system before connecting the AGA? Also, did it have the GPU in it?


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I will try again after the call. They have to come out again and replace the LCD panel anyway and if I get the amp working I will decline the MB replacement. Not looking forward to a refurb motherboard in a new machine, especially with the 8950HK as mine seems decent with only a couple degrees temp variation between cores.

 

I understant better your point now. GPU high temp = max cooling in a shared heatsing so CPU benefits from this extra cooling. I will try to undervolt the GPU (not yet sure how to do that) to reduce GPU temps and see if CPU temps increase after that. If it increase CPU temps, it will proove your point (i believe). I will test while gaming FC5 which give this system most trouble.

And also i forgot to mention that even if i beleve this system is better it has failed Aida 64 (FPU+GPU) test with 2% thermal throttling and an average 36x on cores. Can't maintain 39x core. Max CPU temps were 94C and GPU 86C in this test.

 

Hello again @rinneh,
So i was able to undervolt the GPU (i had max 85C before) to 76C max. The effect on the CPU was: -5C drop in temps.
I tested in games for 3 days playing FC5 and BF1. I must conclude that HIGH GPU temps makes HIGHER CPU temps.
So i also conclude that this system (maybe my 8TH 15r4) is a GOOD ONE....finally.

CPU max temps while playing FC5 were: 82C avg 69C
CPU max temps while playing BF1 were: 78C avg 68C
My setting is: -165mv core and cache, LM conductonaut CPU, MX4 GPU (but kryonaut was better by 2C), Undervolt GPU using msi curve (1800mhz at 862MV) performance fan profile in awcc. bios 1.5.1.
All cores were runnig at 39x while gaming, frames were at 120 and stable for hours.
CB15= 1294 (in priority mode) with temps of 63c max
Fire strike score: 15500 (GPU only at 17600 for graphic because of undervolt but still acceptable) but CPU at 16600.

My advice: No need to repad those system with expensive thermal pads. It's not as effective as the previous generation. LM is a must for those CPU and Kryonaut seems to be the best for the GPU. Don't bent the arm 1. Replace MB + HS untill you get a good system. Test CPU alone with occt to find out if your system is good because GPU are all about the same.

 

New to all these acronyms, what are they?

 

Which ones?


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So I've tried three different pastes now. Kryonaut, Phobya & Gelid GC Extreme.

Had best results with Gelid, It's got Kryonaut on it atm since i keep wanting to give it a chance, but during gaming the CPU is hitting 95c and the GPU is throttling to hell at 90c (Its dropping to 950 Mhz sometimes).

Is this enough that I should probably just either A) Contact dell and get them to replace my heat sink or B) buy some after market thermal pads?

I'd really rather not buy pads, I've already spent so much on paste but I am beyond done having to fight with this ****. This GPU is amazing. Clocks up to 1900~Mhz before it starts throttling. I Can only assume people who have successfully gotten their GPU to cap at 70-80 are seeing the full power of their GPU at full clocks. I'd love to be able to do the same.

 

Either your pads are causing uneven contact or the heat sink is bad.

Do the pads all have about the same level of indentation? If so it’s time to get a new heat sink


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All of them.

The fact that my shipment of my laptop is delayed to Monday, means that I probably won't get to open the box. Easily because I'm in Smash Bros.

 

Oh great, FedEx now removed the scheduled delivery time, and now it's Pending. Looks like it will be a looooooooog time before I get my laptop. Should've just eaten up the cost for shipping with a faster time instead of going with the free shipping.

 

Got my laptop. Had to go back to the mailing destination to retrieve it and miss my train home.

 

After trying out the laptop for a bit, these are my initial thoughts:

Pros:

• The palm rests on either side of the trackpad is much larger than my previous Alienware 13 R1, so it feels nicer type stuffs.
• The back side of the laptop has its butt pushed out, which helps with my screen lid to pushed a bit back to adjust the angle, without fear of pushing the lid too far and scraping against the wall.
• The screen TN panel is definitely much brighter and vibrant than my IPS monitor. Either that, or I don't know how to change the colors.

