Alienware M17x R3 - Dedicated Video Card Dead!

So, I've been experiencing blue screens since April, at maybe twice a month in frequency, up until August.  From August until now, I was getting BSODs 3-5 times a month.  I couldn't figure out why because the error messages were obscure.  I've been trying different video card driver version as well, with no good results.

I finally downloaded WinDbg, a debugging tool, and used it to read the minidump files that the system compiles after a BSOD, and saw this:

Problem signature:

  Problem Event Name:        BlueScreen

  OS Version:        6.1.7601.2.1.0.768.3

  Locale ID:        1033

Additional information about the problem:

  BCCode:        116

  BCP1:        FFFFFA800CCFE4E0

  BCP2:        FFFFF88002C1501C

  BCP3:        FFFFFFFFC000009A

  BCP4:        0000000000000004

  OS Version:        6_1_7601

  Service Pack:        1_0

  Product:        768_1

Files that help describe the problem:

  C:\Windows\Minidump\091815-12682-01.dmp

  C:\Users\ron\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-30763-0.sysdata.xml

This error could be generated by a multitude of issues, such as motherboard problems, software problems, operating system problems, or hardware issues.

I opened up my system and cleaned it of dust (there wasn't all that much, considering I've not opened it to clean it -- ever).  I also removed the heat sinks from the CPU and graphics card, cleaned off old thermal paste (Dell just dumped a ton of it on each part without care).  I then re-applied new thermal paste and also added 4GB of RAM since I had it open.

I tried gaming again, after removing all the Nvidia drivers and reinstalling them, but was still getting BSODs.  What's funny is that the drivers disappear and I have to reapply them every time I get a BSOD, but still have to use a driver uninstaller to do it.

In looking at my logs for the month of October, I've experienced 8 BSODs so far and it's only halfway through the month.  Also, the logs say "Video hardware error", specifically:

A problem with your video hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

So, I guess my Nvidia GeForce 580M finally died.  Apparently, people have been having problems with them since 2012.  I guess I got lucky...I'm only now experiencing issues, 3 years after people began to notice they fail.  I shouldn't complain, I guess.

Now I need to determine which would be a good replacement card.  I've seen people using 680Ms in their M17x R3s without issue.  Some people have even used 780Ms and 880Ms, but those are pricey...I'm not ready to spend $800 on a video card.  I can either get another 580M and hope it gives me another 3 years or I can get a 680M (can find them new for $320-$360 on eBay, with warranties).  I can't find them as cheaply on Amazon.

For now, I've configured War Thunder (that's the game I'm currently playing) so that I can use the integrated graphics card (an Intel HD 3000).  It works but my frame rate dove down to 30-40fps.  :(  I suppose I can either try to do War Thunder on my iMac or use the desktop system I was using before I bought the Alienware.  I also have a Dell Latitude E5530 that has an Intel HD 4000 that might get better frame rates.  I do have options.

I'll update this blog entry as I decide what to do next.

Post Install - Samsung 840 EVO SSD

SSD and OS reinstall notes

1.  Installation of SSD hardware was easy (I followed the instructions of a YouTube video on my iPad while installing the SSD).

2. I found that I could NOT use my restore image that I created when I first received the laptop.  Apparently, it will not install onto the SSD because my image is bigger than the drive itself?  The image is stored on an 8GB USB drive, but throws an error every time I try to use it to install the backed up factory install onto the SSD.  I used AlienRespawn to create it (but never tested it).  I used the factory restore CD that came with the R3 instead (very slow process compared to installing from a USB drive).

3.  I had an issue getting the SSD drive to show in the Windows drive install option section of the OS install.  I installed the SSD in the Drive 1 slot, but initially it wasn’t showing at all.  I went into the BIOS and switched the drive setup from RAID to AHCI, then tried again and the SSD drive showed as Drive #1.

4.  Later, after the install finished, I installed the SSD management software.  I followed it’s optimization instructions and saw that it stated that the drive setup should be set to RAID.  When I set it back to RAID, the install would no longer boot up.  I even tried letting Windows repair it, but it could not fix the issue.  Granted, there’s a BIOS prompt when you attempt to switch between the two settings...it states that switching could make the system not boot back up.  Next time, I won’t follow Samsung’s recommendations, at least regarding this setting.  I’m reinstalling Windows 7 again as I type this.

5.  I noticed that with a fresh install of Windows 7, none of the damned network devices work...at all.  It looks like I might have to download them onto a USB drive from another system to get them installed onto the R3.  [This was actually rather easy to fix.  I just went to Dell’s site (they have a list of M17x software, listed by revision #, that listed the specific driver I needed for the ethernet hardware)...I downloaded it to a spare USB drive, transferred it to the R3, then installed it...I instantly had internet access.]

