M17X R4 8 beeps

Question

Behold my Dell/Alienware nightmare...

I purchased my M17X R4 laptop Dec. 27, 2012

The 15-month warranty expired Mar. 27, 2014, and of course on Aug. 28, 2014, it stopped working.

I started getting 8 beeps on boot, and when I phoned AW Tech Support was told this meant the Motherboard needed to be replaced (specifically). I was quoted the cost for service, and said I would call back after saving up some money.

I called back Mar. 9, 2015, to go ahead with the service, and was told that the MB was "not available" (the rep was kind enough to tell me that he couldn't "magically make more"... great service, Dell.). A subsequent call clarified that the part was available, but on reserve for clients who still had valid warranties (again with the great service...), I was told to try shopping through 3rd party suppliers.

I messaged Dell/AW on Facebook, and was told there was nothing they could do. I posted on their FB page a few times, without response, until they eventually replied just saying "This is why we offer extended warranties.".

I sent another FB msg on June 9th, 2015, asking if I could buy a MB after the last warranty for my model expired... I was told they could now in fact service my laptop! The cost was the same, and to call to arrange it! I called and (after being transferred FIVE TIMES) was told (surprise surprise) that the 8 beeps, which I was previously told meant I needed a new MB, in fact means "LCD Failure", and that I need a new LCD... not a new MB... and guess what? The LCD is "end of life" and they can't help me. That's TWICE now, I've been led on and misinformed by Dell. TWICE.

So, I figure, what's the harm, I'll play around with it myself... I open it up, unplug the LCD cables and remove the screen, I even removed the back from the housing and unplugged the LCD cable there... plugged everything back in, same problem. I tried plugged the LCD cable into another plug on the MB (no idea why I have two) and now on boot I get "colors" (Red, Green, Blue, Black, Static, repeat...).... which leads me to believe the LCD/cable are ok, but the MB is in fact the problem. The problem is, Dell won't offer any guarantee, if I send it in, they can replace the MB, but if that doesn't fix it, I still have to pay for the service ($560+tx in Canada). They said they could just sell me the MB, but for some reason they aren't able to ship to Canada "right now"...

So I have a $2000 laptop that hasn't worked in 10 months now, that I'm about ready to just throw in the garbage. My experience with Dell has been awful, I can't believe how no one over there seems to have any idea what they're doing, and that no one can help me at all... I have no idea what to do at this point.

FYI - I tried removing the CMOS battery & holding the power button, on reboot this just causes 5 beeps (CMOS failure), rebooting again brings me back to 8 beeps.

Booting while holding "FN" does nothing at all.

AndrewSi · Answer

Hi Alpacatro.

Any info I give you about spare parts will be based on Dell Australia - I don't know where you are???

In Australia Dell sell spare parts for any computer they sell for 4 years from the models first production date, some model are 5 years but most are 4.

For example, if the M17xR4 was first released in Australia on the 20th Jan 2013, then spares will be available for four years from that date.

Like I said before, this works in Australia but I don't know about anywhere else

Extra info about the specs of your machine would make this a bit easier???

But I'll take a stab in the dark here.

Do you have a 3D 120Hz screen on your M17xR4?

If the answer is yes (And possibly even if it is NO), then the 8 beeps is not a screen issue, it is a GPU issue and it will need to be replaced.

The 3D 120Hz screen models draw a lot more load from the GPU than a normal screen.

8 Beeps on a 3D 120Hz M17xR4 means the laptops has failed to start or initiate the screen (because the GPU is faulty) if you had another GPU or could test the screen on another laptop you will see what I mean.

If it was the screen and you don't have a 3D model then you would get a picture if you hooked up an external monitor

Alpacatron · Answer

The screen is 17.3', 1920x1080 I believe it is 3d 120Hz (I remember reading when I got it that it was 3d compatible, but that the graphics card in it was not...) Wouldn't the gpu be soldered onto the MB, and require the MB to be replaced anyway?

Game7a1 · Answer

The GPU on the m17xR4 is removable, so it can be replaced. However, the Integrated GPU, which is on the CPU, cannot power the 3D panel if the panel is set to 120 refresh rate (iGPU not powerful enough to drive a the panel).

If you happened to have an AMD GPU this whole time and not an Nvidia GPU, then I'm surprised the laptop even left the factory because such a configuration shouldn't exist.

Alpacatron · Answer

I just checked, and the GeForce GTX 660M is apparently removable... I don't have another card to replace it with though :/

Alpacatron · Answer

I did test with an external monitor and continue to get 8 beeps.

I'm not super comfortable doing the repair myself, but if I can get someone to confirm it is the gpu, I would definitely consider upgrading to the 680...

I'm not sure I understand what you mean about the insurance.. I have home property insurance that covers against theft and disasters etc...

AndrewSi · Answer

Hi - The GTX660 (If that's what you have) is the lowest end GPU issued on that model.

Time for an upgrade.

GTX675M and 680M will drop straight in with minimal fuss.

Anything about that and you will have to learn how to mod NVidia display driver ini files to recognize your model (long story and not relevant unless your thinking of going there)

I'm reasonably sure this is going to be a GPU issue - If you have a VGA cable then plug it into your laptop VGA slot and hookup to an external monitor, if you still get 8 beeps then its 99% the GPU.

If you have home/contents insurance like I mentioned before, claim all this through them.

If your unsure about do it yourself repairs, spend $50 and get someone from a decent computer shop to test with another GPU for you, then you will have a direction to go and finally get to use your lappy after 10 months.

If you do establish it is the GPU, please mark this tread as answered.

Feel free to ask as many question as you need to - The only dumb question is one that is not asked!!!

Alpacatron · Answer

Great to know! Thanks so much for the info, and when I find out what the issue is, I won't forget about this post!

AndrewSi · Answer

good - check you insurance policy.

A lot of them these days include breakage or accidental breakage.

From you dropping it to the dog running through the powercord and dragging it over. You never know unless you have a go :)

I spilled coffee on my M18x two or so years ago and they bought a brand new one from me as a replacement

AndrewSi · Answer

What country are you in? Australia?

Alpacatron · Answer

Canada. I doubt my policy covers that, but I can check, and then see if it's even worth claiming and having my premiums go up...

AndrewSi · Answer

I was going to offer to help you personally, but your a little to far away :)

They wont go up that much will they? You can always ask how much they will go up and compare with a computer shop quote.

I've dealt with a company called Eurocom, I'm pretty sure they were in Canada. At least the shipping label said so, they specialize in gaming laptops I think, try tracking them down, they may have a flat fee for repairs.

FYI - I've sold close to 100 M17xR3 models and repaired almost as many, in that time I've replaced one maybe two 3D LCD panels that presented 8 beeps at start issues, all the others were GPU's

Good luck

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M17X R4 8 beeps

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