How to COOL the Alienware m18 and m16 - EASILY

Dell's 2023 Alienware m18 and Alienware m16 both run hot but it can be tamed EASILY following two simple steps. In this video I show you how.

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[OWNORDISOWN]

You can also apply the TCC Offset in the BIOS, I believe offset of 0 = 100 Deg C max and offset of 15 = 85 Deg CPU Max. That would allow you to use the performance mode and GPU overclocking option.

[JarrodsTech]

The april fools version of this video: place it in a bucket of water

[barnuner]

I just disabled the core isolation memory integrity in windows, set the voltage offset to 100mv in bios and that did the trick great. Much cooler and performs better. Went from 27k in cinebench to 32k.

[Alexander_Sannikov]

here's an update for m18 r2:
- they removed the max power options from both bios and the AWCC
- undervolting options are severely nuked (can't put more than 15mV which makes it pretty much useless)
- however, the TCC(thermal offset) works really well. I just put it to 15C in AWCC and it keeps the CPU temp at 100-15=85C very reliably
- even better, setting the TCC and the fan profile under windows seems to carry over to linux!
- AWCC seems to override bios settings

overall my experience gaming on m18 r2 is so far very positive: all peripherals worked right off the bat (i'm on NixOS(don't use it if you're a beginner, use linux mint or something like that)), no drivers needed, all steam games work decently well.

[RAZORBLACKRX]

I use a fan blower pad for my laptop. At 5400 rpm, it's loud but it drops temps by 10 to 15 degrees when it's at maximum performance but as long as your laptop are vented on the bottom.

[tecknows]

In AWCC, you have the ability to create a profile. The Profile can consist of all elements, Tuning, and Color Effects. So if you set the CPU OC, Save, GPU OC, Save, Thermal Controls, Save, and it all saved to the same profile; Then the CPU/GPU Tuning and Cooling Settings will all apply.

[Chris-slpv]

I just want to say I picked up the m16 Rtx 4080 with the i9 a few days ago!! Amazing. I use it with the iets gt500 and my cpu temps hit the mid 80s only. Everyone raved about the cooler and they are right. The only changes in the bios I did make were… overclock level 1 and turned on the resizable bars. My cpu will hit 90 some watts and holds around mid to high 80s, think max was 89 degrees. Gpu sits in the mid 60s. Please review the iets gt500 it’s worth the purchase, very happy with my m16. Also!! I added the 990 pro ssd 1tb and Kingston impact 5200 64gb

[siyzerix]

Thank you stephen for taking my suggestion! Very appreciated that you tested raising the laptop. The raised laptop did cool the GPU by about 4 to 5 degrees, which is pretty good. Sad to see it had zero effect on the CPU. Very strange, thought better airflow would help the cpu too

[supfitapache]

This is a very important setting, I was afraid to buy an 18-inch model precisely because of the temperature, thank you very much

[Alexander_Sannikov]

this video really needs an update for m18 v2 version, as its bios exposes fewer parameters to play with. i'm also interested to see which OS options are available under linux and also which options i can set under windows and carry over into linux.

[NoSmileification]

I was thinking about this again recently, and I think it was a good move on Alienware's part to include the TCC. They're packing some incredibly powerful CPU's and the majority of consumers won't want to mess around with voltages in the bios or software. The TCC solves the heat problem while only sacrificing a few FPS and (I assume) keeps the TDP down. This may actually benefit the GPU since it would give it room to use the full 175W power draw. While some of us prefer to undervolt and tinker with squeezing out every performance metric, at least there is a solution that actually works to keep things below 85C. Given the hardware in this thing, that's pretty incredible. I think it will be very useful for the 1.8.1 Bios since they disabled undervolting again, but enabled ram XMP profiles up to 6400 on the 32GB sticks. Any FPS loss from the 85 thermal limit will be gained back by the increase of ram from 4800 to 6400 speeds very easily.

[fractalelf]

I’ll add a few things now testing in working with an M18 R2 (after evaluating two of them) and doing a lot of reading. First, Element 31 is “dry”, and it isn’t quite as good as a good regular paste BUT it’s better over time, not drying out as it’s designed to be “dry”. There are definitely differences in the units and the second one I tested with is much cooler than the first. This should in theory prevent a need later for a re-paste. Second, the temps are indeed pulled down well via these methods though and this was very helpful. DPC latency due to both Nvidia’s framework and the Intel Rapid Storage both plague the system though, core unpacking and tweaking power settings helps, but it doesn’t solve it even after driver updates.

[gregsimpson]

It seems to me Alienware has always had an issue in regards to heat. Unless one has the knowledge you have to show us how to lower the temperatures so the unit runs quieter and at lower temperatures. But we shouldn't have to do all that for the prices they charge. I will admit that I have fallen behind in regards to current technology due to disruptions in my life the last 3 years. But I would love to purchase a laptop from you that has the settings already set, etc. Both my laptops were stolen so I don't even have a computer! In like 28 years? So if you have something laying around and would like to sell (just gathering dust), I would be very interested!!! We go wayback and I feel lucky to have met you when you were just starting out. Your videos are so good and informative!

[brandontroyer]

I have the m16 r1.. I am confused! When I hit f2. My bios screen looks nothing like yours. How do I get to that alienware bios screen. Also this is a 5.2 ghz. Why does mune show 3.0? Sorry ..new back to the pc world

[burakbuyukkaya]

This is an informative and helpful video but it shows the traditional cooling method we use needs a big revamp especially for laptops. Putting more and/or better designed fans don't do any good for high watts.

[jamesh]

I may be wrong but can’t you set the TCC directly in the Performance section of the BIOS? If so it would leave you free to overclock in ACC.

[Locutusk]

What you explain is possible only with 1.6.0. bios. With the 1.7 and the recent 1.8.1 update the customization feature has been removed and you can only apply the TCC offset to "cool down" the cpu. The OCLV1 and OCLV2 are still present.

[jacksunstone]

Just bought a M18. Thanks for the tips.

[Alexander_Sannikov]

A huge advantage I see in this model is that even if its windows software is garbage, is bios is surprisingly good. Seems to be much better than the competition. And that's important because I'm planning to run linux on it. Laptop performance settings are notoriously hard to tweak under linux, but if it's all in bios then it's not a problem (hopefully).

[anupampb]

After falling to Dave2D's review of original m15, I purchased it & I found its thermals were bad. Later found your channel, Bob's & Jarrod's. CPU UV, power limits & GPU UV did help managing its thermals but these are not stuff that most normal users will do. Its baffling to see that AW is still bad in thermals after 4 years. Friend has a 2021 Legion 5 with 3060 & that has decent temps with back raised even in a hot country like India. IMO buying AW seems stupid as its usually more expensive & the inverted mobo doesn't help as well.