6.  I’m using the following URL for instructions (other FAQs and help guides for the R3 did not work):  http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-17-m17x/562751-m17xr3-clean-install-ssd-instructions-recommendations.html  

This is the first one that worked.

7.  In hindsight, I could’ve bought Window 8.1 from Microcenter for $100 (but I was trying to cut costs). I do have a license for Windows 8 (and 8.1 was/is a free upgrade if you've v8 already), but I'd have had to download Win 8 again and I didn't want to spend any more time downloading, as I spent a great bit of time downloading all the damned security updates/patches for Win 7.

Some URLs of interest with this install:

• http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/04/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&docid=536193
• http://www.qca.qualcomm.com/resources/driverdownloads/
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/330-system-protection-turn-off.html

Bought a Samsung 840 EVO For My Laptop!

So, I've always wanted to install an SSD drive in one of my gaming rigs. Initially I wanted to install it on my main desktop gaming rig, but that system hasn't been stable in awhile and I've been almost totally reliant on my Alienware gaming laptop, so I decided to focus on using an SSD in that instead. Part of the problem is that the laptop is using 2 x 750GB Seagate drives in RAID0. No, it is not fast, but I have a crap ton of drive space. I did not want to lose any of that space, so in order for me to have an SSD, I'd have to go big. As well, the M17x R3 has issues with SSDs on drive 0 (of 0 and 1)...they had to nix the speed (so no 6GB/s with this drive in this system). I can go SSD on both drive slots if I wanted and even set them up in RAID0, but I wouldn't be able use SATA 3, only SATA 2. Dell has disabled SATA 3 in all BIOS versions over A08 for this system, also (I'm at A09...it's been like that since I bought it...I've had no reason to update to a higher version). So, I bought 1 x 750GB Samsung 840 EVO. I will break my RAID0 setup and replace the drive in slot 1 with the SSD (and I'll have an extra 750GB drive just sitting around, I guess...I can always throw it into one of my other laptops). I'll use the SSD for my games (BF4 and Arma 3, amongst others), and use the other drive as my data/archive drive. For now, I can live with bandwidth limitation. I can always reuse this drive if I decided to upgrade to an R4 or R5 later on. I'll post my OS reinstall experience a bit later.

M17x R3 Has Arrived

  

  

My M17x R3 has been delivered!

It was delivered 3/20/2013, late in the evening, around 7:45PM (rather late, but that's another story).

I cracked it open but decided not to capture the box-opening on video...there are FAR too many videos of this on the internet as it is.  Once you've seen one, you've basically seen them all.

Anyways, this is a large notebook, especially since I've been using a 13" Macbook almost exclusively.  This notebook positively dwarfs the tiny Macbook in size as well as weight (this notebook weighs at LEAST 10lbs).

The screen is awesome.  It's on par with my iMac's screen for brightness and clarity.  I'll certainly test both, as I plan to use the iMac screen when gaming on the M17x via a mini-DisplayPort-to-mini-DisplayPort cable.  I played BF3 several times over the weekend using the new notebook and my KDR went up at least on percentage point (it has been dropping in the last six months).  I primarily use the sniper class and noticed that I can aim and shoot quicker on this system, so I decided to use the engineer class last night.  This is something I usually don't use, unless I anticipate having to fix vehicles.  I used that class in Operation Metro, which usually has me dying left and right.  I used the AKS-74u.  In 8 minutes of gameplay using that class and that weapon, I raised my engineer score by several thousand and killed without mercy...checking BFStats.com, I found that my accuracy with that weapon went up 1.14% with that gaming session alone...unbelievable.  And with the M40A5, my accuracy went up 1.87% just with last night's few hours of play.  A large part of this is probably due to the video card in this system.  I also played some BF3 on my AMD 6-core system and noticed immediate differences in clarity.  I still have to install Fraps onto the M17x but I'm positive that the 580M is outgunning the ATI 5600-series card in my desktop system.  I've seen this before, when moving up from an Nvidia 7500 to a 9500...my gameplay kill scores skyrocketed due to pure FPS increase.  This means I might consider upgrading the vidcard in my desktop (again...when will it end????).  And we'll see if things get even better when I push the video to the 27" iMac screen...

I find I don't play as well if I have to use the notebook's keyboard (I bought the TacX keyboard for use with this notebook).  The TacX keyboard and mouse are awesome!  I play better with this keyboard because I'm used to the external keyboard layout when I game.  I have to have the arrow keys when gaming (I'm not a fan of WASD and never have been...been gaming since FPS became prevalent), as well as the upper row between the numpad and QWERTY keys.  I *might* try to adapt to the laptop's keyboard...we'll see.

