So I picked this up because it gets power, but it has a blank screen. There was zero info on the specs, but I just assumed it was for repairs or spares. I usually have decent luck with these kinds of pickups, and since this was my dream laptop when I was in my early teens and I found some retro PC games recently in my old child hood bedroom, I saw the €20 price tag and just had to grab it.

Upon inspecting the machine, I found it needed a PSU and RAM. I could also see the hallmarks of someone previously working on it screws weren't in the correct spots, nothing was tightened, and the worst thing I noticed was fresh thermal paste, meaning this was all done recently 😮‍💨.

Funnily enough, the laptop still shows signs of life. Both fans ramped up and the screen lit up blank, but at least there was life. My first assumption was a dead GPU. After doing some research, I decided to check which single GPU was installed then noticing its installed in the slave slot and there meant to be due GPU’s and I thought 1 died causing the issue easily fixed I was thinking. It turned out to be an 8700GT, which means I am now looking for two GPUs, as it originally should have a Dual NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GT or Go 7900 GS setup in SLI and that cable is also missing.

I just want to know: how doomed are my efforts here? I was really looking forward to snagging a retro gaming laptop, and it would be heartbreaking to chuck this out since they are getting so difficult to find 😔

It's been 1 and a half year with my x16 r1 4090 i9-13900Hk. And the temps are still the same always hot and always throttling in games 🫠 I've literally tried everything. Undervolting, new paste especially ptm7950, cleaning every month. Literally everything and still can't fix the heating issues. I wish there was some magical way to get rid of the heat but guess there is not.

I thought about using the laptop without chassis. If I remember correctly I saw someone in here using his alienware without the chassis. I thought about it but I'm travelling alot and I'm no expert that much do to something like this. Sorry for wasting ur time and if ur an alienware cooling wizard please help me.

Technical Specifications: Alienware Area-51 R2 (X99 2026)

CPU : Intel Core i7-6950X (10 Cores / 20 Threads) @ 4.2 GHz OC

Thermal Interface: Thermal Grizzly KryoSheet (High-Performance Graphene Pad)
Cooling System: Push-Pull Airflow Configuration with High-Pressure Phanteks T30 Fans (Positive Pressure)
Area-51 R7 Big rad 49mm

Memory: 64 GB (4x16 GB) DDR4 2666 MHz CL16-18-18-35 Quad-Channel (85.33 GB/s Bandwidth)

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti (1900 MHz Boost Clock | 384-bit Bus | 912.4 GB/s Bandwidth)

Motherboard: OEM Alienware Intel X99 Express (BIOS A14)

Primary Storage (OS): 256 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD (Up to 3,500 MB/s)
Secondary Storage (Games): 2 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD (Up to 3,500 MB/s)

Power Supply: 1500W 80 PLUS Gold Certified (New OEM Replacement)

OS: Microsoft Windows 11 (Bypassed Hardware Checks)

Software & Lighting: Alienware Command Center (Fully Functional FX Lighting & Overclocking Control)

Best Area-51 R2 in geekbench 7. 10660 pts!

Based on the chipset listed in the ad, this was back in 2000.

I can't tell based on this ad scan..... did alienware cases have their full name embossed up the left side on these cases?

or did that come later?

Hi all,

I'm looking for a gaming laptop (I know its better to build a desktop for my price range but I have nowhere in my small apartment for a dedicated setup), for MAX $2500 canadian. I was hoping to spend closer to $2000, but almost anything decent is at least $2500... i know everything is super inflated right now and I'm having trouble understanding what prices are good for what computers and whether the high prices are because its a good computer or just because of the high RAM/memory prices.

I've been reading reviews and see mostly praise for this one, but wanted to ask for opionions from people here. I have a current Dell G3 series gaming laptop that's 5-6 years old. It's been mostly okay but overheating is a constant, major issue that I am hoping to avoid in future gaming laptop. Is the cooling better in this 16X series? I've never had an alienware before but obviously they're the Dell gaming line so I assume they're the best, relatively speaking?

