Dell XPS 15 L501 *Owner's Lounge*

Had a look at Dell's order status, finnaly my lappy arrived in the Australian main hub, because of all the public holidays i will be getting it on the 5th Jan, Im so excited.

 

I have no issue with paying for shipping both ways! My backpack allows for a little more in its laptop part so it will work great. If you want to talk more about it, email me at [email protected] for more information on the matter.

 

Hi there! First of all, sorry for my poor english . I'll try to explain my problem clearly.

I own a dell xps 15 i5 6gb with the geforce 420GT. I bought it with windows 7 home (no extra money), and installed the W7 64b ultimate version (clean install) which already got at home when laptop arrived. To do so, Ive downloaded the drivers from dell official website, and Ive followed the little guide for installing the drivers in the correct order.

Everything seems to work perfect, but Im not sure if the graphic card is working wright. I mean, first i installed the geforce 420GT driver, but I had to install the intel graphic driver aswell for screen full funcionality (not sure if did ok). Ive run 3dmark06 test, and the score seems to be ok (over 6k) but the graphic card is detected as intel graphic card instead of geforce. Anyone have had the same issue?, How can i verify if my geforce is doing the work?.
THX! =)

 

To the guys interested in the battery swap.

I'm running some temperature tests with and without the battery to see if the ventilation is improved with the lift. It might be a while before I decide but I'll see if you are still interested by then. Sorry. I'll post any temperature difference I see.

 

Just got my new XPS 15, should be happy, but... huge bummer!!! the laptop won't turn on at all, tried everything, just won't power up! called support, and I have to send it back to repair. Had a very bad year so far, and of course, what a way to conclude it.

 

The Story:

I ordered my L501X December 1st, 2010. After reading a several reviews voicing concerns over the quality of the 720p screen, I called Dell to see if I could change my order. The answer was essentially that I could not modify my order, but could cancel and reorder over the phone. I asked what my estimated delivery date would be if I decided to do so and was told January 28, 2010. I obviously decided against changing my order in any way, and made sure the Dell employee knew my intentions (asking her to verbally acknowledge that I specifically do not want to cancel my order, and that it had indeed not been cancelled).

Two days later, I had a voicemail from Dell saying my order had been cancelled.

After 3 days on the phone with Dell, I guess I finally annoyed them enough. I received a call from Savio D. Tavares, E-Business Technology & Operations Manager for Dell Canada. He was very helpful and offered to place a new, expedited order with a few free upgrades on my behalf. I gladly accepted and obtained my new order number.

The estimated delivery date: January 28, 2010

Anyway, long story slightly shorter, The laptop ended up at my door December 24, 2010. It turns out the upgrades were way more than Mr. Tavares had initially offered me:
720p ---> 1080p
i5-460M ---> i5-560M
2 year premium warranty ---> 4 year premium warranty

Here's my final config
1080p
i5-560M
6gb RAM
500gb 7200RPM HDD
GeForce GT 420M
Intel Wirless-N 1000
Backlit keyboard
CD/DVD
6-cell
Windows 7 Home Premium 64


The Bad:

My L501X currently shows an unknown device in Device Manager.

I'm pretty sure that it's the eSATA. However, the system keeps detecting and (re)installing JMicron drivers when coming out of sleep for the first time in each boot. The card reader works fine at all times though.

The system would not run any benchmark (3dmark11, heaven, ff14 bench) because the Dell installed optimus drivers are incomplete. I had to download and install the directx missing file / update download manager (dxwebsetup) and C++ .dll distributable (vcredist_x64). The Nvidia drivers that are supposedly specifically for the 420M with Optimus (260.99 I believe?) do not detect the hardware and will not install. I'm stuck with 259.39

My system has also experienced 5 BSOD within about 6 hours of total use; though nothing has gone wrong since updating with dxwebsetup and vcredist_x64.

Facial recognition is essentially useless because of how long it takes to activate. Uninstalled along with the rest of the bloatware. MSconfig looks nice and tidy now.

