Dell XPS 15 (Skylake) 9550 Owner's Lounge

Google 'Latency Monitor Resplendance' before you search where it is not. This tool will show you which driver causes the 9 ms drop out.

 

Thank You! Seems a great tool with win10 support. Will analyze what cause drops in my situation

 

So in my situation it was dell aisstant and manager. I've unistalled them. seems little bit better and don't have drops for now (but only 10 min tested) another after dddrivesys64 was ACPI.sys - but i've read can disable this one.

Maybe any other tips on minimizing latency (maybe there is some configuratuon in bios?) Alos if somebody could help answer what about 36gb of driver files (asked on page 145)

Thanks.

 

About big amount of space consumed in folder system32/driverstore - http://www.cio.com/article/3001691/windows/how-to-reduce-unnecessary-drivers-in-windows-10.html - nice articles. Started deleting now - because 36GB!!! All my sample library is around 40gb

 

I took it for granted that you had removed that junk already. The 9550 threads are full of problems caused by all the Dell tools, stupid latency problems by unexpected background activity is one of these.

And I don't think it will get much getter than what you see now. That on the other hand should be already ok.

And as you do not read the threads here - do not try an external audio interface via a simple USB C to USB 3.1 adapter or cable. At this time the USB 3.1 within Thunderbolt/Alpine Ridge is not compatible to USB audio at all - at least on the 9550. The other two ports (USB 3.0) do work.

 

With the TB15 dock I am able to get embedded audio (both in HDMI and DisplayPort connections) to play through an external monitor (with Dell sound bar AC511 hooked up). Only one cable ( supplied USB-C/Thunderbolt) from the dock to the laptop.

 

The TB 15 does not use the internal USB 3.1, but builds its own USB 3.0 via a ASMedia chip that is fed from the Thunderbolt PCIe bus.

 

So latency is normal for now after uninstalling dell assistant and manager and also from 36GB of space i deleted old and no needed version of drivers and minimize to 3GB! 2 problems solved. BUT! from time to time BSOD 0x00000663 repeating... but very rarely when plugged in AC.

I have one more question - i have 256GB SSD - there is some difference and need to make 2 partitions like C and D or on SSD it's doesn't matter and i can have only one partition? Thanks in advance guys!

 

I just need to know it can run smooth in low or medium graphics settings or not. Because I saw on benchmark list that core i3 6100H performance is very close to i5 6200U. My main job on notebook is work, 2D design in CAD 2016. I just want to know how it work.

. I think all you guys give i3 low rating in mind

 

Well considering the video you linked is using a 940m which is 1.5x faster than the desktop (faster clocked) intel HD 530 GPU, I'd say you'd be hard pressed to play it at anything above 720p.

Here is a youtube video of the desktop variant (again a fair bit faster than the notebook 6100h) running it at 720p on low quality. It's playable I suppose, but I wouldn't want it.

 

Yes, I agree with you but is it work flawless with CAD 2D (not 3D render) 2016? I'm very worry about Nvidia Geforce graphics card, they are so low quality and in my living place, people got VGA chip died much... (Nvidia 9600GT and below). It's safe for me If I choose intel HD, my 2011 laptop now still in perfect condition (probook 6460b core i5 2520m/ HD3000, It not only run Autocad 2010 smooth but also the temperature is very cool) and Dell don't provide option core i5 with integrated HD 520/530.

Actually, I'm very impressed with XPS 2015, I can tell XPS 15 is the most beautiful Windows notebook at this time, It slim and light weight so I will stick with Dell this time.

Because I will change my notebook after a few years, not regular so my problem and concern is:
- XPS base config can draft smooth on 2D Autocad 2016 with file size under 50Mb (I never see any forum that benchmark or test with work program..., conclusion idea )
- The body temperature when running should be under 35oC or not because I have use it daily. I need a comfortable feeling.
- Dedicated graphics card can be long living with daily run (around 8-10hrs) or not.

Can you help me find out some useful reference?
Thank you so much!

 

Yeah I remember reflowing the solder on many a 8600gt and above due to poor thermal regulation/design. I haven't heard of many issues with the new cards, especially after the class action law suit against nVidia for their GPU failures. I wasn't hesitant to buy one, but only time will tell.

If you're that worried about the dedicated card and you can stand a smaller screen, why don't you look at the 9350. It's a beautiful laptop, even smaller and lighter than the 15 of course, and you can get the i7 version with iris graphics (equivalent to the 940m).

 

Nice tip, thanks for that!

 

And guys - one more time about scaling?

I'm using for example Cockos Reaper app to make music and on win10 scaling set to 125 as recommended - but the window of some apps it's blurry (especially text). When i switch to scaling 100% ten text of files in windows and other ar very smal... BUT then my music DAW its ok and have bigger resolution and more space. How to be? It seems like windows 10 it's only problems and problems...

