M17x DPC Latency

Man I really miss my m1730 too bad the cards keep't crapping out

 

Guys,

I found out something VERY interesting... It seems like there is something wrong with the 9400 chip after all(software or hardware level)

I found out a way to produce ~4000 spike every time you do the following:
1-enable 9400 integrated graphics.
2-use GPU-Z to monitor the graphics cards(280m SLI and 9400)
3-go to the sensor tab in GPU-Z
4-just simply switch between the 280m and the 9400.
5-every time you switch TO the 9400 so that GPU-Z starts reading the 9400, i get a ~4000 spike in DPC.

This happens everytime. I did this with the following configs
Windows 7 x64
APCI enabled
on 195.81 official Nvidia drivers on max performance.

Can anyone with a similar settings as mine test this?

 

4000 spike is nothing.

 

you wanna see a 80,000us spike from just idling on the desktop with a freah installl no nothing done to the os, with the igp disabled?

 

lol I think the highest spike I saw was about 99999, just idling, with the 67k ones being the more obvious.

 

Still running tests here after being swapped to a 4870... and I can confirm that even though I may still get some DPC spikes (much lower, ~5000), everything's running extremely smooth. MP3s, youtube and gaming thoroughly tested, no stuttering as of yet.

 

As I mentioned I have the same experience tsurashi

 

So it is confirmed again and probably wouldn't be a huge mistake to summarize the replacement to ATI GPUs as fixing the DPClatency and stuttering issues (related to the GPUs):
All of those who got their Nvidia GPUs replaced with 4870s cards get max spikes in ~5000 range (while switching between multiple tabs, starting temps monitors,etc), and zero spikes when in idle/gaming/music/video.

The only issue remaining is the Nvidia chipset and its contribution to the problem. And that is a big question. I hope Dell will soon clarify this...

 

so you stuttered with a single 260m and a dual core?

 

ok well I am going to try to call today or tomorrow to see if I can get my 260s swapped for ATIs. Who do I call? Tech Support or Hardware Warranty Support?

 

Just insert your express service number when asked and you will be transfered to the right department. You can find the service tag to express service code converter on Dell.com

 

You can use the converter on this site as well by using the service tag on the bottom of your laptop.

 

thank you guys!

I wonder what will come out of all this.

 

if you get them let me know, also see if you can get the email from the tech supporter you talk to. as far as i know they are saying the fix is basically finished.

 

If John B does not know the ETA of the supposed fix how do these people on the phone know more .I think we have all done our time waiting we now need a solution to this .

 

I think the problem with the stuttering due to powermizer is not restricted to laptop motherboards with Nvidia chipsets. I read on the nvidia forum references about stuttering due to the powermizer dating back to 2008 and the most recent ones are laptops like Clevo, Toshiba and Gateway that have Intel chipsets either with or without SLI. I think Dell tries to cover their improper testing of the laptop with win 7 and the mess of Nvidia with their powermizer issue.

 

Yea, Im stuck with the M17x for now. More trouble than its worth trying to trade in for the R2. How do you disable powermizer on this system? I followed the instructions but I dont seem to even have that registry key "Sys Perf" or something (I forget exactly what it was). I will try those drivers you suggested. Whats odd is that sometimes...SOMETIMES...I get the game to play ok with maxed settings. It seems like some sort of crap shoot whether or not it will work right. I dont even change settings, just reload the game (after exiting) and it just runs faster....sometimes.

The other thing that bugs the crap out of me is that my ie browser, and firefox both run slow as hell. Laggy and very slow to respond. Im not sure if its a related problem, but Ive heard some talk of it on these forums.

Sadly, Ive taken to my old Inspiron 1501 running xp to browse the internet. Sad, sad times my friends.

Thanks for all the advice from everyone by the way. Im going to try all of your suggestions. I cant stand having a $4000 paperweight.

