(Part 3) Top products from r/Alienware

Ok, if you don't feel comfortable doing the work, then having someone else do it is best. However, it generally isn't that hard if you take your time.

I use a Craftsman small screwdriver set like that one, and have for years. Yes, there are cheaper tools. But I happen to like these.

There is a guide on how to tear into your machine, available right here.

It will take you step by step what you need to take apart. Click on the Prerequisites for section "removing heat sink assembly." It will show you what all has to be torn down to get to that part, and remove it.

Then, clean the old paste off with a lint free cloth, and decent rubbing alcohol. I avoid 70% at all costs. I prefer my 99.9% stuff, but have used 80% when in a bind. Make sure it dries completely before you continue. Pure stuff dries very quickly, less pure can take some time.

Then apply the new paste as a thin line about the length of a grain of rice. Don't smear it, try to spread it, or anything else UNLESS it is specifically designed for that (liquid metals come to mind). Then, reassemble. Be careful to ensure the heat spreader is attached evenly, with appropriate pressure.

Undervolting allows you to reduce the heat of the chip by running at voltages lower than it was designed for. Ideally, this shouldn't have to be done. Assuming a decent paste job, you won't. If you do find yourself in the position where that needs done, then use Intel XTU to adjust the voltage in small increments, and run Prime 95 in the background to monitor the results. If the machine becomes unstable, or starts throttling, you went too far.

What you need:
Screw drivers

Lint free cloth (some people use coffee filters, or even paper towels)

Alcohol

Paste (I use IC7 Diamond these days. Works very well on my machines. Arctic Silver 5 is still decent stuff, as is Gelid Extreme. There are others, and I am sure someone else will chime in with their favorites)

Clean, static reducing/non static working environment

I was scared to death during my repaste because I inadvertently stripped a couple of screws. I reached a point where I almost gave up and admitted defeat, but then I tried one last time but this time I tried putting as much force as possible, and it worked! The screws came off.

You need one of those jeweler's screwdrivers where you can have one hand pushing down on the screwdriver and the other hand twisting. Try to brace the motherboard with something soft yet firm, push down on the screwdriver with as much force as you can and twist with the other hand.

Good luck. ALSO: I'd recommend replacing all the screws. They're pretty cheap, you can buy a whole set for like 10 bucks and yuou'll even have left overs. I bought this pack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011EFAB8K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yeah, the 960 is the best you can do for your machine without doing anything else besides the 330w PSU. Performance wise depends on what you plan on playing and at what settings. The 330w brick is a worthy investment even if you plan on doing something different with your machine in the near future because that brick is crucial to many upgrades.


Since you have a R1 you can use this for guidance on CPU upgrades.


I sold my old 330w PSU for $40 on eBay so a new GPU (or CPU) and a used PSU for $250 is probably about right. I think the 330w brick is about $100 on its own as new, and as long as the previous owner of the brick didn't do anything like intense overclocking or using the wrong components in their build or it's not fraying (it is a laptop charger after all) you should be fine with a used one.


For card manufacturers, EVGA has the best power efficiency for Nvidia cards. However I don't believe they make a reference style 960. This PNY model is $180 and is a card I see being used a lot here and should work great for you. 960s are usually in the $150-200 ballpark so that's pretty average. You might can shop around for a rebate offer though, because I remember some floating around back when I was buying my GPU and other stuff. If I was buying cards personally I'd choose EVGA or PNY over any other manufacturer/probably wouldn't buy a card unless it was made by either company period.

I calibrated mine using the spyder5 pro. It looks much better compared to being not calibrated.

I shared my two .icm files here https://www.reddit.com/r/Alienware/comments/5lf8c2/anyone_tried_the_fhd_1080p_120hz_display_on_r3_15/dbvc6al/

Each panel is different though so you should calibrate it yourself to get the best possible result.

EDIT: Just realised you posted there as well haha.

