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February 7th, 2023 14:00
M17x R3, power supply general question
Alienware M17x R3
I have already posted one other question about this laptop, but I figured I’d start a new thread since my other issue was resolved. This particular laptop uses a 240w psu, which at the time I still do not have, as the original owner kept it, one is currently in the mail to me though as I write this. I do have another Dell psu, but it is only 130w.. I know the laptop I bought works, because I was able to test before I bought it. The one time I tried to use the 130w psu, the lights came on, but no screen and no fans, and I got 7 beeps.. which from what I’ve read indicates a bad cpu
Now.. I know it is a good operating unit, and common sense says that happened like that because I am using an underpowered PSU and the laptop did not detect correct voltage.
I would like to know if I am thinking correctly, or somehow the cpu actually went bad between their house and mine. I am hoping it is just because I’m using the wrong psu initially. I am currently at work, so I won’t be able to be there and test when the new psu shows up for about another 6 hours or so, so I am hoping someone with more knowledge will reply before then so I don’t keep thinking I just broke my new-to-me Alienware
filbert
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February 7th, 2023 15:00
That laptop requires either a 150-watt or 240-watt AC adapter. Usually the difference depends upon the choice of CPU and GPU.
Even if the components chosen for that delivered laptop correspond to the 150-watt adapter, the adapter you used still did not supply sufficient power. Using an underpowered adapter can damage a laptop. I hope yours was not damaged.
You can use an adapter with a higher power rating, as a laptop will draw only what it needs. But, you should never use an underpowered adapter.
RsParrish82
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February 7th, 2023 15:00
Thank you, very good to know. I hope I did not mess anything up either. I only did it one time and, in all honesty should have just waited for the new psu. I will reply later once I have a chance to try the new psu and let you know what I find. Thanks for the info!
RsParrish82
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February 8th, 2023 08:00
It is the 2011 M17x R3.. unfortunately it arrived DOA giving a 7 beep code upon turning it on with the 240w psu. Lights up, no screen, no fans, and 7 beeps
DELL-Chris M
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February 8th, 2023 08:00
RsParrish82,
Clarify. Do you have the 2011 M17x R3 or 2020 m17 R3?
mattyb3
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February 8th, 2023 15:00
You wouldn't have broken it. Using a lower wattage PSU shouldn't do damage like that. It just won't give full power to each component and you'll have troubles charging the battery.
First thing to try is to remove the CPU heatsink and just make sure that the CPU is seated properly in the socket. Maybe the old user messed with it for some reason and the clamp isn't secured. be very careful not to damage the CPU pins though.
90% of the time it's an issue with the motherboard rather than a failed CPU. Those Intel chips are pretty solid.