Dell XPS 15 (Skylake) 9550 Owner's Lounge

Did dell have a partition after the C drive?

 

Don't you guys experience your file explorer to be slow when first launched? My M15x opens the explorer instantly.

 

FYI.... New bluetooth drivers for Dell Wireless 1830 cards

http://www.station-drivers.com/inde...tory&Itemid=352&func=fileinfo&id=2023&lang=fr

-Peter

 

Why not? It works fine that way

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I was hoping I could use this forum for a simple question.

I am so crazy to consider putting in the extra 600 EUR to buy the XPS15 6700HQ instead of the XPS13 6500U for the simple sake of the larger 4K screen (and the more future-proof hardware including the 512GB SSD), but ONLY if someone can reassure me that its fan will not make MORE noise (and preferably a lot less, if any) than the dual-core and GTX 960M-lacking XPS13 when viewing H.265 / x265 encoded video files (for now only in 1080p but in the future probably in 4K indeed). Other than that I don't expect to put it under a lot of stress and just use it for lots of browsing and simple Office tasks (and maybe an occasional Asphalt session).

So any recommendations and/or feedback on user experience with XPS15 6700HQ fan noise when viewing H.265 / x265 files would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

I think the Intel chip probably handles HEVC (x265) video better than the 960M. Not sure about 4k HEVC but my fans ramp up maybe one notch if I run more than one non-4k x265 video at a time (i7). Same if I run one 4k non-x265 video.

 

I've read through this entire thread; lots of good pointers and know how on here. I have a question regarding boot time.
The boot time from the time I push the power button to usable desktop is about 25-30 seconds. That seems a bit long given this is Win 10 and I have the 1tb Samsung PM951NVMe. This is the i7 6700, 4k, etc.
Are there some settings that need to be checked/changed? I have done nothing to the laptop other than apply the Win 10 and Dell driver updates. I should note there is a short period (about 5 seconds) before the Dell logo where the screen is blank/black.
Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

Initially, I'd uninstall all Dell applications starting from Dell Premium Color and then all others.

 

hey, so i'm finally going to sit down and do a clean Install of Windows 10, before the arduous task of re-installing work apps and moving data over, and actually making the 9550 my primary work box.

could someone clarify for me? Samsung NVMe driver = installing Samsung Magician software? or is there a separate actual driver?
*edit: found the link: http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/minisite/SSD/global/html/support/downloads.html

and besides that, it seems that ppl with the single SSD have had success with a) switching to AHCI, b) turning off SecureBoot, c) just installing the Dell Wireless drivers and then letting Windows update everything, yes?

 

thats exactly what i did (with the i5 model). the shop installed the PM951 SSD, moved windows onto it, so my 9550 is now a true dual storage machine

 

Maybe I'm a little slow, but I haven't been able to find a 2mm thermal pad. I found a 1.5mm one at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UYTU6Z6/ -- I imagine that this will work as well (after cutting to fit).

I plan to get the Precision 5510 (which is similar to the XPS 15). If I get the Samsung 950 Pro, will I need to remove the sticker before putting on the thermal pad?

 

Same here as far as high performance pads go so I will be looking at 1mm pads placed together, I think it is a 1.5mm pad on it but it makes very little contact.

 

Thanks. All i needed to hear

 

I wouldn't remove the sticker as that will void your SSD warranty. 1.5mm pad will work just fine, but 2mm would work a bit better creating some more extra pressure between the SSD memory chips and the bottom aluminium chassis.

 

The sticker is metal from what I read before so it will conduct heat (does conduct heat)

 

Can someone tell me how much do the SD card stick out from the SD card slot? I am thinking of using a SD or microSD in a low profile adapter as secondary storage.

 

About 7mm.

 

Does anyone have problem with external USB hard drive? I'm getting really low transfer speed and disconnect.

