Dell XPS 15 L501 Thread

Ok initial impressions, and I'm sure some of this has been beat to death but what the heck I have both my SXPS and the new XPS sitting side by side here.

First, I've seen a lot of discussion on the screens. Well the B+RGLED screen sitting right beside the RGBLED screen with the same resolution, brightness and image looks exactly the same. Stunning. The only difference I can see is that there is a plus sign in the name and the letters are rearranged.

The SXPS16 is a little heavier than the XPS but sits lower. Both have 9 cell batteries. Overall size is about the same with the XPS being a little beefier. I haven't tested the sound yet but I expect to find exactly the same as everyone else in this case.

I know its not a very good comparison but the numbers in the Windows experience index are almost identical. Higher in memory and processor, same for graphics and hard disk. I'll be putting an SSD in this as soon it arrives so I expect performance to increase.

Now I have an assload of installing to do. Once I get that done I'll run some more benchmarks.

Having seen the WLED screen and now seeing both of these screens side by side I can say that unless you are bound by cost you absolutely should order the B+RGLED screen as part of your config.

 

Problem for some of us is not the cost but that we'd find it difficult to read text at a 1080p resolution. Normal text would just be too small for many of us to read.

 

I haven't found that a problem but I can see that being an issue without adjusting settings.

 

Thank you amanmanglik and ninja2000 for that info and for
discussing your personal gaming experiences with
the FHD R+BG LED screen.

It's much appreciated again.

It sure is nice to know that the FHD
R+BG LED screen's quality is still
adequate when downscaled to 1366x768 and
1280x720 for games. Awesome!

That is all I needed to know. I'm persuaded now
to purchase the XPS 15 with the FHD B+RG LED screen.

With the discounts and coupon codes available currently,
here in the USA, configuring the XPS 15 with the FHD B+RG LED screen
is an awesome bargain.

 

Paul I'm going to use the xps 15 with the U2711 and I really do not know if the display port is going to output the full 2560x1440 for that monitor. I need it and I hope so ...I could not find any information on the web, and the Dell customer assitant say that the resolution is supported via displayport, but i suspect that they are not a very skilled people about hardware knowledge, they only are programmed to sell.


I'm using an studio 15 rigth now using a core 2 duo P8600.

I've ordered an XPS 15 with i7-740qm some days ago and I'm very scared about the reported temps here.

On my currnet P8600 im getting max AT IDLE 58ºC with CPUID HM and 60ºC with Real Temp (quite hot for a Core 2 duo).
I could not imagine a 65/70 idle for my new xps 15 ;-(.

I will only work on the xps 15 (programming, HD video editing and Phothoshop), no gaming at all; have another desktop HTPC just for gaming and media.

Anyway Real Temp reports about 5/10ºC more than CPUID HM, which is the more accurate tool for measure the CPU temp for you?

I'm really really scared about those temps at idle!!

txs !!

 

I've got an xps 15 with i7 740 and at idle my temps are just above 50°C. 65-70 at idle? that's never happened to me.

 

Thanks Tyrian3 thanks for that data, your comment gave some peace to my mind .

What monitor software are you using, I used to trust on Real Temp but since I've checked, it is reporting between 5/10 ºC more than CPUID Hardware Monitor?

 

hi

i am from Hyderabad, India. I am planning on buying xps 15 with the base configuration i5, 4 GB RAM, and 500 GB HDD.........

I will be watching lot of movies on it.........

I am not a serious gamer. The only choice I am unable to make is regarding the FHD........

Any help will be greatly appreciated.....Thanks in advance

 

^^ I am from Hyderabad
I have i5+4GB+640GB+WLED
Its great for 720p/1080p movies dude
Just go for it
If only movies,then go for FHD screen

 

I have i5+4GB+640GB+WLED
Its great for 720p/1080p movies dude
Just go for it
If only movies,then go for FHD screen

wow!!!!! thanks for the quick reply

yeah apart from movies, i will be extensively using the MS-Word, MS-Excel and Powerpoint.......

 

yeah apart from movies, i will be extensively using the MS-Word, MS-Excel and Powerpoint.......

i am having apprehensions using FHD going by some of the comments on text being smaller ......is that a real issue ????

 

I used realtemp aswell, in idle the lowest/max temp were about 49/55 depending on the load (eve in idle there are processes open and stuff in the background of course). I've started using Aida64 though, because I used to have Everest and I trust it a bit more, just for experience. Also I'm monitoring the temp to see if/how well my Enermax Aeolus cooling base works on it.
It does wonders on my old Amilo M1437g and from early tests it seems to work pretty well on the XPS but just when under load, not in idle. Further tests are in the works, but I think this kind of stuff should go in the Owners'Lounge thread

 

I've ordered FHD and I'm short of sigth But I'm not worried about that since the text and icons can be increased on the control panel.

