Dell G7 17 7700 i7-10750H 16GB RAM 512GB SSD RTX 2070 Max P 144hz Display

For all of us that have bought this amazing laptop, here are some points that can help you set it up:

  • Change RAID to AHCI to avoid reinstalling Windows in the future if we use a second drive:
    Completely recommended to reinstall Windows from scratch as it will boost your battery life from 2 hours to up to 5-7 hours compared with the factory Windows.
    Youtube tutorial to change to AHCI

  • Mounting bracket, screws, and heatsink for secondary SSD: Thanks @PediatricLemon
    https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07RRNC5WD/ref=ppx_od_d…

  • To measure heat and wattage, use HWiNFO64 and RivaTuner server: Thanks @kml22
    Tutorial measure temp

  • To check the hardware inside, you can use CPU-Z:
    CPU-Z

  • Undervolting GPU guide for the Dell G7 17 7700: Thanks @Dipaty!

For some reason Dell has set in the BIOS of the GPU to automatically overclock up to 1900mhz when gaming (despite the GPU being rated at 1450mhz). However, when it does this it pulls obscene voltages through it, causing a lot of unnecessary heat with little to no real performance gain.
The solution? Limit the voltage that can be pulled through the GPU and thus, the maximum clock that it can push up to.

  1. Open MSI Afterburner.

  2. Press Ctrl + F to open the Volatge Frequency curvegraphic.

3.1. To limit the maximum GPU voltage to 0.8 and maximum clock to 1560mhz double click in the point and a yellow dotted line should appear like this:
https://imgur.com/a/Mu0ncSx

3.2. Select the point in the intersection of 1560 and 800 and click Ctrl + L, changing the curve to this shape:
https://imgur.com/L7xzHzf

A quick guide on how to use MSI Afterburner to limit the GPU voltage, view these video guides:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2xABgzp_1w
https://youtu.be/rV0tWKLAprg

  • Undervolting CPU guide for the Dell G7 17 7700: Thanks again @Dipaty!

Thanks to reddit users VanGoghComplex and Snoozehead for finding the intial fix and their thorough troubleshooting.

Initially, the laptop has undervolting disabled in the BIOS, but there is a way to unlock it…

PLEASE NOTE: I take no responsibility for any damage you may cause to your system, this is an "Advanced" process so proceed with caution.

If you're using BIOS version 1.2 (or earlier) you can skip Step 1 and use the values 0x3e for CFG Lock and 0xda for OC Lock.
If you're using a different BIOS version (or a different Dell laptop altogether) please follow from Step 1.

Step 1: Finding the correct values to change in the BIOS.
a) Download this Python script to extract the BIOS files from the dell bios exe file. https://github.com/platomav/BIOSUtilities/blob/master/Dell%2…
You will need to also install Python for this section to work: https://www.python.org/downloads/

b) Download UEFITool from this link to search in the BIOS files for the location of the values we need to find. https://github.com/LongSoft/UEFITool

c) Download the Dell BIOS file from the dell website that you currently have installed (if you're using an old bios version and would like to unlock undervolting then install that BIOS version first).

d) Download Universal IFR Extractor from this link to search for the names of the values we need to set to 0 in the BIOS to unlock the undervolt. http://bios-mods.com/pub/donovan6000/Software/Universal%20IF…

e) Place the Dell BIOS exe file in the same folder as the python script and then run the script. The script should open a command-prompt looking window, you'll need to type out the exact filepath to the DELL BIOS exe file. This will then create a new folder with the content files inside.

f) Launch UEFITool and then open (open image file) the first file that was extracted by the python script (in my case it's called "1 — 1 System BIOS with BiosGuard v1.2.0.bin").

g) Go to Action>Search and then go to the "Text" tab and type in "CFG Lock" (without the quotation marks). In the bottom section of the window it should find 1 result. Double-click the result to navigate to it (in my case it took me to a line that says "PE32 image section". Right click this line and press "Extract as is". Save the extracted file.

h) Launch Universal IFR Extractor and navigate to the file that you extract in "g)". This will save a text document with readable information. YAY! A document that we can actually read and isn't just code…

i) Open the file that was created in "h)"and search (CTRL+F) for "CFG Lock". This should take you to a line that will look something like this: "0x74FAC Setting: CFG Lock, Variable: 0x3E {0..". The section we are looking for is what it says after Variable: (in this case 0x3E).
This is your CFG Lock code. This is the name of the section that we need to set to 0 in your BIOS. A few lines under this section you should see a section that looks something like this: "0x74FCD Setting: Overclocking Lock, Variable: 0xDA {0.." This is the code for your OC Lock (in this case 0xDA).