 

there is another version of the 1.01.15 BIOS that came out today. It added some more updates to the board. So you guys may wanna check it out. I already installed it and it seems to be running alright

 

GoNz0, what do you use to create your bootable USB from those ISOs? I've tried using Rufus, with basically these settings (partition scheme, file sys, cluster size, set as bootable etc, effectively the same as this image) but the USB key doesnt show up in the BIOS' startup option

I already disabled secure boot in the BIOS

 

have you guys encountered problems w/ your speakers? mine sound tinny normally, but when i play some win10 notification wavs (notify message, notify windows generic) the speaker rattles...sounds like there is something loose/rattling from the speakers' vibration, rather than actual distortion. though it happens with higher pitched sounds, i can't seem to replicate it in normal video/music usage.

disabling maaxaudio doesn't have a meaningful affect. tilting the laptop seems to reduce (not eliminate) the rattle

i checked another xps 15 and it too has the same issue.

 

Same settings bar my block size but that will be due to my memory stick so it shouldn't be the cause, try a shorter direct file name like WIN10 ?

I had secure boot enabled - uefi mode & no legacy as it wont recognise it otherwise for some reason.

 

Hi guys I was hoping someone could help me. I installed the 950 pro and its working fine and if I go into Device Manager it recognises it as a 950 Pro but when I install Samsung magician it doesn't recognise it, it thinks its just a generic drive. Also when I try to install the drivers off the Samsung website it doesn't recognise the drive. Any ideas?

 

Are you running in ahci mode or raid?

 

Samsung magician does not recognise the drive if in Raid. Only AHCI works.

 

Hello again. I've received my new XPS and I'm just trying to put a fresh install of Windows onto it. I have the 32gb SSD and 1Tb HDD model.

During the install I'm getting the message 'We couldn't create a new partition or locate an existing one' when I try to install Windows. Any ideas? It's during the section where you select which partition, and I've deleted what was there originally.


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I've tried loading an Intel raid driver during the install but I'm met with the same problem. I'm stuck with a pretty looking block of uselessness until I can install Windows so any help is much appreciated.


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Grab an ISO from my sig and see if that gets you up and running!

 

Hi buddy. That's what I'm using, you kindly gave me a link a few days ago.

When I installed Windows 10 on my desktop onto a m.2 drive I had to select a few options in the bios for the m.2 drive to be bootable. Could there be something similar in the XPS bios I need to do? I had to change the boot mode to get the USB drive to show up for example. I'm now using a legacy mode.

EDIT: Im not sure what I did but its work now.

 

After receiving the necessary HDD Interposers, I installed my old 1 TB 840 EVO in the HDD bay. That works fine. I have a second identical machine and in that I went to install a 1 TB Seagate SSHD in the standard 2.5" (7mm) size. When I did, first the HDD spacers (sleeves) wouldn't allow the drive to fit in the bay. After much trimming, I got to fit. However, when I went to reinstall the cage, it was a pretty tight fit. Then, putting the back cover on I noticed that it didn't lay quite flat as it had before yet closed all the way. There didn't appear to be anything to remove to make the drive fit better and now I wonder if the thermal pad on the PM951 is as snug against the bottom as before. Anyone know if the second HDD Dell supplies as an option is smaller than 2.5", 7MM? Also, if I reopen the case and apply another layer of thermal pad, either 1mm, 1.5, or 2mm to ensure good contact, would that be okay or would it apply too much pressure on the M.2 drive?

 

I lose track of who has a copy as it is so busy on here, hence adding them to my sig

I really have no idea why it refuses to show unless you are in legacy mode, mine shows as UEFI alongside the SSD, I am on the PRO iso though but I did the same things apart from selecting core over pro in the wim file.

The thermal pad only just fits but I would look into why the case no line sits as snug as before. Another members said a 2mm fits better anyway.

 

Is it working with UEFI and secure boot on now?

Before I go format my USB and download the Home iso to test it

 

Anyone have problem with using USB 3.0 port for external hard drive? Mine disconnect when I try to use it. USB selective power is off. All driver and OS is updated.

 

Just got back in for the evening but tomorrow I'll check what bios settings I'm currently using and get back to you.


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I disabled secure boot and enabled legacy mode to install Windows. Unfortunately now that I've installed Windows UEFI and secure boot won't work. When I try I get taken to a support assist page where a memory test is run. The error message states no bootable drive was found.

It works fine in legacy without secure boot. Should I be concerned?

Keep in mind I'm using the 32gb SSD + HDD.