I plan on playing games like Palworld, World of Warcraft, the Horizon series, Planet Zoo/Coaster series, the new Fable when it comes out, etc. hopefully on the highest settings.

Plz help. My options are more limited than I expected for my price range, and I just want to get the best thing I can for the price range. Gaming is one of the few hobbies i can do these days and I just want something nice :)

crossposting with the gaminglaptops sub so apologies if some of you see this twice

Running a 17r1, 1070m GPU and 4910mq CPU. 330W brick and the custom heatsinks from Cicichen.

I'm overclocking the 4910mq via (stock) BIOS. 42/41/40/40

I can't get it to take an unlocked BIOS because when I tried before I fucked up and had to buy a new mobo. The package I found for unlocked A17 bios didn't have an upgrade .exe and when I tried to downgrade to A14 🪦

So let's say I buy a 4940mx and OC through BIOS, has anyone here got any idea what bins the BIOS should expose?

Would it be worth it even? I know supposedly the chip I have can go higher than BIOS is allowing but when I tried it instant WHEA. Rock solid at BIOS-approved numbers though so I'm cool with that if the upgrade would get me truly higher clocks?

Also I assume this whole thing is the *point* of unlocking the BIOS so if anyone has advice on unlocking A17 that'd be cool too!

Hello,

I just ordered one of the AW3926QW monitors from the Dell USA site. Been waiting a while for it here in the US.

I have a Dell MSA20 monitor arm, but I don't think it's going to just "snap" right in as it did with my former AW3821DW monitors.

Do you have any recommendations for a solid monitor arm other than the MSA20?

Thanks in advance,

~h

Hello, I have an R15 Laptop with an i9 12th gen and a 3080.

My CPU temps are absolutely wild: 70-95C while idle and constant 99C while playing games. GPU temps are about what I would expect from a laptop: 45-50C idle and 70-80C while gaming (depending on the game, of course).

I've already asked Google and AI, and both of them tell me that deactivating Iris Graphics wouldn't lower the temps... but then proceed to also tell me that Intel Graphics are housed under the same CPU??? I think it would be more than logical to assume that it's heating up the CPU at least a little bit right?

I really have tried everything and these temps don't go down, here's a list of the things I have tried so far. Please let me know if you think of anything else:

1. Disassembled, cleaned, and repasted the laptop. I'm very experienced with these kinds of jobs so I am certain that I did a good job.
2. Lowered the power limit of the CPU
3. Tried to underclock/undervolt the CPU, I can't because it is locked by the manufacturer.
4. Scanned for viruses or crypto-miners (Inexperienced here, I wouldn't fully trust this)
5. Reset the computer and re-did everything above.
6. Got a laptop stand.
7. Lowered the graphics of the games I play.

I would like to buy a used Alienware X17 R2 laptop for €1,100 here in Europe, specifically in Croatia. The laptop has 3 defects, and the owner says that the CPU gets quite hot, for example while playing Overwatch.

Here is the description from the listing:

«Selling an Alienware X17 R2 gaming laptop, a true high-end gaming machine and one of the most powerful configurations of its generation.

The laptop was used occasionally for gaming in my free time, mostly on Sundays because I don't have much free time. Before putting it up for sale, I opened it up and cleaned out the dust, so it is ready for its new owner.

This is a premium Alienware model with excellent build quality, powerful components, and a 360 Hz display.

Specifications:

- CPU: Intel Core i9-12900HK (14 cores / 20 threads)

- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 16 GB GDDR6

- RAM: 32 GB DDR5 (2x16 GB)

- SSD: 2 TB NVMe

- Display: 17.3" Full HD 1920×1080, 360 Hz, G-SYNC

- Chassis: Lunar Light

- Keyboard: AlienFX RGB backlit keyboard (German layout – QWERTZ)

- Charger: Original Alienware/Dell 330W charger

Condition:

The laptop works completely fine.

