Dell XPS 15 (Skylake) 9550 Owner's Lounge

Gaah, you're right! I rebooted and got over 1500! Which is quite alright. On battery, I'm back down to 835. Not bad, but still...

I can't see release notes for it, but I see there's a BIOS update. I'll give that a try.

 

The 1.0.7 bios improve SSD 4K read/write performance

 

Bios 1.1.14/1.1.15 should be arriving any day now that will fix the Sleep/AC bug issue with CPU throttling and improve battery performance overall just like the recent bios did for xps 13 9350

 

Hey there, thanks for the suggestions!

1) I've changed the BIOS from AHCI to RAID yesterday. I then freshly installed Win10 on the SM951 nvme SSD (I had to provide the Intel Rapid Storage Driver during installation). Then I only installed the Wifi and chipset drivers and let everything else install via windows (including the Nvidia Driver). This of course again f**** up the opencl.dll file, so I repaired it and removed all corruptions. Interestingly, after updating to the newest Nvidia driver 361.43 WHQL via the Nvidia setup (clean installation) did no f*** up the opencl.dll. Seems, Nvidia has this fixed now in their drivers.

2) As yet, I have not experienced a BSOD. I tried Adobe Premiere, CS:GO and Witcher 3. These three applications are forced to use the Gefore via the Geforce control panel (I didn't help during the BSOD phase to swith the setting of the preferred graphics hardware at all).

--> Now, new issue 3)
After setting the SSD to RAID, I just get sequential write speeds of 32 MB/s (tested with AS SSD benchmark). Sequential read is perfectly maxed out. In the device manager, the SSD is now listed as an SCSI device (but I think this is only some legacy thing, because Intel Rapid Storage correctly lists the SSD as an nvme device). Consequently, I don't see a nvme driver in the Device Manager.

Do you guys think that the low write speeds are "true" or just an artifact of SSD benchmarks? (I also got low write speeds down to 0.9 MB/s for 4k write with Anvil Benchmark.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas!

 

Glad to hear you're stable!

CrystalDiskMark seems to report correct numbers for NVMe drives, not sure about other drive benchmarks, although from what I've seen AS SSD doesn't seem right yet with NVMe drives.

 

Peter, thanks for the update!

 

Awesome! Ok, I'll hold off installing for now, and see how the new BIOS update works. This computer is so close to being perfect. ;-)

 

Yet so far because of the 60ms display response time.
But damn those colors compared to retina !

 

Results for comparison. This is with factory 500gb SSD, standard drivers, setup just like it comes from Dell:


-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CrystalDiskMark 5.1.0 x64 (C) 2007-2015 hiyohiyo
Crystal Dew World : http://crystalmark.info/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
* MB/s = 1,000,000 bytes/s [SATA/600 = 600,000,000 bytes/s]
* KB = 1000 bytes, KiB = 1024 bytes

Sequential Read (Q= 32,T= 1) : 1707.322 MB/s
Sequential Write (Q= 32,T= 1) : 595.012 MB/s
Random Read 4KiB (Q= 32,T= 1) : 603.116 MB/s [147245.1 IOPS]
Random Write 4KiB (Q= 32,T= 1) : 382.262 MB/s [ 93325.7 IOPS]
Sequential Read (T= 1) : 1231.040 MB/s
Sequential Write (T= 1) : 594.099 MB/s
Random Read 4KiB (Q= 1,T= 1) : 39.886 MB/s [ 9737.8 IOPS]
Random Write 4KiB (Q= 1,T= 1) : 180.475 MB/s [ 44061.3 IOPS]

Test : 1024 MiB [C: 28.0% (129.7/464.0 GiB)] (x5) [Interval=5 sec]
Date : 2015/12/24 13:03:07
OS : Windows 10 Professional [10.0 Build 10586] (x64)

 

Does anyone know of an external enclosure compatible with the PM951 - everyone I'm finding is designed for B+M keyed SSDS, which means PCIe 2X lanes only. The PM951 is M-Keyed ONLY, so it doesn't work with any external enclosure I can find.

I'd like to clear out my OEM drive and put it up for sale, or at least USE it since I put the 850 EVO in there. Right now it's a fast 256GB drive that I can't use. Not selling my drive without several wipes for privacy reasons.

