Dell XPS 15 (9550) list of hardware and software problems

Got it, thanks a lot

 

NOTE - SPEEDSHIFT COMMENTS MOVED TO DEDICATED THREAD BY POPULAR DEMAND


http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/dell-xps-15-9550-skylake-speed-shift.796891/#post-10359164



ThrottleStop 8.30 was released this week and I am seeing a significant jump in CPU performance using the new SpeedShift features. But after about 10 minutes, the performance boost seems to mysteriously disappear, at least on my system. Not sure of cause but still investigating. Regardless, definitely worth checking out if you are trying to improve CPU performance and decrease latency

There are now three key variables to adjust on SpeedShift in ThrottleStop 8.30:

EPP: 0 to 255
Min: 1 to 32
Max: 1 to 32

* EPP is "energy performance preference" (which some quote in range of 0-100 so be careful). Low (0) is higher performance, high (255 here but 100 on some systems) is energy savings

* EPP is the feature that boosts the performance; I only saw minor improvements in ThrottleStop 8.20 (which did not have EPP)

* For min/max ranges, my CPU only goes to 3.2ghz so you may adjust the "32" upwards to 35 for 3.5ghz processors I suppose.

* Setting Min & Max both to 32 seems to disable EPP and does not provide me with "best performance"

The "best performance" settings for me were:
EPP: 0
Min: 1
Max: 32

My testing is using a digital piano that calls up very large samples in real time. Latency is critical. When the CPU falls behind, one typically hears clicks and pops from the CPU stuttering. The typical solutions include getting a faster CPU, slowing down the data, shrinking the data packages.

Using ThrottleStop 8.30 with above "best performance" SpeedShift settings, I could run very aggressive samples with no stuttering. However, after ~10 minutes the stuttering returned so still investigating there...

 

pressing, this issue/topic (SpeedShift) deserves its own thread. Nobody will find it in here. Make up one from your post...

 

I'll do that Techland. Good suggestion. . .

 

coil whine issue here, what is the conclusion that you guys reached regarding this issue ?

 

Various opinions so have a read.

Sent from my SM-G920F

 

The Windows 10 anniversary update has completely screwed up the functionality of my external monitors with the D1000 (Dell) dock.

Before the anniv. update I could select the nvidia control panel on any monitor and allocate the 960m to do whatever I wanted. After talking to a tech at Displaylink (the drivers that pass graphics info through the dock), Microsoft changed third party access to the kernal driver (ie not at all anymore) and Microsoft is attaching the primary graphics card (ie the Intel) to the Displaylink driver on boot. What it SHOULD do is attach the best graphics card.

So, I can no longer run any applications that require discrete graphics on external monitors.

Since the 9550 doesn't allow disabling the Intel card in BIOS I have no work around.

Disabling the Intel in Device manager doesn't work either. It selects a generic Microsoft graphics driver on boot instead.

Wish I could roll back to pre anniv. update but it's been longer than 10 days. Didn't it used to be 30?

 

I know I'm replying to myself but it's related to my problem below and I have a question for the general community.

Does a Thunderbolt dock pass through discrete graphics card display and control (960m in the case of my 9550) to external monitors after Windows 10 anniversary update?
If so, I may need to buy a new dock.

 

Is there a way to obtain a refund after too many issues with this pc?

 

Oh yes moan like hell. I was offered a refund soon after purchase and again 18 months later but opted for this new model and started all the fun again.

 

Dell France is offering me the XPS 15 with 32Gb of RAM and 1To SSD but with Skylake processor as a custom order.

The XPS 13 line has been updated with Kaby Lake processor but the Kaby quad core units on the XPS15 won't be released before early 2017 I am said

Since the Kaby Lake line are a simple extension of Skylake and can share the same motherboard (1xx series) and socket (LGA1151), only requiring a BIOS update ...and since I fear that 16Gb RAM 512Gb will first go stock on Kaby for some time ...would it be realistic to plan on a processor update replacement on such a thin laptop ? or would you rather change the disk and memory instead ?

Can the Dell support arrange such modding or is there some documntation available to unbuild the whole unit up to the processor ?

Thanks for yr help

 

This processor is soldered to the board, you can't change them and Dell wouldn't do anything even if you could.

 

Hi, I'm new to the forum, and was thinking about buying a Dell XPS 15 9550

Can anyone tell me if there has been a revision to this model to address all the issues face in here?

Otherwise this model just seems like a bag of never ending problems.
Are all these problems still a reality? And has it gotten worse after the windows 10 latest upgrades?
Thanks

 

If you're not in a hurry, then I'd suggest you wait till the new version comes out which should be in the next couple of months (jan/feb).

 

I got mine (4k i7 84whr version) a month ago and now that I've found the fix for the screen flickering I have 0 issues with this laptop. Not one. I installed GonZ0's custom iso which probably helps.