Now that we've got our CFG Lock and OC Lock codes we can proceed to Step 2…
.
.

Step 2: Changing the values of your CFG Lock and OC Lock in your BIOS.
a)Format a spare USB drive to FAT32 on a GUID partition map.
If you're unsure whether your drive is GUID or not, go to Disk Manager in windows, right click the USB drive and go to Properties>Volumes and it'll say it next to partition style.
If you're unsure of how to change to a GUID partition map, please follow these instructions: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/disk…

b) Make a folder in the root of the USB (the main folder of the USB) called EFI.

c) Make a folder in EFI called BOOT.

d) Download this file (the one called grubx64.efi) and place it in the BOOT folder. https://github.com/XDleader555/grub_setup_var/releases/tag/v…

e) Rename the file to bootx64.efi

f) Reboot to your BIOS (spam F2 on your keyboard when booting up the laptop).

g) Disable Secure Boot in your BIOS. Save/Apply Changes and Exit.

h) Spam F12 when booting to load the One Time Boot Menu and select your USB Drive from the list of options. This will boot into the USB.

i) Once it has loaded, type in the following command (be very sure you type it in correctly): setup_var CpuSetup 0x3e 0x0
PLEASE NOTE: If you did Step 1 of this guide, then replace "0x3e" with the code you got for your CFG Lock. Make sure to keep the 0x0 there though as this is the command that turns the lock off.

j) Type in the following command (be very sure you type it in correctly): setup_var CpuSetup 0xda 0x0
PLEASE NOTE: If you did Step 1 of this guide, then replace "0xda" with the code you got for your OC Lock. Make sure to keep the 0x0 there though as this is the command that turns the lock off.

NOTE: All of the 0 in the previous points are actual zeros (the number, not the letter).

k) Type in the following command: reboot

l) Spam F2 whilst booting to load back into your BIOS settings and re-enable Secure Boot. Save/Apply Changes and Exit.
PLEASE NOTE: Some people have reported that they need to also reset the BIOS back to Factory Settings (not default settings) to make the undervolt unlock, but I personally didn't need to.

CONGRATULATIONS! You've just unlocked undervolting on your laptop! Give yourself a pat on the back ;)
Now please feel free to pick your favourite undervolting program (Throttlestop or Intel XTU), I personally used Throttlestop.

Here's a guide for Throttlestop: https://www.ultrabookreview.com/31385-the-throttlestop-guide…
Here's a guide for Intel XTU: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Extreme-Tuning-Utility-X…

Please remember to test your undervolts for stability using your favourite CPU intentive benchmarking software. I personally used Cinebench R20 and the built in tests of Throttlestop.

I personally have an undervolt of -100mv going right now, but I'm still in the testing stage.
You WILL have different results to me as this all relies on the good ol' silicone lottery - some people will be lucky and get laptops that can achieve a significant undervolt, and unfortunately some wont.

Good Luck!

PS: our eternal thanks to @kml22 for his efforts to clarify the 2070 Max P and all the info provided.

Comments

    • Not sure if it helps, but this worked for me. In my case, a recent Windows 10 update was causing an issue with Alienware according to a Dell article I found. Something to do with Win 10 permissions.

      I uninstalled all Alienware win apps, and then installed My Alienware from Microsoft Store. After going through the registration, there was then a link in there to install Alienware Command Centre also from MS Store (it didn’t show up for me until I installed the first app). Launching this also installed some extra files. Everything is now working again for me – G-mode, lights, etc.

      Not sure if this is the same issue for you, but it might help.

  • Hey everyone, I recently got a laptop cooling pad for this thing as it heats up way too much but I noticed something very weird. Without the cooling pad the temperatures hover anywhere between 78-90 degrees and with the cooling pad the temperatures are between 67-74 degrees. What's interesting is that the GPU drops the frequency to 300 (or at times 1000mhz) and killing the framerates every time I put it on the cooling pad. It's like it wants to run hot?

