Dell XPS 15 (Skylake) 9550 Owner's Lounge

We had a similar situation with our L501x which they eventually (not without a great deal of hemming and hawing) finally threw in the towel and replaced it with a brand new L502x which I am using right now (though it has a squirrely screen that will go gray at any moment until you squeeze the right spot on the side, bottom, or top of the lid case).

 

Sometimes.....its hard to resist thinking that there is a vast conspiracy against you.....

 

Wow...I mean I hear you loud &clear yet what really bothers me is, didn't this delivery guy give one C___ on what he was about to deliver to a customer that was in fact home????

I mean yes the box isn't in the greatest of shape yet anyone with an ounce of care & shame could've easily made it look a whole lot more presentable. Maybe he was S____ by Dell once as well is all I can think of.

 

This is dell taking the piss big time, back when I had my 9530 I totally flipped at support, they couldn't build me a new system fast enough. All that was wrong with mine was a bubble in the palmrest, they sent this quality assured refurbished palm reset, the box it arrived in was perfect. The tech was lost for words.

I seem to remember asking if the moron who checked this was a blind person wearing mittens.

 

Wow...That's truly unbelievable and very sad to say the least!!!

 

The poor FedEx guy rang the doorbell and looked like he was going to cry babbling about his supervisor saying that he had to deliver it and give the customer the choice to accept or reject.

Dell already replied by e-mail saying they are going to send me a new box----but I'll bet they are rolling on the floor laughing.

 

Well, after laughing their asses off they finally sent another box and my 9550 is back on its way to Dell Hell. At least they kept their promise and sent a label for next day air----not that I expect that to mean they'll get to it any faster.

UPDATE:

Well, true to their word they got right on it and they've called FexEx to come and get it. They report that they replaced the battery (no one has contacted me yet to demand I buy it and I won't) and the keyboard----which worries me a good bit since they already replaced the MB and now they've torn it apart again to get to the keyboard.

If they are all the way straight up with me I should get it tomorrow.

 

Thank you so much! This has finally fixed my problem I believe. I've had it on this setting for a while now and the laptop finally shuts down instead of waking up!

 

Its back and much to my great surprise-----its fixed. They gave me a new battery and didn't charge me for it and they replaced the keyboard and I no longer have the spacebar problem. Even more interesting is that it is a completely different type of keyboard. This one has a faint 'clicky' sound and has a much lighter feel, more springy and much better to type on compared to the way it was and the way my other machine is.

My warranty runs out in October and I have to decide whether to renew it.

 

Bloody hell, 3rd time lucky!

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

 

Good!

Renew warranty is usually expensive vs. original cost. Also the 9550 is a bit older so maybe not worth warranty at this stage so I would just pass on the warranty extension.

 

Normally I would too, but the MB blowing up in one of the two machines worries me for the other one and us not quite ready budget wise to move up.

 

I took the plunge and got a Killer 1550. I was curious to know of anyone who has installed it if they installed the bluetooth software for it first as is recommended for the Intel cards.

 

For what dell charges for their warranty extensions you could sell your 9550 and use the money to buy a 9560/9570 with a new warranty. If you do decide to up the warranty remember that you can haggle with them, they push back a good bit but you can usually get at least 20% off their prices.

 

hahaha. Let's see if he is psychologically able to gamble on another XPS box!

 

For the first time since we have buying Dells ( the guy that taught me back in the early 90s specialized in Dells which how I got hooked on them) I'm not so sure if I'm going to stick with them. Dell is allowing less and less custom configurations and taking their packages doesn't have the appeal it used to, The alternatives, custom upgraders and eBay, aren't very desirable either. At least for us.

I just don't know anymore.

 

Haven't heard this before. Do you know why it's recommended to install bluetooth drivers first for Intel chips? Did a quick google but couldn't find anything describing this.

 

I first read it here somewhere in one of the threads when I upgraded my L502x to the AC 7260 card. I couldn't get the bluetooth to connect consistently and after reading the tip, I uninstalled everything and then reinstalled the bluetooth driver before the WiFi and it works fine now. The problem cropped up for me with our 9550's when upgrading drivers as well.

BTW, I found a Killer site where a moderator commented that it is recommended to install the bluetooth driver before the WiFi driver for their card as well.

