[Problem] RGB Keyboard not detected by my Dell G15 5515

Hi everyone,

I’m working on a Dell G15 5515 (Ryzen 7 5800H, RTX 3050 Ti) and recently installed a compatible 4-zone RGB keyboard and controller (for Dell G15 5510/5511/5515 models). While the keyboard functions for typing, the RGB lighting is not detected by Alienware Command Center (AWCC), which displays “No AlienFX devices found.”

What I’ve Tried So Far:

  • Reseated the cables.
  • Reinstalled AWCC and AlienFX services.
  • Attempted BIOS downgrade but no improvement.
  • Inspected ribbon cables for damage.
  • Explored the possibility of BIOS or EC firmware issues with various versions, without success.
  • Have realized that similar models like the Alienware M15 R5 have specific keyboard controller drivers available on Dell’s support site, hinting at potential cross-model compatibility solutions.
  • Have tried a few other things, if required I can detail in replies.

Progress and Insights:

  • I’ve identified that the AWCC fails to recognize the keyboard post-installation, despite being a compatible model.
  • Found out that BIOS downgrades were unsuccessful and blocked by system security features meant to prevent firmware regressions.
  • Investigated similar issues found on platforms like WinRaid, where BIOS or EC modding was suggested as a possible solution.

What I Suspect:

  • There could be a BIOS or EC firmware issue preventing the RGB controller from being recognized. Since the hardware is compatible, I’m looking for help with modding BIOS or EC firmware to get the RGB controller working properly.
  • Could also have to do with a driver that’s not readily available or installing due to service tag mismatch. Possibly someone can send me their driver files info that has a working rgb g15 setup.

Seeking Help On:

  • Modding tools, methods, or existing solutions to enable RGB functionality on Dell G15 5515.
  • Any guidance on firmware modifications that might have worked on similar models, or advice from those who’ve faced and fixed similar issues.

Any guidance on modding tools, methods, or existing solutions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for the help!


Edit by Fernando: Thread title shortened and customized

Bump

Bump.

@NotEnough
Welcome to the Win-Raid Forum!
Since you don‘t want to report about an interesting device, but about a problem to get a supposedly compatible RGB keyboard detected by your Dell system, I have moved your request into the „BIOS Problems“ Forum section and hope, that will get a reply from a BIOS modding expert very soon. Additionally I have shortened and specified your chosen thread title (can be altered by you at any time by editing the first post).
Good luck!

@Fernando , I appreciate your assistance in moving my thread, but I must say that your tone comes across as quite dismissive and unprofessional for a moderator. I am here seeking support and assistance from experts in the community, and I expect the same level of respect and professionalism that I offer in return. If you cannot provide that, perhaps you should reconsider your approach when responding to users who are genuinely looking for help. I trust that the BIOS Problems forum is the appropriate section for this issue, and I look forward to productive input from the experts here.

Just for my learning- could you specifiy the ‘dismissive and unprofessional’ part? I can’t see anything like that here, but language is used and understood differently in many other parts of the world?

It was extremely condescending and was worded in a way as if I was stupid. “Supposedly compatible”. As if I have not contacted Dell support and they confirmed it was. As if I hadn’t done all the research possible and debugging, multimeter, schematics, etc.

Thank you for the clarification!