    I've reinstalled windows
    Disabled CPU boost
    Locked GPU to 1530mhz via MSI Afterburner
    I only play Black Desert Online (so i've set max performance in Nvidia control panel)
    Set Thermal management to Ultra performance in Dell power manager.

    Any ideas?

  • This laptop sounds cursed !!

  • Somewhere along the line I seem to have lost the ability to undervolt via XTU, anyone else had this? Still appears to work via Throttlestop though.

  • Can someone please link the file for the script… The link doesn't work anymore.

    • what do you need? there is an easier way then that initial how to undervolt.

  • New bios is out 1.6.0. Does anyone know if this overwrites the undervolt capabilities? Reluctant to update without knowing first.

  • bios 1.6 doesnt effect undervolt (just did it)

  • +1

    what trips the 300mhz is "temp3" which according to dell is the tjtemp (thermal junction between cpu and gpu).

    • Mine did this again the other day when I forgot to underplot. Still seems to be a problem even on BIOS 1.5

  • +1

    Not sure if anyone has purchased from Dell spare parts but I got a quote on the following to allow the 2nd SSD to be fitted;

    Parts PXNWV & KKCTR

    $32.81 AUD

  • Hi all, been eyeing this for months, and it's ~$1600 refurbished.
    Given the proximity of RTX3000 mobile and the thermal issues (perhaps improving) with the G7 17 (7700) , should I jump on the deal?

    • +1

      I'd say that it depends if you're ok dealing with the thermal issues yourself. I wouldn't say that I enjoy spending time on it, but once I had set up everything, the laptop works like a charm. The display is gorgeous, the keyboard is pretty comfy, speakers are nice-sounding (if fans are not fully loaded)…
      If you can troubleshoot stuff yourself, 1600 is a bargain for what it is, the 30 series will cost a fortune for a slight increase in performance.

  • +1

    okay for the absolute best cooling pad for these. like with mine 40 degree idle 70 max load CPU, 40 degree idle 75 max load GPU get the "IETS GT300" use the ring seal for 17" and bottom holders in the top position, seals perfect but if you game with speakers maybe not for you on max settings is loud but yeah, using this primarily as a desktop gaming PC (i switched from a dedicated PC as I wanted portability when away from home) this cooler pad is 200000% the best pad ever made. also knocked the TJunction sensor (Temp 3 in HWIFO and the trigger for 300mhz) max to 80. whole laptop is cooler though by a mile, HDD's everything.

    • also to add I am overclocked and locked boost @4.2 constant so I am stressing this as hard as it can go.

  • Soooo anyone wanna test 1.7 for undervolting?

    • +2

      Just installed, confirmed undervolting still works.
      Need to test games to see if it improves temps.

      • I'm nervous as it cant be reversed haha

        • +1

          So far so good, haven't noticed much difference. Cannot say temperatures are better as I used to operate the laptop in a 30 degrees environment and is rainy the entire week and the temps dropped to 20.

  • +1

    BIOS 1.7.0 update made my speakers buzz every 2.3 seconds, quite significantly. Just a heads up

    • +1

      That's bad. Ok, for those that haven't installed the 1.7 update, don't do it, I 'm having throttling issues which I never ever had before. Looking at how to uninstall it.

      • +1

        M thermals are nice. Max undervolt im able to set is -86.9 mV. I can run all cores on 3.65 GHz while rendering, and the max temp is 75 deg celsius. If my cooling was better, I could run higher limits and get 4GHz, but for now, this is more than enough for my needs. Power limits now are 45/55 W.

        The only issue I HAD was the speakers buzzing every 2.3 seconds. But after a few restarts that went away. Now everything works well.

        Well everything except for the screen. that's the issue I had from the start. Gradients show up in low res. I see a lot of color banding in photoshop, and that's annoying.

        Does anyone have a fix for this?

  • Sorry for the noob question and sorry if this was answered already…

    But it says "a) Download this Python script to extract the BIOS files from the dell bios exe file. https://github.com/platomav/BIOSUtilities/blob/master/Dell%2…

    I don't see a "download" button… How do I download the Python script?