The Canadian website specifically listed 1333mhz DDR3 RAM with my config (even though the i5 doesn't natively support 1333). My system shipped with ~800mhz DDR3. I've already placed a service call and the tech was supposed to be here 4 hours ago with a new mobo and RAM modules. Considering I haven't even got a call yet, I'll assume he's not going to show up.


The Good:

Free upgrades.
Screen is pretty amazing, though viewing angles are pretty bad even with the 1080p.
Sound system.
Aluminum chasis.
Backlit Keyboard is fantastic.


That's pretty much it in terms of what's good.


Final Thoughts:

This L501X runs about as smooth, fast, and efficiently as my Inspiron 1545 (2ghz core 2 duo, 4gb ddr2, 5000 rpm hdd). The 1545 boots nearly 30 seconds faster.
EDIT: Boot now takes 71seconds after running the .bat by OP. Thanks for that!
Revit and AutoCAD both start up faster on the 1545 (nearly 10 seconds faster for Revit), though the 3D performance is slightly SLIGHTLY better with the L501X. The only benefit I see in running CS5 on the L501X over the 1545 is increased resolution, which was a major problem for me at 768p.

Considering Sandy Bridge is being released around January 5th or so, I'll be returning this dissapointing system for a complete refund. I have no doubt the XPS system builder will be updated by Jan 7 (Jan 14 at the latest) with the initial offering of Sandy Bridge CPUs. Maybe Optimus will be worth using at that point, but the intel GPU will probably be better than the 420M anyway.

 

well, now i just decide to return it for a full refund, and wait for the new processors before purchasing again.

 

Yep, I'm thinking about doing the same thing as you two. Returning it and waiting for Sandy Bridge to hit at CES. I'm hoping for some serious GPU power combined with some great battery life.

 

Quick question how exactly do i take the palm rest off? I'm trying to apply MX-2 Thermal paste...

I removed the battery and the one screw underneath it than unhooked the two latches... When i turn the computer back over at the top do i just pry the palmrest off from where the power button is? There is like a cm gap from undoing the latches... and it kills my fingers trying to get in there..

 

Did you check this thread? http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/538665-xps-15-repaste-step-step-temps.html

 

Does anyone have the part number for the Blu Ray drive?

I didn't upgrade to the Blu Ray but might do at some point. Can't just get any laptop drive because these XPS ones are made to match the chassis shape.

 

Use a knife, spudger or similar.
Work around the edges and it pop off.

 

Dont use a knife. The best thing to use is a plastic cap from a cheap ball point pen to pry it open. It doesn't damage the or knick the edges and it gives good leverage.

 

Hi, does anyone have the model and part number off the Intel 6200 AGN card?

 

Anyone have anything to say about this? I didnt get a response. Not sure if I should upgrade to Dells newest graphics drivers or not.

 

I've never had a problem when upgrading with Dell gpu drivers; it's probably a good idea to do so.

It's kind of upsetting that we can't just use the drivers from Nvidia.

Btw, it seems the 420M can run stable at the following with the new drivers you are asking about
GPU: 710
Memory: 920
Shader: 1420

I can inch the gpu and memory higher, but the gains are minimal. I guess the factory actually did a semi decent paste job on my system. GPU temp hasn't gone above 72C under stress

 

Agree, didn't think of that tool.

 

Someone told me Dell ran out of the backlit keyboards two weeks ago, I ordered mine Dec 24 and it has been manfactured? Would Dell advise me ahead of time if a part couldn't be included? I'm just curious if all the parts I ordered will arrive

 

as far as i know, only the US market had the option to order the backlit keyboard for an extra $25 i think it was.
if you do not remember an option to add it, then you're gettin a standard keyboard.

 

The only way to order it was over the phone, the Dell representative was able to do this and it appears on the equipment list. The cost was $22 AUD taking in my University Student Discount of 10%.

