Disconnecting Alienware Graphics Amplifier Will Cause the LCD to Turn Black

Summary

Pressing Fn + F1 to disconnect the Alienware Graphics Amplifier (AGA) while applications running in background will cause the laptop LCD to turn black on Alienware Area-51M R2. This issue may also be noticed on Alienware M15R3 or Alienware M17R3.

Disconnecting Alienware Graphics Amplifier

Meeting the criteria below will cause the black screen issue on the internal built-in LCD:

1. Boot into OS and attach Alienware Graphics Amplifier (AGA).

2. Switch to "Duplicate mode" and make sure the AGA and monitor is working perfectly.

3. Run application such as "3D Mark Fire Strike" for at least 1 cycle.

4. Press "Fn+F1" to undock the Alienware Graphics Amplifier after the 3D Mark completed the test.

5. The built-in LCD will turn into black screen.

Affected products

• Alienware Area-51m R2
• Alienware M15 R3
• Alienware M17 R3

Solution

This is working as per designed.

The Alienware Graphics Amplifier requires at least 10 seconds to refresh again after attempting to disconnect from the computer. The applications that are running in the background will lock the process and prevent it to disconnect. Stop all the applications that are running in the background before undocking the Alienware Graphics Amplifier.