Dell XPS 15 R2 - L502x - Owners Lounge

Huh? What Optimus issue? Have you installed the latest drivers on nVidia's site? They work just fine on the 540m.

 

Check out this thread - L501X is almost identical. You can also use the L502X service manual on Dell's site for reference.

I already had the glossy FHD display so I had no need to futz with the display cable that is mentioned in that thread, and you don't really need to completely remove the display assembly. I removed the bezel and the palm-rest, loosened the display hinges enough to give the bezel clearance. Also didn't need to mess with the antenna's like the service manual mentions. Whole operation took about 30 minutes, and most of that was removing the bezel (it's not complicated, I just went slow so as not to break the tabs).

 

I'm also having the VERY slow wifi speeds problem. I saw it mentioned previously but was anyone able to solve it? I have the latest drivers from intel.com.... (I have the 1030 card in mine).

Am loathe to do a re-install of the OS, but I am struggling to get more than 30kb/s off anywhere at the moment (my cable connection speed is 30mbit!) - every other machine in the house gets far more respectable speeds.

 

Would taking out the soft cloth that was placed between the screen and the keyboard initially and carrying the notebook in a backpack (a backpack made for laptops, not a regular backpack of course) get the screen damaged by the keyboard?

 

A number of people had antennae that came from Dell partially or fully disconnected. I suggest opening the back of your laptop to check on that. The antennae should be visible when you open it.

 

They need to find that guy who keeps doing that and smack him in the head.

 

Thanks for that. I've just opened it up, and taken a look. Not sure I was looking at the right thing, but assume it was one of the two cards? WLAN and WWAN. I guess the WWAN was the 3G modem, and the WLAN was the one I was interested in... There were two connections going to each of the cards, but there was a spare cable? Didnt seem anywhere obvious that it needed to be connected to?

Or was I in totally the wrong area?

Edit: S'OK have read back, and can confirm they were all connected... I have just disabled wireless N, and wireless B/G is working a LOT quicker!?!?

 

just wondering!!
I am going back to India for good, and I just purchased XPS 15. I have 2 yr extended warranty, will it still be valid in India??

 

I hope you guys can help, When i insert a blu-ray disc movie to play on my dell xps 15 laptop with Cyberlinkpowerdvd it says it does not recgonize my blu-ray dsic format? About a week ago it was working fine. Any ideas?

 

After doing a clean install, I received a similar error. I had disabled a service called "CyberLink Product", after enabling it the blu-rays started working again. Not sure if that's what's going on with your system but if you've made any changes it's worth checking out. (make sure you manually start the service or reboot after enabling it)

 

here are some pictures...There is clearly a blu-ray inside. But does not work

 

That first error is what I was getting after disabling the service. Make sure you have the "CyberLink Product" service set to automatic.



If it is currently disabled, make sure you reboot after setting back to automatic. I just tested it again to make sure, if the service is disabled, blu-ray won't work in PowerDVD.

 

How does the XPS15 do with glare during indoor use? I had a Dell rep tell me it has anti-glare properties, but most of the reviews don't seem to indicate that. I have always used matte screens and mostly browse/research on the internet, and I'm a little concerned about the effect on my eyes when using the a glossy XPS 15 for long periods of time.

 

Hey folks,

I'm currently looking at getting the L502x, and have mixed feelings at the moment.

Having read a fair bit of this thread, I see that quite a few people seem to have had build quality problems. I understand that people with no problems are less likely to post replies.

Just wondered what people think about the reliability etc.

I can't find any alternative that will give the same options (HD Screen, 8GB ram, Backlit Keyboard etc), has anyone else considered this and then gone for something else?

 

Hi,

May I know if you have problem running Windows Experience Index with it?

Thanks.

 

I got a silicon keyboard protector & a screen protector.

Zagg InvisibleShield is on the way.

 

Hey guys, so I had read about the USB 3.0 issues people seem to be having. I didn't really care at first as I have no USB 3.0 devices.