Still, if you can wait the refresh will come out in january, give or take a few weeks.

 

this su$ker of mine is still after several months turning on itself! while in cover inside my bag. Especially during the night. Idk what to do anymore - it stays on until battery will drain!
And of course I have turned of magic packets on wifi
Please help !! I dont want to call to support who knows shi$ as allways

 

I have this too, but quite seldom, maybe 1 time a month (I use Standby all the time).

 

Check wake timers are disabled in advanced power settings.
Check wake on lan is disabled
Check the BIOS setting for wake on wireless lan.

 

Hi GoNzO,
i whish to ask your advice about a general lag on my XPS 15. It's a Core i7 4K model but apparently it mainly uses the crappy Intel HD graphic card, which results in a poor desktop experience, everything is laggy.
Is there anything i can do before smashing my head on the wall and ask for a refund ?
Thanks

 

So after challenging Dell over the lack of firmware fix they have said I can have a full refund, this is back when I owned the 9530 prior to them upgrading me to this before the fun and games started all over again!

What to replace this with?

 

For comic and technical purposes, we would prefer you stay with the 9550!

I think Dell needs to get the 4k screen sorted before releasing the 9560, so that might drive an eventual firmware fix that flows to the 9550. Then again, maybe not.

That is a problem.

If you enjoyed your experience with Dell and would like to stay in the family, check out the (nicely) redisigned Alienware 15 R3. Just drop by the NBR forums beforehand to avoid any surprises (hehehe)!

 

Fear not, I have 2 but will not be returning both!

I have been looking at the MSI offerings around the £1600 mark I would get back if I do get a refund.

 

I solved this problem by downgrading the BIOS, loaded BIOS defaults, then upgraded back to the latest BIOS.

 

I did not not managed to solve it ! I am calling support, interested what will those "experts" say.

 

What steps have you taken, what did you turn off in the BIOS regarding wake on wireless lan and what did you turn off in the advanced wireless lan settings regarding wake on lan?
What did you disable in advanced power settings regarding wake times?

 

Hi,
I got the offer of a full refund for my machine, too. I decided to get the Kaby version when it`s available, I think.
Though I´m quite happy with my XPS I think it´s a nice offer to change
Did you already get your refund? How Long will it take to get the money back? I´m still waiting for them to tell me the pick-up-day, but they still refund the money for the additional service I bought afterwards

 

I have not done anything yet.

 

Cannot seem to find much information on the forums about the motherboard replacements. My only complaint is the coil whine, would it be worth it to try and replace the motherboard? The engineer is scheduled for this week but I can still cancel...

 

So... did Dell ever fix the 4k screen flicker?

And are people still getting throttling?

 

I just spoke to tech support and they are aware of it but she didn't say when a new update was coming...

 

It is overdue again.

New samsung NVMe driver out today http://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/minisite/ssd/download/tools.html

 

Intel also has newer RST drivers than the one on the Dell download page. Version 15.2.0.1020.

 

I see two new drivers today for the 9550:

">AS$Media USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller Driver
Docks_Stands_Driver_CH1P1_WN32_1.16.41.3_A03_01.EXE

">Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver
Network_Driver_12GX5_WN32_2.43.2016.1026_A03_03.EXE

 

Which driver is better to install: Sammy or Intel? I have the Samsung NVMe 512 Gb SSD.

Thanks.

 

Samsung driver helps stop the odd BSOD with no crash dump and a missing drive after the restart.

 

Honestly, I never had a BSOD since I have the laptop (~4 months). I really don't know if is a good idea to mess now with the new Sammy drivers. What bothers me now is the fact that it takes quite a while to boot and I'm thinking that if I put the new drivers maybe the boot time will decrease.

 

At least if someone is using a Samsung Pro Model (850,950 or the New 960), the samsung driver is recommended. The "OEM" Models should Work stable w/o this specific driver.
We discovered kind of a pattern with approx. 40 devices of the xps 9550, we've had here in our Company, After we replaced the oem with a pro Model.

Lessons Learned.

 

Very strange ... When I check the driver version for my NVMe PM951 is says Microsoft v10.0.10586.0 from 21-Jun-06. Is this normal?

PS. I just got an Windows update to v1607 (quite big one) and 5 Dell updates: Intel Thunderbolt Controller (14-Oct-16), Dell Digital Delivery Application (26-Sep-16), Dell Foundation Services (26-Sep-16), Dell Update (29-Sep-16) and Realtek ALC3266 High Definition Audio Driver (19-Sep-16). Very strange because yesterday these updates weren't there.

 

Yes, its the default driver provided by Win 10
In case you replace your NVMe PM951 with a Pro Model and keep this driver you may experience BSOD.

"If ain't Broken, dont fix It" as some experts say.

 

As sumsum said, if it ain't broke....

