Dell XPS 15 (Skylake) 9550 Owner's Lounge

If I were to sell them as is the drives worth £300 and the Ram is worth £150 (After eBay and PayPal fees knock off 15%ish) and that seems to be bottom end price on eBay so say £380

Looking at used prices for 2x8gb Sodimms they are £55 used so I would pay £50, the XG3 is £150 on eBay so I would pay £130

I had figured about £200 to swap parts last night and that seems to be about right

 

It is a fair price, but my laptop still has 6 more moth warranty and I will be violating it If I open the laptop. If by any chance you would accept £170 let me know. I guess I would take the risk.
This is purely obsession from my side because I really doubt I would ever use 32GB of RAM and 1 TB of data.

Kind regards,

 

At the moment no as I am in no rush but the warranty isn't void if you open a DELL and replace parts

 

Got you.
Good to know about the warranty.

Thanks

 

I saw the photos of ahmadka's XPS 15 9550 on page 244 of this thread. The screen looks very nice compared to mine. On mine, you can clearly see a strong red tint on the left that is not present on the right. http://imgur.com/a/0bSIK http://imgur.com/a/dAXuJ The picture is not shot from an angle.

Mine is a Dell XPS 9560 though, but it uses the same Sharp IGZO screen (LQ156D1). So Dell still has issues with the screens. I'm waiting for my screen to be replaced as I cannot return the laptop :-(

 

Did anyone put the new 97 Whr battery in their XPS 15 9550 yet?

 

m8, if they did they would have posted it up here.

I am 99% sure they will fit considering it is the same plug in the same chassis but to appease the masses I will swap my brand new 9560 battery into my 9550 (and the other way round for the fun of it) when it arrives, only problem is it is sat in the shipping dock in China!

 

Could you post a picture of your screen similar to what I posted above? I just want to confirm that there are proper screens out there without the red tint on one side.

 

I'm looking to get as best sound out of my XPS 9550 as possible. Can anyone suggest how to achieve that? One thing I can think of is removing WaveMaxx Dell Audio software. Anything else I can do?

 

Probably over SPDIF to a good external amp with DAC and decent speakers. Not sure if SPDIF is supported, maybe an USB soundcard is needed.

 

Yep, anything other than the build in speakers. After all it is a laptop not a home entertainment system

 

Dell might begin certifying XPS notebooks for external graphics: Frank Azor


http://www.notebookcheck.net/Dell-w...or-external-graphics-Frank-Azor.196560.0.html

Edited for correction.

 

Correction - Dell MIGHT begin certifying XPS notebooks for external graphics.

Frank said they are looking into it but no guarantees on certification

 

Don't think you can remove dell audio. Isn't that the one that keeps coming back in the driver? Oh and even if I disable the maxx audio effects it turns back on on reboot which people says damages the speaker.

 

That is completely true. Let me rephrase my original question (sorry for not being clear from the start): I want to get the best sound possible out of the stock system, tweaking only software, and listening through headphones.

 

I'm not sure about this, was just a hunch. I know it modifies the sound so if possible it's better to disable/remove it. I'm still researching on it, hence my original question. Maybe it's possible to install some non-dell driver for sound card.

PS: sorry for double-posting, I'm trying to edit first message but the changes are not saving for some reason.

 

I'm not aware of maxx speaker enhancement coming back after disabling in the menu on the 9550, stays off.

 

That should be relatively easy. Get good earphones, plug them in, disable maxx enhancements. Picking the earphones is the trickiest. Try for example Sennheiser HD 5x9 (open) or 5x8 (closed). Or check Stax, SRS 5100 is pretty impressive, though a laptop jack may not be considered a decent input

 

Anyone came across issues with DELL drivers not installing? (Namely, some of the Chipset drivers.)
I did a clean Win10 install, then when installing the drivers in the order provided by DELL some of the Chipset drivers are not installing. Checked the checksums (I've had network issues and not all drivers were downloading properly) and they look fine. In the end had to download the rest of the drivers through Windows Update as there were some warnings in Device Management.

 

Is the TB3 limitation hardware or software?
If it is hardware, whats the point of certifying XPS15 for external GPU?

 

I am considering my options for selling my 9550 http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/price-check-on-xps-9550-ram-ssd.801532/
Feedback appreciated

 

From what i read you're from uk, unfortunately really good refurbished (with 1 year warranty) 9550s pop up often on ebay there.

I bought my old 4k i7 16gb 256gb 9550 from uk (i'm from italy) for 1.090 £ and sold it quite fast months later for a little bit more (£ 1.200,00) to an italian guy.
Even the 4k screen is a somewhat tricky selling point since for some reason in the uk market there're more 4k 9550s than fhd ones.