    • You can just copy the script into a text file, and save it as script.py.
      Here you can download what I used for my laptop. Feel free to double-check the code. But I should mention that I had the same exact values as these in the guide. https://www.sendspace.com/file/dnaex5

      Be careful!

  • Merged from How to Download A Python Script from Github?

    Hello,

    There's a post for fixing a Dell G7 7700 FPS drop that says, "a) Download this Python script to extract the BIOS files from the dell bios exe file…"

    Then there's a link to a Github post.

    I don't see a "download" button… How do I download the Python script?

    Help please.

    • +1

      wtf?

    • Check over this thread for instructions

    • You can typically right click on the file/script and "Save As…" or "Save Link As…" (firefox).

      Or you can click the green "Code" button and download the entire repo as a .zip

    • +2

      Give us a link to the github fam

    • +6

      If your unsure how to download a file that may do anything - I'd be careful playing with Random BIOS updates…

      • Couldn't the OP just use Dell SupportAssist to update the BIOS?
        I've used it on quite a few laptops without issues

        • +2

          This is a modified BIOS which is not supported by Dell and will end any Warranty Support.

          • @No Username: which is why I'd be cautious about going near it.

            Link to the update and explanation of what it fixes would be handy

      1. Download Git
      2. Open Terminal and CD to where you want to clone it
      3. Type git clone URL

      You can also download the repo as a zip by clicking on the green button that says code.

      If its a Gist you can click on Download ZIP or click on raw and Save As.

      Also don't run random code on the internet. You might end up bricking your MOBO or allowing people to backdoor into your MOBO which will allow them to do things like extract Bit Locker Keys, Dump Memory, etc.

    • Try this link OP:
      (right click and "save link as" or whatever equivalent exists for your OS/web browser)

      https://raw.githubusercontent.com/platomav/BIOSUtilities/mas…

    • +3

      Just open it and copy paste.

      Your bigger difficulty will be figuring out how to run the script…

    • it would be more useful if you can share the link here.

      1. If all you can see are codes, then go 1 level up on the directory structure.
      2. If you can see filesystem structure, there should be a button above the filelist, where you can click (mine shows green button code), click and choose from dropdown download as zip.
    • No reply no nothing from the op since posting this……………..BEWARE (strongly resembles a using leech, OP you are free to shoot me down by replying and thanking posters above)

    • Post that has the link is here:
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/559551?page=4#comment-1026…

      There's an issue with the Dell G7 7700 where the FPS of games drops from 140 or better down to like 15 FPS.

      A simple Google search brings up thousands of people with this issue that Dell seems not to know how to fix.

      The fix is apparently to underclock the GPU but the thing is Dell locked the ability to under/overclock on this particular system.

      So according to the post, I have to basically unlock the ability to under/over clock.

      The original post has a broken link but the updated link to the code is in the comments on the first page.

      Thanks guys!

  • Gradients show up in low res. I see a lot of color banding in photoshop, and that's annoying.

    Does anyone have a fix for this?

  • Hi all, can this G7's thunderbolt port connect to a monitor using usb-c cable? Manual says you can only use the usb-c to display port cable?

    • can confirm USB C to HDMI @1440 @60hz though.

  • so who has tried 1.8

    • +1

      Installed and undervolting works wells. Pending to see if actually does anything better than last version.

      • +1

        can confirm

  • Is this laptop bios/drivers/windows fixed yet or do we still need a computer science degree to make it do what it’s sold to do?

    • Unfortunately not, if you're using it for gaming and you don't want to mess around, go for another one. After repasting, undervolting CPU, and locking GPU (of course, upgraded BIOS), it is still throttling from time to time.

      PS: very happy with it when I'm not gaming ;)

      • Is this problem an outlier and majority are perfectly fine? The thing has got thousands of positive reviews. Confused

        • No, it is not an outlier, each one definitely has this problem.

          But don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this machine. Once you have undervolted it and overcame all the problems, the machine is very nice. Great hardware, gorgeous screen, nice trackpad and keyboard, sleek design (not gaming looking at all), decent connectivity, and a quality build. And if you reinstall windows, more than 7 hours of battery working in Office (browsing will decrease it significantly, got about 2 or 3 hours depending on the update of the browser). And it was more than 1000 cheaper than other laptops that got the same hardware specs.

