Dell XPS 15 (Skylake) 9550 Owner's Lounge

I just bought mine from eBay. Should arrive tomorrow. I saved $1,000 easy going the e-Bay refurb route.

 

Well not for the majority of users - we get crashing (blue screens) in AHCI mode with the default Windows NVMe drivers. Mine crashes pretty reliably with KERNEL_INPAGE_ERROR or CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED if I used AHCI.

 

Hello all,

My High Performance mode is greyed out in Power Options -> Change Plan Settings -> Change Advanced Power Settings -> In the drop down menu, when High Performance is selected, the Apply button is greyed out. Any ideas?

I've checked all the settings in BIOS, Power Option, Intel Graphics App etc....however, after disabling the Intel SpeedStop in BIOS, I do see my clocks across all four cores being at 2.6GHz, yet it is still not on performance mode when I check the battery icon and/or settings.

* Should I make a new thread about this? I figured I'd ask here first...

Cheers

 

Could someone help me clarify something, I'm interested in the 1080p non-touch matte screen version of this laptop, but I'm getting conflicting information in different reviews on the sRGB. Lisa from mobile tech review said it was something like 97% sRGB, after calibrating, but a review from laptop mag says it's 71%. Which is it?

 

Take my word with a grain of salt, but it is likely that laptopmag meant 71% aRGB instead of sRGB

 

Actually they said specifically sRGB, here's the paragraph

" If you're more focused on business or want to save some money, the non-touch model features a matte 1080p screen. Even though that panel is not nearly as colorful or vibrant as the UHD model (at 71.9 percent sRGB), it features much better brightness and enhanced readability " especially on pages with white backgrounds."

 

Why don't you have a look at different reviews, like http://www.notebookcheck.net/Dell-XPS-15-2016-9550-InfinityEdge-Notebook-Review.156354.0.html

 

Yes, I saw that. But the full HD model is supposed to be at around 72% aRGB, so my guess would be that they meant aRGB - an oversight on their part. Their display may have been at 71.9% sRGB (even though I doubt it). Anyways, the FHD displays are supposed to be close to 100% sRGB so I guess that answers your question

 

Ah, you're probably right. Thanks for the replies.

 

I got one of these running Linux, and since it supports VT-x and VT-d I tried some gpu passthrough magic with Qemu. It seems the IOMMU grouping is ideal and I can get the Windows 10 guest to see the 960M, but device manager returns code 43 (yes, kvm is hidden and all hyperv related things removed).
So no GPU passthrough, probably because of Optimus. Can't wait for usb-c gpu enclosures to start showing up so I can try again and hopefully succeed. Or for Virgl to get Windows drivers, whichever one comes first.

~Aeny

 

If anyone is having BSODs with Critical Process Failed errors, here's a possible solution I don't think has been mentioned. After replacing my motherboard I started getting them almost hourly, but after following the steps below I have not had one in the past 48 hrs. Works to repair critical system files that may be corrupted or missing

Open command prompt with admin privileges.
Enter sfc /scannow
If it reports errors that it was unable to automatically fix, try the following steps:

1. Download Windows 10 .iso file from Tech Bench (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/techbench)
2. Create a folder on desktop named mount
3. Copy install.wim from the .iso download to your desktop
4. Run command prompt with administrator privileges, then enter each of the following one at a time:
   1. Dism /mount-wim /wimFile:%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\install.wim /index:1 /MountDir:%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\mount
   2. Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   3. Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\mount\windows /LimitAccess
   4. Dism /unmount-wim /Mountdir:%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\mount /discard
   5. sfc /scannow
5. This last scan should not show any errors (or it might find some but successfully repair them. Re-run it again to verify)

Not my solution. Original source: http://www.tenforums.com/performanc...e-corrupt-files-can-not-fixed.html#post464894

 

Yup, same with mine as well. Mine was refurbished as well. It's unfortunate we had to replace the entire board just for this chip.

While installing this motherboard, I actually found the BIOS memory battery on its underside despite what the Dell service rep told me. At that point though, it was too late if unplugging and plugging it back in would resolve it.

 

Hi did you resolve the external monitor issue? I have this issue with several monitors (dell and non-dell). Going to sleep or whatever will not bring back the monitor unless you turn it off or even disconnected the HDMI cable. Dell is offering to replace the MB but i'm pretty sure that it will not resolve the issue. Hearing about the USB-C is promising but that would require a new cable converter that I'm not happy with. Checked a response to this subject until page 230 but none found yet...

 

Nope. Neither Dell nor Intel has released new drivers since I posted. Fingers crossed that this will get fixed with software soon.

In the meantime, the USB-C adapters for HDMI and DisplayPort work as they should.

 

If the monitor(s) in question have an auto input mode make sure it is turned off and the specific input you are using is selected instead. That fixed the problem for me using HDMI.

 

Mine does not. It uses fixed inputs.

FWIW, I have a Dell U2415. The problem also occurs with my wife's Dell U2410.

It seems that the XPS 15 isn't sending a wake signal to the monitor.

