Jerryzago

Is this GPU is similar to 980m? 980m has native support for the 18r1. Why not install drivers and "rebrand" is as an 980m. Maybe the limitations will go away.

 

Also do you run this GPU in PEG or SG mode?

On 4/24/2025 at 11:27 PM, triturbo said:

Got both of them. They perform better than they should (thanks to the vBIOS). They were shipped very fast, packed VERY well. Thank you! 

Thank you for your feedback.

For my 17 r1 Ranger (since it's same generation) I grabbed something called "Dell Command Center" from Dell's download page. Works as it should.

2 hours ago, Rengsey R. H. Jr. said:

How do you guys install Windows 11 ? What's the process? I am on windows 10 right now. TIA

Download windows 11 iso from media creation tool.

 

Download Rufus software to create a bootable installation media.

 

Select the media drive from Rufus, select iso image to burn, and from the settings check to remove the restrictions that prevent windows 11 install on unsupported hardware. (It's a menu with 5 options. Check them all).

This is what I got from techinferno

 

I make this thread for people who have bricked their bios on their r4(not the vbios), since the release of the A05 I have seen multiple people bricking their bios. The solution to this problem is really easy.

 

Go to Drivers en downloads | Dell [Nederland] and download the .exe file. Use winrar to extract this file, you will have a file named like this QBR00EC.fd, rename it to M17R4.hdr.

 

Now format an USB stick to fat/fat 32, and ONLY put this file on it. We are almost done!!!

 

Unplug the battery from your laptop and be sure the power adapter is not plugged in, and put the USB in the eSate(NOT USB SLOT). Now hold the end button and plug in the adapter, your alienware should come back to live now!!!! It will beep some times and restart few times.

 

Note: Leave CMOS battery in, or it wont work 😄

 

Thanks to SVL7/Brian, clearing things up for me, just go back into bios flashing 😛

 

 

Hope this helps. If not, the programmer is your best bet.

Use the older one. eSATA port only and USB stick in FAT32. No other files needed, just the BIOS file in the root folder. You will get there, procedure must be accurate to the point to succeed 

14 hours ago, Gordan said:

I'm in a similar situation as the start of this thread, but with a few additional complications.

M17xR4, A15 BIOS, original 675M GPU started failing

Got a 970M which just flat out refused to work (error 43 bin device manager), on Linux DRM complained it couldn't initialize it, as far as I can tell it was due to the BIOS firmware or device IDs.

Flashed the unlocked A15+ bios, I found information indicating that this has some adjustments that makes newer GPUs work. Tebooted fine.

 

In my infinite wisdom, I decided to look what all the extra BIOS settings do, so I adjusted the iGPU memory allocations and set the native LVDS panel res from default 1024x768 to 1920x1080, rebooted, aaaaaaand.... now it's bricked.

 

Pressed the power button, it comes on for a few seconds, then switches off again.

 

Things I tried:

- Removed the MXM GPU, still out

- Removed main battery, still out

- CMOS battery removed, disconnected mains power, left for 20 minutes, mains power reconnect, same refusal to boot, powers straight back off

 

Nothing on the main screen, nothing on the VGA output, not tried HDMI out, I vaguely remember that only worked through the old Nvidia GPU (not 100% sure) and MXM card is still removed.

 

So clearly the problem is that I botched the BIOS settings, but how do I reset them, other than by removing the coin batter and all power sources and waiting? Are defaults on A15+ BIOS the problem?

 

I also tried renaming isflash.bin from stock A15 BIOS to M17R4.hdr and putting it on an otherwise empty, freshly FAT32 formatted USB stick in the eSATA  port, and booted by plugging in power while holding the END button, that powers it up, but doesn't seem to get anywhere. Is there a different file I need to use for A15 (or A15+ unlocked) BIOS? As far as I can tell, the USB stick is never fully read. The LED access indicator on my USB stick flashes once for a fraction of a second, and then nothing happens. And the legth of the blinking doesn't seem long enough to read the 8+MB file off the USB stick.

Messing around with the iGPU settings, brakes these laptops.

 

At least for the M18x R2 which is that same generation like as the M17x R4, needs the very first BIOS release. M18x R2 needs the A03 official file. 

 

Try using the earliest you can find from the official Dell site. After you manage to boot, upgrade to the unlocked one again.

On 3/9/2025 at 1:28 AM, ssj92 said:

I think now is the time to show off this RTX 3080. Who would have thought that this 12 year old M18xR2 would stretch its wings so far. 

 

I may try RTX 4090 in the future but its pricey. 

 

CPU score will be low because it's an old 4-core. I didn't bother going over 4.5Ghz since the 3080 is a 115w TDP model so won't help it much. 

 

I think @Mr. Fox @Papusan @Raidriarwould get a kick out of this. Perfect example of how MXM would have continued fine.

