===> The Official Studio XPS 1640 Owner's Thread<===

I ordered (for the second time--it's a long story) the 1640 today. I want to do a clean install of Vista 64. Can someone point me to a post for a blow-by-blow to get it stripped down to bare bones, plus operating system and drivers?

 

Would someone post me a screenshot of the 3870's GPU-Z?

 

you mean 3670

 

I received my 1640 about a week ago. I'm loving this thing so far. This is the first notebook I've owned with something larger than a 13" screen. The red is definitely saturated on the RGBLED screen. I used one of the ICC files someone posted way back in this thread and it helped pretty good (thanks for that). The heat isn't an issue for me, but I'm only running the P8600, and I don't game. It gets a little warm at times, but not as bad as my XPS M1210 did. The PowerDVD didn't play Blueray DVD's out of the box, but it warned me on first startup that it might not play certain discs, and to follow a link to get the latest software. I followed the link and was able to download the latest PowerDVD and had no issues with Blueray after that.

Out of the box, I noticed the only thing it came with on CD were the drivers, the OS, and Works. For Roxio, Webcam Central, and facial recognition, there was a little postcard directing you to a Dell Media website. Not the Dell support page where you find the drivers. I created an account really quick and downloaded ISO's of all the software. I also went to the support page and downloaded all of the latest drivers from the Dell website as I noticed the resource CD included in the package had way earlier versions of almost all the drivers. I reformatted and fresh installed everything after getting it all downloaded. It ended up being over 500 mb in software and drivers that I had to download, so someone with a slow connection may be in a hurt locker. All of the latest software should definitely be included. Bad on Dell for that one.

Someone asked about the install order when reformatting, so here's a quick run down of what I did, and I haven't had this thing BSOD on me yet (knock on wood)...

1. Insert OS disc. Reboot. (press F12 on startup to get to boot options screen. Choose to boot from disc.)

2. Put some thought into how you want to partition your HDD, format, and Install OS.


3. Next I installed latest drivers downloaded from Dell's website in the following order...

Bios
Utilities (Dell System Software)
Chip Set (Intel driver)
Video
Network (Broadcom and Intel drivers)
Applications (Dell Quickset only)
Audio
Communication
Input
Slotload DVD Drive driver
Utilities (Dell power settings)
Chip Set (Ricoh card reader)
Network (bluetooth)

I skipped the diagnostics utility and Dell support center.

4. Next I let Windows download all of the latest updates. 42 after the initial install if I remember correctly, and they all downloaded and installed without issue. This isn't recommended though. It's recommended that you only download a few at a time at most. Vista downloaded them while I was installing drivers and I didn't even realize it. I shut down and next thing I know 42 updates are being installed. I waited for the BSOD, but it never came. There were a few more batches of updates after a couple more shut down's. No issues with any windows updates.

5. Lastly, I installed the software and allowed each to update if necessary. I didn't bother with the facial recognition. Not interested in it.

PowerDVD
Webcam Central
Roxio
Office Pro 07

Not a single issue. No BSOD's. No messed up installs. Nothing. Everything installed very quickly, updated without issues, and my computer is running great. I couldn't be happier. I would recommend this computer to ANYONE (as long as they have a fast internet connection)! Dell really should include the software discs with the computer. I'm not complaining only because I like to download the most up to date versions anyways, and I have a fast internet connection. I can see how many people would get frustrated with Dell over this. If my Mom, for example, were to recieve this computer straight from Dell, she'd probably be inclined to return it. She knows very little about computers and probably would have quit trying after not being able to figure out how to play Blueray DVD's. I personally am loving this thing!

r/s

Chris

Studio XPS 1640, P8600, 320gb @ 7200, RGBLED, 4gb RAM, Intel 5300...

 

Question for you all.

I will be returning my SECOND studio xps 1640 because of very bad speaker sounding cracky and only comming out of the right side even after updating the drivers for it. This was supose to be a replacement for my first 1640 which had a bad motherboard and wouldn't allow my battery to charge.

also on this SECOND laptop I notice my AC power adapter Gets extremly hot really fast and it makes a buzzing sound.


now instead of getting another replacement... Dell is having another one day Deal on this studio xps 1640 for $1349 Full HD 500gb hard drive and T9500 chip!

My question is can i call them and tell them i want to retun my laptop and take advantage of this deal instead of my old config.. Will they be able to use my $1500 credit towards this purchase? I don't have that money in the bank to cover it right away and deal with the returns later. .. I want to return my current laptop and see if they can instantly credit me back so that i could take advantage of this deal.

Please advise!

