M17x R4, won't turn on

Question

Hi all,

Having a bit of a clear out lately, for the stuff im getting rid of I wanted to get it in tip-top shape before selling.

Among which is an M17x R4 that I purchased quite a few years back. Though it's a little poorly now, When I hit the power button it sort of comes on for a moment, clicks, then goes back off. It's the same whether it's plugged in or running on battery. So my first guess is straight to mobo.

Without opening it up and looking inside - whats the easiest way I can find the specs for this? Ideally I just need to know what mobo I need to replace it with, and assume that will be dictated by what other components are in there too (i recall it was an i7 for almost certain for example).

thanks so much.

Mary G · Answer

That 10 yr old model has Intel Core i7 (2nd and 3rd generation). Specs-- Alienware M17X R4 Specifications (dell.com)

mattyb3 · Answer

You should still have the Service Tag sticker on the base plate. Enter this in the Dell Support page and you can find all the original specs.

The GPU will either be an Nvidia 660M, 675M or 680M or an AMD 7970M

CPU will be a third gen like an i7-3630QM but there are lots of possibilities.

It does sound like a board issue but it could be just about anything. You just have to replace it with another R4 motherboard. All the other parts (CPU, GPU, RAM, Etc) can be removed from the old board and put onto the replacement board. It's always possible that another part is causing the problem though.

Parmageddonz · Answer

thanks for the info and guidance,

yes, i've found the service tag however when I enter it into the dell support page it gives me a bunch of info about when the support service warranty expired and this sort of stuff, but cant see the original specs anywhere, im sure that page used to show what hardware you were running back in the day though I havent used it for years.

I can see however that it is an M17X R4 for sure, GPU was definitely nvidia, 675m rings a big bell. and im absolutely certain it was an i7, in which case is there only one mobo that will work here? and if so what is it?

mattyb3 · Answer

If you search for an M17x R4 motherboard then you'll find the one you need. It doesn't matter what CPU or GPU you have.

Parts-People.com used to be a good source of parts for these older laptops but they don't have the stock that they used to. Ebay or Aliexpress are your other options. Below is a link that will show you the part# that you need to search for.

https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category&id=151&subid=399&refine=motherboard

Parmageddonz · Answer

thanks, hmm the R4 motherboards are more expensive than i'd hoped actually.. Sort of defeats the point as the Full M17x R4 systems dont sell for that much more. Not sure its worth the time and effort now.

I did also read that some of the components are soldered to the motherboard, does anyone know if that is true? that would be an extra level of headache if so.

mattyb3 · Answer

No major parts are soldered to the motherboard on the M17x R4. The CPU, GPU, Memory, Wifi, Storage are all replaceable.

Yeah, ebay sellers do ask a high price for these old boards and it can be easier finding a donor laptop. Aliexpress can often be cheaper. I've bought boards for the M14x and M15x from Aliexpress.

If you were in Australia then I'd be happy to take a look at it for you but I'm assuming you're in the US or Europe.

Parmageddonz · Answer

Ok good to know about the solder, thanks.

Correct, in the UK, but appreciate the offer all the same. I suppose the alternative is just to sell this one for parts. Shame as the spec does still seem decent enough by today's standards i guess!

mattyb3 · Answer

The 675M is a little outdated these days (It's a rebadged GTX 580M) but it can be upgraded to a GTX 980M, 1060/1070 or even a Quadro RTX 3000 so it can still be a decent machine for 1080p gaming with a little cash injection.

Since you can't test the other parts it can be hard to sell but you should be able to get a bit of cash for it. Not worth throwing in the bin like some people would do. I'd definitely be keen to get my hands on it if I was local.

It doesn't give you a beep code at all? Just shuts off straight after turning on?

Parmageddonz · Answer

Yeah, just goes off after being turned on for a second or so. From memory I think the mobo got water damage years back.

Very interesting to hear the GPU can be upgraded to the ones you listed.... by 1060/1070 do you mean an M version right? Can't imagine a normal GPU (even a mini) would fit otherwise.

Does anything need to be done with the BIOS if upgrading the GPU also?

A51-06 · Answer

I think so but MattyB3 is good with that,

I'd recommend trying to take it to a repair shop for them to dissasemble and clean the board with Isopropyl Alchohol and a toothbrush to clean it.

Then after they're done cleaning and reassembling it you should try powering it on.

mattyb3 · Answer

Yes, the 1060 and 1070 are the mobile versions of the cards. Nvidia dropped the M from the GTX cards after the 900M series. If you were to search for one online you'd just have to write MXM GTX 1060. There are a few different styles of cards though and some don't physically fit so you have to make sure you get the correct one.

No need to do anything with the BIOS on the 17" models. The 18" machines require an unlocked BIOS because of the LCD panel they use.

Alienware

M17x R4, won't turn on

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