Would appreciate any help and tips on how to be with scaling and life in peace

 

Afraid it is down to the developers of said programs to bring in scaling or you are going to get an amount of blur if windows has to take care of it.
You could consider changing the resolution to 1080 to help.

 

About scaling i found option that suit for now for me. Is in properties (app shortcut or app) in compatibility options check "Disable display scaling on high DPI settings" maybe it would be useful for somebody. Now windows scaling is on 125% and text and apps are comfort to read/use and in my application i have full hd without scaling and blurry text. Cheers!

 

I have a couple of questions about the 9550:

- How is the UHD display: Is the ghosting going to be a problem in games like Fallout 4 or XCOM 2?
- How is the display when gaming on FHD. Is the image quality in games noticeably blurry?

 

double post

 

I'll try to answer this because I was very worried about ghosting after reports surfaced online. I had the guy selling mine check it first I was so worried! It seems that the displays that have significant ghosting are defective. I've taken photos of my 5ms desktop monitor side-by-side my razer blade and my UHD XPS 15 using this website: http://www.testufo.com/#test=ghosting&background=004040&separation=1000&pps=1920&pursuit=0

To my eyes and to the camera the pics seemed the same. So, no, don't worry about it unless you get a defective one.

 

I have it working without no problem:

Realtek 7628
1.19 BIOS
Dell Foundation Services 3.1.3300 (which apparently updated itself in 6/2/2016, but was working before that too)
No Sound Blaster

 

Is the evo 850 different in dimension than a pm950 or 950 pro? I am wondering whether the difference in cost is worth it to purchase a 950 pro

 

Hey guys I got a dell outlet refurbished model and debating on whether to return it or not the problems I am having are bad viewing angles on the 4k igzo panel if I turn my head a little it starts going red, the fan is turning on constantly be whether I am charging or just light chrome use, and lastly whenever I close the lid the at like 70% battery the battery will drain to 0% by the morning its done this to me twice so far in the 5 days I`ve had the laptop. Are these issues normal or should I just get my money back?


Edit: Also whenever I restart the laptop it sometimes wont fully restart as when it completely shuts down and goes to restart it will sit with a powered off screen (black) the power button lit up and keyboard illuminated and just hang the and never complete the boot up

 

They (Dell or somebody) need to make to make a 17 inch version of this machine. With a few additions one is HDMI 2.0 or that new display port 1.4 (I could be wrong on that not sure if its a port) just saw articles on Internet.

 

Hey guys. So there is need to make 2 partition of using SSD drive (256GB SSD) for C and D? Or there is no need? Can somebody give tip and tell. BIG thanks in advance!

 

There is no need to create any other partitons unless you specifically want more drive letters.

If you are installing Windows it will create its own partitions and leave you with a single C drive and the other partition will be hidden for system files. You can either leave the C drive as it is or shrink it and create a D drive partiton on the empty space if you wanted to (but it is still only 1 physical drive) using Windows Disk Management. If you do shrink the C drive don't go too far as Windows will creep up in size with updates etc.

 

I have some further questions before I order the machine:

- How bad is the battery life for a UHD i7 with the 56Wh battery?
- Do you need any additional parts if you swap the 32Gb drive for m.2 SSD, like a heatspreader?
- Are the speakers ok? I suppose they will be not as good as my current ones in the L502x?
- Is it possible to clone the HDD to a m.2 SSD with something like Samsung data migration?

Thanks a lot.

 

Hi, I'm willing to buy this laptop in few days because i found it the most appealing to me. I was about to wait for new mbp but i really need a new computer to finish my masters project as i am a graphic design student and no one really knows what to expect from apple and whether it will even be better than xps or not. So the question is do you recommend this laptop for someone like me ? I will mostly use it for photoshop, illustrator and after effects i hope it will last for 4 years of unstressful work. I'm getting i7 6700 with 16gb of ram. Please let me know before i make a decision is it worth to choose it over upcoming macbook as the price is quite attractive ?

 

Battery will probably be 3-4 hours average use with the small battery.
Only the full length m.2 drives have a thermal pad to let heat escape into the base so you would need a 2mm pad to stop it throttling under high load.
Speakers are good compared to the last XPS15 9530
You can clone with Macrium reflect free edition but a fresh installs the way to go (ISO's in my sig)

 

Any idea were to get such a thermal pad?

 

eBay has thousands of options. If you want a good one pick a MK rating above 5
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120mm-x-2...905955?hash=item2ecd99d323:g:WPMAAMXQIrFSKzlz

 

When you put something like this on the m.2 drive you basically just peel tape on both sides and apply directly onto the entire length of the drive correct? cut to fit if required?

Also, do you recommend a silicone pad instead? I have read some reviews on amazon about the normal pads with the double sided tape drying out?

 

You will probably find these are silicon, you are getting confused with old CPU thermal pads. Not the same thing. These are reusable.