 

Thanks tyrian3 Im going to use realtemp and your temps as parameter for comparison when my XPS arrives....
Cool cooling base ;-) !!!! I'm going to try yo find a good cooling base here.

I've found ThermalTake Massive23 ST CLN0009, big fan less noise. Its about 55 US dollars here.


Has anyone tried the VIRTUAL PC / XP MODE on windows 7 using the XPS 15 with i-740qm, is the hardware virtualization working, is it running smooth?


PD sorry for the double post!!

 

Hey Ninja, thanks for your time man. I have almost made up my mind and about to place an order in the next couple of days. I have a few more doubts so i would really appreciate if you could advice me a little more.

First of all, i wanted to know how much difference will a windows7 home premium and windows7 proffessional would make?coz i am getting an upgrade to proffessional in INR 3688(thats around $80)?

Secondly, they re giving me McAfee trial version for 30 days with my present config and offering an upgrade to 15 months for around $20 more and a dell recommended upgrade of 36 months for around $55. is it advisable to go for an upgrade in the anti virus?

And finally what kinda gameplay can i expect in games like COD Black Ops and NFS HotPursuit 2010 with this config?

The config i have chosen is

XPS L501X
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?
Anodized Aluminium LCD Back Cover (WLAN)
4GB (2GBx2) 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
Tray Load Blu-ray BD-ROM / DVD + /-RW Combo Drive
Intel Wireless Driver(6200/6300)
2GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 435M graphics with Bluetooth
Waves MaxxAudio V3.0 audio enhancements software
Intel WiFi Link 6200 (802.11a/g/n) Half Mini-card
Dell? Backlit Keyboard with Touchpad (English)
Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit (English)
McAfee(R) Security Center - 30 Days Trial Version
1-year XPS Premier Service with 1-year CompleteCover

 

Don't upgrade to Win Pro unless you have to have virtual machines, there are a couple other small perks, look up a comparison on Google.

Don't upgrade the commercial antivirus. Microsoft's Security Essentials is great and free.

 

@ujjayan

Please don't post the same question in multiple threads. Thanks.

 

Have Dell removed 1080p screen option at least it is seems no longer available in either Dell UK or France sites ? temporary blip ?

I live in France and want a qwerty keyboard how have other folks organised
this and preserved guarantee ? ('business' laptops seems to have this as an option but xps15 does not) DEll UK ship to France ? or DEll France special
command ?

 

In Germayn the 1080p screen isn't available too...
Now I feel so fortunate to have the B+RG screen

But I hope it's just temporarily and the option returns soon because everyone should have the opportunity toget this screen...it's just amazing!

 

Here in Argentina the option for the 1080p is still available, but there is a note below this option "Your delivery is going to be delayed if you select this option".......
Nooo I made the purchase a couple of days ago, and included the 1080p screen, and now I realize that I will have to wait for decades to have my XPS ........@#@€¬~@.
But maybe worth the wait, I do not know....

 

Thank God I got the 1080p and the DVB-T while they were still available! it's weird that they're removing those option though.

 

Maybe is a temporary out of stock for that screen (due to the rush for chistmas sales), I guess they are going to continue offering this option shortly......

 

In India too deliveries are being delayed for orders with FHD display

 

it's working fine...

 

Guys, how can I know that my Dell XPS 15 switches from Intel HD Graphics to Optimus? Aren't there any indicators or icon in system tray to do this job?

Please don't tell me it switches while we play games, coz I know that but i just want to know if it has really activated

 

Thank you gokhu !!

 

Hello all,
I've tried to read as much as this thread as possible, but I can't seem to find a solid answer regarding a safe operating temperature range for the 435M.

My specs:
L501X, fully loaded, except for the TV tuner. (435M, i7 840QM, 8 GB RAM, 1080p, etc.)

Using Furmark and MSI Afterburner, I've produced the following results:

First, a baseline. All factory parameters.

