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    Dell XPS 15 R2 - L502x - Owners Lounge

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by zygotic, Mar 23, 2011.

  1. BobTheSniper

    BobTheSniper Notebook Consultant

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    Don't let your dad suffer with the 720p garbage. Pay for the upgrade.
     
    BobTheSniper, Aug 12, 2011
    #1951
  2. ramosj88

    ramosj88 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Can someone tell me which is the fastest speed DDR3 memory we can install in these laptops? Also which manufacturer? I've read in earlier posts that Crucial was good. I'm upgrading from 6GB to 8GB.

    This is a list of DDR3 that I know about. I know these came with 1333. Can we install the higher speeds? Thanks

    DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)
    DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)
    DDR3 1333 (PC3 10660))
    DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)
    DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
    DDR3 1866 (PC3 15000)

    XPS 15 L502x | i7-2620M | 6GB RAM | GT 525M | 750GB 7200RPM HDD | B+RGLED 1080p | 6230 w/BT | Blu Ray | 9-cell | Backlit Keyboard | Win 7 Ultimate
     
    ramosj88, Aug 12, 2011
    #1952
  3. BobTheSniper

    BobTheSniper Notebook Consultant

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    DDR3 1333 10660 is the same as DDR3 133310666.

    Most people's ram downclocks to 1333 mhz but some people have been able to run at 1600 mhz for some unknown reason
     
    BobTheSniper, Aug 12, 2011
    #1953
  4. steakikan

    steakikan Notebook Consultant

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    steakikan, Aug 13, 2011
    #1954
  5. Appelsap

    Appelsap Notebook Geek

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    All the 1333Mhz DDR3 is the same. The reason most vendors note it as 10600 or 10660 is to avoid reference to it's true speed of 10666 - the '666' has been associated with the devil.

    I suppose those that had the 'luck' of getting the 1600Mhz DDR3 to work actually have an i7 2720QM, which is rated to (also) work at that speed. The i7 2620 BobTheSniper has works at 1333 max. So my advice to Bob is to get the 1333 Mhz DDR3, as anything faster is wasting money.
     
    Appelsap, Aug 13, 2011
    #1955
  6. ramosj88

    ramosj88 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thx everyone for the info...any input on which manufacturer?...or which one to stay away from if I can ask that here?
     
    ramosj88, Aug 13, 2011
    #1956
  7. BobTheSniper

    BobTheSniper Notebook Consultant

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    RAM brand no longer matters. It is a mature product.

    8GB should be around $40 this month.
     
    BobTheSniper, Aug 13, 2011
    #1957
  8. dj62

    dj62 Notebook Enthusiast

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    wo is it me or are the sub woofers and speakers so strong they vibrate the palm rest.. or sometimes it's just hard disk?
     
    dj62, Aug 13, 2011
    #1958
  9. zjacobss

    zjacobss Notebook Consultant

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    It's the harddisk
     
    zjacobss, Aug 13, 2011
    #1959
  10. steakikan

    steakikan Notebook Consultant

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    I think the subwoofer is quite loud too
     
    steakikan, Aug 13, 2011
    #1960
  11. ramosj88

    ramosj88 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Really? Mine doesn't make much of a difference when I adjust the bass. I tried it on a bunch of songs with the equalizer and Maxxbass on and off. My right ear has been giving me problems, I thought it was because of that. Tried tilting the the laptop back while doing adjustments and feel were the bass comes out but there is not much of a difference there either. There is a big difference when I adjust the treble. Also tried at high and low volume. Any suggestions...besides cleaning my ears?
    Thanks


    UPDATE: I listen to classical rock most of the time...not much bass there. Went to Youtube to play "music with lots of bass" and I was able to hear the difference so I guess that was the problem. Still I would think I could hear more bass with what I listen to. Still sounds great!

    XPS 15 L502x | i7-2620M | 6GB RAM | GT 525M | 750GB 7200RPM HDD | B+RGLED 1080p | 6230 w/BT | Blu Ray | 9-cell | Backlit Keyboard | Win 7 Ultimate
     
    ramosj88, Aug 13, 2011
    #1961
  12. steakikan

    steakikan Notebook Consultant

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    Well, for techno styled music, it is there, like a bit of punch you can feel thru the palm rest.
     
    steakikan, Aug 14, 2011
    #1962
  13. dj62

    dj62 Notebook Enthusiast

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    also can you all check when u press the most right side of ur palm rest above the optical drive does it flex? coz the left side for me is very firm however the right side can be pressed and i dono how to explain it but flex maybe? it goes down and comes back up xD
     
    dj62, Aug 14, 2011
    #1963
  14. Appelsap

    Appelsap Notebook Geek

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    It's been noted before, but I don't have that problem. It could be the bezel hasn't been fitted right, it's been known to happen. You could try re-fitting it to see if the problem persists. You could also try not to press it too much ;)
     
    Appelsap, Aug 14, 2011
    #1964
  15. dj62

    dj62 Notebook Enthusiast

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    haha xD yes I could. actually don't mind since it's not giving any problems xD
     
    dj62, Aug 14, 2011
    #1965
  16. Shadow_Shooter

    Shadow_Shooter Notebook Guru

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    I've never seen such powerful speakers on a notebook before. If you still think that you can *even* maximize the sound level, then try this and tell me how it goes:

    set the preset to movie.
    set the equalizer to movie.
    listen to a pop music and hit the volume to the loudest.

    here's a song to try with new settings:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10rqP7dcjgQ&feature=player_embedded#at=23
     
    Shadow_Shooter, Aug 14, 2011
    #1966
  17. corn4ahead

    corn4ahead Notebook Guru

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    So how do I make it so the backlit keyboard stays on all the time. I hate how it goes off when Im not using it. Also, does the 540m automatically switch on when playing games?
     
    corn4ahead, Aug 15, 2011
    #1967
  18. dj62

    dj62 Notebook Enthusiast

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    yes it does you can see when programs are using 540m in ur notification bar its called nvidia GPU activity.
     
    dj62, Aug 15, 2011
    #1968
  19. silentoz

    silentoz Newbie

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    Backlit keyboard always on : (check the links on the first page !!!)
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...ure-backit-keyboard-resolved.html#post7395151

    You can access "windows mobility center" with the 1st touch button, next to the power button.