 

I read in some reviews the possibility of a Blu-Ray burner. I have yet to see it as an option with this model. Is this correct? Blu-Ray
Rom only? The search function times out on me so that's not an option right now. Thanks.
P

 

Ops, yeah, 3670, that's what I meant.

I'll appreciate the assist.

 

What reviews, I hadn't seen that, but I would like to see it mentioned?
As far as I know there was not any slot loading Blu-Ray burners, although I'm not sure if anyone started manufacturing them in the last couple months yet.

I imagine over time their will be little changes to the laptop, it just makes sense the longer you wait the more enhancements/options you may see. If one waits they may have newer T9 series CPU's with lower TDP, they may add a different video card option although doubtful since that would torpedo their gaming machine lineup. Wait too long and maybe their will even be a better laptop on the market that outdoes this one.

I've waited a couple months with no price drop and the only measurable thing that really came of it was an option for the 256GB SSD back in February, which is a great deal. Waiting is starting to wear thin because pretty soon I may as well just wait until the next big laptop. The sale today is interesting enough that I may buy.

 

At this point, you might even want to wait to pick up on the first laptops with Windows 7 preinstalled. Then, there is the wait for the new Intel platform with mobile Core i7. Or, the new 4xxx series ATI GPUs.

 

That's the only thing I would wait for if I were waiting. I installed W7 last week and absolutely love it. The only thing I have to use Vista for is BluRays because the software won't run on W7 yet. I haven't purchased a Windows OS in forever and I will be purchasing it as soon as it's available.

 

Well PC's bought after June 26th is when you get the automatic free Win7 upgrade program.
But that is 2 more months, and by then I will likely have to start my laptop research all over again as their will be new contenders.

I guess it depends how bad I need it in the next couple months. I considered it, so yeah it would be a few hundred dollars loss to get it 2 1/2 months prior.

Edit - Re-fixed date to June 26th, although it's not set in stone yet as far as I know.

 

Wow this current deal for the XPS Spring Savings event is very enticing.

-Free upgrade to RGBLED screen
-Free upgrade to 500GB 7200 RPM hard drive
-Free upgrade to T9550 2.66 Ghz processor


However, with these insane deals, is this hinting at the very near thought of revision with upgraded graphics card option, other upgrades, and possibly a slightly redesigned chassis to deal with the heating air flow problem that Dell im sure is getting calls for everyday from people on this forum and elsewhere?

If not. I might have to jump on this deal.

 

I haven't heard of any changes coming up but it's possible I guess.
Like I said a few posts above, you could end up waiting for a few months and nothing. I waited for a couple months and saw little to nothing. If you are hopeful and want to wait then you may just find in several months there are better laptops to meet your need.

No matter what you get today or tomorrow it will be outdated the day after tomorrow anyway.

 

I updated the drivers to my NEW REPLACEMENT 1640 and the sound is still horrible.... and it only comes out of the right side....what the hell!

Do you guys think if i do a fresh install I could correct the problem or are the hardware (speakers) just defective?

 

I hope you know it has to do with the placement of the subwoofer. Nothing to do with faulty Hardware. Does it bother you that much?

 

Do you mean its 100% from the right side and nothing is from the left? In that case, its probably a busted speaker or it wasnt connected up right.

 

My first 1640 had great sound coming from both sides.. this one just seems to come out from thr right when i put my ear nexts to it. and on top of that it sounds choppy and distorted..simply unexceptable out the box. ..this is my second XPS 1640... I don't think i want to get another replacement.

 

Well, I bit the bullet and ordered the special Dell is offering today:

XPS 1640, Intel Core 2 Duo T9550(2.66GHz/1066Mhz FSB/6M L2 Cache)
4GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz 2 Dimm
16.0 inch Wide Screen 16:9 1080p FullHD RGBLED LCD W/2.0 MP
ATI Mobility RADEON HD 3670 - 512MB
500GB 7200RPM Free Fall SensorSeagate Hard Drive
8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive
Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11AGN Half Mini Card
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion P Primary Battery

I did select to upgrade to the Intel 5300 WLAN Wireless-N (3x3) mini card, so that my final price, including tax, was $1491. The total savings was $388, which is significant, IMO.

Now for a 3 week wait, as the est. shipping date is April 29.

But I am looking forward to it! My current Dell Inspiron 8600 is over 5 years old. It has been a faithful workhorse, but starting to show wear.

I'm sure glad I have this forum to refer to!

 

I just took the dive on the sale...and it was a long time coming...

Here is the upgraded components I went for...