          PS: If I recall correctly, those reviews included all the versions, like the American ones that had a 300hz screen, an i9, etc etc. Also, don't thing all people buy this as a gaming one, as the look does not feel like a gaming one at all

          • @catchthemall: Does you're G Mode accelleration button still work? My just turns on the lights, but not the overclock thing. The Alienware apps won't install for something. Pretty minor issues, but it broke with a Windows updates ages ago and looking on line, seems like quite a general issue with the Alienware apps.

            Otherwise I agree, I like my machine and it runs well for the games and work I use it for.

            • @RockmanRock: It is, but I'm using it only for the keyboard lightning and the fan speed. In fact, if we lock the GPU and undervolt the CPU, there is no OC, just fans kicking in.
              Also, I had to uninstall the audio thing inside the Alienware CC, Nahimic was using 100% of my CPU and kept overheating it even with undervolting. So better avoid the command center if you had a workaround with the backlight and fans.

              • @catchthemall: Good to know. Mine doesn't even do the fan speed, which is kind of annoying as they spin up eventually obviously, might try removing the audio app as that is one that fails to work either from Windows Store or direct from Dell site.

                I am running the Windows Dev build stream though and that is part of the problem apparently. I also get some weird issues where it has gone to the blue restart screen with the fans on full when I open it back up from sleep in the morning, but again I think that is a bug related the Win build again as it has stopped doing it after a few updates.

                • +1

                  @RockmanRock: It looks like you can use Hwinfo for the fan issue. Couldn't find anything for the keyboard light though:

                  https://www.dell.com/community/Inspiron/Dell-G7-Fan-Controll…

                  I have the blue screen too, not in Win dev version, running mainstream Windows 10. It only happens when I put the laptop on sleep, and I couldn't find why. So ended up disabling sleep mode for hybernating and no longer have to worry blue screens.

            • @RockmanRock: https://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/drivers/driversde…

              Install that, my alienware works fully and G button works etc

              Vs before was intermittent or not working

              • @tsuiso: @tsuiso Sorry, missed your reply. Tried that now, and after installing a few other things it asked for, G mode and button is all working again now. Thanks!

  • Saw a YouTube video claiming sudden drop to 300 is induced by an overzealous motion sensor. Disabling the service responsible fixes the sudden drop.

    The drop is by design to produce less heat while moving laptop. Haven’t seen this mentioned previously. Anybody care to confirm or deny?

    https://youtu.be/nEm5jpX1LWc

    • I recall reading something similar which said placing the laptop on an incline may also set off this sensor.

    • It may be, but you still have the overheating issue. If you check the video the cpu is running at 97 degrees. A long gaming session or hot environment will definitely induce throttling even if you disable the sensor.

      Undervolting is a must if you're gaming with this laptop. Use it for office work and you're fine ootb.

      • Some mentioned lowering the turbo threshold in bios as an option. Thoughts?

        • Actually, it’s not in bios. It’s an app.

        • I have disabled turbo completely in Throtlestop and no problems so far. The laptop is still pretty quick, don't notice any slowdown unless using 4 heavy programs at the same time; CAD, photoshop, DaVinci…but at that point, it will throttle due to heat anyway

  • So my boy got his G7 7700 17”.

    Have been putting it through its paces. First thing was full updates using dells tool including v1.8 bios.

    Not sure if there is a new revision of the hardware or if bios and drivers have improved, but the thing is a monster.

    Fortnite on Epic settings, vsync on, pretty much locks to 144 with some occasional dips into the lower 100 at worst according to the counter - it’s practically imperceptible however. The performance is sustained for hours on end.

    Alt tabbing into Alienware shows Cpu in the 80’s and GPU even lower.

    Seeing as these laptops go on sale frequently and many are purchased, there isn’t much new discussion on thermal issues to coincide. Likely Indicating problems are now infrequent.

    The fans do blow! But I imagine any powerhouse in such a thin package is destined to do so. Still, not as bad as my Xbox360 of old. Playing with headphones mitigates any such distractions.

    The screen is bright and vibrant with good contrast. Surprised how sharp 1080p still looks on a 17”.

    Very much impressed with the package.

