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Ecnad1

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13 years ago

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Ecnad1

12 Posts

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24877

August 18th, 2013 07:00

Fan / Video issues after A13 Upgrade?

Updated Bios to A13 on my X51-R1 the other day, and now seem to be having issues with heat in the case. Several times since the update My computer has suddenly frozen, then one black and all the fans kicked into high gear. Has to be hard rebooted to get back in.

Video adapter has also crashed twice, likely due to the fan/heat issue.

  • DELL-Kiran K

    6 Operator

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    2013 Posts

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    Posted August 19th, 2013 00:00

    Hi Ecnad1,

    It is unfortunate that the computer keeps crashing. Request you to try following the below steps and check if it works:

    (1) Clean the air vents with a can of compressed air. You may refer the below link for Alienware X51 manual:

    http://dell.to/16Rrlbg

    (2) You may then use the below link and update video drivers:

    http://dell.to/14n4Nxn

    Click drivers and downloads, input tag, select operating system and download the video drivers corresponding to the video card.

    If none of the above steps work then you may use the below link and check the warranty status:

    http://dell.to/16L8JrP

    If the computer is out of warranty you may contact the out of warranty repairs team on 18002884410. They can can check and help you.

    If the computer is in warranty do send me the system service tag via private message. I will check and see what can be done.

  • Ecnad1

    12 Posts

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    Posted August 19th, 2013 07:00

    Good Morning and Thanks Kiran,

    I am pretty faithful about my PC Cleaning, but to be safe I did do a full cleaning inside and out, and there was some buildup on the video card fan, which has now been cleaned.

    Did not see a Dell download for the GTX555 but upgraded it manually using the GeForce Experience program.

    CoreTemp is showing lower temperatures, but i'll watch for errors and crashes over the next few days to be sure.

    In Warranty until December, so will message you if this issue repeats. thanks for the quick tips.

  • Ecnad1

    12 Posts

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    Posted August 25th, 2013 14:00

    Just did it again when i wasn't even doing anything that should have been taxing (Using Firefox.)

  • Alienware-Alexa1

    1 Rookie

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    361 Posts

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    Posted August 27th, 2013 15:00

    Hi Ecnad1,

    Can you clear the CMOS battery for at least 3 min? Checkout this video at 4:02 to disconnect the CMOS battery cable.

    Let me know how it goes.

  • Ecnad1

    12 Posts

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    Posted August 27th, 2013 16:00

    Done, will let you know if it helps. Problem is a bit sporadic, so can't confirm right away.

  • Ecnad1

    12 Posts

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    Posted August 28th, 2013 15:00

    The bios reset made things considerably worse. Three freezes/crashes so far today. Broke down and did a full reinstall as if it was a new machine. So far so good.

  • mav711

    245 Posts

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    Posted August 28th, 2013 15:00

    what is your PCI-e Gen 3 setting set to in BIOS?

    verify that it is set to disable.

    If not then , change it to disable. and try again.

  • Ecnad1

    12 Posts

    564

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    Posted September 6th, 2013 13:00

    Video card and motherboard replaced. Worked fine for two days. Now two video crashes so far today.

  • Ecnad1

    12 Posts

    564

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    Posted September 9th, 2013 07:00

    Replaced the OEM card with a GTX 650 that is supported by the manufacturer and has quality drivers. No issues since. I think these OEM 555's are the problem, and do not work well with Windows8.

  • DELL-Chris M

    Community Manager

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    56891 Posts

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    Posted September 12th, 2013 07:00

    Ecnad1,

    So you think the Dell OEM GTX 555 was the culprit all along? For our notes, did you have any issues with the GTX 555 BEFORE the A13 bios update?


    DELL-Chris M (old account)

    #IWork4Dell