 

Finally we have an English notebookcheck review for FHD model. The review makes me want to buy a MBP though.
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Dell-XPS-15-2016-9550-InfinityEdge-Notebook-Review.156354.0.html

 

This might work: http://www.bplus.com.tw/Adapter/U3M2M.html

EDIT: from link above: Support AHCI type PCIe SSD only. No support for NVMe one
(ex. SM951).

 

Thanks for trying though - at least this is actually M-keyed, meaning the drive would at least slot in correctly! I may have to wait a while to see what I need become available on the market.

 

OK, maybe not the best for gaming, but for casual gaming on the go, it's more than fine. For hardcore gaming, maybe hooking up to a monitor/TV is better? As it is, I have to connect a mouse for best results. :-/ Actually, I've had pretty rotten results so far with the trackpad and gaming. Not a fault of the XPS, just a "feature" of notebook computers.

 

Hi everyone

Been following these threads for awhile now and decided to pull the trigger. So far it doesn't seem like have any external QC issues yet (coil whine, spacebar, flush lid, etc.). I bought the i5 fhd model and replaced the 32gb ssd with a Samsung 850 evo 250gb drive. So far things have been ok (I kept it in RAID and both drives seem to be working) but strangely enough the ssd does not appear in the bios boot priority sequence. The computer boots up fine through the ssd (the 1TB drive is formatted with nothing on it) but I am not sure why the bios does not list this drive. The drive is detected as it boots successfully, but I am not sure why it doesn't appear in the boot priority list. Any ideas?

 

Folks , need some help.

Logitech mouse or any mouse for that matter is having freeze issues. It's connected via a wireless dongle. Had this issue with a Microsoft Bluetooth mouse as well prior which I exchanged for this Logitech. It used be really bad since day 1 of buying this laptop. Updated Bluetooth drivers , exchanged for a wireless mouse instead of Bluetooth , also
set "Bluetooth Collaboration" to off as indicated in prior posts.

It freezes for a second or less and releases , happens all the time now.

So any suggestions are welcome , am having serious second thoughts on returning laptop 1. For high price 2. Have to use 1080 resolution, since many apps do not scale to 4K 3. All these issues with many drivers ( might not have time going forward to wait for the fixes)

 

Just this morning got a Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Bluetooth Mouse for Christmas which I asked for to see if I could free up a USB port. Tricky to install as the instructions don't really tell you that you have to hold down the connect button, rather than just push it once, until Windows 10 pairs with it. In any event, I have been using it for an hour with absolutely no issues. I will keep all advised.

 

Ok, used the bluetooth mouse for a couple of hours and all was well. Put the machine down for a couple of hours left running. Upon returning, screen saver on but not asleep, mouse found to be disconnected and couldn't reconnect. Now I'll disable bluetooth collaboration and maybe try the new driver though I am reluctant to do so as I had nothing but heartache with my L502x with an Intel 7260 AC.

 

Hey guys, I could really do with some help on potentially purchasing an XPS 15. I'm a travelling photographer and I really can't risk buying another machine that doesn't tick all my boxes like the XPS 13 did.

I've had a 9343 XPS 13 for the past year or so, while I've liked it for the most part it does have it's downsides. With being a travelling photographer, the auto dimming function was the killer for me, I understand that this no longer happens in the new 15?

Sounds like trackpad issues are still there, but most of the time I use a mouse so I'm not TOO bothered.

Performance-wise, the 13 has pretty much been as I hoped, battery-life, trackpad and dimming were the downsides.

What are the thoughts of current owners for a travelling photographer? Dive into the XPS15, or take the typical MBP route?

Thanks in advance for any help, and Merry Christmas to you all!

 

Photography is my hobby. I use only RAW format so my images are quite big. Having regular SSD was great but moving onto Samsung 950 PRO in the XPS 15 was a move that you will love if you choose to upgrade down the road, and even standard PCIe SSD is 3x faster than any regular SSD was in your XPS13 or previous laptops. 4K sceen on the XPS 15 has 100% adobe RGB that should give you the need to move to that machine just on that aspect if you are really into quality of screen. Pictures look true to what they are taken and colors are super vivid and sharp "life like" Other than that XPS15 has hit all the check boxes I wanted it to. Has 3x3 Wifi Card that pulls around 95MB/s from My NAS device, has very good battery life, give new Bios will take that up further coming in the next few days. To top things off you can now install even more ram so my virtual desktops run smoother than ever when I test stuff out for different platforms. I couldn't be happier with it, even though you will see more owner complaining about the sticky space bar or some other small issue, and not many say too positive things here it seems.

