*OFFICIAL* M14x R2 Owner's Lounge Thread - READ BEFORE POSTING

It squeaks. And I want them to replace the thermal paste anyway.

 

Just writing a post to say hi to all the Alienware owners lounge members. After a fair amount of research I have ordered myself an M14x, which will hopefully suit me perfectly as a portable gaming machine as I am rarely at home! Also just want to say thanks to the members as a lot of information on here is what persuaded me to purchase an M14x, cheers guys.

 

Congrats brother! Welcome to the community

If anything shows up let us know and we'll do our best to help you out.

 

Thank you for the warm welcome.

 

This is pretty anecdotal, but check out what I have thrown at my repasted r2 with no problems:

-720p VJing with multiple external displays, active particle gen, etc. = 30fps solid
("" while also using FRAPS to record my VJ set to lossless 720p .avi = 30 fps solid!)
(I can also run the VJ software using the HD-4000 and can actually keep up acceptable framerates!)

-PS2 emulation at 2-3x native rez = 60fps!

-Simultaneous stress test using Unigine (w tesselation and filters), my VJ app, and Ableton live = still stable

This is waaayyyy more powerful than my r1 :]

 

Yea IC Diamond really did help a lot. Cooler on avg 3-4 deg Celsius

 

Why is everyone using IC Diamond anyway? I prefer MX-2, etc.
On the other hand I'm most likely going to buy GELID GC Extreme, as soon as I can get Dell USA to confirm with me, which is proving tiresome.

 

Is it true that we have to disassemble including the keyboard just to get to the freakin cpu and gpu to repaste? The product is suppose to work normally out the box w/o doing diassembly and repasting caused by overheating and throttling.

Is Dell Alienware expecting all m14x users to disassemble just to repaste to make the m14x work properly because that is such BS if you know what i mean. That's like selling a high performane expensive car but with crappy lubrication on the timing belt so all new buyers of this expensive car must open/tear up the engine to properly apply the oil/lubricant on the timing belt?

What is Dell's opinion about this and including alienware?

 

I dunno. I just chose a brand and I've heard that IC Diamond works well so I chose to try it. I usually use arctic silver but w/e.

Also, I never experienced throttling or anything but chose to repaste to get the lower temps. Yes, you do have to virtually take apart the laptop though. Since my tech was replacing my mobo anyway, I asked him to do it while in there. From watching him, it really didn't seem too hard of a job.

 

How is running bf3 medium,some ultra textures,no AA no hbao and no blur.
Can handle at least 50-60 frames? Clocked a bit by msi afterburner..
Aaa,shadows low.

 

Welcome to my world! I have been trying to get them to listen for over 6 months now... I was shocked by how gimped I found the r1 to be after dropping the cash... Not a good intro to Alienware.

But the rebuilt r2 is a beast. The only problems I have are known issues like the mediocre display and the useless design of the front edge. There have been no bad surprises on the technical fronts :] I did a four hour VJ set on Friday that illustrated how much better the r2 actually is. Night vs. Day.

And yes, the disassembly does kind of suck. If you're patient, it shouldn't be so bad. If you try to get an in-home tech to do it, pray that you get someone who doesn't damage your notebook. I have read endless stories about users getting stuck in repair loops where their brand new computers become piles of refurb parts very quickly. And if you send the paste in to the factory and ask them to do it at Dell/AW, who knows if they will do a clean job.

IMO the only solutions are to either ship the notebook with HQ paste applied effectively, or to send your notebook to someone like me who can optimize it. It's almost starting to sound like I should become a reseller and pass new, optimized AW computers along to the final buyers. I don't see any other way to solve this aside from mass action of some sort...

 

Quick question guys, for a 900p screen, will a 1gb 650m suffice or should I opt for the 2gb version?

 

get the 1gb... you dont need the 2gb from what everyone says.

 

The eternal debate rages ;]

I bought the 2GB because I often use two external displays + the internal display. but, you know, detailed games too. If you're a power user, just get it.

 

I dont see the need for 2gb either and went with 1gb in my system that's been shipping for 2-3 weeks now...

The reason why - I'm still running dual 256mb cards

 

How to keep the light off on the touchpad while still able to use it and how do we make the light stay and have touchpad disabled?

