===> The Official Studio XPS 1640 + ATi 4670 GPU Owner's Thread<===

like i said, cant understand why people complaining ??
mine runs normally warm during hard 3D applications, (like 90% of all thinner high end laptops),
the only laptop ive had who never gets a bit warm is actually my Inspiron 9400, even with hardcore OC the chassi stays cool ...thats sweeeeet.


edit. and like i also said, instead of choosing a (unnecessary) fast T9900 or a T9600 (who gets warmer) choose a P7350 2.0ghz 3MB L2-cache...its plenty enough ....and it gets more cooler.

P7350 is a damn nice CPU....just a tip.

 

what cpu do you have in your 1640?

 

Core 2 duo P7350 2.0ghz 3M cache...its plenty enough (for a laptop), trust me.

all 3D applications runs smooth, but also more cooler then this super expensive CPUs

here you have it____(it have of course same FSB (1066Mhz) like the rest of the CPUs)
http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLB53

 

is it possible to hook up surround sound to the laptop? or do you have to buy a new sound card for it? or is it not possible at all, regardless of what sound card you have?

 

just connect your PC (like always) to your Stereo (HiFi) amplifier, its just so easy to get good sound that way.

and no, i dont think one subwoofer + 2 stereo speakers fix surround on a regular laptop with a integrate sound card.

 

well i have a logitech surround system(can't remember the name of it and too lazy to look it up., its got 4 speakers and a sub. are there any after market cards i can get to hook this up to it?

 

The DH Mobility Modder now supports the the 4670 so you can use the latest ATI/AMD drivers. As far as past versions being better than 9.7 I wouldn't know.

 

Computing power is relative to your usage, dude. I just received the one in my signature and I can feel the crunch. Your P7350 is the minimum requirement for GA Tech, and we all know what minimum requirements are for... If all you do is use simple programs, and few of them at a time, then 2.0GHz is golden. If you use even a single large, complex program you will feel the crunch.

As for the heat issue, it's not an issue for my setup. I've measured all of the temps and they are well within reason. The screen is remarkable, though. I've had to show it off to every quasi-geek I know. It's always the same reaction, "holy ****!" I love it. I honestly don't think that Dell would release a build that overheated. Especially not when their warranty states that you can exchange it for a new one (and four years from now, I'm sure they'll have to replace it with a nice one ) if they cannot repair any defective/damaged parts. Also, about the heat, it's really not surprising that it's warmer than other laptops. This thing is a desktop replacement at 6lbs! Get real, people; of course it runs a bit warmer than normal. It's still within spec, though; atleast in my config.

 

Hey, just curious but what programs are you using? Any After Effects cs4, or anything 3d like Cinema 4d? Im thinking of getting pretty much the same setup as yours and am just curious. I have a xps M1710 right now, and just curious how much faster the new xps16 would be. thanks

 

Nope, I run several programs for 3D modeling, mathematical computation, simulation and the occasional game (none on this machine so far). The difference in speed will vary per program based on your current specs. I suggest that you keep a sharp eye on the price of DDR3, as you'll want to pickup some 4GB sticks as soon as you can afford it when running programs like CS4 and large assembly files in 3D modeling programs. Honestly, I think buying a laptop with any less of a monitor than what this laptop has would be a foolish move. This thing is that amazing. The graphics card is very capable, the processing power is acceptable, the RAM is the best you can get while being ready for future upgrades, the SSD deal is unparalleled and the warranty is from Dell...tac on the massive discounts a lot of us are qualified for and it's a simple decision, really.

 

I have the p8600 and mine runs cool. Cooler then my m1330. Im sitting on my futon in my boxers with the laptop on my lap typing this message and its not even warm. Cpu is at 40 c, Gpu 42c, and HD 35c so i dont see what other people are doing to there computers to make it so scoldering hot

 

so i guess heat issue clearly varies across the group. I'm still stuck at the dust getting behind the screen, that just seems so annoying from my perspective.

I do have a question in regards to the 1080p screen. What other resolutions can it support?

 

800x600, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x1024 and 1920x1080. No dust here, but I'll be irate if it does happen. It'd be like spitting on my girlfriend; somethings are just too pretty to tarnish.

 

If they are using epoxy on the plastic "edge to edge" screen overlay as seems to be the case now, and it comes from the factory cleanly I can not see how dust could get in there and stick to the screen. In concept it's a good idea to protect the screen if they can just got the assembly workers to be more aware of this issue during the build.

 

Well said.
Although I had the screen dust issue on my first machine and I am awaiting it's replacement I am convinced when you factor in the 16.0 inch RGBLED LCD (1920x1080) screen, the available CPU/GPU and the solid build quality this machine has there is nothing else really comparable. And as Siress mentioned the available warranty and price makes it a winner

Last but not least I also think it is TERRIFIC looking too, sleek and modern.

