Ambient Sensor Recalibration?

Question

So, having gotten my Alienware Aurora R4 last month, I have tried everything I can find on the web to try to reduce the fan noise. My Thermal Controls show me that Ambient Sensors 1 & 2 read 32°F, constantly. Ambient Sensor 3 reads 149°F, constantly.

5875.sensors.JPG

My PC is set up with plenty of space, off the floor, in a room that is typically 65°F, near a draft from the window (in February, it's not been over 32°F for more than a few hours, here). I've cleaned the air intakes and the exhaust.

None of the fans respond to the ThermalControls settings,

I have reset the CMOS,

Updated the BIOS,

Fully uninstalled and re-installed the Control Center (twice!); on rebooting, I got this message both times:

8311.thermal controller warning 022113.JPG

I've run the ePSA test outside of Windows (it does not list a MIO-Board test; as many of the earlier model Aurora help requests mention this, i thought I should also),

Run Alien Autopsy,

Run Dell PC Diagnostics,

Looked at all the manuals, watched all the videos, not found any loose connections or dangling wire inside the case, and when I try to contact tech support online, I get a message that says "check out the forums". Fan noise seems to be the single most-complained about issue with new machines in the Alienware line, and everyone has a different fix; none of them work.

I'm begging for suggestions that I have not tried.

NataliaatAW · Answer

Hello, I sent you a friend request, please accept it and send me a PM with your service tag and contact information, I will help you.

SoundmanNH · Answer

I'm on my 2nd R4, and they both do a similar thing. Sometimes on boot up the sensors read 0, 0, 65C. Until the Dell software engineers fix the thermal controller software, here is a workaround that works for me: Power the system down. Unplug the power cord. Hold the power button down until the LEDs go black. Then continue to hold the power button down for another 30 seconds. Plug it back in and power up. I unplug the computer from wall at the end of each day to avoid having to do this.

Tesla1856 · Answer

I've run the ePSA test outside of Windows (it does not list a MIO-Board test; as many of the earlier model Aurora help requests mention this, i thought I should also),

Correct this first. Try Power Dissipation fix

http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/p/19454040/20128296.aspx#20128296

RedBeardSean · Answer

We tried that yesterday, with no success. I'm starting to think it's a hardware issue, rather than a firmware issue. Still a couple of things left to try, or retry, really, since I formatted and reinstalled Windows late yesterday. I'll give this another shot when I get home from work. Thanks, and I'll let you know if it works this time.

RedBeardSean · Answer

@SoundmanNH: No joy.

@Tesla1856: Okay, so is Dell Diagnostics different than the ePSA? I have found a program on the support site here called that which runs in Windows, but not outside of Windows.

edit: nevermind, i found it.

Tesla1856 · Answer

@Tesla1856: Okay, so is Dell Diagnostics different than the ePSA? No, that's it. F12 on Boot, Custom Test, etc. http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/t/19490888.aspx?PageIndex=1

RedBeardSean · Answer

Well, no luck.

Tesla1856 · Answer

Well, no luck.   With what? Running the program, finding the MIO-Board test, ... what?

RedBeardSean · Answer

Running the test. I can't get it to see the MIO Board, apparently.

Tesla1856 · Answer

Running the test. I can't get it to see the MIO Board, apparently.

If the MIO-Board detection or tests fail in Dell Diagnostics, there is really no chance it will operate in Windows with Command Center software.

Call phone support and point them to this thread.

They might request you re-run the test. They should arrange to have a technician come to you and replace your MIO-Board.

Be sure they know whether or not your machine is an ALX model Aurora-R4. ALX model has Activing Venting (movable louvers on top) and requires specific MIO-Board.

RedBeardSean · Answer

I spent Thursday on the phone with Natalia from Dell; I'm now waiting for a response to the PM I sent this morning regarding my lack of success. It's not an ALX, for what that's worth.

RedBeardSean · Answer

The replacement sent to me works perfectly. Natalia was great to work with, and I'll be shipping the original machine back in the morning.

RedBeardSean · Answer

I had to contact Alienware support; eventually, they sent me a replacement CPU in exchange for the defective one. They were very helpful, but I'm afraid it's been long enough ago that I don't remember all the things we tried before resorting to replacement.

I'm sorry I couldn't be more help.

Radioactive777 · Answer

I have the same problem with the thermal sensors that I saw posted on the forum. Two of the sensors are showing 32 degrees and the other is 149 degrees. I also saw you were able to help. Can you help me?

TJAlienwareArea · Answer

Hello - I'm having a very similar problem with my X51.  The thermal controller doesn't seem to be communicating fully with the MIO board.  The system is normal temp, yet the sensor sometimes show 0C, and other times normal temps.  Whether Auto or Manual Mode is selected, the fans stay locked at 55% (very annoying).  I have tried upgrading to Alienware Command Center 2.8.11.0 and still nothing.  I re-installed it twice, and even left my computer unplugged overnight to try and reset the board.  Desperate for some help.

Locked Topics – Alienware General

Ambient Sensor Recalibration?

Was this post helpful?