 

There seems to be a new Intel video driver
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/drivers/driversdetails?driverId=10X01

Intel HD Graphics Driver
The package provides Intel HD Graphics Driver and is supported on XPS 9350/Precision 5510/XPS 9550 running the following Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit
Fixes
-Fixed unable to play DRM content
Enhancements
-Improve the system compatibility
Version 23.20.16.4973, A12
Release date 29 May 2018
Last Updated 29 May 2018

 

Wow that's a lot of work you have had done on your laptop I am running into the same issue with mine, the replaced the touch screen (was unresponsive), the mainboard, the ac adapter, the battery (due to the recall) the keyboard, track pad, then the battery again as it was so hot you couldn't leave your hand on the palm rest.
Now the thing just shuts off no warning nothing it will turn back on but usually another 5-15 mins shuts off again. I will be making another call to dell about this one I may just have to push for a new one as this is getting to be a bit ridiculous.

 

When they couldn't fix our old L501x after three tries, they finally threw in the towel and gave us a new upgraded L502x----but it took a lot of arguing and demanding before they finally agreed. The last thing I did was to insist that they give me MIchael Dell's home address because I wanted to ship the machine to him and see how he liked using it.

That finally did it.

 

LOL I just might have to do that I will give them a call tonight hope I'm not on the phone forever. Also I have next business day onsite warranty but they always try to get me to ship it in, I just tell them that isn't the warranty I paid for and I want a technician to come to my house.

 

Ask if old Mike's available to come with and see up close what you've been dealing with.

 

I spoke with Dell they are sending out a technician with a mainboard so we will see if this fixes the problem, if I have any other issues with this notebook they are going to have to replace it as it's getting to a point of being ridiculous.

 

My 9550 with i7-6700HQ and GTX960M had run perfectly for years, then did a clean install of 1803 and now throttles so badly I cannot play games. A $2700 laptop [$2400US, and then updated the RAM to 32GB DDR4-2666 for $300] and now I cannot even play Asphalt 8 at the Medium graphics setting. My $450 Toshiba Satellite from 4 years ago plays better.

Worse, I did a clean install of 1803, so I cannot roll back and I cannot get the boot to install 1709.

I've done everything possible solution I've found on the web; new paste job, underclocking, ThrottleStop, trying to remove Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework (reinstalled no matter what), disabling Turbo ... nothing has worked. It isn't the hardware, it is 1803, because I never had this problem before.

If anyone, ever comes up with a solution, please, Please, PLEASE post! I'm not the only one:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/8llqrl/update_1803_causes_constant_thermal_throttling/

 

Well got the mainboard replaced but it wouldn't boot into windows so I had to download windows 10 install that, install all the drivers now the wireless isn't working. I reinstalled all the drivers, checked the connections, rebooted the router (although I have 2 other laptops and a phone and they work on the wireless) trying to get ahold of Dell tech support again still waiting for them to call me back.

The wireless card worked before the mainboard was replaced, I also ran the Dell diagnostics everything passed, checked in the BIOS everything looks good in there and followed all of Dell's instructions regarding the drivers to load.

 

Did you look in Device Manager under Network Adapter and made sure the wireless card shows and is working properly?

What wireless card was in the first mob and is the same one showing in the replacement?

 

I wish I could help you but unfortunately I don't play any games on my computer so I cannot check your issue or compare it.

FYI - version 1803 for what I do has been working flawlessly for me, yet I'm sure one of the gracious gamers in this thread will eventually chime in and hopefully be able to help you.

As far as being able to reinstall an earlier version of Windows, if you don't have the Pro version it's a mute point because eventually like it or not Windows will automatically get updated, which I'm sure you know. If you do have Windows Pro then once again, I'm sure one of the gracious members will eventually chime in and hopefully be able to help you.

For me, every time I had to revert back to an earlier version of Windows I had absolutely no problem doing so. I just deleted ALL the partitions on the install off the USB flash drive and installed the version on it.

Best of Luck!!!

 

It's the same wireless card that was on the old motherboard, I checked device manager it says Dell Wireless 1830 802.11ac , also checked in the BIOS it shows up there too.

 

OK. The reason I asked is because when I reinstalled my original DW1830 apparently it didn't make a good enough connection and Device manager showed an issue, which I corrected by re-seating the card, yet that's definitely not your issue.

Try uninstalling the card through the device manager even the driver and reboot the computer and see if Windows recognizes the card with it's own driver.

 

I wouldn't disregard the possibility that the guy who put the board in didn't do it properly. When I had home service on my old L502x, the guy that came to fix the freezing and BSOD issues replaced the MB and then promptly forgot to reconnect the speakers.

BTW, did the tech leave before your machine even booted?

 

I think his issue is software related because if the wireless card wasn't installed properly Windows wouldn't recognize it as he says it does.

