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m17 R5, undefined Issue (RAM, Motherboard, Battery?)
I've had my Alienware M17 R5 for almost two years now. About just over one year into owning it, I noticed that the power button started flashing red. I switched the outlet I plug the charger into, and the flashing stopped. Now, it's back, and just yesterday it would stay green, and only flash when I would run bigger games (Valorant, League of Legends, etc.). A week or two before the red flashing came back, the laptop also was warning me of a critical error regarding the RAM, and gave me a QR code to order a new pair. I went to Best Buy, the guy switched the RAM boards around, and now when I run diagnostics it no longer shows any indication of any issue whatsoever, let alone one for RAM. However, now the red light is flashing constantly, and it won't stop. I've tried watching it and looking for a pause that aligns with any of the error codes the Dell website has (flashing codes similar to morse code), but there's no pause whatsoever. Just a constant flashing at the same pace no matter how long I look. Additionally, when I boot up the PC, it says that the battery cannot be identified, and that it won't charge normally. So now I'm wondering whether or not it is a battery issue, a RAM issue even still, or just a motherboard issue.
ejn63
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June 12th, 2024 11:49
Disconnect the battery from the mainboard. Does the flashing red indicator cease?
3avesdropp3r
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June 12th, 2024 19:47
@ejn63 Unfortunately, I can't tell anymore. I unplugged the charger from the back of the laptop, then replugged it, and now it's solid green. But the flashing still happens when I open big games, just turns off when I close out again. I ordered a new battery, hoping it makes a change, but I'm still a little skeptical. When I called the first time the red flashing happened, I was told it was the motherboard. Second time, I was told it was the RAM. Now it says battery unidentified, cannot charge. If it isn't the battery, I'll just return it and try the RAM.
ejn63
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June 12th, 2024 20:05
The system likely taps the battery under heavy load, so the battery is at least part of the issue.
3avesdropp3r
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June 12th, 2024 20:17
@ejn63 Would you recommend returning the battery if the issue isn't completely solved by the replacement, or would you say I should keep it and try the RAM as well simultaneously?