I can only recommend you getting a spyder5, go with the express, it's 23% off on amazon at the moment https://www.amazon.com/Datacolor-Spyder5EXPRESS-Designed-Hobbyist-Photographers/dp/B00UBSL2TO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483894706&sr=8-2&keywords=spyder+5

The amazon basic backpacks are surprisingly nice. There are a lot of options on amazon that fit into your budget. I like being able to carry two laptops, over ear headset, game controller, cables, tablet and also carry on items, so I'd go with something large like the Swiss or Targus II


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002OHDIWY/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1499670900&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=17+inch+laptop+backpack

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00507NAYQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1499670900&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=17+inch+laptop+backpack

I see. Well I found http://www.amazon.com/Alienware-ALW17-8751sLV-17-3-Inch-Gaming-Laptop/dp/B00JXLGE6Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1404503989&sr=1-1&keywords=alienware+17+880m which is at the exact same price as the 18 and I am pretty much going to get it instead of the 18. Thanks for the help. I've read on a few more sites and they all recommend the 880m over the 860m sli, so that is what I am going to get :P

Like what? Pretty simple to do. There's a free SATA port on the mobo, so you just need the two cables and the SSD.

You need this power cable: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001K9BEZU/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

An 8" SATA cable like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010DLN7K/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And an SSD.

Here's another description: http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/t/19450393.aspx

Is this the one ?

Innovation Cooling Diamond 7 Carat Thermal Compound - 1.5 Grams https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042IEVD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qX9mDbXH8B2EY

And one more thing. Is it better to spread the paste evenly with the tool which they might give or a small drop and then set the heat sink ?

Sorry about the questions 😅😅

I bought this fancy piece of rubber, basically throw it into the laptop bag and it's all good.

https://www.amazon.com/designed-many-Universal-Ergonomic-Lightweight/dp/B00IXVE5OU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521760098&sr=8-1&keywords=curb+laptop

Works well and comes in crazy colors if that's your thing. As an added bonus it also serves as a perfect riser for my Ducky Shine 6 :).

I got a Swiss Gear Ibex bag.

https://www.amazon.com/SwissGear-Blue-Ibex-Computer-Backpack/dp/B000VOC90Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492773199&sr=8-1&keywords=swiss+gear+ibex

It is big enough for the 15r3, and pretty nice quality.

It looks a bit pricy on Amazon currently. I was able to use my Dell gift card to purchase it through Dell. It is really spacious, and only seems a little larger than other bags.

I use this when laptop is on my lap:

Targus AWE55EU Laptop Cooling Pad - Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002Q8X3L2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9jaZAbJCA38NC

And this when it's on the desk with my monitor:
BestFire Laptop Cooling Pad Cooler Chill Mat with 5 Quiet Fans Blue LED Lights and 2 USB 2.0 Ports Laptop Cooler Notebook Cooler Fits 14"-17" https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01H8G4284/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GHaZAb0A24S2P

Both work very well. The Targus has 2 built in fans that are relatively quiet, and has a padded coating, making it more comfortable on my lap.

The BestFire has 5 fans and blue LEDs that pair well with AlienFX, and keep the laptop cool under load. Mine never goes above 70 degrees.

Edit: Second Link.

This has been great. Pretty much just a stick of rubber

designed by many, CURB Universal & Portable Ergonomic Laptop Stand, Lightweight Dual Viewing Position, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IXVE5OU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PuK0Cb165J62E

Noctua Fan with Focused Flow and SSO2 Bearing, Retail Cooling NF-F12 iPPC 3000 PWM https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KFCRATC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nXt7Ab9R0VB1K
And I also bought black rubber pads to make it all black
Noctua NA-SAVP1 Chromax Anti-Vibration Fan Mount Set - 16 Pack - Black (NA-SAVP1 black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018SOU3UG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UZt7AbJ0XD3DX

I'm in the same boat, sort of. I already have a 980M in mine, but i'm wanting to get into VR.

This - https://www.amazon.com/Alienware-9R7XN-Graphics-Amplifier/dp/B00PCJXN0I - is my solution. It may work for you too. It's about as plug n play as you can get.

https://www.amazon.com/Targus-Drifter-Backpack-17-Inch-TSB239US/dp/B00507NAYQ

I use this for work and play. It's not flashy but it works. I have seen some spots online selling them for between $30-40. Its pretty roomy.

I bought this one month ago, they work perfectly. I bought two 8GB modules.

https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B014R8JWEA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The one I bought on Amazon is now out of stock. You might also have luck with this 6-pin to 8-pin adapter that just doubles up the pins from the 6-pin adapter to the 8-pin, which should, in theory, work fine...but you might also just want to go with the ebay one.

i have this laptop and this backpack case that fits well, not bulky. in case you are interested.

