[StevenC]

Ok first computer specs:
Alienware m17
Windows vista Ultimate 64 bit
Intel Core2 Extreme Quad QX9300 2.53GHz 12MB Cache 1066MHz FSB
4GB Dual Channel DDR3 SO-DIMM 1066MHz 2 x 2048MB
256GB 128GB x 2 Solid State Drive
Dual 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3870 CrossFireX Enabled
Dual Layer Blu-ray Disc Reader



My problem is my computer is literally skipping like a cd the performance becomes choppy my mouse is choppy and sound is a crazy static / echo like a cd skipping.

I have seen other threads pertaining to this problem but none seem to have the answer especially since my computer is brand new and this problem happened 5 minutes from me pulling it out of the box.

I have ran heat tests, stress tests, memory tests, 3d mark, re installed drivers, reformatted hard drive and uninstalled/re installed windows to no avail. I have spent around 20 hours on the phone with alienware tech support.

The last option is to send it back but the problem is I leave for afghanistan in 6 days. So it would be near impossible to get a near one without it taking months and maybe getting lost in transit. SO you may say get your money back. They charge a 15% restocking fee I would lose almost 700$

So what I know so far is: Its not a heat issue, its not a virus or spyware/malware

First time the problem happened I pulled the computer out of the box and was looking around playing hearts and some of the sample music. The problem is random I can not recreate it sort of.

It now most happens when I am downloading and doing multiple applications. But like I said earlier it is random and happened right out of the box.

I really need this issue resolved since I am leaving the country and help would be greatly appreciated. - Steve

[Hefemeister]

Have you tested the ram with memtest?

[StevenC]

I also ran MSconfig and disabled some of the start up programs to see if that would help and it did not.

I did tne basic memory test and it said no problems however i did not run the extended

[Hefemeister]

It seems you have eliminated software as a issue which leaves hardware. Do a full memtest run. Do you have another psu and gpu to try. After that we are at cpu or motherboard.

Needless to say for a brand new prebuilt machine you should not have to any of this. Alienware should pay to expedite shipping to make it happen for you or give you a full refund with no restocking fees. Tell them you would love to exchange it, here is my address that I need to have you ship it to.

[StevenC]

i agree i should not have to deal with any of this But I do now when you say memtest is that a program that is downloadable or the memtest that you run at bootup?

And they told me that I would have to pay the restocking fee if they cannot see the problem when they get the computer back. I would love to get a replacement but as I said I am going overseas and military mail isn't always that taken care of may get broken through flights stolen etc.

Either way thanks for your advice and looking at my post hopefully we can figure this out so I won't have to send it back.

I ran CpuZ and am looking to see if my cpu is 64bit enabled but i dont see it in cpuz any thoughts as to were i am supposed to look.

[Yamikotai]

Originally Posted by StevenC

I ran CpuZ and am looking to see if my cpu is 64bit enabled but i dont see it in cpuz any thoughts as to were i am supposed to look.

Just look at the make+model of your processor and google that. Since it's new it will almost definitely be 64-bit enabled. Even my previous 6-year-old comp was 64-bit.

Edit: Though now I look at your OP, I see your proc and yes it's 64-bit

[Hefemeister]

Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool
but i just noticed we are dealing with a laptop correct? If so there is next to nothing we can do with a hardware issue.

And yes you have a 64bit proc and os

[StevenC]

Yes it is a laptop. Could it be some of my software does not have 64 bit drivers. I am relatively knew to computers so I am kind of learning as I go. I will run the memtest and let you know how that goes.



Qustion how do i use memtest i downloaded it and unzipped it how do i run it?

[c0rr0sive]

You will have to burn the .iso file to a CD