M18x random screen problem.

I know it has been a WHILE since I posted on this forum (doing Alevels and finally got accepted to Uni), but as a graduation present, My parents got me the m18x R2 with the dual 7970ms. \

I love the machine, fast, good looking and can run any game I throw at it. the first m18x they got me had a dramatic keyboard flex issue that I returned because of that, the replacement, which I
have right now is decent with only a few minor build quality issues (screen not well aligned, some clicking on the palmrest ect.)

however, to get to the point, Alienware always seems to disappoint me and my family one way or a another, today while I was regularly using my computer, the screen started bluring out colours
, like a foggy green blurr on everything, even on the desktop backround. Before I took a picture (to show u guys) the screen auto repaired. Now, I am worried that there might be some other hidden
issues with this? or do you guys think this is a onetime thing?

thanks for your input

 

Next time, post this in the M18x section.

It could be one of two things. Your video cards overheating, or the cable that connects the screen and motherboard is slightly loose.

I'm better on #2. If it happens again, or your screen suddenly dies, I'd call AW and ask for someone to check it out. They'll probably do something unnecessary like replace the motherboard or screen, but it'll still fix it, and maybe fix your screen misalignment issues.

 

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Thanks a lot and sorry I didn't save in the m18x spot, since I am traveling to London next month, and I got this m18x from Egypt, will the warranty be global or not? Because if it is id rather deal with alienware in London

 

You SHOULD be able to transfer your service tag with no problems. If you have any concerns, though, just call in now and say that your screen is acting up, and you'd like someone to come out to reseat the LVDS cable.

 

Or try opening it yourself and reseating stuff if you feel comfortable, its allowed under the warranty.

 

It only did it once so Ill just hope for the best, I don't want to open up the system. IT is sad though, I payed 3500 dollars for this. It should be worth it

 

It is, and honestly, if it's just the LVDS cable, it's no big deal at all. it happens all the time to a lot of laptops.

 

Thanks, it seems to be fine now. It just did it again once and now it is fixed. BTW, when you said it happens a lot to a lot of laptops, does it stay permanently or does it usually fix itself like mine did

 

It just means that the cable is most likely loose, and giving a randomly intermittent signal. It's not REALLY fixing itself.

The issue of an LVDS cable coming loose is common among all laptops, that's all I mean. Sometimes it'll be like yours, sometimes it'll come out completely leaving a blank, but powered screen.

If it happens again, I'd definitely recommend having someone service it. If you do not have Next Business Day warranty service, when you transfer it to the UK, you should gain it automatically. NBD means they come to you instead of you sending it into a depot. (If you're in a populated area.)

 

Ok hello again, I have found the source of the problem, when I apply pressure on my left shift, my A or my Caps lock (or any key near it) the screen makes the green blurry thing, what do you think I should do ?

 

this is my last buy from alienware BTw Hybrys, for a future laptop, what brand do you recommend I buy?

 

You should call AW for service. As mentioned, it's most likely a loose LVDS cable, which is easily fixed.

I recommend Alienwares for dual GPU, and Clevos for single GPU mostly.

 

Ahh so still alienware for high end notebooks, a question if u may, how is it that wheb i apply pressure on the left side of the keyboard the screen goes green? Can this also be because of a loose lvds cable?

I am afraid to call dell in egypt because i am afraid they mighy not be professional and ruin my m18x

 

Yes, that absolutely can be caused by a loose LVDS cable. Remember that most monitors run on three 'primaries', Red, Green, Blue, and two data signals, Horizontal and Vertical. (AKA RGBHV or RGB)

The way it was acting before sounds like the Horizontal and Vertical signals were being interrupted intermittently, and the pressing on the keyboard sounds like you're disconnecting the red and blue. (Or maybe just the red if it looks aqua-y.)