 

well, a T9900 or a T9600 CPU does get warmer (especially on SXPS who only have one fan).

besides, "most" games does not need a super fast CPU to run smooth, its more about faster/stronger GPU...(just a few games who needs +2.6ghz CPU for high settings)

 

Also 1680x1050, 1400x1050, and 1152x864. Funny how there are only two 16:9 resolutions, 1600x900 would be a nice addition.

 

Hey forum! So glad i found this place.

just got mine 3 days ago..merlot red. .very nice.

question.
I'm sure this issue was taken care of in a previous post but i don't have time to read 97 pages. lol

So i wiped my machine because it was runnning 1.3 gigs of ram while idle.
Bad idea> Now i'm in driver hell. good idea> now i know that you'll be sorry if you wipe this machine.

with the generic vista up my bluetooth mouse works without any drivers. - the roller wheel doesn't work though

after i install the blue tooth software it doesn't work at all. doesn't even see it.

4670 video driver. I downloaded the catalyst 9.7 for vista 64bit.
nothing. I've tried everything or at least everything that i've picked up on various threads, my machine just says. " i have no idea what you're talking about" it totally sucks.

I wish i didn't wipe this machine but now i see what happens if you do. I still have one device not accounted for, the blue tooth doesn't see my mouse and you can attack the driver situation from a 1,000 different ways and the xps16 generic video chipset will sit and laugh at you.

I've been at this for about 2 days now. it's killing me.
Do you know the secret?

 

How did you get the video driver to work?

is there a particular order that the drivers should be installed in?

Im in a fiasco right now, comp doesn't recognize blue tooth mouth with the bluetooth software installed. (it did before i wiped)

video driver simply doesn't install..ever. My xps16 treats it like the dork in class and never even see's . It's driving me mad. could you help me out?
thank. =)

 

Just start off with the chipset and then it really doesn't matter the order of driver install after that, at least for Vista. If you can't get the Dell video driver to install you now have the option to use drivers direct from ATI/AMD with the help of the DH Mobility Modder.

 

You can try this: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=404300

I don't have those options avaliable to me; Vista x64.

 

I have the Catalyst 9.7 drivers installed. Really wish 1600x900 was available and an option for gaming.

 

My wireless has been randomly disconnecting.

It usually works for a while and then says "Low connectivity". I have to disconnect and reconnect to get it working again.

All of my other wireless things stay connected though.

This happening to anyone else? Solutions?

 

Dayton! yes! it worked. thanks a TON man.

i installed the catalyst 8.2 since it was the last on the list on driver heaven.
they haven't put 9.7 up. I'll upgrade to that soon enough, just stoked that this worked.

Now to figure out this bluetooth problem. I want to install the bluetooth package but everytime i have it disables the mouse that already works ( minus roller wheel.) I want that security though.

Alctraz - bummer man. i hope you find a fix for that.

 

I'm sorry if this has been covered already, but 93 pages are hard to review ( the problem of hot threads )... 2 short questions :

1. does the XPS 16 HDMI output work for sound too or just for video ?
2. what is a 3DMark 06 score of the 4670 on a medium CPU ( say P8400 )

 

1) Sound and video.

 

Hey Siress, I'm waiting for my XPS 16 with the same exact configuration as the one in your sig. I was just wondering how you like it so far.

 

I think I fixed it.

Updated firmware for my router and turned off uPNP.

I'm glad it's not an issue with my hardware.

 

Biggestbelly:

Glad to hear you fixed your issue, Alctraz.

 

ok, so i'm dealing with the bluetooth issue now. I've hunted down multiple paths and found other people having the problem too.

It worked fine when i connected it the first time, as did the video camera.
then i wiped. The video camera doesn't work with the camera manager (driver not found, but it works with google chat)

and the blue tooth microsoft 5000 mouse won't work if i install the blue tooth drivers.
but it works withouth ( i just can't use my scroll wheel. super weak)
if anyone has come across a fix for these issues let me know.

also, if it comes down to it can i just ship it back and have them re-install all the stuff that made it work in the first place?

thanks

 

Look at the system in my sig.
I've asked around in the Adobe forums and they've all said that the only thing that will bottleneck my performance will be my HDD. They've recommended me to buy an external eSATA drive, which I will, and it will run fine.

P.S I asked about Premiere Pro CS4, but really in general, PPro is probably one of the most intensive, if not the most intensive Adobe product. So I went ahead and bought the Production Premium CS4. PPro, After Effects, PS Extended, ect. They'll work fine. If you want, I'll run it when it arrives and tell you how it goes.

So yeah... Either way if it works or not, In a year or 2, I'll upgrade the processor and RAM when it's cheaper. Or just build a desktop.

 

Thanks, and yea id love to hear how everything performs when/if you get a chance. Right now I have an older xps M1710 with 4gb ram, Intel 7600 @ 2.33 Ghz. It does alright, but wondering how much improvement with new xps16 with the T9550 processor and everything else pretty much with same config as yours. Also, does anyone know the difference between the "high Gloss" finish vs the other one? Is it just leather or is the finish also more of a matte finish? Thanks!