From my perspective having 32gb of ram or a 1tb ssd would mean nothing (i would take a cheaper one with less ram and a smaller ssd any day) that's why i'd suggest you to split the upgrades and the system.

 

Has anyone used a matte cover for the 4K screen? Did it decrease the quality of the screen?

 

Went through this trouble earlier, as my Maxx audio also keeps on re-enableing itself. I tried 2 options, with the first having most success:

1. (Find and memorize the maxxaudio and realtek folder names in programs folder). Uninstall realtek driver. Go to advanced system settings -> hardware and enable settings for "Do not automatically install drivers for new devices". Next, go to programs folder, and find both the realtek, and the maxxaudio (create the exact folder name if the folder got deleted), go to properties and revoke access to trusted installer, system, and others except yourslef. After this, restart laptop and the driver should be changed to generic Microsoft driver. Works wonders. The windows update for realtek for some reason still wants to install, but will fail everytime it tries.

2. This I had less success with. Uninstall realtek drivers. Go download realtek driver from realtek. After installation, things get really funcky, as Maxxaudio driver is not present, but the computer thinks it's there (some UI bug in driver window). Next, disable all the realtek driver startup in the startup menu in task manager. Last, revoke access to the program folders in case so windows update can't install the dell versions just in case. The driver should now be installed, but never bug you anymore if you're lucky.

On the side note, the stock dac/amp (headphone jack) is horrible, as it pops all the time (bad battery saving implementation, as the relay causes an ear piercing pop). The internal amp is also bass heavy and muddy, with shallow highs and lacking detail. If you don't move around much, I recommend an external DAC/AMP setup as that's what I had anyway. On the other hand, if you do not hear any popping noises, then disregard this paragraph, as the internal audio is good enough for casual use.

As I mentioned above, the stock system really isn't optimal, as it creates popping sounds. I stopped plugging my IEMs and cans in to protect both my ears, the the audio drivers from current spikes. Maxx audio also reenables itself all the time before I put a stop to it, and quite frankly I do not understand how Dell thought it was a good idea to force such a terrible EQ driver that blows speakers.

[EDIT: I just realized I was arguing the same thing as you are -.- However, I think entering the headphone world is not an option for everyone, but one should be able to at least enjoy the headphone jack.]

On the other hand, I found that the internal amp to have quite a bit of power. If only it didn't make popping noises it could have been acceptable for portable music use. (I use my phone because of this, kinda sucks I can't use my laptop audio on the go)

 

My 9550 is up for sale now my 9560 is here, if anyone wants a prime 2nd hand example check the FS section

 

New premier color released, newer than the 9560 one we got the other week.

 

Thanks for the input. I've already tried the second option.
The first one I've tried with little success cause it was still reinstalling drivers for me. Now I will do it your way. Thanks again.

Someone here on the forum suggested installing Equalizer APO, as it disables the MaxxAudio after install. But I'm not sure if installing a third pary equalizer will give me good sound.
I also want to try playing around with VAC (Virtual AudioCable) software.

 

Ugh, I think I broke my AC power jack... Tried replacing the power brick, thinking I may have crimped the cable... oddly, using an adapter with a 65w Dell power supply worked, but of course, I need 130w. So, I bought another 130w supply, and it says it's unknown. :-( Only thing I can think of is replace the jack in the laptop. If that doesn't work, I dunno what else to do. Hopefully that's it.... Guess what next weekend's project is? ;-)

 

You need a Dell power Supply. Correct voltage an ampere is not good enough (like HP that also have the same plug). We gave both brands at my offices.
There is a signal in the power supply so it can be identified. A smart way to secure the aftermarket of power supplies.

You have better luck charging with a 3rd party PS over TB3-port.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

This is a 1 beer job, 1 on the novice scale so long as you can get the base off then it is just on a fly lead that plugs to the board.

 

For how much did you got your 9560 and what config?

 

I got 10% off using my Dell VIP club code (UK only)

 

So, how much did you paid for it and what config is? I'm planning also to sell my 9550 and buy a 9560.
Thanks.

 

Its the 4k 16gb 512gb SSD I7 model with 3 years warranty for £1,788.20

 

Yeah, I did some research, and found how there's a 3rd center pin that tells the computer the wattage of the PS.

I bought an official Dell AC power supply, so that shouldn't be the problem (unless it's a counterfeit, but it looks legit). Weird, tho, that the 65w adapted one works (but limited). Perhaps the adapter tip is just long enough to push further into the broken jack? (checking) It's only like 1 mm longer, but that could be enough.

So, now I have two 130w power supplies. :-/ I guess on the positive side, I can plug in, in more than one location, or leave one in the bag, etc., but it is an unnecessary expense in trying to test.

I would have gotten a USB-C (?) charger except I wasn't sure if I could get the full 130w over that.