It's fairly simple to reseat the LVDS cable; anyone with moderate knowledge of the parts should be able to do it. You can handle it yourself, or get a techie friend to help you out. You can also look at a video of the teardown, and watch for when they remove the monitor. The ribbon cable they disconnect is the one you're looking to 'reseat' or adjust so it fits in properly/better.


Re: Brands. Alienware makes the better Dual GPU machine, but that doesn't mean that I would buy them for high end all the time. If I was to buy a laptop today, it would be a Clevo 17" 4800MQ w/ single 780m. SLI isn't very efficient anyway.

 

ok thanks ALOT BTW, if I will tear it down is there a quick shortcut where I can get to the LVDs cable without disconnecting many screws, if yes can u link me a video? I want to be as quick as possible because I really don't trust the tech here in Egypt. Thanks again !

 

I can't be sure. Last time I had a mobo replacement, it was accessible immediately after removing the backpanel, control centre, keyboard, and keyboard backplate. There should be a few full teardown videos out there, and they should follow that same route.

 

Ok thanks, now abit offtopic, you have an m18x? and you had the motherboard replaced? this isn't good news for me why are there so many problems with these devices

 

It's unjustified to look at it this way. I've owned three AW products. A single one (M17x R3) had an issue, and I had some support issues, but it was eventually made right.

People come here, just like me, to vent and find solutions to their issues. If everything was working fine, they'd simply be gaming! Alienware's failure rate is pretty average as it goes for gaming laptops.

Again, I really want to reassure you. This isn't a major issue, nor is it uncommon for other laptops to experience issues like this. When I worked as a service repair technician, I saw Acers, Sonys, Toshibas, and Clevos all with the same issue. 20 minutes in and out for someone experienced, and you may never see it again.

 

I am finally done with my questions, sorry for the trouble and thanks again. I hope this fix is final, I guess I will try to do it myself

 

actually, I have come back with another question. Could you tell me where on this video Alienware M18x r1 r2 complete teardown / how to take apart / disassemble - Hidevolution.com - YouTube does this guy reach the LVDs cable? another question would be do I have to wear an anti static bracelet? is there another way to ground myself


Finally, what are the best drivers for the m18x r2 with the dual 7970ms ? because I am scoring a low 5980 on 3dmark11 and my processor is the 3630 i7, most people with those specs score 6000 and above. Moreover my skyrim seems laggy now that I got the 13.6 catalyst. Is there also a formal way I should install my drivers?

 

Alienware M18x Tear Down - CPU Heat Sink and GPU Replacement - YouTube @ 14:30ish, he points to the three cables connected to the LCD. Just reseat them all. One should be antenna, the other is the alien head light, and the third is the LVDS cable (which should be the left most.)

I'm not really sure on drivers. I lot of people stuck with 13.3 for xfire, but the newer ones should be fine. Make sure that Crossfire is indeed enabled. Even though you might be getting a little less than some other people, there can be a LOT of explanations for that, so don't worry too much if you're off 10%.

 

ok, so I need to remove my old drivers when I install a new one xD, do u happen to know if Driver Sweeper and CC cleaner work on windows8 ?

 

They should both work. Just make sure you DO NOT use the AMD Driver Clean Up tool. It can corrupt your Win8 installation.

 

Another problem on the seemingly problematic m18x, today I used it downstairs to show my father the university letter (off battery) when I came to connect it and to play some skyrim, it did not recognize the AC adapter and it said (plugged in not charging), I ignored it and tried to game and performance was battery level (bad). What should I do...

 

There's a weird workaround for that, if I recall, but you'll most likely need to call support about it if it continues. It could be a one off.

1. Turn off the computer
2. Remove the battery
3. Remove the AC adapter
4. Press the power button a few times (just to discharge any remaining power)
5. Insert the AC adapter
6. Start up the computer, if you can.
7. After you're in Windows, put the battery back.