T9550(2.66GHz/1066Mhz FSB/6M L2 Cache)
RGBLED LCD
Samsung 256GB SSD
BluRay Combo Drive
Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11AGN Half Mini Card
9 cell battery
3 Year Limited Warranty, with complete care in case I drop it.

I'm excited...
I'll be back to post my experiences but it will be a couple weeks probably before it thinks of arriving.

 

Congrats on the system!

You are going to love the 1080p and 256SSD... amazing upgrades that i made myself. Did you upgrade the ram or stick with 4GB?

 

if Dell Techs confirm my speakers as being defective how can i use this to my advantage so that i could get a new 1640 with todays DELL DEAL! I would love to get the 1080p screen and upgrade from 320gb to 256 SSD ( i would pay the difference from my current machine)

Please adivse! don't have much time - currently at work still.

 

No clue if your past your 21 day return period you can't

 

Thx...
Stuck with 4GB, didn't want to take the chance with affecting dual channel. Besides, 4GB will be plenty for my needs until DDR3 is actually affordable, although 2 4GB sticks may not be in the life of this lappy. The only reason I would use more today is for a bigger ramdrive.

Yeah, I am really looking forward to the SSD. I'll align the partition and reinstall the OS fresh, then image it.
I got the T9550 because it was thrown in, 6MB cache maybe decent with some apps, but I hope the 35W TDP doesn't affect me too much.
Mmm, I can't wait to see some bluray movies on the RGB, oversaturation be d@mned.

 

Anyone else like graphs? I do, so I made a graph of my cpu temps during the undervolting process. I didn't use every multiplier but I did fill in the missing spots with a logical choice. The weird spike is a test done after some gaming so I'm thinking the gpu didn't get a chance to cool down enough and altered the temps. The last spot is with the Zalman 2000 cooler on high. It works really well (both subjectively and objectively). Enjoy. :GEEK:


By noraa1 at 2009-04-07

 

Well, I'm glad I ordered when I did. I just configured the exact same system I ordered on the 18/03 and it came to a £500 ($746) more!!! I paid £1494 in total for my system and now its £2010.

Specs:
-Studio XPS 16 : Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9600 (2.80Ghz, 6MB, 1066MHz)
-Display : 16in Truelife 1080p Full HD RGBLED Edge to Edge Display
-Camera : Integrated 2.0 Mega Pixel Camera with Facial Recognition Software (Software install, no media)
-Ship Accessory : English Docs
-Resource DVD : Studio XPS 16 Diagnostics and Drivers
-Memory : 4096MB (2x2048) 1067MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
-Hard Drive : 500GB Free Fall Sensor (7200RPM)
-Optical Drive : INTERNAL BLU-RAY ROM COMBO(BLU-RAY,DVD AND CD READ,DVD & CD WRITE) SLOT LOAD DRIVE WITH SOFTWARE(Software Install,no media)
-Power Supply : XPS 90W AC Adapter
-Power Cord : UK 1M
-Battery : Primary 6-cell 56W/HR LI-ION
-Not Included Carry Case
-Graphics : 512MB ATI Radeon HD 3670 graphics card
-TV tuner : No Integrated TV tuner
-Wireless : Intel WiFi Link 5300 (802.11 a/g/n) Half Mini Card European Wireless Label (Intel Wireless Cards)- Core 2 Duo
-Wireless : Europe Dell Bluetooth 370 Card
UK - Internal Dell Wireless 5530 built-in 3G/HSDPA with SIM for Vodafone service
-Keyboard : Internal UK/Irish Qwerty Keyboard
-Operating System : English Genuine Windows Vista SP1 Ultimate (64 BIT) including Media
-English Microsoft Works 9.0 (Word Processor, Database) with Recovery CD
-Dell Dock 1.0
-English McAfee Security Centre 9.0 - 30 Day Trial Version
-2Yr Premium Warranty Support
-1Yr Premium Warranty Support
-No Accidental Damage Support
-DataSafe Online Backup 2GB
-DataSafe Online size - 2GB Trial

 

That is the same CPU I got coming so that will be good info.
What is your lowest voltage that is rock steady?
I'm also going to get an aftermarket cooler, since I didn't order one with Dell.

 

Hi Boris,

Are you the same MadBoris who I was tag team posting Jarred on at Anandtech?

 

Hehe, yep. Nice to see you.
Just got the lappy on the previous page, with the 256 GB SSD ofcourse.

 

Well I joined the sxps 16 club tonight, just pulled the trigger on a certified refurb from the outlet. I had bought a sxps 13 from BB and liked it so much I wanted the big brother, returned it and now ordered this one. Been watching it for days and I think I got a great deal.