Just to add, Ive run the DPC Latency tool, and I was averaging about 65k spikes every few seconds just browsing. My max spike, which I still cant believe, was around 860k. Yea I didnt believe it either when I first saw it, but it was there. This laptop is just hosed. If I didnt want to play Dragon Age in windows so bad, Id just reload with CentOS. But, wine really sucks at emulating it, so Im screwed either way. I hope some drivers come out soon.

 

I left my laptop running overnight so I have no idea what caused the maximum recorded spike but its a monster!

I've seen many spikes around the million mark but never anything to compare with this.

 

use 195.62 v1.1 dox drivers, there is an option to switch off powermizer during installation

 

Ok the noobs of Dell Greece not only sent me GTX280 and not 4870 but they also sent me only one new GTX280. now i am waiting for the technician to install it. The problem will be fixed Dell. loool. You spend my time Dell.

 

Wow three billion.. that's pretty crazy.

 

watch this:

 

Yeah but your absolute maximum in that instance is only just over 64 thousand that's very bad but no where near Kissarmy's 3 billion!

 

I have done some research concerning the ACPI and power management and I came across this:

"APPENDIX B: Video Extensions
B ACPI Extensions for Display Adapters
B.1 Introduction
This section of the document describes a number of specialized ACPI methods to support motherboard graphics devices.
In many cases, system manufacturers need to add special support to handle multiple output devices such as panels and TV-out capabilities, as well as special power management features. This is particularly true for notebook manufacturers. The methods described here have been designed to enable interaction between the system BIOS, video driver, and OS to smoothly support these features.
Systems containing a built-in display adapter are required to implement the ACPI Extensions for Display Adapters. "

From what I understand, powermizer which is responsible for the power management of the GPUs has bugs, or the BIOS from Dell is not very compatible with the acpi of the new operating system or both of them are messed up. I have the suspicion that we will wait for a long time in order to be stutter free... unless of course they replace the cards with ATIs. It's been 4 weeks since I called them and more than twice the period of time they told me for an upcoming update. At least they should inform us about whose fault is it, Nvidia's or Dell's.

If you want to read more about how ACPI works, take a look here: http://www.acpi.info/spec.htm
I copy pasted the text above from page 691

 

Can someone please explain what the m17x R2 is?

 

It is the second incarnation of the M17x All Powerful - hence, the 'R2' (R = refresh). Another way to look at it is to say, its the one with the i5/i7 option.

 

Thank You. So the i5/i7 models they are offering now with the ATI4870 would be considered R2 and are free of the issues with the DPC latency?

 

Guys,

I'm happy to report switching to the ATI 4870s in CrossfireX has eliminated all of the stuttering issues I was experiencing... Audio/Video playback and capture both work perfectly now.

I spent most of the weekend gaming (on Win7 since it had the worst issues). No problems at all since the switch.

The only issue I did have was a reproduceable slowdown in Batman Arkham Asylum whenever I turned 'detective mode' on in the game... Apparently this is a known issue with this particular game.

I think getting away from the nVidia cards is the fix for this... The difference is immediately noticeable.

Having always been an nVidia fan, I have to admit I was shocked at how insane the ATI cards are now... No tweaking required, ever game I tried it switched to Crossfire and just worked.

 

Denver
Would you be interested in posting your experience with the Ati's on John B's blog for some feedback for him .I was under the impression from reading here that there was still some stuttering with them but thats good to hear.

http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2009/11/18/dell-dpc-latency-and-you.aspx

 

The main GTX280 replaced. problem persists. Dell claims that i cant change to ATI. is this true and why did you guys get them?

 

call dell and persist.

 

I think it really depends on your country. Sections in different countries are more lenient or more strict. Us in the states have more leniency I would say.

 

I bought 2 M17x like 2-3 weeks and ever since It's been a nightmare trying to game and listen to music on it. So I contacted the local Dell offices here and they said I need to send it to a service to be diagnosticated and then I will receive a response on how this matter will be taken care of. I wrote them an extensive email explaining the situation, backed-up by links to here/nvidia/dell comunity websites.