- Happy XPS15 Owner -

 

Thank you for your reply!

I have to admit, looking back at the XPS13 thread it's full of 'horror stories', but like you say I have had nothing much more than some small inconveniences during my ownership.

Glad the SSD is better than the XPS13 one, although I never found it particularly slow for Lightroom/Photoshop use (unless using full screen etc), the only gripe was just that the screen was too small when needing to do some major adjustments.

Glad that the screen is better, 4K and 100% RGB is good, I assume it is as reflective as the XPS13? That was another annoyance when having to work outside a lot.

Battery life being better is good, nice to hear so many good things, I'm leaning more towards this than MBP now because of convenience, always been with Windows and never really liked Apple!

Thanks.

 

I haven't had any trackpad issues, beyond what I would consider the typical annoyances of trackpads. Never have liked them much, but they are more convenient than carrying a mouse. It works OK for what it is. What I like is the click-anywhere feature on the pad. As pads go, I think it's pretty good. I've seen the posts about editing the registry, but I'd rather not unless there are clearer guidelines as to what the settings are. It's fine. I'm leaving it alone. ;-)

What I'd like to hear is if the bluetooth mouse situation is viable. I like the idea of not having to worry about an extra dongle sticking out, etc. But, that method just works. And I have a folding mouse that I like.

Edit: I forgot to mention that having a touch screen makes it a less of a concern for mice most of the time, but for games, I need a mouse -- I don't think I can get the pad to work well for that, but having a way to do the scroll wheel would be a start.

 

Also a travelling photographer, currently travelling in Australia with my xps 15. Shoot 5d mk III raw. Lightroom catalogue opens lightning fast, no more waiting for images to render preview.

I only have the 256 ssd, but I travel with a 2tb mypassport wireless that hosts both movies and images.

The laptop also fits into my camera bag, which is a kata minibee. ( http://www.kata-bags.com/minibee-120-pl-backpack ).

Also airport security was a breeze as the laptop easily slides out of the pouch into a security tray.... Happy days


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New XPS 15 BIOS will fix the throttling issue at the cost of shortened battery life
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Dell-X...HD-InfinityEdge-Notebook-Review.156462.0.html

 

Nice to hear from another photographer! Do you know if calibration is possible using a Spyder Pro or similar? It wasn't possible with the 13 due to the dimming function. It'd be great if I could calibrate it because I've found so often that it looks completely different to my PC once I get home. This year I've been travelling Europe and I know I'll be home a day or two after, but next year it'll be the world and I could spend quite some time away from home so that extra 2" should be vital with being able to do some more challenging editing.

Glad the 256 ssd seems capable, I'd rather not be upgrading right away. I too use a 2TB external for additional storage, so it's good to see someone in a similar boat.

Thanks for your response, it's really helpful.

 

No idea if it can be calibrated, my laptop arrived a couple of days before my flight, just enough time to do a fresh install of windows and install all my Adobe apps.

Will check this out upon my return


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Different subject --
The Dell techs do not seem to have an answer. Does any one know if a FHD model, with Skylake i6700K, would output (with or without Dell forthcoming TB15 or similar adaptor) a 60Hz 4K HDMI signal ? so that by just getting a HD unit you could still have FULL 4K@60Hz to a 4K TV or
60Hz 4K monitor.

 

Since I posted this, I don't think I've had any of the "resets" or at least no quick "blank" flashes like I was seeing. I don't know why it wasn't fixed right away (needed another reboot?), but seems good now?

 

On my other computer, I used a Huey to create an ICC profile which I set at the system level (so it takes effect for everything). I would do something similar for this machine, except with such a wide color range, I wouldn't want to do that unless I wanted to force sRGB! The Dell color utility might work in combination with a profile? Might be worth investigating.

 

Notebookcheck has a calibrated ICC for both FHD and UHD model, which lowers delta compared to Dell Color Utility, you can download here
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Dell-X...HD-InfinityEdge-Notebook-Review.156462.0.html

 

I read that article thoroughly, but I could not see/discover any links to ICC's. Could you help me out??

