I am a bit worried

Hey everyone,

my M14x should be arriving in a few days and i have been paying attention to the threads about a problem with the newest M14x's (ones that are only a few weeks old) where the GT555m is not being picked up due to installing the newest drivers. I am just worried that when i get mine i may have that serious problem and i will screw up my laptop. I heard that downloading the newest Bios settled the problem but i also just read that Dell took Bios AO8 off their website.

TL;DR, i am worried that i will having the "!" problem with my GT555m

 

Dont worry too much, because not all laptop is the same, some will have problem and other will not, it is depend on the hardware actually, so chances that your laptop is fine/problem-free. If you have any problem then you can call Dell, and especially since you just bought the laptop under 30 days, you can get your money back or to depend a new laptop or replacement for free should any major problem like the GPU or the BIOS problem. Dont need to worry about thing that you havent seen or experiencing yet. Just relax and wait until you see the laptop.

Btw if you have time then why dont you have a read at this thread so then you'll know what to do when your laptop arrive:

This one is important because in case of emergency you can use this recovery disc to rescue your laptop: HOW TO: Preserve AlienRespawn - stock drive to aftermarket drive / AlienRespawn Q&A

This one is for if you want to do a clean Windows install and didnt know which driver to install by order:
HOW TO: Clean Windows 7 Install (Driver Install Order) Guide for Alienware Systems

This one is for after you did the clean install of Windows and had install all of the driver and want to "Look and Feel" of the laptop back then you can follow this:
HOW TO: Restore the Alienware 'Look and Feel' after a clean install of Windows 7

 

Hey there. First of all: which version do u got? 1.5gb or 3gb? I've spoken with Dell which confirmed that only the 3gb Version has this problem. If you have a faulty one then None of the Tipps from cgsdr will work, Sorry to Tell ya Even respawn brings nothing

 

just purchased an outlet m14x with the 3gb card hoping there's no problems

 

I just sent my M14X back today. It did have the GTX 555m 3gb GPU coupled with an I7 2760QM CPU. Could not update the video drivers. Mine came with the A07 bios. I updated to A08 but still didn't fix the updating problem. Constantly ran hot, temps between 92C and 98C while gaming. It is my understanding from the warranty that you have 21 days from the delivery date to return it for a full refund. I ordered mine on 12/22/2011, received it on 12/30/2011 and called Dell to complain about the problems. I could have gotten a replacement but I opted for the refund and ordered an M18X. Good luck with your purchase.

 

Well, if you read it, my tips are not for fixing the GPU, but what to do when you first got the laptop (Preserving the AlienRespawn) and when you reinstall your Windows etc...

 

I ordered the 1.5 gig card

 

I just got mine Jan. 4th with those specs. I'm new to this. How do I know if I have a problem? I haven't downloaded any drivers yet. It has A07 Bios. Should I try updating the nvidia driver and if it goes well then mine is OK? I haven't done any gaming yet so don't know if it runs hot. I stall have 2 weeks to return but don't know how to test it to see if there is a problem. Thanks

 

have there been any problems with the i5 model?

 

I bought my m14x with a 1.5gb GT555M on 12/5 and received it on 12/10. I have not had any problems with the newest drivers or the card not being picked up. Your mileage may vary, but I haven't had a single issue with mine.

 

This sounds too similiar to the xps 17 a14 bios issue, exactly the same problem here, nvidia drivers not installing and the 555 not being detected.

 

you sir have given me hope!

 

Got my m14x yesterday. So far, it's fantastic.

2630QM, with 6GB RAM, 1.5GB 555m.

Spent most of yesterday transferring, updating, backing up, etc.

Just played some BF3 @ 900p, texture/ effects @ ultra, everything else at medium-high. Solid 35fps, slight OC of the GPU, and GPU temps maxed out @ 71C.

Other than the fact that McaFee was a bit of a PITA to remove, couldn't be happier.

 

Did you update your drivers? if not, can you do so as to see whether or not this problem is in the 1.5gig cards?

 

A08 bios update has been fixed on the dell website jus now i installed it try that

 

Updated to 285.62 with no problems.

 

That's great news. My temps ran between 92C and 98C while playing BF3 and I could not update the GPU drivers. I did have the 3GB Nvidia card. Good luck and enjoy!

 

Excellent! now i have another question, did you download fron Nvidia's website or from Dell?

 

Downloaded the drivers from Nvidia's site.

 

sweeeeet, i have no worries now, but will stay interested on this subject!

another question (sorry to keep barraging you) but why not upgrade to the newest driver, in the 290.XXX series?

 

Honestly, I didn't see the 290.xxx betas. I'll probably check it out tomorrow.

*Edit*-Downloaded the 290.53 beta (from Nvidia's site) this morning. No trouble updating to that driver either.