Anyway, I noticed today while playing games that my mouse was stuttering. I have the mouse plugged in to the rear USB port (USB 3.0) as it's a nano receiver and I can leave it plugged in that way.

I tried plugging it in to the side USB 2.0 port and there were no issues.

Perhaps the USB 3.0 issues arise when the NVidia GPU is being used? In other words they may be some incompatibility with Optimus?

 

WEI ran fine, both with the standard Dell nVidia drivers as well as the updated ones from the nVidia website.

 

Hi
i tried to download latest driver for m540 but nvidia says i must download it fron Dell website !
how i can download it from nvidia ? does optimus works later afterupdate from nvidia
Thanks

 

Where can I get a keyboard protector for the L502x? Got any links?

 

Trying checking the clean install, which worked for me.

I reverted back to dell nvidia drivers since it was more stable for me.

 

Where do I locate that?

 

Just type services on the search bar

Or the long way
Right click computer, click manage, click on service and application, expand services.

 

XPS 15 R2 volume?

I am not impressed with the speaker volume. It does not get very loud. Perhaps I am missing something with my configuration.

Anyone else feel the same way?

My old inspiron seemed to be capable of a higher volume

 

Are you sure you were downloading version 270.61? The previous version from nVidia I had the situation you described, but 270.61 loaded without any errors on my system. Optimus works fine with this version as well.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Something must be wrong with my laptop.

 

Here:

Keyboard Skin+Screen Protector DELL XPS 15 L501X L502X | eBay

A good seller to deal with.

 

I have no idea what you're talking about. I rarely raise my master volume over half and I　ｓｔｉｌｌ　ｈｅａｒ　ｍｙ　ｍｕｓｉｃ　down the hall. Its def loud enough at max volume to host a small party. I suggest hitting the "waves" softkey next to the power button and clicking on speakers/headphones and messing around with the settings.

 

The FHD XPS 15 has the best screen and speakers of any laptop in the same price range and even beats more expensive laptops. I couldn't find any alternatives either. I would recommend getting an extended warranty if you are concerned about reliability. I had some issues with my L501x and Dell have just replaced it with a L502x.

I really like this laptop, the screen, speakers, BL keyboard and battery life with the 9-cell are all great!

 

this is my 2nd XPS 15. the first one was a L501X that was shipped with a broken hinge, and was replaced with the L502X (after waiting 5 weeks since Dell was in the middle of the L502X upgrade)

this laptop is very powerful, i must say it's the fastest laptop i have ever owned. the build quality on it seems a little sub-standard, as the bottom external edge of the screen lid is warped outwards in the middle (the hinges are aligned but the middle sections warps outwards), the touchpad rarely recognizes 2-finger scroll (even after i adjust settings in the touchpad settings. i have to scroll with 2 fingers several times before it actually picks up the motion), the volume is substantially lower than the L501X and the same movies need to have 100% volume in order to hear what's being said in the movie, and most notably issues with the keyboard.

there appears to be some sort of rattling on the left side of the palm rest. when typing on the keyboard it rattles on the left side. if i press down on the palm rest where the rattling is occurring, it goes away for about 20 secs of typing then starts rattling again. i also have an issue with the space-bar, which squeaks when pressed.

just wondering if anyone else has had similar issues. i will probably call Dell Tech Support tomorrow, but i wanted to get some insight from the experienced owners here.

thanks

 

Hi All,

After a clean install, and installing the various drivers from Dell website, these new apps now show up in Control Panel > Programs that weren't in the OEM configuration. Was it really necessary to install these drivers?

Intel Rapid Storage Technology
JMicron Flash Media Controller Driver
Nvidia HD Audio Driver
Realtek Ethernet Controller Driver
Renesas Electronic USB 3.0 Host Controller Driver


I do have one "YELLOW" flag in Device Manager, under Other Devices: PCI Simple Communications Controller
I can't figure out what that might be. It has a hardwared ID from PCTel, maybe a modem. ID: PCI\VEN 8086&DEV_1C3A&SUBSYS_050E1028&REV_04

 

You 100% want to install

JMicron Flash Media Controller Driver
Nvidia HD Audio Driver
Realtek Ethernet Controller Driver
Renesas Electronic USB 3.0 Host Controller Driver

Those are all hardware related drivers and are needed

 

Thanks. I'm very curious why they didn't show up in the OEM configuration. Must be windows drivers were handling those things. I also don't see the SQL database that was in the OEM configuration.