It seems that everytime i use the touchpad, it will only work if it is lighted and if i'm feeling like i want it to lit up when a mouse is plugged in, i want it disabled but keep the light on.

 

Pretty sure you can shut it off using the "Go Dark" option. IIRC people also figured out how to add black as a color choice for the trackpad, meaning it is essentially "off". But I don't remember where I saw this...

 

Thanks Digital.

BTW anyone knows where the actual official and latest mandatory driver download page for the M14x R2? I'm asking because I'm doing a fresh clean install of Windows 7 and the disc that came with the laptop that alienware ships might not be up to date. Can anyone link me directly to it? Thanks

 

You could try dell support page.
They have all the drivers there.

 

Hi guys/gals I am a field tech for Dell been working for them for 2 years and have only come across 4 m14x repairs, they seem a solid machine so I bought one

gonna swap out the optical drive for a second hdd soon

 

Hey,
I just wanted to say hi. I just ordered a m14x r2 yesterday so I'm pretty excited. Going to be used almost exclusively for some serious gaming. I'm sure i'll have questions later

 

Congrats and welcome to the forums!

The M14x R2 uses Optimus technology, here's how it works in case you want to do some light reading while you wait for it

 

Hello,
since today i am a owner of the new m14x r2 too
BUT there are 2 things which bother me.

1. The Backspace is squeaking !
2. The hinge/hinges of the Display are making loud noises !

Anybody here who has the same problems ?

I think for a 1200 € laptop this isn't ok.

Maybe some Company Representative could say something to this?

 

Mine didn't have those problems.. I guess you may contact the company reps here or contact dell support directly.

 

Sure, send us an email at [email protected] with your service tag, phone number and a brief description just like the one above. I'll set up a callback and have one of our techs contact you soon.

 

Squeaky keys are normal, some don't squeak right away then you will noticed at a later date that it will. Some even had their keyboard replaced with a new one only to have the same squeak again. Squeak is not a defect and if the key is perfectly working fine eventhough it squeks, just deal with it.

Now the hinge, if it ain't crack and uneven, you are fine, but if it has that m11x hinge horror issue, then get it replaced but i would recommend getting a completely new m14x than having them repair a brand new one. Rmemeber Dell/Alienware will mostly use a not so brand new replacement part. For something brand new and within return period, I would get a fresh and brand new replacement than a repair.

 

ok i have done this

 

how long will it take to get an answer from you or the techs?
Because i need my m14x r2 for university

greets

 

I must say that I'm impressed with battery life and ability to play games like skyrim on power saver... this just blew my mind.

it was running for 5 hours before I gave up and plugged it back in, after 5 hours (not idle, did quite a lot with it) it was showing around 30% of battery left. Only thing that I've turned down was backlight (half of it).

 

I restarted and I am back to the same problem. I am sure there is a glitch because of the power plan. I had this issue with m14xr1. When you do a fresh installation there is a problem with keeping the fan control on / off. Maybe can someone help me...

 

So after 4 months of looking at laptops, I finally decided to buy an M14xR2.

I have been looking at the Sager NP9150 and the MSIGT60. I currently have an M17xR4, but it's just too big for practical portability usage.

I am fearing that I will miss the screen real estate...What do you guys think?

Do you get used to the size of the M14x's screen?

When you are playing an FPS, do you feel like it's a lot harder to see enemies?

I think from a work perspective having the M14x is a no brainer, but worry that gaming will be kind of blah on it...Thoughts??

 

I went from a m11x, to a x51 with a 21.5 inch lcd, to a m14x. Now I only use the m11x Love my little tank.

But the m14x I think is a great size, get the 900p screen though.

 

Thanks for the input, I think I'll be able to adjust...I'm wondering if the switch to the smaller screen will provide more clarity on images.

To be honest, I am underwhelmed by the display on the R4, I came from the RGBLED of the M17xR2, so admittedly, a bit spoiled....But still, have been underwhelmed by it.

Hoping to be impressed by the 900p on the M14xR2.

 

The m14x screen is pretty nice, its better than my m11x, but a little worse than my optx 21.