I did some research and it may be possible to use nvidia surround with 2+ monitors by daisy chaining the monitors together and then connecting them to the laptop through the display port.

Or if the monitors don't support daisy chaining then I can get one of the active MST Hub for mini display port and plug multiple monitors into it. Like this one :
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-DisplayPort-Multi-Monitor-Splitter/dp/B015J8QWR2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1481606888&sr=8-4&keywords=mst%2Bhub%2Bdisplayport&th=1

Although i haven't tried it yet

Other EGPU's aren't as efficient as tested by LTT which resulted in a net loss of performance of 3 percent? I wanna say?
If you have issues sourcing from dell, try best buy/amazon. There are a crap ton available on third party websites.
https://www.amazon.com/Alienware-9R7XN-Graphics-Amplifier/dp/B00PCJXN0I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539710873&sr=8-1&keywords=alienware+graphics+amplifier

I actually spoke with support and they said this is the video card i should get.

If he wanted padding couldnt he just buy a cheap sleeve like https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LU7BE20/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The 970 isn't a super power hungry card and should provide enough power to the 12v rails from your PSU. I'd just get a 6pin to 8 pin adapter.

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-Express-Power-Adapter-PCIEX68ADAP/dp/B001TK3TJY

Should be good to go.

The legal limit for a laptop battery on a flight is 99wh -- you might be able to get away with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/MAXOAK-50000mAh-Portable-External-Notebook-Most/dp/B00YP823NA/ -- it's 185wh but it might be the exception to the rule.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002Q8X3L2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9jaZAbJCA38NC someone who uses theirs on their lap recommended this one

I think you'll be pushing it close depending on how much the scope draws (that battery is 204Wh, so only ~2x what the built in one on the laptop is).

Here's a 185 Wh battery: https://www.amazon.com/MAXOAK-50000mAh-Portable-External-Notebook-Most/dp/B00YP823NA/ref=pd_sim_147_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V3NBDKPPR6DRRP07SQQA.

As long as you can do the correct voltage you'll be okay, however if you're not careful you could trip the OC detection as our laptops can draw more than those will provide. I'd keep it plugged in trickle charging the laptop to 100% battery until it dies and then use the internal battery.

buy the amazon basics wall mount. $99


AmazonBasics Premium Wall Mount Computer Monitor and TV Stand - Lift Engine Arm Mount, Aluminum - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010QZCT5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_z5U3DbFB6H1YC

How aboht this one off Amazon instead http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JXLGE6Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1406761258&sr=8-1

Isn’t it the same as this one?
https://www.amazon.com/Swissgear-Ibex-Computer-Backpack-27316060/dp/B000VOC90Y

Seems a lot cheaper to buy from amazon

No, it won't work. You need something like this.

You'll probably want this as the display port runs off the 1070.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-DisplayPort-Multi-Monitor-Splitter/dp/B015J8QWR2

These work with 15 R3, should work with the 17.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HyperX-Impact-16-SODIMM-Memory/dp/B014R8JWEA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1480168908&sr=8-2&keywords=hyperx+2400+mhz

I got this 17 inch sleeve that fits the 15R3.
https://amzn.com/B00LU7BE20

He's using this https://www.amazon.com/Datacolor-Spyder5EXPRESS-Designed-Hobbyist-Photographers/dp/B00UBSL2TO

Basically a camera that connects to your laptop and, with software 'calibrates' your monitor.

https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Impulse-Backpack-Notebooks-Cabernet/dp/B001V5JAXG

Is this the same one? I don’t have to pay the shipping for this AmazonBasics Wall Mount LCD Arm https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010QZCT5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lL53Db6H5EB76

Had the same issue, bought this ones and they worked perfect,

VMPVT-001-5 Mini - 5" Screw Extraction Pliers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LMMU2HG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9CZzCb58VBQWC

Also, I bought this screws to replace the damaged and have spare ones.

Mcsher 300pcs Laptop Notebook Screws Kit Set For IBM HP Dell Lenovo SAMSUNG Sony Toshiba Gateway https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011EFAB8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VFZzCbNEBKWT6

So all I need is 2 of these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KFCRATC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nXt7Ab9R0VB1K
Plus the pack of feet.
Got a link to the 3rd one?

Also do you get an error from changing the fans out??

I read some place that it will give you an error with out stock fans.