Any idea what that yellow flag PCI Controller might be?

Thanks again, Rogo.

 

Well since they are all hardware its definetly gotta be one of the 3 below

JMicron Flash Media Controller Driver ( Media Card Reader )
Realtek Ethernet Controller Driver ( Ethernet Port )
Renesas Electronic USB 3.0 Host Controller Driver ( USB 3.0 Slots )

I think it would be the Ethernet probably, but i recommend you install all of them, and im sure the yellow flag will disappear.

 

Is there any way to make it so that on battery the Optimus chooses the Intel Card to play videos rather than the NVIDIA? Too save battery.

 

Below is the list of drivers in correct order of installation for a clean install of Windows 7 on a L502x. It also includes some of the most common apps at thr bottom. The first number (R299115) is the name of the driver when downloaded from Dell website. Always use the latest drivers on Dell's website. A few below are optional and also assumes you have a TV Card, Bluetooth, etc. Don’t install the things you do not have. I thought this info would be helpful to some of us who are new to a clean installation, or haven't done it in awhile.

Dell Driver Downloads: http://support.dell.com/support/downloads
Dell Application Downloads: https://smartsource.dell.com (PowerDVD, Webcam Central, etc.)


1. R292318 System Utilities: ST Microelectronics DE351DL Motion Sensor, v.1.00.00.15, A01 (8 MB) This moves the drive arm if the laptop is dropped - to protect the drive and data.

2. R292792 (Optional) CPU: Intel Turbo Boost Technology Monitor Software, v.2.1.23.0, A01 (21 MB) The little performance display in the upper corner of the OEM installation.

3. R289307 Chip Set: Intel Huron River (HM67), v.9.2.0.1015, A00 (2 MB)

4. R292317 Chip Set: Intel Management Engine Interface, v.7.0.0.1144, A01 (5 MB) Remote access technology. Without it a yellow flag appears in Device Manager.PCI Com Controller missing

5. R299115 Chip Set: Renesas USB3.0 Host Controller, v.2.0.34.0, A02 (6 MB) This will show up in your "Add/Remove" programs but was not in the OEM shipped configuration. No way around it, must have it.

6. R296901 Serial ATA: (Optional) Intel Rapid Storage Technology, v.10.1.2.1004, A01 (10 MB) This is a software based RAID controller for multiple drives.

7. SE2_CD11.xzip Removable Storage: PLDS DS-6E2SH 12.7 Tray BD-Combo, v.CD11, A01 (3 MB) See directions on how to do the installation. Updates the firmware, done a little different than other driver installs.

8. R283293 Video: (ONLY If you have a TV Card) AVerMedia AVerMedia H339 Hybrid Analog/ATSC, v.2.2.x.69, A01 (5 MB)

9. R302134 Video: Intel HD Graphics, HD Graphics 3000, Intel HD Graphic, v.8.15.10.2342, A06 (80 MB)

10. R300420 Video: (Do "Custom Install", Uncheck HD Audio) nVidia GeForce GT 435M, GeForce GT 420M, GeForce GT 445M, Stereoscopic 3D, GeForce GT 525M, N12E-GE-B(LP)-GT 550M, N12E-GE-B ( GT555M), GeForce GT 540M, v.8.17.12.6721, A07 (155 MB)

11. R302137 Network: Realtek RTL8111DL Ethernet Controller, RTL8111E Gigabit Ethernet Controller, RTL8111EL, v.7.041.0216.2011, A02 (5 MB). This will show up in your "Add/Remove" programs but was not in the OEM shipped configuration. No way around it, must have it.