Got the below specs for $1249
Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 (6MB cache/2.66GHz/1066Mhz FSB)
500 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) with Free Fall Sensor
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module
Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11a/g/n Draft Mini Card
Integrated 2.0 Mega Pixel Web Camera
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz (2 DIMMs)
Blu-ray Disc Combo (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM)
512MB ATI Mobility RADEON HD 3670
16 inch Edge-to-Edge FullHD Widescreen RGBLED LCD (1920x1080))

This forum has been great, hopefully I'll get a good machine w/out issues!

 

wow great price!!!

 

Yeah, no kidding that is a good price. Mine had the exact same config and was $1349

 

Mine had less then that (see sig) and was 2000 but i live in canada

 

anyone have a slightly warped space bar?

 

by warped what do you mean?

 

meaning that it's slightly wavy. it's raised in the center

 

Oh same with mine its how the keyboard is it has it slightly raised to withstand repetitive presses. Chances are you will press your space key 1000x more then any other key on your keyboard

 

Has anyone noticed fairly audible clicks coming from their hard drive? My sxps 16 has a a Samsung HM500LI hard drive and the clicks coming from it are starting to drive me nuts. I'm hoping the clicks are normal??

 

Yes, the click are normal. If you want you could do a hard drive test just to be safe.

Restart the laptop and press F12. This will bring up the Boot Device menu. Select Dell Diagnostics. Let it run through the tests.

 

I have a question about a system utility on the studio xps 1640 and figured you guys would be the experts.

I own an xps 1530, and HATE the utility for the volume/brightness controls (Dell QuickSet). When you increase volume, it opens a tiny window with a tiny bar to indicate how much you've changed the volume. I had the chance to test out a studio xps 1640 and LOVE their volume/brightness utility. The volume window pops up big but translucent and is very obvious.

QUESTION- is there any way to use the utility that runs volume for the 1640 on the 1530? If this is confusing let me know and i can try to clarify further. Thanks in advance!

 

i do not think you can use the utility on the 1530, did you try installing dell quickset 1640 ver?

 

i'm not sure where to get that from... any suggestions?

 

Guys I need to reinstall the PowerDVD software. Where can I get a copy?

 

I'll pm you a link. If it's no good, I'll upload it again when I get home.

 

Well done, I too ordered on 19/03 have the same spec as yours except for the Internal Dell Wireless 5530 built-in 3G/HSDPA & 5300 wireless, opted for the 4 year warranty, it came too £1421, now its £1960 with the current 5% voucher off! £500+ saving for me, still not as good as our US cousins prices, guess the £s too weak @ present.

 

im going to buy a studio cps 16" again as they are cheaper now and plus the support, warranty, build quality and speed is wayyy better then the sony vaio FW.

few Q's:
-people say its got heating problems, has it?
-is the RGBLED screen for for movies? (not getting WLED again cus it caused problems)
-is it 16" or 16.4"?
-worth getting the intel 5300 over the intel 5100 wireless? when iv only got 8mb internet and its close to my laptop? as they are both wireless N...

Also, main Q, is the text very small on the laptop? and how many resolutions can i change the resolution to? eg: can i have 1600x900 (just for games etc, i know the screen looks crap on anything but native res)


P8400
4gb DDR3 ram
ati 3670
320gb 7200rpm HDD
DVD
6 cell battery
intel 5100
RGB LED screen?

anygood for £850?

 

The Intel 5300 has that extra receiver/antenna.. so has higher throughput.. BUT, you have to pair it with a router than can take advantage of it.

 

Woohoo! After reading the 1340 and 1640 threads I made the leap and bought a 1640. It showed up yesterday and so far I love it. It was primarily cost that was keeping me from going for the 1640 right out, but the 1340's have so many more issues, I kept watching the dell refurbished sight for a good deal within my budget. Also, if I was going to get the 1640, I wanted the 1080p screen, and not the cheaper version. Well, Sunday night, there was one for 1010.00 that was only 10 dollars over my budget:

p8600
4GB RAM
ATI HD 3670 512 MB
1920x1080 LED Screen
No Bluetooth (I don't care about that)
Intel Wireless
160GB HD

Here's the cool thing. I have a g.skill Titan 128GB SSD that I was using in my desktop. Well, I put my WD Raptor back in my desktop and put the SSD in the machine and installed Ultimate 64 on it. I love this thing so far....

 

to update: i found the download on dell's website, but it errored out stating the device was not supported

 

also, do any of you use the dell dock?
i had to when i use to have one as i couldnt find any other link to the IDT audio settings.

otherwise, i hated that dock, it starts up 30sec after you log in...

 

This was the first thing i uninstalled.

You can also put an icon for the IDT in the system tray.