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I have that issue with my xps 15 too, I thought I had a defective unit but I think it's normal for the xps to exhibit such a behavior since I am not the only one

 

Anyone thinking of getting an Intel Tri-Band Wireless-AC 17265, I don't recommend it. I tried to replace the stock Wi-Fi solution with one and it doesn't fit the the chassis. It's slightly wider than the stock Dell 1830 so although it lines up electrically you're not going to get one installed without cutting into the side of the notebook, which I know I'm not doing . I knew the risk when I bought it, and I didn't pay much, hopefully this stops someone making the same mistake.

 

Did you happen to take any photo's of the fit/non-fit?

If you can please post some so we can tell if our laptops can fit the card... some have more access space than others.

Thanks!

Intel Tri-Band Wireless-AC 17265
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/wireless-products/tri-band-wireless-ac17265.html

Intel® Tri-Band Wireless-AC 17265 Product Brief
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/wireless-products/tri-band-wireless-ac17265-brief.html

Intel Tri-Band Wireless AC-17265 Drivers and Software
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/86451/Intel-Tri-Band-Wireless-AC-17265

Intel® Tri-Band Wireless-AC 17265
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/intel®-tri-band-wireless-ac-17265.768849/

 

Does it have a emi shield on it as the pic I am looking at shows a line of solder round the outside, I wonder if you can dremel enough off to get it to slot into the chassis as it looks like you have a couple of mm spare with a standard m.2 wifi card.

8mm wider, thats a lot to lose!

 

I ordered the one with the 1TB HDD and the 32GB SSD. What's the SSD for?

 

Has anyone tried using the 18,000mah power companion with this laptop? I had the 12000 one with my XPS 13, but when I put it in this it didn't seem too happy about it. Also got a warning from Dell when I booted up that it wasn't the correct power supply for it.

Ordered the 18,000mah, which is seemingly the same one as recommended on the Dell website for this laptop, and I'm still getting the error.

It charges fine and stuff, but a few odd things have happened such as refusing to wake from sleep while using it to charge etc.

 

cache drive, google it

 

Ahh something new from Intel I see. Thanks!

 

I have the same issue, the right side of the laptop (bottom) there is misalignment when running the finger, I am calling Dell Pro support now. This is my second issue in addition to trackpad (left click) getting stuck when pressing it.

 

Yep, I have the same issue. Already reported this to Dell, if it's not fixed on Monday by the tech who is coming over, will be getting a new laptop. Take a look at my picture, that's the right side of the laptop. The base is sticking out a little and collecting dust (see white dust visible on the image)

 

Hi all. I'm new here so firstly apologies if this is posted in the wrong place

I've read through many pages and cant find the answers I need so decided to post and see if anyone is able to help. Here goes!

I have an XPS 15 9550 on order that's due to arrive tomorrow the - i5-1080FHD-8GB Ram 32GB/1TB version. My intention is to open it up (got myself a Torx screwdriver set ready) and replace the 1TB HDD with a 240GB SanDisk Ultra II and upgrade the Ram to 16GB while I'm under the hood. I'll put the 1TB drive in a USB 3 caddy and use it for backups. I've got a USB 3 flash drive with Windows 10 media already downloaded and ready to go for the clean install.

My questions are firstly what do I do with the 32GB cache - do I leave it in or remove it? (When the price comes down a lot on the M.2 PCIE cards in the future I may add one of those but it won't be anytime soon). I'll put the 240GB SSD in the drive bay and connect it back up and intend to install Windows on this drive for now.

I'm also not sure about what to do in the BIOS before I do this, I was thinking to update it to the latest version first then shut it down - remove and install the drive and see where to go from there but If anyone has done this and has some pointers I'd appreciate their input.

Looking forward to getting stuck into it when it arrives, its taken quite some time to be delivered and I'm using an old Dell XPS17 - this will be an amazing upgrade!

Thanks for reading

 

I suggest you update the bios first using your current windows and oem hard drive. Once you confirm that everything is working, you may proceed with hardware swap/upgrade.

I would remove the 32GB M.2 drive and just keep it. In your bios you might have to disable RAID. Check your settings.


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Thanks, I'll give that a try and will post up how it goes then if it may be of some help to anyone else doing it this way.

 

I have exactly the same computer. But I am updating M.2 and SSD plus RAM. Wanna do everything and forget about it. I need to work on it.


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So opening the laptop to install/replace drives and/or memory will not void our warranty correct?