I would uninstall it and the driver in Device Manager and then reboot the computer and see if Windows recognizes it and installs it's own driver for it.

 

I uninstalled the driver in device manager rebooted it came up with the exclamation mark on so I downloaded the driver again from the dell website installed it but still comes up "with no Wi-Fi networks found".

 

The Dell tech ran diagnostics it passed but the computer wouldn't boot into windows so I had to download a copy to an USB drive and install windows from there so no he didn't stick around for any of that as he said as long as the diagnostics passed he had to go.

 

OK. So I had some free time so I uninstalled my DW1830 wireless card in Device Manager along with the driver. I then rebooted the computer and Windows found the Network adapter without me even going to check in Device Manager and that's how it should be for you as well so don't rack your brains with Dell's driver.

Did you also check the box - Delete the driver software for this device?

Under System information what version & build of Windows 10 shows? e.g., Version 10.0.17134 Build 17134

Your last resort would be to open up the computer and make sure the wireless card is seated good and the 3 antenna leads are in the RIGHT places and secured as well.

 

I did check the box to delete the software, uninstalled the wireless card rebooted no change.

I did open up the computer reseated the card and checked the cables all are good.

Windows version 10.0.17134 Build 17134

I am not sure where to go from here other than calling Dell support again.

Thanks for all the help.

 

Well then I would definitely agree with you and get Dell support back on the line as something just doesn't add up.

Too bad you didn't have another wireless card to swap it out and see yet from my experience, if the wireless card was in fact bad I don't believe it would get recognized at all yet I'm sure stranger things have happened to others.

Like I said, if you uninstalled the wireless card and driver in Device Manager and rebooted and Windows didn't find it like it did for me something is definitely wrong and it could just be a defective wireless card at that.

Did you try running a Custom Component Test for the Network card @ dell.com/support?
On second thought forget that suggestion as I believe you need a network connection on the computer to test it.

Just get Dell support on the phone and ask them to overnight you another DW1830, which you can swap out yourself very easily as you don't need a service tech to do such.

 

So, I send my machine to Dell Hell in Houston and they replace the MB and send the machine back capable of booting back up into Windows and you pay for premium service and the machine won't boot and the tech tells you to take a hike!!!!

I think you have to get back in Dell's face with the whole issue including the WiFi. Tell them you suspect they did something wrong and to send another guy back.

 

Okay I finally got it working I downloaded this:

Dell Wireless 1830 WiFi Driver Download
File Name: 9550_Network_Driver_8Y3XG_WN32_1.566.0.0_A05.EXE
Size: 30.35 MB
Version: 1.566.0.0 ,A05

From here

https://delldrivers.net/dell-xps-15-9550-drivers-windows-10-64-bit/

So the driver I was using from the Dell tech support website wouldn't work but this one did.

Now I have to do all the updates and then test the crap out of it to make sure the board they put into it is working properly.

Yes I'm disappointed that the Dell tech couldn't stick around to make sure everything was working correctly but he said as long as the computer passes diagnostics then I was responsible to install windows myself.

I think they should be giving the dell techs an installation USB key so if there are issues like this at least I would be able to install windows, computer won't work if I can't get into windows so where would that leave the regular person who knows nothing about computers.

Thanks again everyone for all the help and suggestions.

 

Yeah...but I only give jabbok my suggestions as I will do ANYTHING I can in order to keep from having an All-Thumbs-Learn-As-You-Go so-called technician taking apart my computer and damaging or breaking something else through the process.

 

That's GREAT yet what still troubles me is, I just knew it was software and not hardware related yet the truth is, you grab at straws when something doesn't work as it should, yet why didn't Windows assign the correct driver to the adapter as it did for me, as we're both running the same Version & Build? :-/
I didn't need any Dell driver to be up and running yet I'm glad your issue is all behind you now.

As far as Dell saying goodbye once they test and verify a replacement part is working fine is, they more then likely want their technicians only touching what they're being paid to do an not a thing more. In defense for them, they don't want to be involved on the Windows OS end unless they absolutely have to or if the customer paid for $oftware $upport as well, which they offer the option for...Cha-Ching, Cha-Ching, Cha-Ching$$$

 

That was my concern too that windows didn't assign the correct driver to it and in all honesty Dell should have the right drivers on their site so I don't have to go looking all over the internet to find one that works.

I have premium support so I am pretty sure that covers software as well, I was told to respond to the email that support gave to me when I called about service to begin with but that didn't work too well either as they wanted an 1 hour window in which to call me to sort this out but they still didn't call within the window I gave them just sent another email telling me the window had expired and could I provide another one.