Should but Dell now push the samsung driver to fix the NVMe instability even though the complete twat I spoe to at Dell tried to tell me it was a firmware...

1607 is the anniversary update that came out several weeks ago. Congratulations it broke Dell premiercolor

Well said.

 

Well, I think I'll keep the MS driver for the time being because the upgrade to 960 Pro is quite expensive here (~ 400 Euro for 512 Gb version).
@gonzo, is too late now to do something. The update just finished and waiting for the restart. So, there is no solution to fix Dell Premiere in 1607?

 

If you double click on it it will crash, you can right click and do a few things but no it's been ****ed for months and Dell have done bugger all to fix it.

 

dell technician came and replaced my motheboard this sh$t still wakeup itself and I am unable to turn it off {it turns itself on}.
To exclude Windows 10 i have restarted to BIOSand turned off computer / it still turn byself on after 5secs.
What a piece of c$ap

 

I get that now and again, boot into diagnostics and hold your finger on the power button for at least 5 seconds to force it off, always works for me so fingers crossed.

 

hey guys posting this monitor issue here as i have the dell xps 15


Have a dell xps 15 9550 laptop that i connect an external monitor to. My main screen would be the external monitor and my laptop screen would be the secondary screen.


Im located outside the us and where im at, its very common to have power outrages. Thus internet going out and also electricity going out. But when electricity goes out, it usually isn't that long. Many times it would go out for a few minutes then it would all come back etc. Theres been few times when the outage has been much longer.


I would immediately know this when my external monitor turns off and when my fans turn off. Then usually it comes back again. Well earlier this happened and everything turned off. So when this happens, the power in the refridgerator is off as well. Then the electricity seemed to have came back on.


However, I then went to power on my external monitor and nothing turns on because i notice the external monitor didn't turn back on which is almost always does.


Its an asus 24' monitor and its this one

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-VS24AH-...8447&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+monitor+1920+x+1200


Can someone tell me how do i fix this issue? I connect my monitor to my laptop with an hdmi cable. The thing is when have the hdmi connected, on laptop screen it looks like how it should look. Basically there is nothing there. I extend both monitors where the main screen is my external monitor. I do notice that when i drag my mouse from my laptop screen to to the monitor... the mouse disappears from my laptop screen which means that my monitor should be working right?


Does anyone know what i can do here? Also as of now my electricity came back but my internet is not working. However, why is nothing showing up in my external monitor? I do have occasions where my internet would be out but now my electricity came back. So why does my monitor not turn on?

 

I went to device manager and under display adapters, it shows

intel r hd graphics 530
nvidia geforce gtx 960m


when i click on each of it, both shows the device is working properly. This is when i unplugged the hdmi cable from my externall monitor. Thus right now im only using my laptop monitor as the screen since if i connect it to external monitor, i cannot type anything as the main screen would be my external monitor but it doesn't turn on. I click on the bottom buttons under this monitor and nothing turns on.


Also i like to add that i only have 2 electric outlets where my computer is located. One i used directly for the external monitor. The other one, i used a surge protector since i plug few things into it such as my laptop charger and my internet modem. Thus i need a surge protector because i dont have enough outlets.


Can someone tell me what i can do here? That should mean it has nothing to do with my graphics cards right since it does show working properly? Nothing turns on with the asus monitor. I clicked on all the buttons under it... nothing shows up...

 

Does the monitor disappear when unplugged and reappear when plugged back in? (In the display settings)

 

What do you mean by this? The monitor doesn't even power on.

When i plug the hdmi cable from laptop to monitor, for some reason my laptop seems to act as the 2nd monitor even though the external monitor doesn't power on. So if my external monitor doesn't power on, why does the hdmi cable even recognize the monitor? Thus shouldn't my laptop screen with the desktop icons etc all stay the same?

 

Please continue the discussion of this particular problem in the other thread you started. Posting the same thing in more than one place is against forum etiquette as it causes parallel discussions and hence wasted effort by others.

John

 

So I've been getting a BSOD for CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED about once every hour for the past 4 days and it's driving me insane.
I'm hoping this Samsung NVE Driver is the fix I've been looking for.

I also get this error in Event Viewer a lot:

The driver \Driver\WUDFRd failed to load for the device ACPI\INT3400\2&daba3ff&0.

After looking into this and contacting Dell support that it is the intel dynamic platform and thermal framework driver (for win 10 , 64 bit ).
I've updated the driver, reinstalled the driver, etc. etc. but I still get this error in Event Viewer and I wasn't sure if it was contributing to my BSOD issues.

Dell's super helpful fix was to completely reinstall Windows which as you can imagine, I really don't want to do.

Has anyone else had this problem?

(Dell Precision 5510 - Windows 10 64 Bit, 16GB RAM, i7 6820HQ, 256GB SSD)