Dell XPS 15 L501 *Owner's Lounge*

Oh ok, cheers mate.

 

Hi Everyone,

This issue has apparently been discussed before because I can find references to the discussion, but not the discussion itself! (Not surprising in a 50 page thread?)

I own an "OEM version" of Windows 7 Home Premium that I bought (prematurely) from Amazon for another purpose.

My XPS 15 has now arrived, and before I use it too much, I'm wondering whether I should do a clean install of Windows 7, in order to get rid of all the bloatware on the machine.

I realize that I will need to re-install all the drivers from Dell's support site... but is it easy as that? Am I overlooking anything? What are the risks?

And equally important: is it worth doing at all? I read somewhere that I would immediately see a 10% "performance increase", but I can't remember where I read it, and I don't know how credible that claim may be.

So... I'm looking for some pro / con advice.

Thanks!

Jay

 

I did a fresh install of Pro, it was easy, just like installing Windows on any other computer in the world (besides a Mac of course).

I always start with a fresh install from any manufacturer, so to me its worth it.

Just download the drivers from Dell's website onto a USB stick and you're good to go.

 

It's something i typically always do. It doesn't take that long and is usually worth the small time commitment. All the drivers will be on dell's website and easy to install.

 

Hi guys. I got my Xps 15 yesterday and I am loving it so far. However, I have some quick questions. After about half an hour playing my processor reaches low 80s Celsius and my graphics card reaches as high as 96C. The palm rest gets warm, but not scolding. So I was considering repasting the CPU and GPU, but would that void my warranty. I was also considering a note book cooler, but I'm not sure how much one would help since I'm seeing such high temperatures. The readings were taken from HW monitor, any chance it might not be accurate? Any input on this problem will be greatly appreciated.

 

Mine finally arrived! Its brilliant!
Pretty much same reviews as people posted here.
Nice machine. Its a pleasure to use it.

 

Hi all,
Im kind of a noob but how do you do a fresh install?
What disk do i need? Can the recovery media do it?

BTW what does "Uplift" mean?
17-Nov-2010 Order Received
02-Dec-2010 Work in Progress
04-Dec-2010 Manufacturing Build Complete
04-Dec-2010 Ship from Factory
05-Dec-2010 Uplift

 

Agreed, I formatted and installed Windows 7 Ultimate x64 and it runs like a champ.

 

Those temps seem a bit high. I just received my xps 15 on Thursday and have been overclocking the gpu and stress testing like crazy since I got it. With the gpu clocked to 650/1000/1300 running 3dmark vantage, far cry 2 benchmark, and furmark stress tests, all over about 2 hrs the highest my CPU got was 78c and the gpu hit 76c. That was using hwmonitor to see temps. The gpu temp was also confirmed by msi afterburner oc tool.

 

Oh. Well looks like I got a bad paste job. So anyone know if I would lose my warranty if I repaste?

 

I've noticed that it's not possible to download nvidia drivers from the nvidia site (420m) support told me that this has been a problem for everyone, but it's no big deal because you can simply download them from Dell. but how can I be sure dell is offering the latest, their version is called 8.17.12.5951, A02, and nvidia calls their version 260.99, not even named similarly. I have reason to believe Dell isn't offering the latest because I can't run directx 11 on the nvidia card, only on the integrated graphics which is too slow anyway.

 

Guys, how do I get a second display output via HDMI? I have a LCD monitor with only VGA pin. So since this XPS 15 doesnt have an VGA port, how do I achieve it?

I purchased a HDMI to VGA cable and a VGA female-to-female gender changer so that I can connect my monitor, I did connect, but am not able to get the output. It keeps saying check for signal on monitor.. just like how it shows during nothing is connected.

 

I'm confused about this one aswell. I'm using dell's specific driver for the moment but the nvidia ones is probably more up to date and I'm not sure which one to use. The nvidia driver needs has to be installed manually because otherwise it won't allow you to finish the installation. It0s got something to do with the optimus feature probably, but I don't even have it (i7+435m).

 

Hi,
I reinstalled Windows 7 on my XPS 15 and now it doesn't show the volume when I press the volume up/down buttons on the keyboard or disable wlan. What can I do that it shows those symbols on the desktop again?

 

I've found it. It's packed with the Dell Quickset Tool.. Sorry for the posts.

 

Get a mini displayport -> VGA adapter. They sell for around 15$ on ebay, shipped from china. That's what I got and it works just fine.

 

As long as you don't damage the notebook in the process you should be fine. I was seeing the same temps as you, a simple repaste and clean up dropped me down to high 60's for cpu temps from low 80's.

In my case they put so much paste on it was insulating the cpu/gpu.

 

Hey, can you PM me the link please?

 

mini displayport to vga items - Get great deals on Computers Networking, Electronics items on eBay.com!

I'm in Canada, I got it shipped from Hong Kong. Prices might be better for you than it was for me.

 

I ordered this one: SKQUE Mini Display Port to VGA Adapter: Amazon.ca: Electronics

 

Thank you guys!

 

Got the system 2 days back, didn't get any time .. now today I open it and....ahh... constant fan RPM, (at least medium speed) and that popping starts as soon as I boot up (right from the time windows logo starts coming up on the screen) and also during working normal stuff on the laptop.

Have mailed the concerned person. I am truly truly heartbroken... Will insist on replacement not repair..Lets see...

Any one in India getting this issue??

Edit: i EVEN UPDATED BIOS AND THE DRIVERS BUT TO NO AVAIL...

 

They way you can tell what version compared to nvidia's is by looking at the last 5 digits of the full version so 8.17.1 2.5951 = nvidia's version 259.51.

Definitely not the latest, but that's to be expected as it usually takes OEMs a while to update to the latest and they only usually do it when there are issues with the version they are offering. Perhaps future releases from Nvidia will support our XPS hardware.