Some of the paint on the lid has peeled off slightly (visible in the pictures; this is a known issue with the Lunar Light finish on this model).

The W key works normally, but has slightly less travel than the other keys.

The display has 2–3 rows of pixels along the bottom edge that do not work properly. This does not affect the laptop's operation or gaming experience because they are located right at the bottom of the screen. Personally, I don't notice them at all during normal use.

If this bothers someone, replacement panels for this model can be found for around €100.

The price has been adjusted accordingly to account for the defects.

It comes with the original charger, but no original packaging.

Testing is possible before purchase.»

What do you think about this deal? Is €1,100 a reasonable price considering the condition and the overheating issue? I would use it mostly for video editing and gaming a little bit. I have also attached pictures from the listing.

Anybody else still having attestation errors with Alienware laptops? I have a 16x aurora and have tried quite literally everything I’ve seen online & no luck, even though the attestation tool says everything is fine

I’m asking about Alienware specifically because I’ve had issues with CoD in the past on the same laptop. It’s always just Call of duty lol.

TIA

Hey all, My 18 Area 51 Laptop has a very loud boot up sound effect whenever it is turned on. I it is usually not bothersome but when powering up my laptop in a silent lecture hall it is not the best, is there a way to disable this sound?

Thanks in advanced

I recently bought a 16X Aurora AC16251. It came with a large 180W charger that plugs in using the barrel charging port. However, this charging cable is large and inconvenient to transport. I'm looking for lighter alternatives that could provide some power through the thunderbolt port.

Some information I have seen online indicates that a 90W charger should suffice, I was able to go into a store and try out a 140W (not Dell) charger and confirm this was charging (with the slow charging notification popping up).

Has anyone successfully charged with other chargers at 90W or 100W?

Disclaimers:
-I am aware it will not charge at full speed. That is not an issue for me.

-I am aware that a slower charger cannot support gaming. I'm not needing it to, this is purely for lighter use away from home.

-I already have the intended cable, I would just like an alternate that is easier to transport.

Hey Everyone, I just recently purchased an Alienware laptop and I have noticed that the colors seem pretty dull looking. I play world of Warcraft for example and the purple color seems off, I will attach two pictures of the difference of purple. Any ideas what I might need to change? It's not a WoW setting, it's for sure a computer setting. Appreciate any advice! Thank you!

First image is from a photo of my phone, second is a screenshot that I took in game.

Does the Alienware 15 DA15265 (2026, Ryzen 7 260 / RTX 5060) have a BIOS WLAN whitelist? Looking to swap the stock WiFi 6 card for a WiFi 7 MediaTek MT7925 (AMD RZ717) in the M.2 2230 Key-E slot. Anyone tested this yet?

I own an Alienware AW3423DWF (3440×1440, 165Hz), and I’ve been wanting to get a second monitor, the AW3225QF (4K, 240Hz). However, the AW3926QW (5K, 165Hz) just came out, and the price is just around CA$300 more, so now I’m so lost.

I own an RTX 5080, and I know that even the 5090 struggles to handle 5K, which is why I’m so hesitant about going with the 5K option. On the other hand, the 5K is only a little more expensive, and it has newer technology, a sharper image, more workspace, and is more future-proof.

I thought about selling my current monitor (3440×1440) and buying both the 4K and 5K, but that seems like too much of an adventure and too much money as well.

Is it really that bad to play games on a 5K monitor while rendering them at 4K? Would the experience be the same as playing on a monitor designed for 4K?

My usage is everything: gaming, video editing, music production, and media consumption like movies.

What’s your recommendation?

Hi,

I have had my laptop for a few years now and it’s worked amazingly. But recently one of the fans started failing, I believe it’s the baring on video fan 2. Either way though, I was wondering if there was a good place to buy a replacement fan?

Unsure if it helps, but the fans serial/part number is DC28000UFSL.