 

 

 

 

 

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (notebook) video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-3920XM Processor Extreme Edition,Alienware M18xR2

 

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (notebook) video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-3920XM Processor Extreme Edition,Alienware M18xR2

Awesome results. So we can safely say, the 3080 is another step to upgrade our M18x R2? It works with minor heatsink modding and custom drivers?

2 hours ago, ultrawakawaka said:

Some people seem to have luck flashing vbios using this tool.

https://github.com/notfromstatefarm/nvflashk 

https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/nvflashk-flash-any-bios-to-nvidia-gpus-safe-board-id-bypass-up-to-4xxx-series.312608/ 

works with 2000-4000 series

I tried this and it worked for ma HP Quadro RTX 3000. I flashed (and briked) it with dell vbios successfully.

 

Sadly the PNY Quadro RTX 3000 kept giving me errors when the programming was about to start!

Looks like the secondary GPU is on it's way out. If it were the cable, the problem would be there regardless the iGPU or the 880m. Disable SLI for starters to see if the problem is still there.

On 2/14/2025 at 1:37 PM, martin778 said:

Do these work 1:1 in an M6700?

It has an QM77 Express Chipset. So a 3rd Gen I7? It might be possible, and since mine worked in an Alienware, I believe it will be compatible. I cannot guarantee that though.

This is a complete guide on how to upgrade your M18x R2 with the HP Quadro RTX 3000 from an HP ZBook 17 G6 with the blue PCB.

 

 

1) Before you start.

 

It is mandatory to install either swicks A11 unlocked BIOS to be able to use SG mode, since M18x R2 dowsen't support GPUs later than Maxwell aka 9XXm series. Files and methology are here in this forum. Having a version above A11 officilal, will require a downgrade and then unlock. You can do this process before you dissasemble your laptop. Keep in mind, setting SG with both GPU slots populated, results in a no boot condition. Unlock your BIOS and set the system to IGFX and verify your BIOS dispays the IVY Bridge as GPU ONLY in the fist page. Lastly grab an X-Bracket, beacuse the HP pegs are too short for the heatsink. You can use your old one from the gpu you are removing.

 

Familiarize yourselfs with the NVCleanistall software. You can install drivers for unsuported GPUS easily without modding inf files. Physx Software will have to be installed seperately after the driver installation. So grab both NVcleaninstall and Physx installation software.

 

2) Mod the heatsink.

 

I got myself an extra heatsink, in case I mess my original one. The mods needed are, trim the colling fins, as the core is offet both vertically and horizontially to the standard MXM cards. I advice trim and test fit the heatsik when you will have the laptop apart. Also the notch in the center of the left side where are the VRMs are, and a section of the RAM heatsink, needs to be grind down to accomodate the new VRMs. Picture is from an AMD heatsik, but the same applies to the Nvidia heatsink. 

 

 

Also a small part from the top, needs to be removed. Look below.

 

 

 

3) Mod the MXM Slot

 

 

Though the mods are permanent, I will not make your motherboard unable to accomodate MXM GPUs in the future. Just make sure you store safely the small metal notch. You will have to trim down the top notch, and remove the metal pin inside. The lower notch can stay in place, but the metal pin needs to be removed. I marked a hole that I used to make a small bracket to hold the GPU in place, since none of the screw holes, aligh with the motherboard. So it is best to insulate them with tape and keep the nylon cover of the GPU (if it still has it on).

 

4) Install the heatsink

 

Install the heatsik to the GPU. Take extra notice if it sits flush, and extra trim might be needed to the section where the VRMs will take place. Put thermal pad accordingly. I used 1mm pads all around and some PTM 7950 on the core and on top of the two VRMs that had clearense issues with the heatsik.

 

5) Install the GPU

 

Place the gpu in the slot. As I said, none of the screws aligh, so I made a small allouminium bracket and screw it onto the motherboard. I place some thermal pad to apply pressure to the GPU and insulation. 

 

 

 

The core is offset, and doesnot aligh with the chassis hole.

 

 

This is what holds the GPU in place, along with the lower notch fro the MXM slot. I used a short screw, because the hole is used from the other side. That area where the GPU is installed, will have a small bulge on the keyboard.

 

 

The fan shroud no longer makes contact with the heatsik. You can install some insulating tape to keep the air from escaping, but I haven't and it really has no problem.

 

 

 

6) Boot the system up

 

Boot into BIOS and change from iGFX to SG in advanced settings. Enter BIOS again after reboot and check if BOTH Ivy Bridge and NVidia GPU are present in the front page. Procced to Windows. Best to change to Full UEFI boot and disable secure boot. I haven't tested if it works in Legacy mode, so I cannot say that it will not be an issue.