Cons:

• Because of the extra column of keys on the left side, typing feels off. It feels as if I have to readjust my seat and shift to the right.
• I regret not buying the per-key lighting. It was $30 extra...
• It is really heavy. It made my arm sore when carrying the laptop with the Alienware sleeve in one hand. This is not like my previous Alienware 13 R1, which is really light when relatively compared.
• Due to the internal airflow designs, the left-most side (near the corner) of the keyboard is hotter than the right-most side. Perhaps because of this uneven heat flow, the chassis will eventually curve itself?
• There is a lot of extra steps necessary to be done to update all Dell components, and at least restart the laptop around 4 to 5 times depending on the drivers and apps to install. But the restart is so instantaneous, I don't feel this to be minor con, a more of a neutral, "yeah ok, I have to do this."
• The power plug is directly plugged from behind, and not from the side. This hinders me with my laptop's desk placement (which is placed against the wall), having to put the laptop much closer to me than I wanted. And for that, my arms don't have enough space to rest upon. I wished there is some way of giving it a 90-degree angle power plug.
• Same with the Alienware Graphics Amplifer plug. It's also so close to the power plug, you actually have to unplug the laptop's power supply cable, in order to unplug the Alienware Graphics Amplifer, before plugging the power supply cable back in. I wished this can be designed better, so there is enough space to wedge 2 fingers in to pull the plug out.
• I do missed the thin bezels around the screen on my Alienware 13 R1. Alienware 15 R4 looks like an IBM Thinkpad/Compaq Trackpad Laptop from 2002.
• The light shining onto the surface of the trackpad can bleed light into your eyes when you press down on the left and right trackpad buttons at certain but common angles (angle from eye to trackpad, when sitting normally upright against the back cushion of the chair).

Probably more to follow.

 

[Quotemsg = 1552829,1154,1117421]

Bonjour à tous.

Je viens de faire un pepast complet (grizzly métal liquide) et un changement de tous les coussinets thermiques (grizzly) via le tutoriel à l'adresse suivante:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...ssembly-repaste-guide-results.797373/page-384

Malheureusement, j’ai un gros problème à savoir que mon alienware ne veut pas s’allumer et lance un flash rouge 2 fois et bleu 7 fois et un peu de musique en boucle aussi!

Ce qui est a priori une erreur "2,7 screen screen" selon dell: https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/br/pt/brbsdt1/alienware-17-laptop/alienware -17-r4-servicemanual / diagnostics? guid = guid-5c341b78-b63d-499c-89d4-d341c006e437 & lang = fr-fr

Je ne trouve pas la solution qui me permettrait de résoudre ce problème?

Inutile de vous dire que je suis dans une situation plus que délicate et que j'ai la peur dans le ventre.

Je serais très reconnaissant si vous avez une piste ou une idée pour vous en sortir?

D'avance, merci à tous.

Cordialement.
[/ Quotemsg]

 

Is it me or is the ESC key clicking more loudly than other keys on the keyboard?

 

All Alienware’s different models (same gen) is designed equal... http://forum.notebookreview.com/search/21451837/?q=Esc&o=relevance&c[date]=1541026800&c[node]=1119

 

I have a different gen and model than 17r5, so it doesn't feel right to ask in that thread there, even though the motherboards/parts are identical.

Also, my keyboard doesn't flex. It's just 1 ESC key that's louder than normal, as loud as the Backspace.

The Backspace being loud is normal.

 

You asked in the 15R4 thread. Same generation AW models (15R4 -17R5).

 

That is true.

But keyboard parts? I have no flex issues, some of them do. I have an ESC key that flicks, they have plastic snaps.

 

also the same generation (and parts). The 15 r4 keyboard is a 17.3 inch keyboard scaled back to a 15 inch laptop measurement, so it could be used in a 15 inch laptop.

 

Warning: Dell removed 120Hz display options for the Alienware 15 laptops. Just noticed today, and it is most likely possible it started last week.

I guess the TN panels are just bad overall such that Dell felt it's not worth selling it as an option?

 

I feel this way about TN panels in general. I can't imagine paying over 2 grand for the worst panel.