For me, this is NOT when resuming from sleep. This is after the computer has turned off the display only for an extended period of time.

As stated previously, using the USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter allows the monitor to wake as expected. The problem only occurs using the built in HDMI port, which leads me to believe that a BIOS update is required to resolve the issue.

 

Can anybody explain this Raid ahci issue to me? I know like that Raid is used in configuration with a Cache Drive and stuff like raid0 raid1 etc. But why is it used in the xps 15 with just the ssd (like mine).
Has it any advantages against ahci? What will change if I switch to ahci (Maybe boottime?)
Thanks in advance

Gesendet von meinem A0001 mit Tapatalk

 

I was responding to Andre above.

 

Guys, there are so many problems with your xps? I'm a little bit worried, because if i wanna buy a laptop it should just work and I don't wanna have problems over problems. This makes me a little bit uncertain.

 

This has been explained many times in this thread. You just have to go back and take the time to read and everything will be made plain to you. The short answer is that the BIOS is set by default to Raid so that each individual unit does not have to be configured specifically for machines with one drive yours and mine and many others that come from the factory with two drives.

 

No advantage, just Dell using a single BIOS preset for all laptops

Don't buy it then. You probably have a 50% chance in a fault/issue

 

Why you bought it?

 

I didn't, I bought a 9530 a couple of years ago, had 4 before I got a good one that then developed a recurring fault 18 months into it's 3 year warranty, due to that board having a 90% chance of having coil whine and Dell wanting to swap the motherboard for the fan fault I said no, so they sent me a 9550, I am now on my 4th 9550 after being told on the 3rd swap that I could have a refund. Considering they upgraded me from the 16gb RAM 512gb SSD to a 32gb RAM 1tb SSD and it arrived without any problems, well here I am.

OK?

 

The 9550 is a cool design with some nice features and some flaws.

You can read about the features on "reviews" throughout the internet. The flaws are documented here; most (but not all) seem to have been resolved by Dell at this point. Some owners just threw in the towel...

With the 9550, I think there are major performance gains for little $ to be had if you want to do some tweaking (eg install the latest BIOS & firmware, redo the thermal paste, fix the VRAM thermal pad, undervolt, add RAM, upgrade the SSD, etc.) If you don't know how, this site is a fantastic resource. If you are not interested in tweaking, I don't know if this is the laptop for you.

Regarding my refurb 9550, the only problem I had was a terrible headphone output. I updated the BIOS and drivers and have not had any issues. Oh, and I ordered the 32GB SSD + 1TB HDD model; Windows 10 was installed on the tiny cache SSD. Unfortunately, Windows 10 can not install updates on that small drive so I will need to reinstall Windows 10 manually.

Good luck...

 

I returned my XPS 9550 to Best Buy today. I paid $1520 for an open box i7/UHD/16GB/1TB model with a minor scratch.

Ultimately gaming performance was just too low. After 20 minutes of Overwatch at 1080p with the fans on ultra performance, the GPU hit 84C and the TDP of the CPU got driven into the ground by the Intel DPTF drivers. If you have a lower load (like 80% GPU utilization) or are willing to mess with repasting and/or a notebook cooling pad, the 9550 might be OK. But this XPS 9550 very much rides on the edge of its thermal limits.

Other than thermals and fan noise, the XPS 15 is a very nice laptop. Great display, great speakers, looks sharp.

DPTF is really aggressive on the XPS 15, though. It throttles crudely and on my machine drove PL1 on the i7 down to 7W, which means that the CPU runs at 800MHz and performance tanks.

I wonder if there are any thin gaming laptops that don't throttle...

 

I agree that it might be at its limits, being that I've been playing quite a bit of Overwatch on it the past week and have found that the GPu gets in the mid 80s. Was about to crack it open to repaste and check the VRAMs, but i've found that the main issue was that the air intake from the bottom of the laptop was inadequate. Propping the laptop up with a thin book was enough to get 5-10C decrease, putting the GPU at a nice mid 70s. I've now bought a foldable stand/frame that raises the back of the laptop up by 2 inches. Overwatch now runs at 70C or less sometimes at 1080p with no performance issues. Ofc the stand is unnecessary when the GPU isnt being utilised at 100% but i use it all the time basically as the screen is at a nicer height and the keyboard is at a more ergonomic position. Will probably eventually open it up to paste and check the VRAM contacts at some point though.

TLDR Buy a stand/ prop it up with a book. Overwatch runs absolutely fine!
This is what i use https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ergonomic-Aluminium-Portable-Foldable-Notebook/dp/B007BD16KC

 

Interesting post. I saw someone had tested his 9550 thermals holding his laptop off the desk in the air and noted significantly lower heat. I might try some hybrid to raise the laptop a bit but maintain the cool rubber foot barrier GoNz0 pointed out.

 

The heat seal is duely noted, but with the elevation there isnt much heat passing through to the bottom since heat rises and the majority of air it'll take in is from the surroundings. I believe its only majorly important when the space underneath is quite small, such as when the laptop is resting on a flat surface as normal. But thats my two cents

 

The small cooling grill on the bottom cover was a mistake for sure.

