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    Alienware 17 R1 screen issue

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by robitut47, Mar 9, 2018.

  1. robitut47

    robitut47 Notebook Guru

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    Hi All. It has been a few months since I am seeing this weird issue with my laptop screen. It is the Alienware 17 R1 model which came out in 2013 (first model in new 17 series). The issue started happening randomly and actually it did fix itself sometimes but now, since maybe 2 months, it has been in this state permanently.

    [​IMG]
     
    robitut47, Mar 9, 2018
    #1
  2. Ashtrix

    Ashtrix ψυχή υπεροχή

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    First
    To check for which mode you are on, Go to device manager check for the Display Adapters, If you see "Intel HD" and "Nvidia/AMD GPU" then it's in Optimus mode check in this mode first by using HDMI output.

    Then also check with PEG/dGPU mode (Only Nvidia/AMD GPU will work, better mode always prefer this) after pressing Fn+F5 (Granted you have Alienware OSD installed) it will ask for reboot, do it. Go to device manager after the rebooting to the dGPU mode and check.

    Naturally if your laptop has a 120Hz panel you are already in the dGPU mode only as IntelHD doesn't support 120Hz panel.

    Second
    If you see this issue with HDMI output also then something is problem with GPU unit. If not, we are good you will just have to reseat the cable (disassembly required, pretty easy task but careful with screws and clips and mark them, checkout the AW17 R1 Owners Manual plus a few videos on Youtube). For 60Hz the part number is FNH0H , For 120Hz the part number is N392W, hard to find the 120Hz one. ebay/dell are best options.

    I suppose it's the cable issue, happened to me as well it used to flicker a lot while opening and closing the lid.

    Also make sure you are buying the correct cable, LVDS cable for 60Hz, eDP cable for 120Hz the mobo has labels on it for the respective ports as seen here below.
    [​IMG]

    Edit - Here's the imgur album, thanks to Mr. Fox
     
    Last edited: Mar 9, 2018
    Ashtrix, Mar 9, 2018
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  3. robitut47

    robitut47 Notebook Guru

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    Thank you very much for your reply. It is a 60 Hz panel. Since I have moved to Windows 10, my Alienware Command Center as well as Fn+F5 does not work. I have retried reinstallations of the drivers but does not help. I do not suppose I have a problem with the HDMI output as I tested few days back and the issue was only coming on my laptop screen. I will, however, test this again. Then I will move on to the next step of disassembling this laptop and checking if the cable is loose :)
     
    robitut47, Mar 9, 2018
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