 

Hello guys, have any of you tried replacing thermal paste for xps 15? I am thinking of replacing both cpu and gpu thermal paste with coollab metalpads. Please let me know you test results if you have done the swap. Thanks

 

Don't bother with that stuff, pick a low pressure paste that remains flexible. I used MX2 before but now have put Gelid GC Extreme as I had some left and have good results, no throttling.
The heatsinks don't always fit well and will expand/contract as they are covering a GPU & CPU hence the need to remain flexible.

 

Hi,
I've my XPS 15 from one week.
I've just started to test it and until now all works great...
I've a question about upgrades...
Service manual always suggest to uninstall the battery even to upgrade Ram or SSD...
Now I'm set to upgrade the RAM to 32GB and maybe the SSD... maybe now or in a near future...
I'd like to know if uninstall the battery is really needed or it's safe just upgrade RAM and SSD with something like just pop out the old one and insert the new one...
Look like can't be possible to disconnect the battery with the battery installed... is it really so ?
thanks.

 

Good working practice to unplug the battery, removing it is a bit OTT unless you're in the habit of stabbing it and causing a fire?

Yes you can unplug it in situ. pull it back on either side with either your finger nails or plastic pry tools, avoid metal no matter how good you think you are!

 

Disconnecting the battery ensure there is no residual charge in the laptop, it's to prevent those once in a while cases where a residual power discharge might fry something. Always unplug your battery, it's rare, but you'd have to be that sucker that fried a laptop for failing to take basic precautions the one time it actually mattered.

I've done it, it's one cable to unplug, no need to physically remove it as long as the cable isn't plugged in anymore.

 

Thanks. I'm still waiting for my XPS to arrive.
I found this while I was researching XPS 15 info through the internet.

"Unless you switch from RAID/RST to AHCI in BIOS you need to install the RST drivers during windows setup otherwise you won't be able to install. Switching to AHCI is not recommended."

Is this true? If so, why?
I'm planning to use 850 evo m.2 drive and 2.5" HDD.

 

Does anyone know if there a car adapter for this laptop? I had an HP Envy 2012 that could use a car adapter that was lower wattage than the A/C adapter, and would charge slower, but would still allow me to game for an entire trip.

 

It would cost you less to buy a 12v to mains (min 150w) dc-ac adapter and have it charge at it's full rate

 

I have tried this in the past with resounding failure. The car sockets output max 150W, and there are power loses both in the inverter and then again on the A/C adapter. So in the end the laptop does not get enough power to run. Sometimes it would be able to charge when turned off, sometimes the inverter would try sucking down too much juice and shut off.

 

Thank you for your response GoNz0 . I am thinking the same. I have some pk-3 left and a new pack of metalpad. Do you think the expansion during heating is significant enough to cause "hardened" metalpads to break apart and introduce gaps in the metalpads? I do hope for an answer from someone who has used metalpads. Cheers.

 

I am speaking as a laptop engineer, in years past they used a pad with a thin metal sheet over it to allow the heatsinks to move and not cause problems, Toshiba now recommend a none hardening paste for this reason. Dell Also use a paste that doesn't harden. From this perspective you shouldn't use metalpads and considering this is a delidded CPU in the grand scheme of cooling any decent aftermarket paste will do just fine

Metalpad may turn into an expensive mistake.

 

I just got my XPS 15 recently and I am preparing to do a clean install. I am downloading drivers and I notice that there are 6 drivers under "Docks/Stands (6 files)", do I need to install these drivers or should I ignore them? Would the chipset drivers suffice?

 

I guess I will stick to my leftover pk-3. Thanks for the wise advice.

 

If you don't use a docking station with the XPS, no need for those drivers.

 

Hi all, I have a few additional questions regarding a clean install:

1. Should I stick with the BIOS defaults, or would it better to make changes? Currently I have SATA Operation = RAID, Secure Boot = ON, Boot List Option = UEFI.
2. If I'm sticking with the the PM951 drive, then I assume I don't need to install the Samsung NVMe driver?
3. I partitioned the 512GB SSD into 3 primary drives during the Windows installation process. When I logged into the desktop after installation completed I only saw the C drive in file explorer. I had to go into disk manager and format and assign letters to the other 2 primary drives. Did I do this correctly?
4. Finally, if I loaded the Intel Rapid Storage drivers during the Windows install in order to recognize the SSD, should I install the same driver again in Windows?

Thank you in advance!

 

1. I would stick with RAID. AHCI is a hastle to enable and you just get BSODs for your trouble
2. Only needed in AHCI mode
3. That should be okay
4. IRS drivers don't need to be reinstalled, they are, supposedly, permanent.

 

Does anyone have the XPS 15 and the TB15 dock with 3 displays attached? Do you know if I can run nvidia surround and game on 3 monitors? Also, after gaming, how long does it take for the fan to go back to idle? Thanks

 

3 monitor gaming, I doubt it will handle that for more than a couple of seconds before it throttles.