 

The estimated delivery date is like 2 weeks from now or something. I'll let you know. Also if you get the T9550 you'll for sure be able to run it. Just get an external eSATA drive. And sorry but I have no idea how the new options look like. I don't think anybody does as nobody has received them yet.

 

I'm using that mouse with my laptop, after a clean install and with the Dell Bluetooth driver. Though I think I used the downloaded driver and not the one off of the disc.

 

My xps 16 will be here (guam) in a few days. I ordered an external esata enslosure for it because I too will be installong Ppro CS4 (as well as every other CS4 app too) on my xps. I'm glad you brought that up because I got the esata for other reasons (well performance) but using it with PPro makes sense for peformance. Did they just say use it as your scratch disc or what? I should have it set up by the end of the week, I'll let you know how it is.

 

Is the fan always on when idling on this machine? If so, what rpm? Can you watch youtube and it stays at 2000-3000 rpm?

 

Hey guys,

Here's some data on heat from my XPS 16....I think you all will find this interesting.

This was using a 9-cell battery (so the rear was lifted about 3/4" off the table) and I also stuck a ~ 2 square inch post-it note pad under the touchpad area to elevate the front of the notepad. This combination allows the XPS 16 to run notably cooler on the outside (though the touchpad-underside is still seriously hot).

Idling/light use:

GPU: 47 C
CPU: 41-43 C
HDD: 40 C

Neverwinter Nights 2 Gaming > 1 hour:

GPU: 60 C
CPU: 53-54 C
HDD: 43 C

I'm going to be buying a notepal infinite cooler, so I'll report back once I see that.

Btw, I was in a normal room temperature kitchen and was operating the laptop raised off of a hard-wood table. At one point I used a fan blowing sideways onto the laptop, and I think the GPU temp only got up to 57 C with that...

Joe

P.s. I gamed like crazy this weekend (I haven't done that in YEARS) and it never froze up or gave me any problems. Except, of course, Neverwinter Nights 2 being a buggy- game in the first place.

 

Does somebody have some pictures of the 15.6" WLED screen?

 

Can anyone tell me where to order a SSD equivlent to the samsung SSD that dell used to offer for the studio xps 16??

 

yeah i'd also love to hear the results of this considering i plan on running a few adobe master suite cs4 apps also; namely premiere pro, photoshop and after effects. they're pretty much the only adobe products that dont drive me completely bat sh1t crazy...

 

@jo346820 I've been trying to find a way to monitor my gpu temps for a little while now and I haven't been able to get anything to work. How did you manage to get temperature readings? I'm curious to see how hot my gpu gets after playing Crysis Warhead.

 

Anyone know what the $25 upgrade for 'Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Software Enabled' consists of ? Is this just different drivers for the factory audio, or is there actually a X-Fi chip installed ? I certainly would pay for the latter, but if it is just some extra crapware or drivers I'll stick with the basic audio option.

I know the more expensive Soundblaster options are for an external card, which I don't want.



I still haven't ordered my system, everytime I build a system and put it in my cart (prior to rep chat or call) something I want has either jumped up in price or is no longer available as an option. Frustrating as hell, I guess this is Dell's modus operandi...

9 cell battery was in my cart as an $80 addition. Then it went to $100, okay no big deal. Now it is $180 ???

And the 256GB SSD is no longer showing up as an option, either in Dell Home or EPP sites. Top drive offered is a 500GB HDD 7200rpm. I can certainly get that and use it as an eSATA device and install a 160GB Intel G2 drive on my own, but the $325 upgrade was a very good deal for the high capacity Samsung drive, which is basically identical to the Corsair P256 SSD.

Anyway I may try to call anyway and see what I can negotiate. If anyone can recommend a particularly helpful rep that have dealt with personally and has their direct extension, please PM me.

 

I think I"m using CPUID (I'm forgetful, since I downloaded 3 different softwares)

However, here's two others:

Everest: http://www.lavalys.com/products.php?lang=en&page=11

Coretemp: http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/

I just googled GPU monitoring software, found a few names, then looked them up on NBR to make sure they wwere valid.

Joe

 

I can't believe they want $180.00 for a 9 cell now.

 

They don't even offer the 9 cell in the UK at the minute, which would be nice for raising the back slightly and keeping the temperature down a bit...

 

Has anyone used mobility modder to install cat 9.7? I can't get the CCC to work properly, it's stuck in basic mode it seems. I installed ATi Tray tools in the mean time but I'd still like to be able to get the CCC going.

 

No kidding. There is a configuration I found where this is included for "free" but of course it balances other subtractions or options that become more expensive...

 

Google it....I used CPUID I think, but there's everest and others. I just found some names of temp mointoring software and then searched them on NBR to make sure they were valid and non malicious.

Joe

 

can anyone tell me how a ESATA device would be faster than a 7200rpm internal SATA drive?

this boggles me

 

Yup, installed without issue. Installed it right over the top of the Dell driver package. CCC appears just as it does on my 4870 desktop.