* Score: 1043 points
* Submitted by JTStreet on December 3 2010, 4:57 pm
* App Version: Geeks3D_FurMark_v1.8.2_Build_Apr 16 2010_at_10:36:37
* Main graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GT 435M
* Number of Active GPUs: 1
* GPU Clock: 650 MHz
* Memory Clock: 800 MHz
* Shader Clock: 1300 MHz
* Graphics Drivers: 8.17.12.5939 8-12-2010 - nvoglv64
* GPU Temperatures (start/end):56°C / 88°C


* Bench Duration: 60 ms
* Resolution: 1920 x 1080
* MSAA samples: 0
* Window Mode: fullscreen


* CPU: IntelR CoreTM i7 CPU Q 840 @ 1.87GHz
* CPU Speed: 1862 MHz
* Operating System: Windows 7 64-bit build 7600 No Service Pack

Now, here are the results after overclocking using MSI Afterburner.
Overclocking Parameters are as follows:
Core - 845
Shader - 1690
Memory - 960

* Score: 1326 points
* Submitted by JTStreet on December 3 2010, 5:00 pm
* App Version: Geeks3D_FurMark_v1.8.2_Build_Apr 16 2010_at_10:36:37
* Main graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GT 435M
* Number of Active GPUs: 1
* GPU Clock: 845 MHz
* Memory Clock: 960 MHz
* Shader Clock: 1690 MHz
* Graphics Drivers: 8.17.12.5939 8-12-2010 - nvoglv64
* GPU Temperatures (start/end):57°C / 95°C


* Bench Duration: 60 ms
* Resolution: 1920 x 1080
* MSAA samples: 0
* Window Mode: fullscreen


* CPU: IntelR CoreTM i7 CPU Q 840 @ 1.87GHz
* CPU Speed: 1862 MHz
* Operating System: Windows 7 64-bit build 7600 No Service Pack

My question is how hot is too hot? I know the 435m is a hot runner by nature, but I don't wan to bake the thing. Less than 10 degrees difference between factory params and "Max'd out" isn't terrible, is it? Am I running it too hot? What parameters should I set?

It should also be noted my starting temperatures were hotter than normal, due to gaming. Normal cruising temps are around 44 degrees.

 

Watch this youtube video... It explains how you can see when the Nvidia card is active.

Engadget

 

anyone with a Blue-ray on the XPS along with FHD

just curious to know how it works out.......

planning to buy one with that combination..........plz help

 

Well i just received xps 15 3 days ago
Its got i7 740qm,4gb ram,blu ray drive,FHD screen,GT435m
But m sorry to say i dont have any blu ray discs to check

 

ATTN: DELL L1501X OWNERS. I have a question that has not been answered on 2 sites. I figured I could get a response here. Anandtech states this in their review, but I want to be 100% positive.


************************************************** *******
No one knows if this laptop has a 5.1 compatible sound card? (meaning you can plug rears + front + center in the 3 sound ports, headphone 1, headphone 2, and microphone)?
************************************************



According to Anandtech: http://www.anandtech.com/show/3999/dell-xps-15-l501x-review

 

Yes, it has three configurable jacks. You can get a 5.1 analog configuration out of it. This has been answered already.

 

ra990,

Thanks for your response. Some more questions:

1) What do you mean by 5.1 "analog"? It's not digital? Does it make a difference?
2) Just out of idle curiosity, where was it answered? I couldn't find it anywhere
3) Does one need to run any specific software for this 5.1 configuration?

 

Yes, it supports both digital and analog. I thought you meant analog because you were asking about the three jacks. You can use digital out through the HDMI or through SPDIF ports, or analog through the three audio jacks. Both will get you 5.1.

It was probably asked in the owner's lounge or the other XPS 15 thread. Not sure where, but I also answered it previously, so that's why I remember.

The Dell audio drivers are all you need, no additional software required.

 

Hi ra990
Thanks for the replies and sorry for the noobiness, but what do you mean by "you can use digital out through the HDMI"? I will connect my laptop to my plasma 50" via HDMI, yes. SPDIF port? Does the L501x have it? Is that the TV-Tuner port?

 

The XPS HDMI port transmits audio and video.
So plug it into your home A/V setup, and wham, there ya go.
If you purchased a 50" plasma and are aiming for 5.1, hopefully you also splurged on a receiver that takes HDMI in and will send the HDMI signal to your TV and output 5.1 surround, that would be the easiest way.
Otherwise, depending on the brand on HDTV, you should be able to output SPDIF from the TV back into the receiver (if the HDTV is the component receiving the HDMI cable from the laptop).

 

Mini displayport outputs a max resolution of 2560 x 1600 so you will have full resolution.

 

Well guys, its been fun but christmas is coming, I desperately need cash so its time to say goodbye to my xps 15

Any UK buyers interested pop me a PM as I know you can no longer get the 1080p screen in the UK. Will probably take some photo's later and put it on the MM.

 

Excellent, thanks for the info. I was wondering whether HDMI outputted audio.
I just ordered the speakers (Energy Micro 5.1 speakers). I haven't yet ordered the receiver, but any modern receiver these days have HDMI.

Would I plug the HDMI cable (from my laptop) to my TV or to the HD receiver? How would my TV get any signal if the cable is going to my home theater receiver??

