m17 R3, with External RTX 2080 Super

Question

I had the alienware 17 R4 (2017) connected to the AGA with a RTX 2080 Super. They ran fine since Nov 2019. I bought a new m17 R3 with an Intel i9 and a built in RTX 2080 Super. When I connect the new laptop to the AGA with a external RTX 2080 Super, the system crashes every time. I connect the old laptop and it works flawlessly.

I reconnected my new laptop and used a 980 ti in the AGA and no issues.

The ultimate problem is the new laptop working with the RTX 2080 Super. Dell tech support says the RTX 2080 Super is not supported. However, the RTX 2080 and RTX 2080 ti are supported. My issue is the RTX 2080 Super replaced the RTX 2080. I've updated the BIOS and drivers are updated and running without errors.

Anyone experiencing similar issue and more important, did anyone identify a solution. I'm a little irritated and considering returning the laptop because it's only 1 week old. I feel like AW should test and resolve this issue.

A51-06 · Answer

Send a pic of the crash code so I can identify what it means as the AGA is just a eGPU holder for a graphics card so anything that x16 PCIe should work and anything within the range of the PSUs power limit.

A51-06 · Answer

Doesn’t it do it automatically since it turns off the built in video card in the laptop?

RealDeuce · Answer

Did you update the video driver and disable the onboard card via device manager?

KnuckleUp · Answer

as

I installed the new drivers from NVidia and same result occurs. Installed the drivers with clean installation option. Also, ran test with BIOS 1.3.0, 1.4.0 and 1.5.0 (released 8/21/2020). Same option occurs every time.

KnuckleUp · Answer

Excellent question. Tried that this morning and same result ... BSOD.

KnuckleUp · Answer

I was thinking it also turns offs (or stops using it automatically). I disabled the internal video card to at least run test. Same results of system crashing.

A51-06 · Answer

What error code you getting.

KnuckleUp · Answer

Stop code: VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE What failed: nvlddmkm.sys

A51-06 · Answer

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/bug-check-0x116---video-tdr-failure

KnuckleUp · Answer

Sorry to hear you are experiencing the same issue. Please keep us updated. I have until 9/10/2020 to return my unit. If Alienware can't resolve this issue, I'm going to return it instead of taking the risk.

A51-06 · Answer

Have you guys tried manually disabling the internal GPU from the task manager and then use the graphics amp?

enun_77 · Answer

I have the exact same issue. M17 R3 connected to a graphics amplifier with a founders edition 2080 ti and all I get are blue screen crashes once I install the latest Nvidia drivers. I'm on the phone with Alienware tech support right now but it seems like they're getting no where.

KnuckleUp · Answer

Yes. I disabled the internal video card, but same result = BSOD

enun_77 · Answer

This clearly wasn't tested by Dell engineers. I see that a new BIOS was released that states the following:

Version 1.5.0

- Improved the user experience for Alienware Graphics Amplifier.

I installed it and it made no difference. Still getting blue screen crashes.

A51-06 · Answer

Try booting into safe mode and connect it.

Alienware

m17 R3, with External RTX 2080 Super

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