Unfortunatelly here where I live, Romania, Europe, they only accept the option of sending the laptop to a service, rather than phone/remote assistance. I replyed to them and said was out of town for 2 more weeks and I will send the laptops in service when I return.

Should I send it to them and have to wait (guess rather lot) for a response or wait another week or two for that software fix and if nothing comes up, to send it to service then?

Thank you.

LE: The config is [email protected] , 4gb ddr3 1333mhz, 2x500gb @ 7200 rpm , 2x nvidia gtx 280.

 

You don't have the option of returning them if under 21 days? Find out if you can, and return them.

 

if you can live without it for 3 weeks then i would so go ahead. however. i would tell them that you dont want it back unless it is resolved if that means switching to ati cards thenso be it. but you dont want it back with the same issue.

 

Yes, but it's also an issue of random discretion. One person will say one thing, another person will say another thing; this is the problem in this thread. People are actually taking what individual reps. are saying, far too seriously. I don't know whether they lie, or whether they're just plain ignorant of certain facts, but I do know that what they state about the technical side of 'what can be' and 'what can't be' half of the times, is false.

Speak to someone higher up, if you get stuck with an argument like, "that is impossible", because I can assure you that such a line is absolute crock. Here in UK, you're doing them a favour by asking for the ATi cards as a replacement to the 280s. They ripped off droves of customers by marketting the 280s as the more expensive alternative. A rep. can say that isn't true, but all sales of new M17x machines in this country say otherwise, which cannot be contested.

 

I do not have the option of return in 21 days, just in 48 h (given by the shop where i purchased the laptops). Thing is, I do not wish to return them. Not very often I buy a 2500 euro laptop and I wish to keep it, use it and enjoy it - if it's not too much to ask for.

From the 2 options of either keeping it for 2 more weeks and waiting for a software fix (I am able to game reasonably on it and play music with a spike once very 15-20 seconds) - and send it afterwards if no reasonable fix appears - or send it directly to service - with the note that they might keep it for 1 or 2 if not even more, weeks, which should I chose?

 

you said you have 2....send in one and see if they can fix it, then send the other

that way you are not without a computer AND you can see if they actually will fix your problems

 

I am not using both of them at the same time. I myself am using just one because the other was a gift. I wish to send them both in so I can have them fixed at the same time (hopefully). I can't send mine in service and then "recall" the gift for 2 weeks.

 

Are there drivers to to install WinXP x64 on the system? Will this problem solved on WinXP (32 or 64-bit) ?

 

check out my lovely stutterrrrring

 

Okay, I have to ask: Did you disable integrated GPU and hybird SLi in the bios? Because that looks like the exact same symptom people experience when they're running all three cards.

 

Yup we tried everything total of over 20 hours on the phone with these guys 4 techs came over they changed 5 video cards 1 mobo couple sli cables then finally a replacment.This is the replacement

 

When you have ATI 4870's, you no longer have the capability of running the 9400, is that right?

I'm going to talk to tech support today, but I'm worried that they are going to run me through the acres of attempts at fixing the issue and I have to work during the day.

 

I had to ask. I don't get that problem, and when and if I do, it is usually when the integrated gpu and hybrid SLi are up and running. Well, that isn't good. Sorry.

 

Ya thanks for the sympathy thats more than i got from dell in the past 4 months lol finally just gave up on them (last tech i talked to was over a week ago still waiting for call back) only runnin 1 card working perfect

 

They didn't even offer 4870's? That seems to be a fix for most.

 

I tried so hard for those cards no dice I even offered to buy them

 

That sucks. I called once, and I wasn't even having all the issues. They offered me 4870's in 5 minutes. lol. A nice upgrade. Should be here Wednesday.

+Rep for your troubles.

 

Any name for your tech you talked to