D630 Windows 7 BIOS

Am running 32-bit Windows 7 on a Latitude D630. I have experienced the dreaded nVidia GPU issues and after replacing the system board I am trying to do everything I can to preserve this one.

Can anybody tell me what BIOS I should be running from Dell? Since they do not support Windows 7 for the D630, do I choose A17 for Windows XP or A18 for Vista 32-bit. I am currently on A15.

Thanks

 

I mean, if possible what you should really do is sell your Nvidia motherboard while it's still working and buy an Intel motherboard. The cost difference is probably less than $30 all things considered.

That being said, if you have to keep the Nvidia board, you should just use the latest BIOS revision that you can. I believe the later revisions just run the fan more, so you could also use i8kfangui, etc.

 

Yea, my plan was to put the motherboard with Intel video in as soon as this one dies. I got a year out of the last one, and hoping for another year with this one.

My feeling is to try the A18 BIOS meant for Vista 32-bit (the last one Dell offered), but I just want to make sure I'm not going to brick my system.

 

It should not be an issue... if it is, the executable should not allow the update.

 

BIOS updates are irrelevant of the OS. You'll be able to install the update without issue from Windows 7 x64 (that's how I got A18 on a couple D630's).

 

I'll agree that if you have the motherboard, and longevity of the laptop is a concern, either sell it asap and move to the Intel, or use it until it blows and go with Intel.

Yet, seem to remember that some bios loads for some Latitudes do things specifically driven by GPU issues. If you're really that interested, download all of the bios exe's, and read all the diff notes. If there's no updates related to GPU issues, guess just go with the latest release (unless there's a specific feature to drive you away from a specific release).

Personally, I've stayed away from the discrete GPUs, given the history of their issues, unless there's a specific need for a discrete GPU. Longevity has over-ruled need or the cool-factor, except maybe once.

 

Good info, and thanks to all. Will likely just take my chances with this MB, and when the GPU blows, maybe the Intel will be even cheaper off eBay.

 

Hi, long time lurker finally deciding to post here....

It is also possible that the system could last fine with the nvidia chip. I have a fleet of 80 D630 and 630c's that have been in service this whole time and I have not lost a single one yet.
Our 630's are all at A17 and run an nvidia driver, as the one Dell lists is quite old. The fans do run a lot, but I just tell the users to live with it.

 

Also another thing to remember is to make sure you get the right part number. There are part numbers for the D620 and the D630 and they are NOT interchangeable. CPU types aside ,the motherboards are different style.

 

And conversely I'm 2-for-2 on D630 NVIDIA failures in my household within 3 years of purchase. It really is a crapshoot.