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    Should I Upgrade the Bios of My M14x r1?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by tupac333, Oct 9, 2013.

  1. tupac333

    tupac333 Newbie

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    Hello all,
    I've had my M14xr1 since July 2011 it is currently running bios version A03. I Noticed that the most recent bios is the A08. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to update. For the most part my computer runs smoothly. The only two problems that I have with the computer is that the computer battery does not charge when plugged in (I believe this is due to the computer not being able to detect that the proper cable is being connected, although im using the one that came stock with the computer). The other problem that im having is that there is a CD stuck in the optical drive and wont eject. So, given all this would it be a good idea to update to the newer A08 version or just stay at the A03?
    Thanks for the help and advice,
    Tupac333
     
    tupac333, Oct 9, 2013
    #1
  2. lucretius

    lucretius Notebook Guru

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    The only two bios versions that should be used are A05 and A08. A05 allows for sata 3 (6 Gbit/s) speeds -- only relevant for SSDs -- whereas, A08 permits only SATA 2 (3 Gbit/s). However, Dell recommends updating to A08 for Windows 8 (will also work with Windows 7). I have A08 and Windows 8 on my M14xR1, however I don't have an SSD installed.
     
    lucretius, Oct 9, 2013
    #2
  3. bluefalcon13

    bluefalcon13 Notebook Evangelist

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    I had an older sata 2 drive and on a08. Some of the later machines required a06(?) or a08 for the different vbios. Earlier machines can run either. I think there was a fan profile tweak in a05 that would be desirable. There was a gfx card revision towards the end of the m14x r1 line iirc.

    Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4
     
    bluefalcon13, Oct 10, 2013
    #3
  4. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    The BIOS update may be able to fix the charging issue. About the CD issue, have you tried updating the firmware if there is any ?
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Oct 11, 2013
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  5. Azeroth

    Azeroth Notebook Consultant

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    I'd be shocked if a firmware update resolved a stuck CD. Unless critical, I'm usually weary of firmware updates and generally subscribe to the if its not broke don't fix it mentality when it comes to them. Unless a firmware release notes indicates that either of those issues are "fixes" within, I'd be inclined to think there were some hardware problems.
     
    Azeroth, Oct 13, 2013
    #5