Screens are all up to the user though. Some people says its crap, but I think its a good screen. Same with the m14x audio, some people say the speakers are great, I can stand them, but I come from nice speakers.

 

I agree, it's all up to the user...I will say that audio wise, the new Klipsch 2.1 system in the M17xR4 is excellent...Better than what they had in the M17xR2, and I heard that the M14xR2 has the same setup, so I am very excited about that.

I love the feel of the AW keyboard, and the touchpad on the R4 is the best touchpad that I have ever used, so that was a huge tipping point for me in choosing an M14x over the Sager or MSI. No comparison in terms of build quality IMO.

 

I am fairly certain that there is no sub-woofer in the m17x-R4. though I do know there is one in the 14x and the sound is noticeably better.

 

There is a sub on the 17 inch...They are both the same audio systems from what I've researched...2.1 Klipsch

 

I also did my research, there is no sub on the m17x R4. It would be underneath the touchpad with a little grill so the sound can come out. I have the system and I have physically checked and there is not one. Also:

Review of Alienware M17x R4- Gaming laptop-Techmadoo

 

I'm thinking about getting the midrange m14x R2 and I would like to know about several things on it.
1. Is the keyboard comfortable to type on?
2. Is this laptop quiet?
3. Are the fans noisy?
4. Does this laptop get hot?
5. How good is the standard wifi card in it or should I get one of the upgrade wifi cards?
6. How easy is it to upgrade to a SSD?
7. How good is the screen quality?
8. Does it come with preinstalled bloatware?

 

It's weird that they would omit a sub on the 17 inch version...I hope you're right...I can't wait to hear the M14x if so...Because the M17x sounds great now, and there is low-end.

 

I've been lurking for a while here, but I guess I'll finally break my silence by sharing my experience. I've been very happily owned by an M14x R2 for three months now, and I put mine through his paces. I game on him sometimes, but I'm a digital art and design student using him to run graphics software, mostly 3D.

1. Yes. YES. This keyboard's a dream. I've honestly never used a more comfortable or responsive laptop keyboard, and I've gone through a lot of laptops.

2. It's very quiet until the fan kicks in, which won't happen until it's under load - gaming, running graphics software, etc. For most applications it's completely silent.

3. The fan, once it does kick in, may convince you that your laptop is about to morph into its final spaceship form and take off. If you're wearing a headset, you won't notice it. If you're gaming in a quiet area, it's going to be noticed, but frankly, I've noticed that this is the case with most notebooks. So, it's really no noisier than most.

4. I recently ran ZBrush 4, Meshlab, Netfabb Pro, Blender, Autodesk 123D Catch, and Photoshop CS6 in 3D mode simultaneously on this machine, working in them all for a project. That's a much heavier load than any game I know of is going to create, and he didn't break 60 degrees C. GPU remained between 37 and 39. Not a single hiccup, and I'm not overclocking. I was actually pretty astounded. I did repaste about three weeks after I got the machine, but temps were fine even before that. Repasting helps, though. Also, I did go for a processor upgrade (i7 3610QM) so that's certainly helping as well.

5. I have the standard Intel Centrino in mine and have not had any problems. This says something since my university's wifi is notoriously bad. I've heard there can be some issues with the Killer cards, but many are happy with the upgrade, so I guess it all depends on what you're using it for. I'm happy with my choice.

6. This, I'm not sure of. I held off on the SSD so I could upgrade later, which I haven't done yet, so someone else will need to answer this. There are many threads in and around this forum on that topic, though.

7. Get the 900p and you'll be more than set. It's a nice screen for this laptop's size. This is the one thing you will absolutely, positively want the upgrade for.

8. This machine comes packaged with the Alienware Command Center, which is actually a very useful package, but that's it. No bloatware. You won't really have to do any cleaning right out of the box, unless you decide Command Center isn't your thing.

Hope this helps, and good luck! The m14x R2 is an awesome machine.

 

Replaced my stock 500GB (7200rpm) Seagate Drive that came with my M14x-R2. Upgraded to a 1TB (5400rpm) Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD Blue

This video was very helpful
[HD] Tutorial - Taking apart your Alienware M14X and Changing Hard Drive - Part 1 - YouTube

Even though I've lost speed (7200rpm to 5400rpm), I've gained an extra 500GB of space which I needed for all the new games I recently got (Dishonored, Medal Of Honor, Sleeping Dogs, Warcraft 3, Assassins Creed 1 & 2, & NBA 2K13). Plus my 32GB Samsung Cache SSD makes any hardrive super fast once I assosciate it with "Intel Rapid Store Technology".