Again I really appreciate all the help here.

 

I hear you and even Dell's USB Restore flash drive and Windows ISO unbelievably doesn't have the needed Broadcom Network driver on it so you still have to have it after you complete the Windows installation.
I made my own USB Restore flash drive and the needed drivers are on it as well.

As far as Dell's SURPRISE Warranties go, I think their so-called Premium Support, in regards to their so-called dispatched techs, only cover hardware issues and the software is covered by their online phone techs you know "After remote diagnosis". Premium for the customer in regards to hardware issues just means where & when a customer gets serviced yet I would just check under your Warranty coverage to be sure what you have.

 

Hi,

Does anyone know if you can get a smaller battery and use the left side area where I think there should be room for a 2.5 drive like the Precision 5510? I just bought the XPS 9550 as a CR and the 512GB is quickly being consumed by my VM's. I didn't want the Precision 5510 since I couldn't find any with the smaller battery within my budget (they had higher specs minus the battery size and a higher price to match) I don't want to replace the 512GB with a 1TB due to price and waste of a drive, I'd rather get a smaller battery and recycle a 850 EVO that I don't use in my desktop anymore into the 9550.

Thanks!

 

I have a 9550 with the small battery, HDD cradle & wiring harness.

If you can convince Dell to sell you the parts, that is the best route; part numbers are in the forums so you can search the forums here m8 for more details.

The cradle might be difficult to source so you could DIY some shock absorbing cradle or double sided tape I suppose.

Also, the 9550 and 9560 batteries are not 100% swapable (can't recall which way but it is documented here so make sure you don't end up with a non-functioning battery).

 

See if you can possibly get your answers and what to do from the links below.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/dell-xps-15-skylake-9550-owners-lounge.783377/page-368

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...0-owners-lounge.783377/page-113#post-10197849

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...50-owners-lounge.783377/page-73#post-10178030

 

Thanks Pressing! I checked out parts people and can get the cage/interposer but you're right, the 56wh battery is impossible to get as an OEM battery from Dell...but lets say I could, the in stock price is ~$100 w/shipping, plus another $50 for the cable/cage with tax/shipping...so it's approx $150, with that said...

Just three last questions....
1. On the NVMe drive that comes with the 9550, could I use a sata m2 drive instead in that slot? I can recycle the NVMe on my X99 board, so it wont go to waste, as the NVMe goes for ~490 vs $250 for the sata version. I don't mind that considering I will have to wait to get a battery and can still find a use for the SK Hynix I got in the 9550 machine now.

2. I noticed something I can't explain. When I start the machine from a cold boot, the PCH temp reaches ~63C and hovers around ~58. But, when the machine sleeps and wakes again, it hovers around ~41C -- any ideas? (Pic attached)

3. Will the 9550 will still work without a battery? I know my other laptops do, but I hope this one does, because my Dell Venue 11 tablets do not work without a battery. I ask because if this battery goes in the future, I still want to use it connected via AC adapter.

Thanks SP, but I found the exact parts here: https://www.dell.com/community/Laptops-General/XPS-15-9550-hard-drive-interposer/td-p/4676897

1. The Isolator (ribbon cable) P\N #XDYGX

2. The Interposer (data connector P/N #3XYT5

1A/2A: Set of above 3FDY3

3. Dell 56wh battery RRCGW/M7R96

 

You will need member pressing or another computer Guru for the answers to question 1 & 2 as they are unfortunately out of my league yet the answer to question 3 is, Yes, you can run the laptop on the AC without the battery.

 

Lots of questions here.

You can use a 9560 battery in a 9550 but you CANNOT use a 9550 battery in a 9560.

You can use a sata m.2 drive in the 9550. If it were me, I'd just get a big sata m.2 drive and keep the big battery.

I am not entirely sure what you are talking about with the PCH temps. Are you saying that on a fresh restart and using the laptop the temps get hotter than if you put the computer to sleep then wake it up and use it for a while? What are your CPU clocks like when waking it up?

 

I do that. I have a Samsung 850EVO m.2 SATA SSD. On my 40GB, ultra-low latency Virtual Piano; it performs the same as the PM961 nvme. I tested several variations of that on the 9550 & 9560. Daily use felt identical also, including startup. Benchmarks of course are different but I noticed zero difference.

Once again, the cage is not necessary for the 2.5" drive. If you are going to use a HDD it is not a bad idea as it seems to be engineered for some shock and vibration mitigation.

Not sure if it will run without a battery installed. Some of my other laptops run without a battery but the CPU speeds are limited as the battery is used for extra power.

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