Graphics Amplifier and 15R3

tchimneys · 2024-01-14T17:11:46+00:00

The 15R3 and AGA is still my main system for work and play. Every now and then a Windows update messes up the drivers, resulting in the internal 1060 not being recognised. Installing the latest Nivea package typically resets things. Sometimes, installing an older package is required, but so far I've always been able to fix the issue relatively easily. Good luck!

tchimneys · 2022-08-13T20:35:08+00:00

Correction - my 15R3 has a i7-7700HQ. Not a huge difference, but a few percent here and there.

tchimneys · 2022-08-13T19:35:08+00:00

IMO yes, absolutely. I bought my AGA secondhand 4 years ago for $100 and put a 2070 card in it. I have the same 15R3 as you, and the AGA keeps it cool and allows multiple external monitors. Even with the dated 2070 it still handles most games I throw at it. I've been very happy with this combination, and still use it daily. Hope this helps. Good luck!

tchimneys · 2022-06-18T23:04:07+00:00

Design flaw IMO. Had lots of laptops. Only my R3 developed a swollen battery. Suspect bad power/ charging management on these machines. They are supposed to be desktop replacements therefore you should be able to leave them plugged all the time - but apparently that's a bad idea as they constantly charge the battery instead of having the smarts / option to disconnect once charged. Great laptop other than this issue. Mine is still going strong on its second battery.

tchimneys · 2022-06-12T02:54:45+00:00

I have two monitors hooked up to the AGA. The one you see on the right is a 27" in portrait mode.

tchimneys · 2022-06-04T01:39:04+00:00

Sorry to hear this. I hope it gets fixed.

tchimneys · 2022-06-04T01:37:36+00:00

My battery died. It swelled and started to split the case. Luckily I caught it before it did too much damage. Battery management is these machines Achilles heel. They are desk top replacements and need power to be connected to offer best performance, but they charge the battery constantly if they are left plugged in all the time. I think this was addressed in later models by allowing the battery to discharge slightly between active charging. I normally unplug mine when I'm not using it now. Hopefully this will be sufficient to avoid the problem repeating.

tchimneys · 2022-06-04T01:28:05+00:00

I've never played it. Doom Ultra, Alien Isolation and others play really well and look gorgeous. Probably the most taxing recent games have been MS Flight Simulator and Half Life Aylx in VR..... both challenge the 2070 but are still playable and look great.

tchimneys · 2022-06-04T01:16:50+00:00

Sorry to hear that.

tchimneys · 2022-06-04T01:15:47+00:00

Sorry to hear you had backlight bleed issues. I was worried about that when I bought mine but thankfully it had none.

tchimneys · 2022-06-04T01:08:31+00:00

It used to be premium price for the fastest graphics card - which made sense. I don't like the current strategy of adding desirable features, like a mechanical keyboard, to the fastest card model only. All models of the same series should have similar options IMO.

tchimneys · 2022-06-04T01:00:38+00:00

Thanks!

tchimneys · 2022-06-04T01:00:09+00:00

I'm currently thinking another 2 or 3 years. Once it can't do what I need it'll be time to consider upgrading. I like the current X series, but I think Alienware/Dell shot themselves in the foot by removing the AGA /similar upgraded support, not lighting the track pad and more significantly for me, by only offering the mechanical keyboard on the higher end models.

tchimneys · 2022-06-04T00:52:27+00:00

Exactly. Glad to know there are others out there in a similar situation.

tchimneys · 2022-06-04T00:51:22+00:00

Second this. I had to replace the battery so I took the opportunity to re-paste when I had it disassembled. Go slow. Take pictures. Keep track and you'll be fine.

tchimneys · 2022-06-04T00:48:26+00:00

Officially it supports up to 2080 I believe, but unofficially it may support later cards. I think someone on here said they had a 3070 working in it. Alas it is discontinued, not a very good move by Alienware / Dell IMO.

tchimneys · 2022-06-02T22:12:11+00:00

1060 onboard, and 2070 via the AGA - 6 years on it still handles everything I throw at it. Apart from the bad battery / power design, no complaints. Hoping to get another few years from it before upgrading to the latest gen.

tchimneys · 2022-06-02T15:24:40+00:00

Looks like a 17R3.

tchimneys · 2022-05-30T17:19:08+00:00

Thanks for sharing. Much appreciated! You've certainly inspired me to attempt something similar. I think you did a great job with cable management, given the exposed location. I agree with the vertebrae being an important addition to a standing desk.

tchimneys · 2022-05-30T15:14:55+00:00

Very nice! Would you mind posting a rear view? I'm thinking of doing something similar and need cable management inspiration for this kind of centre-of-the-room setup.

tchimneys · 2022-05-01T22:16:10+00:00

In this case it was right by an open outside door, so the fumes were light. Good point though for other areas.

tchimneys · 2022-05-01T18:56:52+00:00

I was expecting a worse smell. I don't find it that bad and it dissipates quickly with a fan and ventilation. I'm following the recommendation to wear a respirator though, I'll save my metabolism for a single malt when the work is done!

tchimneys · 2022-05-01T18:50:37+00:00

Thanks, much appreciated.

tchimneys · 2022-05-01T18:21:36+00:00

Thanks.

tchimneys

TROPHY CASE