Dell XPS 15 L501X vs. L521X WiFi Comparison

I just received my new XPS 15 a few days ago. I thought the WiFi was a bit slow and decided to do a speed comparison with my older XPS 15. The tests aren't that official or anything. I just used an online speed test. I put each laptop in the same spot and ran the tests for each location. Both laptops run Windows 7 Home Ed and have power options set to have max wifi performance. No other computers were using the wifi signal at the time. I took a few readings and will give the averages. I know many things can and do effect speed, but this still shows some interesting results. Numbers are in megabits per second (Mbps). The upload speeds were fairly consistent, so I will include percentages for download speeds only.

Specs:

L501x: i7 Q840, 8GB RAM, SSD
L521x: i7 3612QM, 8GB RAM, SSD

1 foot from router, clear line of sight:

L501X: Download: 13.3 Upload: 3.52
L521X: Download: 14.3 Upload: 3.50 (7.5% faster)

15 feet from router, clear line of sight:

L501X: Download: 13.4 Upload: 3.23
L521X: Download: 11.3 Upload: 3.66 (15.75% slower)

15 feet from router, through one wall:

L501X: Download: 5.60 Upload: 3.36
L521X: Download: 4.0 Upload: 3.63 (28.6% slower)

25 feet from router, through two walls:

L501X: Download: 1.4 Upload: 0.68
L521X: Download: 0.70 Upload: 0.05 (50% slower)

One floor above and one room over from router:

L501X: Download: 1.0 Upload: 0.03
L521X: Download: 0.86 Upload: 0.44 (14% slower)


I'm sure the numbers would change a little if I conducted a whole lot of readings, but I'm fairly confident the wifi in the new XPS 15 is a step backward. This model is designed to consume much less power and they may have somehow changed the wifi in the same way. Or maybe the metal frame affects it. I know metal frames have affected my signal strength and speed in other devices (Asus TF201, for example).

Anyway, I know a lot of people have complained about the wifi. This proves an XPS they sent out just days ago may still have the same issues.

 

I've only had this laptop for a few days, but I don't have time to mess with Dell's support on this issue. I'm quite sure they don't have a solution and probably won't until the next model. I travel a lot and need reliable reception. I just ordered a Rosewill RNX-N180UBE USB antenna. I'll report back on how well it works for me.

 

If the product give your trouble, i don't why need to choice ?

 

its very easy solution

1. if i had a brand new £2000 PC i would call DELL and declare they have exact 48 hours to fix this issue (sending a tech guy of course)

2. start changing the wifi antenna inside the screen bezel.
3. changing to a stronger/better wifi wireless card

4...if not...send it back.

 

Ah yes, normally these are good suggestions. This is an ongoing issue with this model. If you order this computer it is likely you will have issues too. If you were thinking of getting the L521X beware of this known issue. If you already have it, this is just more information comparing the WiFi to its predecessor. The speeds don't matter much as both laptops were tested in as close to the same conditions of each other as possible. The percentage differences are the important detail. For the record, mine came with BIOS A04 and I'm not updating it. Getting about 5+ hours of battery life.