 

My m14x R2 arrived late last night. According to the tracking it was supposed to be delivered between 0800 - 1600. But I finally got a call from the courier a bit after 2100 and got it delivered about 2115. Must've been a sucky day for the courier!

The specs are: i7 3630QM - 8GB 1600MHz ram - 2GB GT650m - 256GB msata SSD - 900p LCD - Killer 1202.

When I got the computer out of the box the first thing that greeted me was a broken ctrl key. One of the "ears" holding the key was bent so it had come loose, it was stuck under the shift and fn keys. Hopefully customer support can sort me out with a 100% working keyboard asap. And my other issue is that the Killer 1202 bluetooth is not detecting any devices. Bluetooth is active, but it's not picking up any of my gear when I try to pair them. So yeah, not the best of first impressions...

 

Oh that sucks.. I hope yours get fixed asap.

 

I got the bluetooth working by reinstalling the driver for it. So that was just a minor glitch.

Keyboard is proving to be a bigger problem. First I called the "next day home service" support number but they couldn't help me since the problem was there when I got the computer. So I had to contact sales support but they were closed for the day so I sent them an email. The form said they'll get back to me within 24 hours, but I've still not heard anything back. I'm left wondering why I got the next day home service contract with my computer when that's apparently useless.

 

Just got my M14x today, and it does sound great...Exactly like the M17xR4, they are both the exact same systems, so the M17x R4 does indeed have a sub in it for anyone wondering.

The bass on the M14x is very subtle, and not earth rattling at all, so true audiophiles will still want external speakers or nice headphones...But for everyday use, it's an excellent audio system.

Love the keyboard feel on the M14x, like others have said, there is no flex...It's like the perfect keyboard.

 

There is NO sub on the m17x R4. Read the link and you can contact Alienware support. Im 100% sure on this. Please dont mislead these people, I have fully taken apart a M17X R4 and can CONFIRM there is NO SUB-WOOFER.....


Also Google it, you'll find interesting results.

 

Can't erase this duplicate post ...

 

Hi all,

Here is my experience with the Alienware M14 R2

Out of the box:

Drivers incorrectly installed, Overheating while in idle, RAM died after 3rd day, 4th day sent out for repairs, 6th day Dell / Alienware repair techs can't figure out what's wrong so they first replace the MB, then replaced the HDD, then I called them and told them its the RAM so they replaced the RAM and it worked (another person from this forum had informed me that it was the RAM and he was correct) 9th day I received it from the repair depot with the drivers incorrectly installed thus getting error messages on everything -- I reinstalled the OS and all drivers and it worker perfectly but on powerup it seems to detect two copies of the Win 7 OS and I'm asked which one I want to launch. It appears to be a byproduct of the secound drive. On-screen instructions states to boot from the Windows disk and chose the repair option but I'm horrified of the idea it might erase / reinstall the OS (Windows Home Premium) thus destroying 15 hours of agonizing labor getting this laptop to run correctly. 2nd major problem is my AVS VIDEO PLAYER won't install correctly and states it had an invalidity security certificate that's strange because it works perfectly on my old Win 7 Ultimate Dell D630 Laptop.

_________________________________


My Box:

Alienware - M14 R2

CPU: 3720QM / i7 / 2.6GHz

SCREEN: 1600X900

DRIVE C: 256GB mSATA
Crucial M4 ($214.00 eBay)

DRIVE D: 750GB / HDD

Drive Configuration: AHC I

RAM: 16GB @ 1600MHz

WiFi + WiMAX (6250 Card)

GPU: nNvida M650 @ 2GB

__________________________________


Windows Experence Index:

CPU: 7.7

RAM: 7.7

Business Graphics: 7.1

Areo: 7.1

SSD: 7.9

__________________________________

Bob

 

What was wrong with the RAM? All you would need to do is swap out one module to find which one was defective... Hope you finally got this POS serviced or returned!