 

7) Drivers

 

Use GPUz to find yout GPU id and see if it shows in the device manager. Install the Intel Drivers first if you haven't already. I used the ones from Dell's site. Reboot and start NVClean install. Install the drivers you want, adding your Hardware Id and GPU name. After that, install the Physx software too.

 

😎 Run a benchmark

 

Run a benchmart to see if everything works like it should. Temps should be at around 75 degrees for the GPU core and 80 for the hotspot. Above that, might need some attention. Power draw for the GPU is 80Watts due to vBIOS limitation. vBios is flashable so in the future, if someone might have the skills, maybe help push this GPU further.

 

 

Maximum Power draw for my system is 300Watt with my overclocked 3940xm.

 

Results are below.

 

 

 

Please let me know if I have forgot something to add it.

Allow some time, I will make a full wright up with pictures. It is a DIY job but it needs extensive mods to the heatsink. I got another one so I kept my original one.

I have the same one in my M18x R2. Needs modifications to the heatsink, to the MXM slot and an extra brace to hold it to the motherboard.

 

It sure pays off, since it is better than a 980m SLI and need a lot less power.

 

Also runs a bit colder than the PNY one.

 

Lastly it needs an dell x-bracket because the HP one has short pegs

My Alienware had also two 7970 so I use those heatsinks for my Nvidia GPUs. I removed the black insulation tape from the heatsink copper core.

 

Leaving a GPU to the secondary slot, doesn't detect it from the system. Transfer it to the primary slot (left).

 

Before doing the teardown, set the system to SG, then disassemble, install the GPU and check if it detects it in the BIOS.

 

If it detects it, go from there to install drivers.

Second post, settings seem ok, though you could disable secure boot.

 

Switching to UEFI requires a full windows install sadly.

 

Intel HD drivers should install via windows update. Though I did installed the intel drivers for the dell site my own system.

 

That is a 1060 variant I presume. It is in slot no1? Or do you still have both GPUs inside (7970 in slot 1 and GP106 in slot 2)?

 

If you do have both, try to set PEG mode and install ati drivers first and Nvidia second.

Since you already have the unlocked BIOS, you could set from advanced options, video settings the mode SG.

 

That will enable intergated graphics and the GP106 to show up both in BIOS.

 

Make sure you are in full UEFI mode, because legacy is only supported from the 980m and backwards. Can't confirm that it works for later GPUs.

 

Also a member here had issues with the GP106 in his setup.

 

Try not to use the Fn + F7 switch because it can really mess things up now with the unlocked BIOS.

 

Don't change anything you are not familiar with, as it can result into a paper weight if you don't have an external programmer.

One left!

1 minute ago, SuperMG3 said:

Detected by laptop but no install drivers even after inf mod 

That's a lot of progress. Don't mod inf. Use NVcleaninstall instead

1 hour ago, SuperMG3 said:

Not working. I cut all, doesn't fit yet... Yes I talk about the fins, we're at the minimum of the minimum (M18X R2 heatsink)

Is it really that offset? I mean it has 2 cm of fins. It should fit since it is an MXM format.

Yes. Cut accordingly. Trim some, test fit and trim some more. You need these fins as long as possible 

Yes, they are the same generation. But keep in mind, 17 may have the 120Hz screen so no SG can be used in that configuration. At least I think it is.

 

I also have a 17 because it's a lot cheaper.

11 hours ago, SuperMG3 said:

Hello. I meant those parts of the heatsink 

I believe these will not be your problem. Besides they have some adjustability to them. The cooling fins might be your problem. The ones I show in my photo. They are white (or silver) because the black color on them is trimmed away.

 

But you can actually see these modifications, after you have your hands on the GPU and laptop

Look at the page above. A12 is the latest for the 18. Instructions are also there, take your time read through them thoroughly.

 

The heatsink fans are flexible, but bending them will restrict airflow. Trimming them will be your best bet.

 

Here is mine, trimmed down to fit inside the chassis. It needed extra time, because HP RTX 3000 has the core offset both horizontally and vertically.

8 hours ago, SuperMG3 said:

 

Yes, I'll install an unlocked BIOS. Do you have one that you recommend?

 

Search through the posts here. A list of unlocked BIOS exist along with instructions. Don't know the exact version for the 18, but there is one one available.

 

1 hour ago, SuperMG3 said:

 

Here's a picture attached that shows the offset die and screw holes.

 

The screws are only horizontal offset. Better get a 100watt heatsink and trim the fins of. Measure the distance of the offset and remove as needed. A Dremel or any rotary tool will be fine.

 

I managed to do the HP RTX 3000 for the M18x R2 that needed quite a lot of trimming. You will do it, it is simple.

 

1 hour ago, SuperMG3 said:

 

I have some bad news, the person who shipped my laptop told me that the shipment has been lost, I don't know if it's true or not I'll see more in details.

 

 

Hope this turns out good...