It's the heatsink design refer to page 96 of service manual.
http://topics-cdn.dell.com/pdf/alienware-1...anual_en-us.pdf

The gist is the 3 screw design doesn't hold down the heat sink properly for good contact.
Also the thermal pad is crap, it's typical crap nearly all big notebook manufacturers apply.

Let's findout together if the Dell revisions to the R4 helps.
What I heard is for R4 Dell applied different thermal paste and revised heat sink (although it still uses 3 screws)

Ordered Alienware 15 configured with i7 8750H + GTX 1060 + 2 years warranty + Windows 10 Pro for RM6,017.30

This post has been edited by aaronpang: Jun 11 2018, 11:05 AM

Engineering and design misstep happen to almost anyone.
Sad indeed and doesn't make it any less disappointing.

Fingers crossed 15 R4 doesn't have any issues and Dell fixed it.

Previous Alienware was M14x R2 which was an awesome machine.

Wish me luck

This post has been edited by aaronpang: Jun 11 2018, 01:36 PM

What was the findings during troubleshooting?

It's this base unit w5195006myw10mlk

i7-8750H
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit English
2Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis

Bought from Dell

TQ!

Might be a good time to get thermal grizzly kryonaut since it's going to be re-pasted. I'd ask the technician to help apply

Good to know SSD screws are present.
My DELL XPS desktops didn't include screws for SSD, scavenged dodgy screw from my toolbox

This post has been edited by aaronpang: Jun 12 2018, 12:22 AM


Attached File(s)
 Find_a_Notebook__Desktop__Server__Printer__Software__Service_or_Monitor_at_Dell_.pdf ( 84k ) Number of downloads: 5

You know that pop-up chat box on Dell's website.
Chat with sales agent online and ask for a quotation for the model and specs wanted.

From there you're assigned a sales rep, nicely ask sales rep for discount
Or call 1800 88 2888

No guarantees to get discount might receive something like wireless mouse for example.

This post has been edited by aaronpang: Jun 12 2018, 11:37 AM

Gonna be a workstation and only part time gaming rig
So it's configured with Windows 10 Pro.

Previous generation chassis is made from Aluminum Magnesium alloy and coated with rubber.
Indeed indestructible, my old 14xR2 is still in service.
Currently used by 70+ year old aunty for emails and surfing everyone thinks she's playing games.

====================================

Early Alienware's are actually Clevo/Compal notebooks with automotive paint.
Those were the days Alienware chassis is made with cheap plastics and painted with glossy automotive paint.

Looks like a car sounds like an airplane taking off.

Contained desktop class Pentium 4, UXGA screen (1600x1200) and half hour battery life

Don't have photos of mine anymore but here's what it looked like lah


Oh yeah the control panel near the front is for CD player, can play CD's without switching on the laptop

edit sharing picture of olden days models





edit2: OMG I feel so old looking back nostalgia.

This post has been edited by aaronpang: Jun 14 2018, 12:17 PM

Glad the overheating issue is fixed.

May your framerates be high and temperatures low

Cannot pop back the keys?

Normally on my other laptop I just place it back and press down.

The keys will click in place.

That's a good configuration, i5-8300 is very competent CPU and GTX1060 is more then capable.

I'm playing Skyrim and framerate stays at 60fps the whole time.
Fun fact going beyond 60FPS causes Skyrim to go crazy

Alienware 15 R4 fully upgraded to 16GB RAM 1TB NVME

Plus new 4k monitor, keyboard and mouse to keep for company











Alienware graphics AMP reserve for future use.



This post has been edited by aaronpang: Jul 26 2018, 03:28 PM

Sure happy to answer

1. What Memory RAM u are using ? Thinking to upgrade memory too ...

Out of the box my laptop came with SK Hynix 8GB DDR4 stick.
Bought matching exact RAM model for dual channel.

HMA81GS6AFR8N-UH
https://www.skhynix.com/products.view.do?vseq=2066&cseq=75

Dell might install other brand memory, check what's installed in your machine before buying.



2. How do u transfer Windows to SSD ? Clean Windows install, Use Windows Recovery or use EaseUS to transfer ?

Cloned HDD to SSD using Acronis direct 1 to 1 copy.

My method is kinda long winded

1) removed original HDD
2) swapped in temp HDD - Windows 10 and Acronis pre-installed.
3) Installed NVME SSD
4) Installed original HDD in external USB case.
5) Boot the machine * plug in USB HDD after windows has started.
6) Clone original HDD to NVME SSD
7) Format original HDD and swapped temp HDD
8) Restart laptop booted straight to NVME (didn't change anything in BIOS)

There's better ways to do this I just didn't bother

This post has been edited by aaronpang: Jul 26 2018, 03:26 PM

If kena lottery numbor belanja AW3418DW

Highly recommend large curved monitors, gaming experience is really immersive esp up close

This post has been edited by aaronpang: Jul 26 2018, 03:28 PM

Nope didn't remove the partitions.

Before deleting hidden partitions recommend to perform a full backup.
Some of partitions are boot partitions, example deleting EFI will make system non-bootable. Don't delete it

Others are factory restore image for windows. Honestly wouldn't bother removing those partitions they're fairly small.

This post has been edited by aaronpang: Jul 26 2018, 05:05 PM

It might be IPS glow, often users mistake it for back-light bleeding.

Mine doesn't exhibit back-light bleeding.

Monitor Defects As Fast As Possible


Maybe compare with samples shown here:-
https://www.monitornerds.com/backlight-blee...ad-stuck-pixel/

End of the day suggest contact customer support.

This post has been edited by aaronpang: Jul 30 2018, 09:38 PM

Dell did the right things and offer replacement.
Hopefully faulty unit gets a post mortem by QC to figure out what could be wrong.

CPU temp could why AW13 was never got refreshed Coffee lake CPU's.

Nice



This post has been edited by aaronpang: Aug 1 2018, 10:09 AM

Looks okay maybe clearing previous gen model... COD and inspect to be safe.
Ask for the SN Tag Number check the warranty status online.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/my/en/mybsd1?app=warranty
If the warranty is used up could be already registered or second hand set.

Example this is warranty check for my unit:-


Clarify battery capacity Malaysia Alienware is normally equipped with (99 Wh) Li-On battery.
The listing says 68WHr lithium-ion, maybe copy paste error or downgraded battery.

Should be fine tho I didn't take screenshot.
I'll share the next time I get the chance.

On an elevated command prompt
run this command powercfg /batteryreport


Then open the battery report at C:\windows\system32\battery-report.html

Nice looks good!

Sadly I missed the sale, next time.