I'm still curious to know if a part is not available if Dell lets the person know or proceeds to supply them their computer with substitute parts or an absence of parts where parts are lacking

 

if any part you ordered is not available they simply delay delivery until they have it in stock again. and am sure if they chose to give you a standard keyboard, they would let you know and refund you for the extra cash you paid.. but who knows >.<

 

can anybody tell what bloatware we can remove from the system so that the boot time is faster........mine is taking nearly two minutes to start...and i don't know if it is normal.......:-(

thanks in advance

 

Go to http://www.blackviper.com/Windows_7/servicecfg.htm He has several optional configurations of start up services that you can use to tweak your system.

 

Thanks a lot for the info! I have never overclocked or messed with those settings for my GPU before and am afraid it would make it run too hot. My max GPU temp is 79C while i was playing World of Warcraft for about 2-3 hours. That is with power option set to high performance and WoW settings to high or ultra. The graphics card can not run the water settings in the game above "fair" setting or the water disappears. The most it hits is around 72C with settings turned down. Going to run the new drivers to see if I see a change. I am kinda afraid to upgrade to the newest driver because I don't know how to roll back if it doesn't work out.

 

FYI, I just finished modding the Nvidia Verde 260.99 drivers for GeForce GT 420M (which are the latest as far as I know).

can find here (click)

 

Hi fellas
i ve just received my dell XPS 15 L501X with th following config

Intel® Core? i7-740QM Processor (1.73GHz, 4Core/8Threads, turbo boost up to 2.93Ghz, 6M cache)
15.6 FHD (1920x1080) B+RGLED display with TrueLife?
4GB (2GBx2) 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
640GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
2GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 435M graphics
Windows(R) 7 Professional 64bit

while playing nfs shift on high graphics settings at native resolution it giving 28-30 fps with 2x antialiasing and anistropic2x texture filtering.

can anybody please suggest some tricks to get a little higher fps without compromising on the graphics quality?

 

Just curious but what fps do you get if you played that game in 720 resolution?

 

What SAFE program is used to OC the GeForce GT 420M?

 

Hi everyone

I finally managed to place an order for an XPS 15 with the Full HD screen. Can't wait for it to arrive.

I had a question though, maybe someone can answer. I have a Dell 2007WFP monitor with DVI and VGA connection. I would like to connect my laptop with the screen from time to time, but I was wondering what the best option was.
My guess is via the mini-displayport since I heard HDMI isn't designed to constantly be plugged in and out over and over again.

Apple sells a mini-displayport to DVI adapter, but does this work reliably with the Dell?
I read a post of a Dutch user who tried this and couldn't get an image on his external monitor. I was hoping his adapter was a bad apple.

 

Received my XPS 15 a few days ago, have a problem.

When listening to most non-music audio there is a distinct buzzing/resonating noise coming from the speakers, like the noise you get from really bad quality speakers when the volume is too loud (this is with volume at around 50%.)

Anyone else have this problem? What are my rights regarding a return? I ordered from the Dell Ireland site.

 

NVIDIA System Tools:
NVIDIA DRIVERS 6.06

Once installed you'll find new options in NVIDIA control center, under the performance option you can OC the 420M. I can easily go to GT 435M speeds of 650/800, max I can go is 700/900 but this crashes some games and I see artifacts in others, so I leave it as 650/900.

 

Thanks a lot, can you be a little bit more specific on the 650/800 (like which setting means what) I would really appreciate it. Thanks again!

 

Hey all, I am going to buy either a XPS 15 or dv6 in the next month or so and was wondering why Dell doesn't allow us to simply download the GPU drivers directly from nvidia? I read somewhere in this thread that Dell could stop developing drivers for the GPU sooner than nvidia and it seems like it would hurt the consumer in the long run.

 

No worries, Graphics clock 650MHz and Memory clock 800MHz. I set mine at 650/900 for playing games.

 

Does anyone have the model and part number off the Intel 6200 AGN card?
Cheers!

 

Hey guys, after reinstalling windows 7, I am missing the default Dell theme and wallpapers they provided when I got the laptop. Can someone please send me all the default dell wallpapers of resolution 1920 x 1080?