 

HDMI from laptop to tv and Digital optical cable from tv to receiver.

 

mark,
this is the TV I have:
Samsung PN50C550 50" 1080p plasma HDTV - Features & Specs at Crutchfield.com

"Digital Audio Outputs Optical" is present on my TV.

So...

Laptop >>>HDMI>>>TV
TV >>>optical cable>>> HDMI Receiver


I don't have any optical cables, nor do I know much about them...

Would this work:
hthttp://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=1448&seq=1&format=2#description

or
For only $4.50 each when QTY 50+ purchased - PREMIUM 12FT Optical Toslink Cable w/ Metal Fancy Connector | Toslink to Toslink


Crutchfield sells them for $40-80 (!). Monoprice seems a lot cheaper, and I trust the quality of their cables. All I need is about 12 feet




Also, I know this is OT to this forum (I'm sorry! ) but I wanted to get banana plugs to help connection to my speakers. Does anyone know which banana plugs would work best for me? I found a bunch on Monoprice.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401

HERE IS MY SETUP:
XPS L501x
Energy RC-Micro 5.1
??? home theatre ??? Probably an Onkyo TX-SR308
Optical cable (see above)
I have HDMI cable
Banana plugs (need help with this!)

Thanks

 

Hi guys can ani1 gimme the link to download the software that shows the temperature of the cores and GPU

 

CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting

There you go

 

Thanks a lot for your answer, have you tried your HP Envy with your 30" display at full res using mini DP?

 

Right considering you are getting the Onkyo TX-SR308 (it has hdmi) I don't really think its worth bothering with the optical as HDMI will carry the audio just the same. Also the advantage with using HDMI is that it will take True HD audio which you may find on some blue rays especially 3D ones. Also the Onkyo is 3D enabled so although its not applicable to you now it maybe in the future. (its a great buy)

laptop...hdmi...onkyo....hdmi....tv

If you don't buy a receiver with HDMI then use optical.

Laptop...hdmi.....tv.....optical......receiver.

Enjoy.

As far as Banana plugs are concerned they look nothing like Bananas and are easy to install just check youtube...Simples.

 

Hi mark,

See following pic: http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchfield.com/products/2010/14/580/x580TXS308B-B.jpeg


So what you're telling me is to run the HDMI laptop > HDMI IN #1 ONKYOU
then HDMI OUT Onkyo > TV.

Is that correct?

 

Not done it but yes that would make sense.

 

Thats what I do. I have a Pioneer. Easiest way to do it.

 

I might be interested but can't send you a PM (post count too low I guess), could you PM me the spec and an indication of price. I have to say having read the stuff re SB I'm inclined to wait till next year, but I may be tempted.

Regards

 

Just a heads up. I got the AUO17ED display. Anyone else?
It looks beautiful, but I was a little bummed out that I didn't get Anandtech's monitor to see what all the noise was about.

PROS:
0) keyboard does indeed have flex, but it is still VERY good. I am probably the world's biggest keyboard-nazi. I really am very specific. This is the best keyboard I have ever typed on, hands down. The keys have a silky feeling as they spring back. Bravo, Dell. Bravo indeed.
1) The speakers are really, really spectacular. Bravo, JBL!
2) Windows 7 really rocks, especially on 1920x1080. The font is not too small. I was very very concernerned about this. Blacks are very black. viewing angle is perfect and, most importantly, NO light leakage.
3) The laptop is DRIPPING with drool-quality build quality.
The speakers.. are.. really good!
4) Size and weight are decent for a computer like this!
5) 5.1 sound card. I haven't tested this, but hope to very soon.

CONS (warning: some of these are very petty I had to really nitpick to get cons on this laptop)

1) My one petty complaint is that the ports are spread out so there's wires everywhere. I wish they were in the back for easy cable management.
2) No -dedicated- media keys. Some may or may not like this. The F-keys are the media keys. You have to press FN + F-keys to get them work as F-keys in games like Subspace/Continuum. I am fairly confident this will change as I reinstall the computer
3) Default Windows 7 is extremely bloated. 96 processes on bootup! Should be very easy to reinstall. There is a hidden partition on the HD. End-user techies should remove this.
4) Although the screen is beautiful, I was bummed to see AUO17ED monitor.
5) I had to turn off the touchpad! It's so gigantic. LOL. I am not joking. It is really, really big. My left hand (I have big hands)
6) 3 stickers on the laptop palm pad. Intel core, energy star, and windows 7. I really wish manufacturers would stop doing this.



BOTTOM LINE:
This is the best laptop I have ever seen or used. I am so, so happy that I ordered it during the sale and will definitely keep it.