problems with Alienware system

[depechemodeone]

A friend of mine bought an alienware system with this configuration:

Case: Alienware Full-Tower Case (420-Watt PS) - Plasma Purple Video Cooling: AlienIceT Video Cooling System - Terra Green Cable Management: Alienware Cable Management System
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.8GHz 533MHz FSB w/ 512KB Cache
Motherboard: Intel® D875PBZ - Intel 875P Pentium 4 Motherboard
Memory: 512MB DDR SDRAM PC-3200 - 2 x 256MB Module
Hard Drive: 80GB Seagate Barracuda ATA IV ATA-100 2MB Cache - Quantity 1 Optical Drive One: 16/48x DVD-ROM - IDE - Black w/Software MPEG-2 Decoder Video Card: ATI RADEONT 9800 PRO 128MB 8x AGP w/DVI & S-Video - LIMITED AVAILABILITY Sound Card: Sound Blaster® Audigy 2 - 6.1 Network Card: Integrated Intel Pro/1000 CT Gigabit Ethernet Adapter w/CSA
Keyboard: Microsoft Internet Keyboard - Space Black
Mouse: Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 - USB - Standard Color Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition

Here's his problem:
He got the system on Saturday, hooked everything up, started installing games and what-not. Plays on the machine for about 3 hours. leaves the machine on while he does some things. Comes back and screen is blank (typical when in power save mode). tries to get back to normal mode, he gets a windows XP error (blue screen). He shuts down and powers back up. He gets the POST screen and then gets a blank screen.

He has called Alienware support repeatedly and isn't getting through. He is extremely frustrated.

Any suggestions?

Are there any known problems with the Intel motherboard?

 

[Acanthus]

It sounds like a driver issue. I'm not very experianced with XP tho. Tell him to visit the alienware support forums, they have great support there.

 

[WHipLAsh13]

Wierd set up the use a 875 chipset but then only put a 533 FSB processor in it. I heard of this with their RAMBUS setups with the 9800 PRO but first I am hearing of it with a Canterwood.

 

[OverVolt]

Try disabling Standby or STR. Might be a workaround. Theres a way that it'll show the blue screen till u hit a key or somehting before it reboots so you can see the error. I forget how i'm sure some 1 remembers.

 

[depechemodeone]

overvolt:he can't get that far.


he told me a little more about the problem.
he's now getting a boot device error, and when he goes to the bios setup screen, it doesn't allow him to set the hard drive as 1st boot device.
sounds like either the motherboard ide channel is faulty or his hard drive isn't working properly.

needless to say he's extremely unhappy. He actually has less than 1 hour game time on it. It took them 1 month to ship. he gets in and dies within 5 hours, how crappy is that?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

How about a refund and get the same thing from Dell (Not XPS) for a ton cheaper? Or how about building one even cheaper?

Seriously, I have no clue but Alienware is a waste of money unless you have tons of money, need the best system, and want it for the case.

 

[OverVolt]

Thats unacceptable, call up Alienware, send them nasty e-mails and get the problem fixed. Tell them you think the hardware is faulty which is what it sounds like. I thought they did 72hour testing (burn-in) but i gues sone got by eh?

Try cracking it open and see if you can't find anyproblems yourself.

 

[Viper96720]

So much for the burn in testing. Unless something he installed messed up the system somehow.

 

[depechemodeone]

I build my own.

I offered to build one for him, but he's all intent on having one pre-built, etc.

he hasn't had luck with custom builds. now it looks like he doesn't have luck with pre-built ones.

Anyway, he finally got through to tech support.
they are sending a tech to his house to replace the motherboard. Which will take about 1 week.

my guess is that he will have to ship it back anyway. but I didn't tell him that.

 

[Benster]

yes . . send this machine back as soon as possible . . . i had a similar problem and more . . they have no solutions. If your friend is within the 30 days . . send it back now!

 

[ypd1111]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
How about a refund and get the same thing from Dell (Not XPS) for a ton cheaper? Or how about building one even cheaper?

Seriously, I have no clue but Alienware is a waste of money unless you have tons of money, need the best system, and want it for the case.

This is the second time I've heard you recommend someone buy a dell. I want you to drill this into your head: DELL SUCKS. But why? Is it because they underclock their Radeon 9800 video cards intentionally? Is it because they purposely mismatch components to limit upgrading? Well my friend, it's a combination of several things. But the more important issue is why you are such an ass. First you offer a sarcastic answer suggesting someone return a computer that they obviously wanted to buy. Then you show your true capacity for answering the thread: "Seriously, I have no clue". Seriously, we can tell. Then you go on to give your opinion of a system you have never owned. Hmmm, somethings amiss here. Are you under the impression that anyone with enough money to buy an alienware gives 2 shits about your Dell-recommending, no-clue-having, opinionated excercise in idiocy? Well here's an opinion for you: I think you should get a refund for YOUR computer, buy a shotgun, stick the barrell in your mouth, and see if you can pull the trigger with your toe. I feel sorry for everyone that has to encounter you on a daily basis.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: OverVolt
Thats unacceptable, call up Alienware, send them nasty e-mails and get the problem fixed. Tell them you think the hardware is faulty which is what it sounds like. I thought they did 72hour testing (burn-in) but i gues sone got by eh?

Try cracking it open and see if you can't find anyproblems yourself.

Exactly... when you buy pre-assembled stuff, these type of problems should not exist. That's why you're paying out the butt for it... so you don't have to fool with driver problems and so if there IS a problem, THEY fix it.

*EDIT* I wouldn't recommend "cracking it open" though... they might use that as an excuse not to honor the warranty.