 

Hi I'm really interested in the XPS 15 9550! I've seen lots of manufacturer refurbished models on ebay for about $1150. My question is about the m.2 ssd. Most of these models on ebay have a 256gb ssd which is way too little storage. Online you can get 1tb m.2 ssd's but they are SATA III. Will these work in the XPS 15?
Thanks Jeff

 

Depends which configuration of xps you get. The smaller battery 2.5" caddy optiom, yes it would fit. But the larger battery m.2 won't have a 2.5" caddy.

But sandisk just released their m.2 x400 1tb drive, which I'm running just fine. It's not as fast as my 950pro, but costed less and gave double the space. Plus 550mbps if fast enough and to tell the truth really don't notice any speed gains with my 950 pro anyways

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

Hi DBLKK thanks for the info. That Sandisk drive is the one I'm thinking about. Didn't know if it would work in the XPS's m.2 slot.
Jeff

 

Np, I don't have a xps15 but it's the same exact slot as my Alienware r3 and precision 7710, so absolutely no reason it wouldn't work. I know people have put 950's in their xps and that's what pciex4 (speed wise slots the same) and stock 951 is same as stock in mine

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

Any m.2 will work as it can take Sata or PCIe based controllers.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it can take any m.2 SSD as long as it has a M key connector right?

 

That is true, but most m.2 I've seen / used are m key, so they'd fit in like a b connector. But for xps15 specifically the sandisk x400 will work

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

Could you post a link to the Mini DisplayPort adapter you are using that works well? Thanks!

 

I use googles one: https://store.google.com/product/usb_type_c_to_displayport_cable - not the cheapest, but does support 4k @ 60Hz...

 

So I got my third XPS 9550 yesterday ... This one doesn't have the horrible blue tint like my last XPS, however it does have a 'glow' effect on the screen that's relative to the the position of my eyes/head. Check out the pictures below to see what I mean. I'm wondering if this is normal or if the screen here is also defective. I only see this in pure white backgrounds - otherwise it's not so easy to see. I also feel that the edges of the screen are a little darker than the center, and this thing I've felt in the previous two XPS 9550's too which I returned. Note that all these issues are easily seen in pure white backgrounds (if they exist).

What are your opinions ? Is the screen here also defective or of substandard quality ?

Initially I felt a slightly reddish tint in the screen, however that fortunately went away after I disabled PremierColor.

 

Honestly, I don’t see anything on the screen to complain about.

 

I can see the issues. Almost like vignette.
I remember several of my laptop actually have light bleeding towards the end, I guess the slim bezel has its flaws differently

But you will get used to it.

The red tint is probably a bigger concern but you managed to get rid of it.

 

Yep, totally normal for this panel type.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

 

Mine have the same issues in all white screens which is why I like to set the window color to pale blue. However, unlike Win 7 and back Win 10 will not allow you to permanently set the window to any other color than white.

 

Gents,

I've been considering the XPS 15 i7-6700HQ Quad Core/32 GB RAM/1 TB SSD/UHD screen.
But I'm worried after reading several reviews and forums online....
So I thought to ask you, XPS 15 Owners, if you can honestly recommend this product?
Are the issues which were reported earlier fixed now (throttling/BIOS/UHD Screen and sleep issues) ??

I hope some of you may give me an honest and (more or less) objective opinion ))

Regards, Nikolas.

 

People keep asking the same question, why not have a read of those posts

 

O

You are right, and I have read the last 100 or so posts (so far)
But to summarize, are the problems reported on the earlier products now fixed?
Difficult to find a conclusive answer by reading the posts

 

I got mine back in Nov last year, so it was from one of the earliest batches of machines. No major issues other than the iGPU crashes and sleep/hibernation issue which have been fixed with driver and BIOS updates.
It's luck of the draw whether yours is going to be problem-free or not, and this applies to all laptops not just Dell. So you need to keep this in mind and set your expectations accordingly.

 

Admittedly, my two machines are apparently exceptions as they only have the sticky space bar problem and we are not hard core gamers (though we do game), so take with a grain of salt that this is the best, most powerful, coolest Dell notebook we have ever had. There are many other choices available, but none (at least currently) offer the same combination of features at the current price point. Added to that is the ease of upgrading key components which many other brands are difficult to do for.

 

My first big issue with the 9550 happened last night.
Turned on the computer and noticed that it was running amazingly slow. Also noticed the power indicator light was flashing orange. Turns out that it says my battery is not detected (even though I was running off of the battery) and it's forcing my cpu into 100% thermal throttling. Really odd. I plug in the AC adapter and the throttling goes away for the most part (still hits 15% every so often for who knows what reason). Now I have a coil wine under prime95 and it throttles the CPU even though it's only at 50*C...
Called dell and they are sending me a new battery, I hope that's all it is. Not looking forward to sending in my laptop to the goobers at dell...