Never mind, found it:

find the text: ICC File (X-Rite i1Pro 2), and download the link.

 

Do not install latest nVidia 361.43 driver, it cause BSOD when using photoshop and other softwares, issue has been reported to nvidia.
Damn I nearly reinstalled everything to figure this out, was starting to think that my beloved XPS 15 was defective.

By the way, new 4352 Intel® HD Graphics 530 Driver available.

 

Hi guys, I'm looking to join the club soon and want to start with fresh Windows but unsure which drivers to install. Can anyone shed some light? Thanks in advance

 

I got my XPS just before Christmas, swapped hard drives for the Samsung 950 Pro SSD. Funny fact: with windows 10 1511, almost all necessary drivers were built in (wifi and nvme). All went smooth. The rest was installed from windows update.
Now I only need my RAM modules and I am all set.

 

I've heard people have been having issues with drivers when they upgraded the SSD to the Samsung Pro so they have to switch to AHCI mode. Does the Samsung EVO SSD have the same driver issues as the Samsung Pro?

 

Sorry to bother you again, but I was having another look at the spec sheets and I could only find the following:
1TB HDD + 32GB SSD
512GB SSD
1TB SSD

I was tempted to go with the 1TB + 32GB SSD and replace the SSD and remove the 1TB. I'm guessing this might be a bad idea and invalidate my warranty though?

How did you go about getting a 256GB SSD? I think that'd be perfect for my needs as it's what I have at the moment.

The £200 price difference between the 1TB HDD + 32GB SSD model compared to the 512GB SSD seems a bit steep.

 

I ordered mine off the Canadian website. This is the i7 / 4K version, with the 84w battery, therefore no room for the extra hdd.


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The U.K. Site looks like it doesn't sell the 256g drive, but does have the 512 which is a better performer anyway

http://www.dell.com/uk/p/xps-15-9550-laptop/pd?ref=PD_OC




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Damn it! I had the same BSOD when configuring k-lite codec pack everytime I clicked on the CUVID option of the LAV decoder...

 

Really? I just did a clean install of 1511 and no wifi driver was installed

 

Is anyone else having the same issue with screen as attached pic . failed to find thread on dell forum

 

I almost set on buying the XPS 15. After 5 years of a resolution 1366x768, it is time to upgrade

Though, I am still hesitating between this and a Thinkpad mainly because of the Linux support. Could anyone chime in and tell me how the Linux support is on the XPS 15? I only use Linux so the hardware really has to work

 

As with any new platform (Skylake) and other technologies on this motherboard, I can imagine Linux support is sketchy. I know there are folks who have it working on several builds.

But please, when you come back to this forum with complaints, title every post "LINUX USER" or something I can ignore the troubles you are having running a non-supported OS on a device this immature in the product cycle.

That said, I really enjoy my XPS15.

 

ratlov, how did you get the wireless drivers from Windows 10?

Reason I'm asking is I and others would like to get wireless drivers from somewhere else besides Dell, since usually they stop updating the drivers after a while. Would like to insure I can run with latest wireless drivers going forward long term.

What shows up for your WiFi and Bluetooth device/driver/version in Device Manager? These are mine (original Dell system with Dell updates):

 

Wifi drivers are the newest on Dell's website however you can grab newer Bluetooth drivers from "Station Drivers" web site << my choice to find latest drivers released daily

Link >>> http://www.station-drivers.com/inde...tory&Itemid=352&func=fileinfo&id=1910&lang=fr

 

I've seen other reports of the FHD screen bezel separation. FHD only for some reason. Known problem. Return immediately.

 

I think I have the same version and hadn't noticed anything, although I've basically only been playing one game lately. Kinda hard to play anything with a trackpad, for one thing...

 

Because the FHD model has the bezel on top of the screen. The 4K model has a full piece of glass I believe.

 

No idea, I did a fresh install with Windows 10 (Multiple Editions), Version 1511 (x64) from MSDN from USB. I put WiFi and Intel Nvme drivers on USB, but none of them were needed. Samsung 950 PRO was detected without problems without selecting additional drivers, and the WiFi was available in windows after it finished.

 

Where did you end up getting it? Along the review there came up ads of reseller with good configs on notebookcheck.pl.