I recently brought new headphones for my setup but noticed my headphones and my mouse was nowhere and i couldn’t edit anything of those only my laptop and my monitor was present after I uninstalled fully and reinstalled now nothing pops up to edit is there a way to make it pop up? (I’ve even repaired the alienFX and AWCC and it didn’t fix it)

Edit:I got the performance tab to pop back up and works still the peripherals don’t appear

What’s connected and not showing up

The headphones are the aw725H
The monitor which is AW3425DWM (which doesn’t support light changing but still allows for monitor editing)
The mouse is AW610M
Laptop itself is M16 R2

Was shopping around for a used laptop because the new ones are insanely priced.

I chose this one specifically with the 32GB Ram and 1 TB storage with a RTX 4060 - Picked it up in immaculate condition for only $760. (The only negative is the battery is at 71 cycle and at 79% health). It even came in the original box!

I was thinking of buying an Alienware laptop, which I've always liked and loved, but the new laptops are really bad, the Aurora R16 is very expensive and delivers very little power. Where I live, it's area code 51 and it's expensive.

I got an alienware alpha i like it and it can play the things that I play since I don't really play modern AAA titles. But I want to know, are there like accessories or some parts I can put in it?

Hello all, I installed a crucial P1 ssd. But whenever I try launch something like MSFS2024 it crashes the game and the nvme disappears from my file explorer. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I may try reinstalling the bios but if I can be directed to the latest version that would be helpful and any advice to the situation would be helpful thanks!

Hey Guys,

Wanted to share to community ,a custom Battlestation setup with Alienware Tribute, which I just finished.

I've been obsessed with Alienware for the past 5 Years from my very first Alienware X15 R1,but the beloved one was getting chocked up in 2026 for High/Ultra Settings for newer AAA Titles such as First Light, AC Shadows etc.Hence, started on my very first PC Bulid,with Crosair 3000 D Case ,Ultra 7 265K ,32 GB Vengence coupled to ASUS Z890 Plus Wifi MB,Corsair 240mm AIO and RTX 5060.

I always loved the minimal looks of my X15R1.I upgraded the whole setup to replicate Alienware's Signature Stadium Lighting,stripped the front panel,flushed the panel with a ARGB neon strip,Customised the Live Wallpapers for the LCD Display,with handmade Infinity Mirrors for AIO with the Logo and nVIDIA,Vertically mounted my new MSI 5070Ti,with the help of Coolermaster V3.The side branding ARGB Panel on Left Top was custom made and front Logo was also custom made with 2 ARGBs.The sidepanels also was custom bulid with 3D effects for Intake ,thanks to dual layering of Vinyl stickers-Honeycomb Design and Perforated ones,which replicate the intake of new Aurora PC.with only one ARGB on the exhaust.

Also solved the older OEM thermal and upgrade issues with the Crosair 3000D Airflow,VGPU Mount ,my GPU Temps are 65-70 Degrees on long gaming sections on AAA Titles on UW Resolution keeping the minimal looks.

All of this was connected to the new Alienware AW3426DWM, WQHD (3440x1440), 240Hz, VA panel,which is a decent upgrade over the older VAs with less smearing in METRO series completely avoiding headaches with OLED burn ins-unless you want to spent another ~800 Euros and 4 Hr maintenances notifications/sessions.

Took these shots on my Z Fold 7 ( had to use a lot of AF/AE and AI to clean up Infinity Mirror glare,haha...).Let me know what you think of the final look! Happy to answer any questions on the build,also posting my older pictures for your references.

I have been using this Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor - AW3225QF for 2years.

can someone let me know?

Hi, I have an Alienware Aurora ACT1250, and recently the RGB lighting suddenly got stuck on yellow. I’m no longer able to change the colour through Alienware Command Center.

I’ve already reinstalled the latest version of AWCC and also tried repairing it, but neither fixed the issue. The lighting settings appear to change in AWCC, but the actual RGB on the PC stays yellow.

Has anyone experienced this before or knows how to fix it?