12. R295126 Application: Dell QuickSet, v.11.0.10, A02 (5 MB) This app runs the small button by the Power button - quickly access all device adjustments.

13. R300326 Audio: Realtek ALC665 Audio, v.6.0.1.6312, A04 (105 MB)

14. R293144 Network: Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300, Centrino Advanced-N 6200, Centrino Wireless-N 1000, Centrino Advanced-N 6230, Centrino Wireless-N 1030, v.14.0.1.2, A02 (55 MB)

15. Mobile Broadband Driver: Install this here if you have this option. Get from Dell website.

16. R298244 Optional driver install. If you have Bluetooth: Network: Intel Centrino Wireless (Bluetooth Adapter), Intel ® PROSet/Wireless BT Software, Intel 6230 (BT3.0+HS), v.1.0.78.20504, A02 (38 MB)

17. R291979 Video: Intel Wireless Display Connection Manager, v.2.0.27.0, A00 (115 MB). MUST BE THE VERY LAST INTEL DRIVER YOU INSTALL. It uses platform and version detection. Your Intel stuff like HD Graphics, My WiFi, Proset Wireless, etc. must all be installed before you install this driver.

18. R293038 Input: Synaptics Synaptics TouchPad, v.15.2.6.0, A00 (37 MB)

19. R277344 Input: Quanta H.264 integrate webcam, v.1.0.1404.1005, A00 (1 MB)

20. R292780 (Optional) Chip Set: JMicron JMB389 Card Reader, v.1.00.55.00, A01 (1 MB) Installing this earlier will trip errors. Balloon will appear showing the errors. This will show up in your "Add/Remove" programs but was not in the OEM shipped configuration.

21. Dell Webcam Central (Creative Technologies). Download from https://smartsource.dell.com

22. Cyberlink PowerDVD 3D 9.6: Download from https://smartsource.dell.com. Be carefull, it is listed multiple times with the newer versions on page 2. Or just use your supplied CD from Dell if they provided one. PowerDVD v11 is out so U might want to consider upgrading afterwards from the Cyberlink website.

23. SoundBlaster X-Fi MB: You can get this from Dell on a CD. Part # VG99. This could also be an optional install.

24. Microsoft Silverlight: Download from MS - http://www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/Get-Started/Install/Default.aspx

25. Java Download: http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp

26. Adobe Acrobat Reader: http://get.adobe.com/reader

27. Adobe Flash Player: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer

 

You misunderstand. Those listed are already installed drivers. The PCI Com Con flag means a driver is missing. I can't trust your advice mystycs (nothing personal), please move on from this topic.

It was the “Intel Management Engine Interface” driver. To determine a missing driver look up the "Details" under Properties and look for the Device ID to get the vendor and device codes. Visit PCI Vendor and Device Lists to determine the device.

 

i remembered reading two other people and i had the dell technician damage the keyboard while dismantling the xps. in my case resitting the kb cable didn't fix it so either the tech damaged the keyboard or the motherboard side. other people have the same experience? no way in hell will i get a service tech touch my xps now.

 

I had a service tech replace my motherboard on my desktop XPS, and the dipwad didn't apply any thermal paste, even though his kit included it. For some dumb reason, I let him leave. But when the fan sounded like a small jet engine, I called him back. I demanded that he install the paste, and I supervised his poorly trained [fill in the blank].

I've been lucky so far with my XPS laptop, but I'm glad I purchased the extended warranty.

 

As a tie-in to what Rogo posted, if you're doing a clean install and you -don't- want, say, the Intel Rapid Storage Technology monitor software installed, but want the updated driver, you can manually update the driver through Device Manager. If you update it in this manner, the driver will be updated, but it will not install the software side of the package, so no little monitor app running in the background (which is pretty pointless on a laptop, IMHO).

Just extract the contents of the Dell driver packages with something like 7zip, and you can manually update drivers that way, without installing their respective little system craplets.

 

I typed services in the Run search and its all good. Here are some pics...