On the positive side, I can't think of any other problems. I am tempted to get a usb flash card just for extra storage, but I'm not at a critical stage yet.

 

I watched a video of it, and they detached a couple of other things including I think the monitor (!!) before digging down to the power plug. Not sure if all that was necessary, or if maybe this can be wiggled in/out. I did that before with our other Dell laptop (thanks Dell for making it so difficult to dig down to the hard drive on the 15R!), so I can handle it, but the less I can touch, the better.

 

Yeah I am sure if you raise the VGA lead from the trunking you will get the power lead out.

 

Hello guys,

I wanted to play Fifa with HDMI in my TV but the performance is ****e. Is it not possible to use the Geforce via HDMI? Di I have to use an USB-C Split?

Thanks.

 

I've read that the fans run CONSTANTLY if the PSU is connected, no matter load, is there no way around this? This is really bad if not

 

I thought it worked via HDMI?

You read wrong, fans will kick in whilst bulk charging only, above 90% they will go silent again.

 

I got the 960 Geforce, it´s weird, playing on Laptop no problem, playing on TV lagging. Is USB-C an option?

 

They have you disconnect a couple of things then remove the entire touchscreen! In this video, at this time in the link, you can see where the monitor bracket covers the jack. I may try to see if it's really necessary to undo so much -- seems like it should be just this bracket? Then again, if you make it this far, it's probably no big deal to go ahead and disconnect the screen. I kind of dread it, but it shouldn't be too hard -- should be easier than that other laptop I had to take apart.

(I kind of wonder if I should have gone ahead and opened the machine before getting the part, just to see if I could patch it, but might as well just fix it right...)

 

That is one of the worst guides I have ever seen, at most you remove the screws for that bracket and tilt the screen to raise it a little.

 

That would be great. It seemed a bit overkill to me, but sometimes there are connections that aren't obvious....

 

Gonzo, you were right on. I was able to lift the bracket and get the DC jack in and out. Just have to be careful not to harm the video cable that is in the way. I also unplugged the battery, but didn't bother to unscrew and remove it. All seems to be working now -- 130w PS is recognized by the bios, and the old part was definitely broken loose. All in all, a successful repair, if not inexpensive.

 

2 ways to do it, the right way and the field engineers way

 

I'm having sound distortion from speakers on volume levels above 50-60%/ No realtek drivers/waves, only windows audio driver installed.
Anyone has/had the same issue? Is this normal (inbuilt speakers really so crappy?) or should I reinstall drivers? Or maybe take it to dell's service for replacement?

 

So I apologize in advance, since crossposting from the 'hardware and software problems' thread...but I just realized this one is far more active.

I initially had some sleep problems in June 2016 (I bought the laptop March-April 2016). Laptop would sleep for a brief second then fire up again. Would wake up and stay running in bags, etc. Big issue. Power cycling, pressing sleep from start menu, some kind of suggested cmd line fix, turning off fast boot, etc - nothing worked.

Somehow there was an updated BIOS 1.2 to update 1.19 that I ran and it fixed the problem.

Meanwhile, there were another of times when I opened up my bag or my desk to see it running, but the laptop always went back to sleep and these seemed to be isolated incidents.

Tonight, the original issue started again. I wake up to see the laptop running on my bed with the lid closed (yes power settings are correct - lid and button sleep in all states). Check power logs, it started doing this while I was sleeping, didn't touch anything. Wouldn't sleep with the button, the lid, etc. Same issues as before.

Only fix was a new BIOS update 1.2.19 released Jan 2017.

Any updates on permanently fixing this problem? My warranty expires very soon and I know there won't be a magic BIOS fix (I think it just shocks the software or overwrite whatever bug is going on?) each time this happens down the line!

Thanks!

 

I think I'm on 1.19, and since I haven't had problems, I'm afraid to update further. I couldn't keep up with all of the discussions on updates.....

Meanwhile, my repair has been holding up. So glad to have it working again!

 

Hi, I just wanted to report a quite curious problem that I'm having with my laptop. When I start to use it, you can perceive how the touchpad is slowly lifted by its outermost edge, after 2-3 hours it has raised a couple of millimeters and you have to apply a lot of pressure to click the lower buttons (other aspects of the touchpad work fine). When I turn off the notebook, after 3-4h the touchpad returns to the original position.

Apart from this issue, I am totally satisfied with the laptop, I use it for programming tasks (i7 with 32GB of RAM), I have a fedora distribution installed and it is absolutely stable and I have not been affected by most of the problems reported (screen flicker, coil whine or stability in access to disk)

Any contribution on the causes of this problem is more than welcome, since DELL suggests replacing the touchpad ( they need two weeks) but I'm not entirely sure that this will fix the problem