 

hmm this fixed it, thanks, but there is another problem that I recently faced, hopefully this will be my last. This problem is more related to software. I opened my computer once and then suddenly many of the programs, especially games are not opening and crash instead. those include world of warcraft, Crysis 2, Skyrim and the CatalystControlCenter gives me an error saying "Host Application has failed to start"when I try to open it. Help? could this be a problem with my windows 8 because when I open Skyrim in compatability mode on windows 7 it opens normally
Same with World of Warcraft

 

Bump ,,

 

Bump..... ...................

 

Sorry buddy, I've been busy as a bee.

You're on Windows 8, right? What version of drivers are you on?

Regardless, as long as you're not on the most recent beta, try installing this. You should be able to install on top with no issues.

http://www2.ati.com/drivers/beta/AMD_Catalyst_13.6_Mobility_Beta2.exe

 

great thanks love u, before I install, I just wanted to say I have the 13.3 beta version. so ill just install the one u linked me on top without uninstalling the 13.3 one

 

Yep, and you should be good to go! AMD drivers can be problematic sometimes, but that's more them than AW.

 

problem returned with the drivers, ures fixed it but only temporarly. Should I revert to the official dell drivers on the website? or maybe something like 12.11 (if u got a link)?

 

Just try to uninstall completely (use Driver Sweeper) and another driver version I guess.

1. Go into the Device Manager, go to Display Adapters, and right click on either of the AMD Radeon devices. Now select Uninstall, and check the box that says 'Remove drivers'.
2. Restart
3. Run Driver Sweeper. If it removed anything, restart then continue. If it couldn't find anything else, just continue.
4. Download and install via the detection package here
5. Restart

And you should be set. Hopefully you have NO MORE ISSUES! AMD drivers are definitely finicky sometimes...

 

So this should pick the right drivers for me? this link (here) in step 4.?

 

Yep, it's an autodetect, for the best drivers vs your config. So it'll likely put you on 13.3 or 13.5.

 

Thanks, I have found out why this happened, when I reinstalled the 13.6 in last attempt, I tried to disconnect my computer from the AC adapter to show my dad something. While I was heading downstairs the laptop started flashing black and started to make the usb disconnect noise. After that I was back to no webcam, a bugged CCC and almost no games running. Anywho ill try the auto detect stuff

 

it happened again, I am thinking of reinstalling Windows all together, this time with my beloved windows 7..

 

That might be best. Windows 8 is buggy on a good day, annoying as hell on a bad day.

 

what do u think? this laptop didn't originally arrive with windows 8, but can I install windows 7 and have all of those perks? like the alienware fx and everything ?I don't mind paying for another copy of windows, I already payed 4000 dollars for this junk I might aswel try to make it work

 

If it didn't come with Windows 8, put back the Win 7 that it came with! I think that would be your best bet to avoid driver non-sense and AlienFX issues.

Win8 isn't prime-time ready.

 

no no it came with Windows 8, that's what wierding me out. But Ill try windows 7

 

its a stupid typo I made

 

Hello, recently after I reinstalled windows 8 (which fixed the problem) evertime I switch from Xfire to one card it the screen goes black then white with black stripes until the switch is complete. I just wanted to make sure that this symptom is normal.

 

If it's not causing issues beyond that, I wouldn't worry about it too much. It might mean that your Xfire cable is loose.

 

alright thanks !

 

So just giving an update, i reinstalled windows 8 in hope to fix the driver issue. It worked fibe for 3 days until once i unplugged the laptop to show my brother something. Within a couple of minutes the laptop made the usb disconnect noise and the screen flashed black. The drivers bugged again and games wouldn't work. Should i just install windows 7?

 

So just giving an update, i reinstalled windows 8 in hope to fix the driver issue. It worked fibe for 3 days until once i unplugged the laptop to show my brother something. Within a couple of minutes the laptop made the usb disconnect noise and the screen flashed black. The drivers bugged again and games wouldn't work. Should i just install windows 7?

 

Bump sorry for the double post, i was on my phone