 

[grant2]

Originally posted by: ypd1111
I think you should get a refund for YOUR computer, buy a shotgun, stick the barrell in your mouth, and see if you can pull the trigger with your toe. I feel sorry for everyone that has to encounter you on a daily basis.

You are an idiot.

 

[joeryu]

Originally posted by: ypd1111

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
How about a refund and get the same thing from Dell (Not XPS) for a ton cheaper? Or how about building one even cheaper?

Seriously, I have no clue but Alienware is a waste of money unless you have tons of money, need the best system, and want it for the case.

This is the second time I've heard you recommend someone buy a dell. I want you to drill this into your head: DELL SUCKS. But why? Is it because they underclock their Radeon 9800 video cards intentionally? Is it because they purposely mismatch components to limit upgrading? Well my friend, it's a combination of several things. But the more important issue is why you are such an ass. First you offer a sarcastic answer suggesting someone return a computer that they obviously wanted to buy. Then you show your true capacity for answering the thread: "Seriously, I have no clue". Seriously, we can tell. Then you go on to give your opinion of a system you have never owned. Hmmm, somethings amiss here. Are you under the impression that anyone with enough money to buy an alienware gives 2 shits about your Dell-recommending, no-clue-having, opinionated excercise in idiocy? Well here's an opinion for you: I think you should get a refund for YOUR computer, buy a shotgun, stick the barrell in your mouth, and see if you can pull the trigger with your toe. I feel sorry for everyone that has to encounter you on a daily basis.

shut the fck up. first of all, the 9800's are NOT underclocked, u may think so if ur comparing to the clockspeeds of a 9800 pro, but thats not what they use. its a 9800 non pro or 9800 tx. second, he suggested he return the computer because IT DOESNT WORK ANYMORE. if you like spending thousands on something and it doesnt work, wouldnt you want to return it also and get your money back. or are you just stupid and like to hold on to broken things?. also, although i would never buy a dell for my personal computer cause i like to build my own, they make great computers, and they have very competitive prices. they have their niche, theres a reason they sell more pc's than all the others like hp/gateway/etc. looks like you're the stupid one here, so shut up.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: grant2

Originally posted by: ypd1111

I think you should get a refund for YOUR computer, buy a shotgun, stick the barrell in your mouth, and see if you can pull the trigger with your toe. I feel sorry for everyone that has to encounter you on a daily basis.

You are an idiot.

I agree his comments were inappropriate, but you might wanna learn how to quote before you go calling people idiots.

 

[Budmantom]

Originally posted by: ypd1111

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
How about a refund and get the same thing from Dell (Not XPS) for a ton cheaper? Or how about building one even cheaper?

Seriously, I have no clue but Alienware is a waste of money unless you have tons of money, need the best system, and want it for the case.

This is the second time I've heard you recommend someone buy a dell. I want you to drill this into your head: DELL SUCKS. But why? Is it because they underclock their Radeon 9800 video cards intentionally? Is it because they purposely mismatch components to limit upgrading? Well my friend, it's a combination of several things. But the more important issue is why you are such an ass. First you offer a sarcastic answer suggesting someone return a computer that they obviously wanted to buy. Then you show your true capacity for answering the thread: "Seriously, I have no clue". Seriously, we can tell. Then you go on to give your opinion of a system you have never owned. Hmmm, somethings amiss here. Are you under the impression that anyone with enough money to buy an alienware gives 2 shits about your Dell-recommending, no-clue-having, opinionated excercise in idiocy? Well here's an opinion for you: I think you should get a refund for YOUR computer, buy a shotgun, stick the barrell in your mouth, and see if you can pull the trigger with your toe. I feel sorry for everyone that has to encounter you on a daily basis.

^
^
^
You sir do not have a clue...

 

[LordMorpheus]

About the Dell vs Alienware argument.

Dell: near top of the line pooter that works perfectly: 2.5-3.5K
Alienware bleeding edge that works fine for five hours: 6-7k

Dell if computer doesn't work or component fails: free replacement, instant service, they will pay part of shipping (at least they did when our 21" LCD got iced by a lightning storm(yes it was surge protected))
Alienware if pooter fails: wait days to get through to someone, wait weeks for real service, ship it back and wait months for it to return.

and yes, it is possible to upgrade dells (I have done so many times with no compatability issues.)

In conclusion: build your own, its cheaper, and if anything fails you can RMA and replace it w/o going through a third party tech support.

If you do go prebuilt, and are stuck between Dell and Alienware, go with the Dell.

 

[Nebor]

I believe this thread is officially out of control.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Nebor
I believe this thread is officially out of control.

/removes pants

/runs around wildly in now-hijacked thread

WHEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

BTW, Alienware is the PC equivalent of a Riceboy.

- M4H

 

[grant2]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

I agree his comments were inappropriate, but you might wanna learn how to quote before you go calling people idiots.

No doubt, forums always get the best of me... guess I should utilize that "preview" button more..

 

[MrDigital]

Something else you could try is toasting the HDD and reinstalling everything. That way you at least rule out software. I don't think I saw that suggestion on here yet. Otherwise definately get a refund on the Alienware or at least make them replace the computer. I wouldn't buy a Dell desktop PC either but I always have and always will build my own.

I've heard many more Tech Support horror stories about Dell then Alienware but I love my Dell laptop.

 

[jimmygates]

The computer was most likely banged around during shipping and the impact corrupted the O/S on the harrdrive. (Harddrive head smash?) If that is the case it happens to every computer vendor that has to ship computers to customers. I see it happen all the time on HP's and Sony's in retail stores since they are banged up during shipping to the stores and banged up again when the stock boy stocks them.




-Jimbo