 

Ok folks, after a week or so with the new laptop, and a SSD Samsung 470 128gb upgrade and a clean Win 7 Pro update.....

I love this computer, Quad speed, ram and a gorgeous 1080p screen. Nice!

1 issue; I'm a Graphic Designer (day job) and use this machine for real design, using Adobe Indesign, Photoshop (+Plug ins), Illustrator, Acrobat X Pro, Dreamweaver, Extensis Suitcase Fusion with over 10,000 fonts.

When using Adobe Photoshop CS5; on big 500MB to 1GB files I get a Nvidia driver crash when doing intensive filters or copy and pasting layers, Closing Photoshop. with both latest Dell Drivers and Nvidia 270.61 ( I down graded to stock dell, and still happens). I disabled the Open GL acceleration and all is well so far.

Sucks a bit not being able to use GPU acceleration, but not a deal breaker as I only do 2D stuff. But rotating big files with GPU acc was nice and smooth.

Just a heads up.

 

Hey All,

So, I've been thinking about buying a new laptop for months...at first I was set on the Sager 5160...and due to the heat issues...I became disinterested. Next, I heard that Sager is going to produce a 5165 with the new 555M processor. ...tonight I saw this gem:

Dell XPS 15 Laptop: Intel Core i7-2630QM 2.00GHz CPU, 6GB DDR3, 500GB HDD, 15.6" (1920x1080) LCD, 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M, Blu-ray ROM + DVDRW, WiFi N, Win 7 64-Bit $980 + Free shipping - Dell Home & Office Deals, Coupons and Promos

If I upgrade the processor to the 540M (2gb?? I thought it was 1gb)...then the total is $1080. My gut is telling me that this XPS 15 is the machine of my dreams...my head is telling me to heart...and my heart is scared to move.

Thoughts? Comments? Also, do you think that the upgrade from the 525M to the 540M is worthwhile? I'm a doctoral student and I'll use the laptop mainly to watch videos/play SC2...otherwise, I'm going to be using this beast to program in R, SAS, Stata, and otherwise PDFs, surfing, and word processing.

Thanks all!

 

It's a great machine while it works. Personally I'd made a couple of customisations.
There are things you can upgrade yourself, such as those below and things you can not change after purchase.

Rather than buy the Dell Ram. get the minimum and then you pay the same for 8GB aftermarket and it is identical specification
$80 for the 8GB

Spoiler

Newegg.com - WINTEC 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Laptop Memory Model 3AMD31333N-8G2K-R

It's worth going for the 540M because you can't upgrade that later, anything you can upgrade later go for the slightly lesser option, processor included. There is no real difference between the 2730QM & the 2830QM however there is more so with the 2630QM, a higher internal clock speeds and a larger built-in cache.
Similarly with the Blu-Ray drive look at this thread here

Spoiler

http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/552091-xps-15-blu-ray-drive-upgrade.html

With the money you save you can look at getting a TV Tuner, backlit keyboard or upgrading the processor.
Performing these 2 upgrades yourself is INCREDIBLY simple. You remove 3 screws for the RAM and another 3 for the Blu-Ray drive, plus you gain the ability to burn Blu-Rays.
You can essentially get a higher spec machine for the same money and most importantly it will not void your warranty so there is no risk there.
Also have a look around for coupon codes, there is always one for 10% off and if you order by phone you may be able to get them down further.

So basically if you can get a significantly better machine for the same money you might as well although what you have there is a very nice sounding machine.

PS I'm not in the US, I'm sure you can get better prices for those things items than I quoted you but ya know, half the fun is the adventure!

 

Is there any way to make it so that running on battery the Optimus chooses the Intel Card to play videos rather than the NVIDIA to save battery?

 

Thanks for the advice! I've heard mixed reviews on the 540M vs 525M. Notebookcheck.net indicates that the 540M has a 7-10% performance boost on the 525M...and...when you look at the specs...the cards are pretty much identical. Up until you posted this, I was leaning towards purchasing the 525M.

