Alienware 17 R3 Cooling Insufficient?

Hi,

The CPU can throttle due to overheating or lack of power. If the system is not overheating then this could be related to power. Check if the AC Adapter is being recognized all the time when you're playing and also if the system is running on high performance (Power Options).

OK will minimize during game play when it happens next to check the power status.

Ok, let me know!

Ok I just realised that when the frame rate drop occurred the little alien power button started changing colors indicating that the laptop is charging even tho it was not unplugged.

I don't know what temps would trigger throttling but would temps in the high 70s to 80s trigger it?

If this happens again, enter the BIOS (F2) and check if the AC is being recognized there.

Also try running a CPU stress test using the Support Assist tool to check how high the CPU temperature goes. If you do not have Support Assist installed in your computer, click here for the download link. Follow the steps below to run the stress test. 

• Download and install Dell Support Assist
• Open Dell Support Assist
• Click Checkup
• Click Scan a Specific Device
• Click System Devices
• Select the CPU Stress Test and Run it. This Test will load the CPU and Ram to 100% and test it. It will make enough heat to determine if the processor is overheating or not. Check temps and let me know!

Thanks I have recently run a stress test using support assist and passed - however that was a short test - I will do it again and also try checking the bios if I notice it happens again.

Thanks

I took a screenshot of my temps right after the fps drops in Overwatch just now and also ran the cpu stress test as suggested.

The screenshot below is via Intel Extreme Tuning Utility and shows that throttling is taking place - This was after about 10-15 minutes of playing Overwatch. It shows the cpu running at 0.79ghz.

I was running at 4k with all low settings and 67% render scale. The FPS drops occur regardless of resolution though :(

This second screenshot shows the results of the cpu stress test:

I also checked the BIOS and it detected the 240W power supply.

I think the game might be stressing the system more than the stress test by support assist as it utilises both cpu and gpu simultaneously. 

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks

Just a quick post as this caught my eye.

Mine runs very hot also, 83c CPU in F12 Diagnostics.

But that's all I can get into ATM as the unit has other issues.

Take care.

I am sharing a short clip of what happens below: (Note the performance stats at top left as well)

While playing Overwatch my frame rates always drop from the limit of 70 to the 30s and 40s or even lower at a certain point. This renders the game basically unplayable as the movement feels jerky and the sound starts to stutter a lot.

The only solution I have found thus far is to use throttlestop to disable turbo boost and prevent the cpu from going over 2.7ghz. But even this is not foolproof as if I play long enough the throttling still occurs.

I am wondering if my PC's cooling is not performing optimally or if the cpu itself could be defective in some way.

I took the screenshot below immediately after recording the clip above. It shows the processor running at 0.79 ghz. I find it very strange because it shows "package temp" as 66 degrees yet there is 100% throttling.

I think there is something seriously wrong here - my system will sit all day, 24/7, at 80+ degrees, and I've never seen it throttling.

It won't be paste, as poor heatsinking would increase the reported temperature. Likewise inadequate cooling. If it thinks it is running at 66 deg, there shouldn't be throttling.

That leaves the other alternative (cpu/mainboard); be interested to hear how it works out.

Sorry to hear about your problems bro. I was called by a rep and we ran simultaneous stress tests. Triggered 100% throttling every time. I cant have it rectified as yet however as I am not in the States and would need to transfer my warranty to this country to have someone come an look at it :( I strongly suspect thermal paste was not applied properly or at all. I must admit I am also quite bummed the gtx 10 series laptops are about to drop shortly after purchasing this. I am sincerely hoping Dell/Alienware will give us the opportunity to trade up and if so at reasonable terms considering they are new machines.

My AW 17 R3 was made August 2nd and came with bios version 1.2.8 which was released

in March!  Production error?

3 beeps and blank screen right out of the box which went to 4 beeps and blank screen.

Brand new machines and high end cost = open box, turn on, and enjoy.

I also await the interesting outcome.

Hope all works out for you bro!

Have you had this problem from new?

Yes...bought in April :(