Keep in mind that Alienware M18 R1 laptop computer that we made some fuss about awhile again? We reviewed the unique NVIDIA-powered model, however there is a new AMD Benefit mannequin that uniquely comes with a cellular variant of Navi 31 known as the Radeon RX 7900M. Sadly, reviewers and early adopters have complained of black screens, stuttering video games, and even boot issues, to say nothing of the impact on battery life. Do not fret, although, as Dell has a repair for you—however you could not prefer it.
Certainly, that is Dell’s answer to unravel the issues with the Alienware M18 AMD Benefit Version: downgrade the graphics driver to the 31.0.14076.3 model from September. Dell refers to this bundle because the “A01” model, indicating that it is the preliminary launch driver for the laptop computer.
{Hardware} fanatics and PC techs might be effectively acquainted with the concept that laptop computer OEMs publish their very own graphics driver packages. For a few years, NVIDIA and AMD’s reference drivers would not even set up on laptop computer {hardware}, because the OEMs demanded customers stick with their very own, licensed driver packages. That observe has considerably fallen by the wayside as last-minute GPU drivers turn out to be ever extra vital to having a clean gaming expertise.
On this case, although, it appears to be a requirement. Neither Dell or AMD have defined why the older driver is required for secure operation of the M18, and it is notably odd on condition that the motive force predates the discharge of the laptop computer by greater than a month. If we have been to invest, we might anticipate that it has to do some particular energy administration settings which might be included or configured within the older driver that are not present in newer drivers. To be clear, that is pure hypothesis on our elements, although.
NotebookCheck confirms that after rolling again the show driver to the Dell-recommended model, virtually the entire issues with the Alienware M18 R1 vanished. That is excellent news, nevertheless it’s nonetheless irritating and complicated for customers. AMD’s web site and the Adrenalin software program each suggest the most recent 23.11.1 driver that apparently causes main issues on this method, and the outdated driver from September lacks optimizations for the most recent video games, similar to Alan Wake 2 and Name of Obligation: Trendy Warfare III.
Hopefully Dell and AMD can get this case resolved in order that customers can begin utilizing the AMD drivers proper from the location. Having to attend for Dell to launch accredited driver packages is an actual downer for individuals who spent some $3,000 on a gaming laptop computer and need to play the most recent video games on it.