 

Basically yeah, they're the same card but one just has higher core/memory clocks. If you're worried about performance but don't want the upgraded card you could overclock the 525m however you won't be guaranteed how much you'll be able to overclock.

 

ClearIzzy Glad you found the advice helpful! Feel free to add some rep if you think it was worth it

This is very true. Not all cards are created equal in terms of overclocking potential although remember you could also overclock the 540m too. If you're feeling like a bit of modding you can always apply new thermal paste to increase the overclocking stability although you have to essentially strip the machine down to the motherboard to do it so unless you feel particularly competent then it might not be the best idea but to give you an idea of the sort of speeds you can achieve on the 540m with and without any overclocks and repasting take a look at the thread below

Spoiler

http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/563356-overclocking-gt-540m-9.html

It doesn't help that Dell are terrible at thermal pasting their components so not only does it depend on the chip itself but also how an efficient job Dell did applying their own thermal paste during manufacturer.

 

So, I finally bit the bullet and put in an order. Dell's UK website is pretty retarded, but I got there in the end. Specs as follows :

Item
Description
Base
2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5-2540M processor 2.60 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.30 GHz
Memory
4096MB (2x2GB) 1333MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
Keyboard
Internal Backlit UK/Irish Qwerty Keyboard
Video Card
2GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 540M Graphics Card
Hard Drive
500GB (7,200rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive
Microsoft Operating System
Genuine Windows® 7 SP1 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Optical Devices
8x DVD+/-RW, & Blu-ray Disc™ combo drive (reads Blu-ray Disc™ & writes to CD/DVD
Wireless Networking
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1030 (1x2 b/g/n+ Bluetooth Combo Card)
Cables
UK 250V Power Cord
Shipping Documents
English Documentation
Bundle
N02X5M59
Standard Warranty
1 year Collect & Return Hardware Support included with your PC
Enhanced Service Packs
3Yr Next Day Hardware Support
Integrated Mobile Broadband
Mobile Broadband Not Included
Order Information
XPS L502x Order - UK
Primary Battery
6-cell 56Whr Lithium Ion battery
Carrying Cases
No Carrying Case
Dell System Media Kit
XPS L502x Resource DVD (Diagnostic & Drivers)
Color Choice
Metalloid Aluminum Cover
Accidental Damage Support
No Accidental Damage Protection
Online Backup
DataSafe Online Backup 2GB - 1 year licence
TV Tuner and Remote Control
Internal DVB-T TvTuner
LCD
15.6 FHD B+RGLED TL (1920x1080) 1080p with 2.0 Mega Pixel Integrated Camera
DataSafe
Datasafe Local 2.3 Basic
Microsoft Application Software
Microsoft® Office Starter: reduced-functionality Word & Excel w/ads. No PowerPoint or Outlook
Protect your new PC
McAfee® SecurityCenter 30 Day trial version
Power Supply
130W AC Adaptor
Operating System Recovery Options
OS Windows® Recovery Media Not included

Current delivery is showing as May 9th, which seems reasonable.

I clicked on a link on here to get the backlit keyboard, tv tuner, bluetooth and blu-ray and high def screen as standard (i.e. they are the only options in those columns).

Went i5 because I think it will be plenty fast for my needs. Also 4GB, as I don't think anything I use will require any more than that, I may upgrade in the future if I need to.

If you start fresh on the dell website you can't choose some of them (although the free +2GB wasn't an option in the list I had, just upgrade prices for 6 and 8 Gig).

Also used quidco to get 10% off, all in was £873.01, which seems like a great price for the setup, couldn't find anything from anyone else that I liked the look of with the same spec for that price.

Now the wait begins...

 

Hey hii.... Got my XPS yesterday.... very happy so far.....couple of questions....
*I reinstalled the os,and now i dont have powerdvd to play my blueray disk.... from where can i download it ?
*I didnt find any optimus option so far on my laptop.... do i need to download any special drivers for it? i downloaded the latest one from nvidia website...

And btw how to add the sig in my post.....