 

Sorry for your troubles, I sure hope I don't have this problem when I get home and start up mine.

 

thanks a lot, exactly what I was looking for. can no one with this laptop download from nvidia directly?

 

Ok. Thanks for the reply. Would such high temperatures as 96C be damaging for my system, like lowering the life expectancy?

 

Hey Cap, I sure as hell hope no issue comes up in yours...

BTW guys, had a word with DELL tech reps here in India, they say the fan on at all times is by design

And I am sending them a recording of the popping sounds... Hoping they don't try to solve this by a sub woofer replacement...

Scratchy repair jobs are the last thing I need... Uggh!

 

on my xps 15 the fan isn't always on...dunno if that helps.
do you have the premium assistance?

 

I do have it. Came with the system.

I am getting some attention due to the fact that this is my 4rth DELL system (under replacement).

I really didn't expect such poor PDC / QC on such a premium laptop but after the XPS 1640 throttlegate, I can expect anything...

Anyways, I am not going to accept a repair job on a new machine, lets see. I am due for a call tomorrow.

 

Has any one experienced this

http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/538580-dell-xps-15-green-line-lcd-during-boot.html

 

at least with the premium assistance you'll get a better service that's why I asked
let us know what they tell you tomorrow and best of luck!

 

Still no drivers for our NVIDIA 420/425, 435 m card !!!!!!!! Old drivers on dell and thoses from nvidia won't work !!!!!

 

Actually I was doing a little research and this is the last version NVIDIA has put out for optimus enabled notebooks. So it's not just dell taking its time. Nvidia's newer verde drivers do not support optimus enabled notebooks, per their own website.

 

96c, is that gpu or cpu? That's extremely high. I would say that yes, it will lower the life expectancy of the laptop.

 

so even if I don't have optimus because I've got an i7 I still can't use the newest drivers? if that's the case it's a bummer.

 

Ok. 96degrees is for the gpu after playing for about an hour.

 

Ouch that's hot, yes your laptop will die a slow painful death. I hope you feel guilty.

 

well after playing more than an hour with F1 2010 @1920x1080 the max temp I got on the gpu was around 77°c, so I'm with dkwhite and mark7402 on this one. You should reapply the thermal paste or ask dell for assistance.

 

Hello all XPS L501x owners.

Can you guys please connect your laptop with an HDMI and see if it duplicates your screen. I mean if you are able to see the same things on both the laptop and the hdtv. Please if you can let me know, I would be thankful.

 

so the problem with the drivers, if I understand it correctly, is that nvidias latest drivers for the 420m (I don't know anything about 435) don't work if you also have optimus. but can we be expecting new drivers that do work with optimus? and how long do these things usually take?

 

Lol. What 'assistance' would Dell offer other than a replacement laptop? And then you might receive another machine with the same problem.

 

I was considering asking dell for assistance. But would they even help me though since the laptop works fine. Its just the temperature thats high it does not reboot or anything. So would they even offer any help? What I probably will do is order some paste and a notebook cooler and then try the cooler first and see how far down the temps goes, and if there isn't a sufficient decrease I will apply new thermal paste.

 

Ugh, I'm getting temps of 50C-55C while idle on my i7-740QM. That can't be normal or good.

I'd love to reapply the paste myself but I've got a three year warranty on this thing and don't want to risk voiding it, so I guess I'll be calling up Dell tomorrow.

 

You want the display to duplicate?

When I press Fn + F1 (or just F1 if your computer is still set to the default Fn key first), I get four options: computer only, duplicate, extend, projector only. When using HDMI, I normally use the Projector Only setting. I don't think I've tried the Duplicate setting and don't have time to move the laptop to the TV right now.

 

50-55c is normal for the i7 in the XPS, its around what everyone is reporting.
Its a power hunger, heat generating chip.

I got CompleteCare and took mine apart and repasted, they'll never know (or care).

 

I connected it with HDMI to my tv and it worked just fine.

@david1274: I don't see anything laughable in my reply. Those are the only two things one can try in case of a problem...trying to fix it yourself or ask the manufacturer (especially if you got the premium warranty). Anyway I agree a replacement could not solve the situation, that's for sure.

@halvis: if you're ok with trying that I think it's the best option. Even though (at least in my area) Dell staff is very helpful, if you can do a paste job you'll probably get much better temps. I've got a cooler base but I'm still not sure if it really helps. Worked beautifully on my old notebook, but with this new one I'm still unsure. Let us know and I hope you'll fix it up

@AngryPyros: as sprtnbsblpya said, those temps are normal, and they're the same I'm getting (xps 15 and i7 740).

by the way the notebook has no seals whatsoever, so you can open it and do whatever you want, as long as you're not damaging it. This has been confirmed by a Dell rep I spoke with, so the source is pretty official

 

Thanks for that information -- my previous laptop was a Core2Duo, so I don't remember anything ever getting this high.

Looks like my CPU and GPU both max out at around 75C when doing Prime 95 (CPU) and Futuremark for the GPU.

 

My C2D Santa Rosa MBP ran hotter than hades, it idled in mid50s and hit mid to high 80s under load.

My i7 740 draws a max of around 53w under load according to HWMonitor, thats a lot.
But I knew that going into purchasing this that the quad core i7s are power hungry, heat spewing beasts.

Honestly if anyone buys one and is shocked that it runs hot, has low battery life, and gets warm is silly for not reading into what they're buying.

 

it's up to nvidia and dell I guess.

 

How did you have your notebook replaced with only the speakers popping? I called the technical support and they want me to ship it to the depot. What I do with that?

I find my XPS 15 noisy and hot and experiment some popping too.

Config: i7-740qm,4 Gb ram, GT435m, 500GB Hard Drive