Brand new L702X with black specs on screen

I have just received my new XPS 17 today and there are three black specs on the screen. Two of them are barely noticeable but the third is a little more pronounced.

Just wondering if anybody has had a similar problem and whether you guys think it is worth trying to get the screen replaced or is this acceptable?

There is also a piece of what looks like masking tape trapped in between the top and the bottom of the laptop. Just under the black trim that runs around the computer underneath the aluminum plate that surrounds the keyboard. Its in the exact center of the bottom right hand corner of the lap top (closest corner to your right hand wrist when typing). Hard to explain...

Also does anybody know how to find out what an unknown device in the device manager is? I formatted when I received the computer to get rid of all the junk and have one device left over which i can not install.

Biggest problem is the screen atm so any advice would be great.

Thanks in advance
Smokey

 

I can try...
sounds like the pixel problem is those particular pixels are dead/dying. Most manufacturers will not replace unless there are 5 or more "dead" pixels. But If you are charismatic type and have a way with words, you could probably have the display replaced if that is indeed your goal.
As to the unknown device issue I would require more information as to what was originally on the HD and so on.
Hope this helps....

 

I have my L701x lcd display replaced although there was only 1 dead pixel on it. XD

 

Ive emailed them about it. They dont appear to be dead pixels there more like marks. There not perfect little dots.

I still have to take the back off it and see if it has 4 usable DIMMs as promised so it may be going back regardless. Unless im the first to receive a non 3d with 4 DIMMs. Heres hoping.

 

I had that same problem when I did a fresh install, I believe it was the ST Microelectronics DE351DL Motion Sensor for me, idk if it will be for you but its something to try. The driver is on Dell's support site. Hope this helps.

 

Thats exactly what is was. Thank you.

They emailed back in regards to the screen and are going to send a technician around at some stage. Hes probably going to laugh there such small marks....oh well.

I have a new problem now as well. When the screen is set to 60hz refresh rate it flashes black sometimes...when its set to 40hz it doesnt appear to happen. I have the latest Intel HD Driver and nvidia drivers. The problem started after installing the drivers.

Any suggestions?

 

Just to be helpful to those who can help, What's your specs? info about the make. see the signatures that the users usually have at the bottom of the screen is the info we are looking for. it really does make a difference.

 

Sorry my specs are in my Sig now. That was stupid lol...

Few more issues.

I ordered a non 3D machine but have the following options in my Nvidia control panel

http://img864.imageshack.us/i/3dsettings.png

Is that normal?

Also my screen only seems to flicker when on 60Hz and unplugged. Unplugged on 40Hz "seems" fine and plugged in on either is fine. I havnt used the laptop for long so could be wrong though.

I also thought I shouldnt have 4 DIMM slots but from what I can gather I do.

http://img810.imageshack.us/i/img1314x.jpg

Didnt dare try and take either stick out to see if there are clips on the bottom slots but on all the other pics I have seen with only 2 usable DIMMs the sticks are on the same side. Any ideas? So happy if there is 4.

Also the two USB plugs on the back seem to stop working sometimes and wont work again until i restart. They have stopped so far while using a wireless usb internet connection thing and a 16gig USB memory stick. They have worked flawlessly when only my external HDD is plugged in.

Thanks for all your guys help its really appreciated.

Apparently now I also need help uploading photos.....ffs. Ill put the links there instead. All I did was click the insert image button and put those same URL's in.

 

First image was from the Nvidia control panel and is normal (from what I could see )
and from the second image I could make out that you have the 2 dimm model. I am in the same boat but I am getting a new system board after some negotiating.
As to the USB ports in the back, that has been a common problem that's been mentioned throughout the XPS 17 forums. Fortunately, I haven't had those problems (yet). Those particular USB ports are on their on separate board, and the problems could range from a loose connection to it just being a bad circuit board.
I know it's alot of reading, but I would really read the L702x thread, it will definitely shed a lot of light on what your dealing with.
I use photobucket for my pics(less hassle) and haven't had any problems with posting pics.
As to why your display is flickering @60MHz is a bit perplexing...
have you updated all your drivers through Dell? It could just be a bad install of the vid driver...
Opinions, anybody?

 

Oh well if its the 2 DIMM model I guess its going back...I was specifically told it would have 4 usable DIMM's. As everyone else has been from what Ive read. Is there anyway I can confirm if the other two slots are usable or not without taking anything apart?

I have downloaded the latest drivers from Nvidia and Intels own sites. Do you think its worth getting them through the Dell site instead? I have uninstalled and deleted the software for the drivers and reinstalled with no improvement. Can confirm it works fine with the power plugged in but as soon as its on battery the flickering happens from time to time.

I started on the L702x forum but yea its a lot of reading. Will continue tomorrow. Thanks again.

 

If it's flickering while off the cord, I would say you have a power management problem. What"s your set up? Dell? powersaver? Custom?

 

I have the power settings set to best performance at all times. Not worried about long the battery lasts as im always next to power. Definately dont want it flashing when its on the battery though.

They are sending a guy out to fix it apparently.

 

You may want to make sure the old drivers are in fact removed completely and the registry is clean. Then download and install the DELL drivers since they are more tweeked for the hardware you have. To me, it reads like your system is fighting between the Nvidia Optimus control and the onboard Intel HD3000 when in battery mode. Even with the system set to high performance at all times (even on battery), you need to make sure there are no driver/hardware conflicts or you may see issues like this (i.e. the video/screen flaky at its native 60Hz). I suggest adjusting your power managment down to the defaults until you get everything squared away and working 100%. Then, try different custom settings.

Re: Memory
It looks like only 2 SODIMM slots. Sandy Bridge needs modules to be inserted in ODD's and EVEN's. For example, two sticks will be 1 and 3. Four sticks will be 1,3,2,4. However, if you are using only three sticks, you can get away with 1, 3, and then just 2. Regardless, most Dell reps are now up to speed with what systems get the two and four memory slots. Basically, 3D compatible systems get four... the non-3D get two. It does not matter what video card or CPU chosen.

Re: Screen
Dell is pretty good about replacing displays so if you are not happy, let them now. In today's age, the yield is much higher on displays than just five years ago so there is no legitimate reason to say a customer must live with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5+ dead, stuck, or imperfect pixels. Dell knows this so call them on it.

Re: USB 3.0
Make sure you have all the proper chipset, USB 3.0, *AND* Nvidia USB control drivers installed (3D system or not). Again, we are getting back to hardware conflicts if everything isn't 100% proper.

Hope this helps-

Scott

 

Thanks for that very helpful. Im going to format again tonight and start from scratch using the drivers supplied with the system and go from there.