M17x Service Manual please.

[jwt2]

I have the Core 2 Extreme X9000 2.8 GHz. The Extreme processors are apparently easy to overclock since the clock multiplier is not "locked" by Intel. So, I'm using ThrottleStop to change the multiplier in 200 Mhz increments. It is easy except that it's dangerous. Throttlestop was also changing the default clock speed during reboots to the maximum value you "unlocked" even if you weren't using that high a speed. That's not a good thing if the CPU is unreliable at that max speed and your system is flaky during the boot process. Right now my CPU temps are too high in game benchmarks even at 2.8 GHz, so I have to improve the cooling to get any benefit from an overclock.

The graphics temps seem to be fine even in game benchmarks. I have 2 8800M GTX's - supposedly identical to 9800M GT's. My notebook was built in July 2008. Alienware outgoing test showed "12,886.00 3DMarks" in 3DMark 2006. I can still get the same CPU score they got - 2570, but my FPS are lower. I'm still using an old copy of 3DMark 2006, but the video drivers are updated. Best I get now without overclocking is around 12,300.

[usmc1488]

I never achieved the test 3D mark scores mine tested eihter (9800m GT SLI), 13000. I should blow that away now though

[jwt2]

I saw magazine articles that claimed that the 9800M GT was a re-brand of the 8800M GTX just to move the product names to the 9 series. Obviously the VBIOS is a least different in that it has a different product name. Newer cards are also going to have the improved packaging to prevent the ball delamination failures. I wonder if there are other VBIOS or electrical changes in the 9800M GT that make it perform any differently from the 8800M GTX?

[usmc1488]

No I doubt it, I dont think anyone ever achieved better performance from a 9800 over the 8800. I can give you my 9800m gt BIOS if u want to try. Your chip set is a G92 right?

[jwt2]

Yes, my 8800M GTX has the G92, revision A2. I would like that vbios, thanks! After being inspired by your GTX 280M success, I am thinking of attempting the same thing, but using the much cheaper to get 3700M cards. I'm still worried about the fans not working. Since the 3700M has the same chip (G92 rev A) as the stock 8800M GTX and 9800M GT, I would hope that the fans might work if you use the 9800M GT vbios.

[usmc1488]

Well someone else installed one GTX280m and he got his fans to work from the get go. Ive pulled out the yellow and blue wires from the fan harness. I have 100% fans all the time. Both of the GTX280ms havent reached a temp over 40c yet, and thats after an hour of gaming. The 9800's use to see 90c after an hour with the software controlling the fans. I like 100% all the time, they aren't that loud either. Email me @ tjm7671@hotmail.com, Ill email you the BIOS, put BIOS in the subject so that I can spot it in the junk mail.

[plaps]

I HAVE THE SAME LAPTOP WITH DEZ.SO, IF DEZ FIND THE M17x Service Manual DO U MIND SEND ME ANOTHER COPY?MY EMAIL:PLAPS@139.COM
THANK YOU

[whkrems]

Back to service manual, Can't find one for laptop i'm working on for a friend.
AREA-51 M17X. Power jack is broke loose, no telling what other damage.
No help from Dell or Alienware support. One post I read says service manual is only had by Authorized Dell Service people. Downloaded m17x manual from Dell and Alienware, not even close.
Called Alienware tech support twice registered for Alienware forums, no help yet.
Have bad power jack and want to disassemble laptop. Got it down to one place that refuses to release. Can't see what is holding it. $5000 dollar laptop in 2008.
Called Alienware tech support twice registered for Alienware forums, no help yet.

[jl25304]

do you have a copy of this service manual, just bought a barebones unit and cant find a heatsink or the part number, but i have a picture..lol...if so please forward it to jl25304@yahoo.com .....tyvm