I've installed only a few apps, such as Norton 360 and Norton Management, Origin, TeamSpeak, WinDirStat, HWINFO64, Chrome, BF3, and one or two others.

Temperature-wise, the 580M has been good, so far.  There are quite a few complaints of throttling due to heat on the NotebookReview.com forums, but the highest I've seen so far is 59C when playing BF3.  *knock on wood*

I've a few desktop gadgets running:  CPU usage, GPU meter, drives meter, and network meter.  When I installed Norton, it installed it's own desktop gadget, which I'll tolerate since it should keep me situationally aware.

I haven't noticed any issues with the notebook so far, which is good, since Dell's support appears to be rather shakey (from what I've gathered on the forums, as well as the pains I went through to even get the notebook delivered).

One last note.  The RAID 0.  It's getting a rather low WEI rating, due solely to the performance (or lack thereof) of the RAID 0 setup.  Now, I've not noticed anything abnormally slow with the drive writing and reading at all.  WEI has been massively sensationalized...the system runs good regardless of the low rating.  I don't need an SSD at this moment in time...really.  Many people are pushing for SSD, but it won't do much but help the OS start and shut down a few seconds quicker.  It might help game loading a bit, but not really much.  Besides, SSDs are REALLY expensive and to afford one, I'd have to buy a small one and shift my games back and forth between a platter drive and the SSD...not conventional at all and certainly not convenient to have to micromanage the notebook in such a manner.  No thanks...it's not for me.

Alienware M17x R3

It's been awhile since I've posted here and at my iWeb site.  I'm a bit turned off by Apple, their Macs, and some of the software debacles lately, so I've been debating on where to post my Mac material.  I'm hating iWeb more and more (and it's not being updated any longer...as well as MobileMe being end-of-life), so it looks like I'll stick to this site as my main blog.  I'm not even going to bother with trying to import my other blog entries over to this site.

On this note, I've bought a new notebook.  And it's not an Apple product.  I bought an Alienware M17x R3.  The specs are below:


Stealth Black, soft-touch
Intel Core i7 2760QM 2.4GHz (3.5GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)
8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4DIMMS)
17.3-inch WideFHD1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M
1.5TB Raid 0 (2x 750GB 7,200RPM)
Custom Nameplate
AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
Alienware Command Center Software, M17X
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1, English, w/Media
Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO Technology

I opted out of the 3D 1080p screen (I don't care about gimmick items), although the resolution is a tad better than what I got.  I almost got the red version, but thought that the AlienFX coloring might clash with the red case color.

I'll be making space next to my iMac for this machine, as I plan to use the 27" screen for gaming.  I also  to use this notebook in tandem with my AMD 6-core desktop system.  In some regards, the M17x will replace my gaming desktop, especially when I'm traveling.

I also bought the Alienware TacX keyboard and mouse, a My Book Live 2-TB NAS drive for extra storage (I'll speak further on this later).  I bought a Cooler Master NotePal LapAir and Swiss Wenger messenger-style Legacy Slimcase (which is checkpoint-friendly).  I also bought a Cooler Master NotePal  U2 desk cooler with fan system, for the desk.

The system is due to be delivered March 13th.  I may be taking off that day to be sure I'm home to pick up the system and get it situated.  I ordered it Feb 18th, so I've been waiting awhile for the system to be built.  There was/is a stocking issue with the NV GTX580M video card, due to this past winter's flooding in Asia.

Another thing:  RAID 0 with the HDDs on a laptop.  They configured RAID 0 to offer optimal speed, but if one drive fails, I lose all the data of both drives (since data will be spread over both drives).  I'll see how fast the machine is, and if I'm not satisfied, I'll contemplate changing to RAID 1.  Then again, this is why I got the NAS drive.  I'm not ready to go the SSD route...I've spent enough on this system to where I just want to use it for awhile before buying anything else.  I *might* install more RAM, since I eventually plan to use virtual machines.  Also, I'm not planning on running Linux natively on this machine...there's just no need, since I've a ton of natively installed *nix machines already.  I might at least install Cygwin, though, as I've found Cygwin to be invaluable to use on Windows systems.

About the NAS drive, this thing was a PITA to get working with my Macbook.  After doing some internet digging, I found that I have to ensure that my Macbook is already connected to the NAS drive via AFP (not SMB) as a user, otherwise Time Machine won't connect to it.  It took me maybe a week to figure that out, and it's not anywhere on WesternDigital's knowledgebase (but is on their forums).  The NAS' network connection speed is satisfactory.  I was able to back up the Macbook in 24 hours (close to 70GB of data over a network connection).

I'll do some videos and take pics of the system when it arrives.  I will NOT video the unboxing of it...there's enough of those types of videos.