I think I found the default OEM theme, but the wallpaper available with it is only of 1920 x 1200.

Corey DeGrandchamp's Blog - Dell OEM Windows 7 Theme

Can someone send the dell wallpapers to me? please!

 

Help! I cannot load windows 7 on my new L501X... Tried loading home premium, ultimate, xp pro even...

I can't get past this screen asking me to "select the driver to be installed.

I even extracted all of the drivers and loaded them onto a cd, none of them get me past this screen. Has anyone been in this situation with their system?

If anyones got any advice it would greatly improve my sanity.

 

Yes, I have this problem. I've been waiting for a replacement for a while now.

 

I have this problem, but when listening to the music. It seems like the keyboard is making the noise, because when I cover it with my palm the buzzing/resonating noise disappears.

Should I call Dell?

 

Hello, my XPS 15 is in production. In mid-December, as was already noted in this thread, Dell stopped offering the 1080p screen in the US. I went ahead and ordered the machine with the 720p screen.

1. Is it difficult to upgrade the screen myself? I have seen videos online that make it seem "easy", but when I have talked to various technicians, they say it can be tricky. Has anyone completed this upgrade?

2. I believe I have found the part number for the 1080p screen: AUO17ED. Another site noted that the screen with part number B156HW01 v4, would also work. Can anyone confirm these? I have spoke to just about ever 'LCDs R us' store online and have not found the AUO17ED. Has anyone found the upgrade?

3. Is it just best to wait to order the screen directly from Dell as a spare part?

 

From what I've read, the worst part is that most people break one of the clips that hold the bezel on the display.

 

Normal Mine would take forever just to show the desktop then a while longer to load every icon. I would say Quickset is the most important one to keep. Now that I installed an SSD, I just have everything load again, and it's lightning fast.

 

Please let me know if you find the answer.

I have purchased a HDMI - DVI cable from ebay and tried using it. The laptop shows the monitor (Dell ST2220M) name but the display doesn't get passed onto the monitor. The monitor reads "No DVI-D cable".

I saw a blog post where one lady wrote that she was able to successfully connect via Mini DisplayPort using a Dynex adapter. Since that brand adapter is not available in India, I would like to know if Apple's works.

 

I've ordered this adapter on ebay for about €5. Six times cheaper than Apple's.
I'll be sure to post my experience in this thread when it arrives.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/533544-dell-xps-15-l501-owners-lounge-84.html

Post #839

Earlier in this thread I mentioned how you can install the latest drivers from Nvidia thanks to those who were nice enough to share how to modify the driver. With the new driver, my gaming woes were solved.

 

Thanks! Now i have to play the waiting game until I they both update to Sandy Bridge.

 

woo hoo, I recieved my xps 15 today guys, I was sleeping and DB Schenker knocked on my door, then out comes the Dell XPS box. Im going to open it later tonight, will post a review in 1-2 weeks time. Finnaly after 2 months.

 

Congratulations , mine arrived today as well. So far very happy with it, just finished doing the recovery disc, installing some programs etc. downloading driver updates and so on and so forth.

 

Nice to hear yours arrived as well, I just started using it, keyboard feels fantastic as I am typing on it, the audio on this xps 15 is just fantastic, it is better then my Alienware M17X speakers. The subwoofer effect is amazing as well. Love this new Machine well worth the 2 months wait. Dell is sending me a TV tuner and a 1TB portable Hard drive for this long wait, I will post a full review in 1-2 weeks time with pics, i also ordered a dell studio design and it looks amazing/fantastic with the metalic finish. Also i don't know why many people say the 720P screen is not that good, for me it still shows an amazing display.

 

anyone have success in reinstalling the hotkeys? I installed the software for it and now my hotkeys are getting enabled without using the function button. like if i want to do f5 to refresh a page it will turn brightness higher. please help

finally figured it out. have to change the function key row in the dell quickset to Function key instead of Multimedia.