Alienware M17x-R2 A10 BIOS Unlocked OC Options

[TheWiz]

BIOS Developers: Kizwan and TheWiz
Support and Testing Team: goodstone, DR650SE

This is the confirmed mod for the latest Alienware M17x-R2 A10 BIOS.
Version 1 of the BIOS is now complete. Special features include overclocking for non extreme CPUs, as well as the array of unlocked options found below. Included in the package below is the ROM, flash tool, CRISIS recovery information, and support information.

Instructions:
1. Unzip "M17x-R2_A10_V1F" folder
2. Open M17x-R2_A10_V1F once unzipped.
3. Open WinPhlash64 Application
4. Under "Specify new BIOS file:" be sure to select M17x-R2_A10_V1F.ROM if it is not already selected.
5. Click the "Flash BIOS" button

Download link: http://bios-mods.com/BIOS/Phoenix/Alienw...10_V1F.zip



CRISIS Recovery Instructions:
To Create a Crisis Recovery USB you must use a Win XP system
Note: Running XP through compatability more in Win 7 will not work
1. Insert 2GB USB Drive
2. Open "CRISDISK" folder
3. Open "WINCRIS" application
4. It should detect the USB Drive
5. Click "Start" Button
WINCRIS should create the USB recovery drive
6. For Crisis recover, be sure to Power drain system.
A. Remove Battery
B. Depress power button for 10-15 sec.
7. Insert USB drive into eSata port.
8. Hold FN+B while plugging in power cord in system
9. Continue to hold FN+B and depress system power button.
10. Continue holding FN+B until USB drive begins to flash.
11. System may remain blank as it enters recovery mode
12. System should complete recovery in 5-10 min. If system has not powered down in 15 min, power down by pressing the power button.

Alternate instruction set:
Alienware M17XR2 Crisis Recovery Procedure

1.Download the latest dell bios A10 from website and extract content onto desktop.
2.Locate crisis.zip file and copy onto memory stick
3.Insert usb memory stick onto windows xp computer only. And extract contents of crisis.zip onto desktop.
4.There should be 7 files on the desktop, run wincris file (floppy disk icon).
5.A dialogue box will appear, under the driver tab select your usb drive.
6.Press start and confirm ok to continue. This will copy all files to the usb stick, and then safely remove usb drive.
7.Shut down your Alienware, insert your usb key into the esata port (left side).
8.Remove battery, ac adapter and perform power drain.
9.Press down keys FN and B together, while keeping depressed press and keep down the power on button for three seconds, then let go keeping the FN and B buttons still pressed.
10.The usb drive will flash briefly then pause and then will flash continuously for 30 seconds, the lcd display will remain blank. AT THIS POINT DO NOT TURN OF THE COMPUTER.
11.After 5 mins approx the computer will automatically shut down and reboot hopefully recovering your computer back from a bad bios flash.
12. THE USB RECOVERY STICK CAN ONLY BE CREATED BY USING WINDOWS XP.


Screenshots:


















TheWiz

[5150Joker]

Congratulations on cracking it! Think there will be any chance of adding hardware id's to support future GPU releases? (e.g. AMD 6970M) Going to subscribe to this thread and report it on my site and link back here if you don't mind.

5150 Joker

[TheWiz]

Hey Joker,

Feel free to link to this thread and write about the finding as you please It seems to be a big demand to add additional GPUs, so I will look into it. A many thanks to kizwan and httuner who have helped infinitely with this project.

TheWiz

[goodstone]

Hey Joker,

Feel free to link to this thread and write about the finding as you please It seems to be a big demand to add additional GPUs, so I will look into it. A many thanks to kizwan and httuner who have helped infinitely with this project.

TheWiz

Yes will be nice to add normal vendor id numbers rather than Dell.

Then we could proberly get the cards for 1/3 less than what dell charges for them

Ant

[DR650SE]

Just droppin in and saying that I greatly appreciate your work. Let me know if there is any testing you need done as far as CPUs. I have a few laying around. I'll be following this thread

EDIT: Just thought I'd add something else in. I also have an i3 330M, and an i5 450M. Currently they are not recognized by the BIOS, but if you were able to add in BIOS support for those two CPUs, that would be awesome. Not sure how difficult that is as I have 0 experience in this field. Bought them new and they are just laying around, but I'd love to be able to bench them.

[TheWiz]

Hey DR650SE,

I am glad you will be able to test!. The first thing I want to do is release the BIOS with all of the unlocked features, as that is the safest BIOS for everyone to use. Then I will have to branch into analyzing the CPU/GPU support to see what can be done. Scheduled release for the BIOS will hopefully be tommorow eveining.

Thanks,
TheWiz

[DR650SE]

Awesome glad to hear it. I'm sure there are a ton of users looking forward to it, and let me know if theres anything I can do to help. I can be reached here or on NBR. Looking forward to it. In the mean time I might spend some time getting familiar with crisis recovery :p Since the dual cores have plenty fo headroom as far as heat is concerned, it'll be good to see what kinda overclock they can produce.

[TheWiz]

I'll be sure to include the CRISIS recovery info when I release it, but the risk is minimal for the option unlock as long as nothing rash is done.

TheWiz

[DR650SE]

Currently the performance (CPU vCore/OC) options are unavailable for the non extreme CPU's will that be unlocked as well? I'm assuming so, but just hcurious.. In the mean time I've been setting the OC options with my XM CPU, and then swapping them CPU out with a non XM so the options stick and I have the extra 150mV. Then I OC with SetFSB. Also any idea on what the voltage options will be?

[mfractal]

amazing work!

thanks for your efforts!

i would also like to know if non extreme cpus will have the OC menus unlocked.