    • +1

      Congratulations on getting it! And glad you are doing great with it!
      It is a great machine, keep enjoying it.

  • Has anyone tried to connect a external G-Sync monitor to this laptop? Does it work via mini-DP connection?

    • yeah and with the HDMI as well I run 2 external monitors plus the screen on mine all 144 refresh.

    • and g sync obviously

  • I think now with 1.8 they have it fixed, wish I could get a stock one again and try it fresh with 1.8

    TBH with the IETS GT300 cooling pad alone would keep this below 90 with no throttling and doing nothing else.

    I've gone to the extent on mine that web browsing office watching YouTube etc my fans are off, and its at 30ish degrees…
    Gaming I can't push past 60ish, and really trying to cook it now I get 70.

    and Benchmarking wise I'm still pushing results, and mines really overclocked….

  • Thank you!!!!

  • Any else tried the 1.9.0 BIOS update?

    I installed it, and now the USB-C port doesn't work anymore, and the fans are always on.

    • That sucks, no I haven't. Thanks for testing it, I was going to but after your experience, it is unlikely I'll install it.

      • They sent out a technician and replaced the motherboard and fans, and now USB-C is working again with 1.9.0. I am also now running Windows 11 on it.

        • Congrats! Looks like a good deal haha. Very glad that our machines are still under warranty
          But tbh, not keen on upgrading knowing that flashing the BIOS can mess the entire motherboard.

          • @catchthemall: I looked on the bright side and thought oh well, new parts for free.

            It is running fine now and Dell were pretty good with next day on-site service, considering lockdown etc. Took about 20 min start to finish.

            • @RockmanRock: Haha, yeah, that's what I thought, new parts and Windows 11 before anyone else!

    • Yeah I just installed it too and my fans are always on now. Not at full speed but still on, even when idle - it's quite annoying.
      However, my USB-C port is still funcitoning without issue…

      EDIT: rolled back to 1.8 because the fans were driving me nuts.

    • Mine was forced to update a few minutes ago, but I have not observed any issues above. Finger crossed it continues that way.

      • Same. Windows wouldn't let me shut down without updating. I haven't had any issues with 1.9 as well. Both my USB-C port and fans are working fine. Let's hope it stays that way.

        • can turn off driver updates for windows update in group policy

  • I'm once again having issues with Alienware Command Center..
    It doesn't want to load up AWOCC anymore to allow me to change fan speeds, etc.
    I've tried installing via the My Alienware App in the windows app store.
    I've tried the install directly from the dell website.
    I've tried the install from SupportAssist.

    Does anyone have a fix for this? It's starting to drive me nuts

    • +1

      scroll up i posted a fix in the comments

      • I've already installed it - tried it before posting my comment.
        Just to be sure, I've tried uninstalling it and installing it again today.
        Rebooted and waited 5 minutes before trying to launch AWCC and it's still not working for me.

        EDIT: Rebooted another time, tried manually running AWOCC and then launching AWCC and it worked this time (first time in like 3 weeks).
        So hopefully this method will stick and it'll work next time I reboot lol
        Thanks for the help

        • Aaaand it's back to not working lol

          • @Dipaty: go into the service itself settings and check

  • +3

    well finally bit the bullet and re-did the thermal paste (MX-4) and got a laptop cooling pad. already undervolted by 142.6mv and limited turbo ratio to 41. obviously also limited voltage on the 2070gtx to 800Mv.

    Well worth putting new thermal paste on!

    idle temps blew me away sitting at 53 degrees, compared to 62 before

    [edit] also looks like there's a lot more available of the SSD parts

    KKCTR - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/303977019734 ($20 US)
    PXNWV - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/363485355623 ($12.42 US)

    • I can't even remember which parts we needed, but bought both anyway to tidy up things. Thanks for the update.

    • +1

      now man up and go conductonaut!!
      and I also redid the thermal pads with thermal grizzly as well as some other things I padded.

      Just do a good job with PCB lacquer, mine travels fine.

      So for 3 main current 3dMark benchmarks I'm in the top 20 worldwide against any with 10750H and 115W RTX2070.

      I'm the opposite of locking stuff I'm unlocking just wish I could go higher then 4.3 under long loads.
      GPU I'm just shy of 280mhz upgrade across a curve and +1200mhz on ram.

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