    Usually, the Nvidia 540m will automatically be used when playing games. But not all games are detected. But you can manually set it to use specifically Nvidia GPU in the Nvidia control panel.
    Go to 3D settings, and 2nd tab software settings. Now you can choose to use Nvidia GPU on selected programs (.exe)

    And like dj62 said you can check if the nvidia GPU is in used or not in the notification bar. (Activate the Icone in Nvidia control panel, desktop, show icone in tray)
     
    silentoz, Aug 15, 2011
    #1969
  20. corn4ahead

    corn4ahead Notebook Guru

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    What is the difference between high performance Nvidia Settings and Global Nvidia settings?
     
    corn4ahead, Aug 15, 2011
    #1970
  21. bobbyslice

    bobbyslice Notebook Enthusiast

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    yayyy ordered my dell xps 15 this morning.....1920x1080, i7 2630qm, 6gb ram, 750gb 7200rpm, gt 525m, backlit keyboard.....so excited haha...my question for you guys...how long will it take?

    its for school and i know most people probably ordered there school laptops by now, so maybe mine wont be too far in the queue? but then again maybe they will be low on parts? how long do u guys think itll take? how long did ur guys' take?
     
    bobbyslice, Aug 15, 2011
    #1971
  22. Villosa

    Villosa Notebook Deity

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    Took mine 6 days from order to delivery. You should have yours very soon!
     
    Villosa, Aug 15, 2011
    #1972
  23. bobbyslice

    bobbyslice Notebook Enthusiast

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    OMG 6 DAYS? i hope mine comes that quick!!!
     
    bobbyslice, Aug 15, 2011
    #1973
  24. bobbyslice

    bobbyslice Notebook Enthusiast

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    also..why did u get the 540m? do u think its worth it? i heard ppl say it wasnt so i just got the 525m
     
    bobbyslice, Aug 15, 2011
    #1974
  25. Villosa

    Villosa Notebook Deity

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    I had a BIG coupon, that explains the 2820QM too lol.
     
    Villosa, Aug 15, 2011
    #1975
  26. bobbyslice

    bobbyslice Notebook Enthusiast

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    oo gotcha....so otherwise do u think it would be worth it? ever had another laptop to compare the 540 to 525?...haha just making sure i made the right call
     
    bobbyslice, Aug 15, 2011
    #1976
  27. Villosa

    Villosa Notebook Deity

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    Honestly it's the same exact card with 2GB memory and higher clocks. Might help with resale down the line but the 525M and 540M preform about 10% apart from each other. Like anything though, a 525M can overclock to 540M clocks, but a 540M can go beyond that as well. Is it worth $100+ more? Only you can decide that.
     
    Villosa, Aug 15, 2011
    #1977
  28. mjdent

    mjdent Notebook Enthusiast

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    I wouldlike to order a skinit for my DELL XPS 15 L502X but need to know if it is the same as L501.

    Could someone clear up if it is the same dimension for me.
     
    mjdent, Aug 15, 2011
    #1978
  29. Appelsap

    Appelsap Notebook Geek

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    Which in effect means: no, it's not really worth it. The added 1GB om memory does little to make it faster, so you can get just about the same performance out of both cards, because they are - like you said - the exact same card. If you really need the 540m performance level, you can up the clock speed of the 525m to get it and save a lot of money. The question is if you really need the 10% more speed. In my experience, if the graphics card isn't fast enough to get you what you want, 10% more isn't going to solve that problem.
     
    Appelsap, Aug 16, 2011
    #1979
  30. Tomma

    Tomma Notebook Enthusiast

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    If you have the full HD screen, I guess the 540M is better.
     
    Tomma, Aug 16, 2011
    #1980
  31. Appelsap

    Appelsap Notebook Geek

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    Sigh. Yes, and the Bugatti Veyron is about 10% faster than the McLaren F1, but almost twice the price. Is it worth it, knowing most of the time you will not use it to it's full potential, and even when you do, I doubt you can really tell the difference without looking at the dashboard to see the gauge telling you how fast it is? Can you tell the difference between 15 fps and 16,5? Or between 30 and 33? Will it make a $100+ difference for you?
     
    Appelsap, Aug 16, 2011
    #1981
  32. Appelsap

    Appelsap Notebook Geek

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    edit: double post, sorry
     
    Appelsap, Aug 16, 2011
    #1982
  33. unclebenny4140

    unclebenny4140 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Anyone play Minecraft on their XPS 15? Even after setting Minecraft to run with the 525M it chugs like a dog. I'm guessing there's some other setting I need to change to make it use the dedicated card. I'm not seeing it though. I'm running the 275.33 Nvidia drivers and java/windows are up to date. Any suggestions?

    Thanks in advance.
     
    unclebenny4140, Aug 16, 2011
    #1983
  34. FPetersonIII

    FPetersonIII Notebook Geek

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    should i use the dell drivers for my 540 or get the ones straight from nvidia?
     
    FPetersonIII, Aug 16, 2011
    #1984
  35. nikola1970

    nikola1970 Notebook Enthusiast

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    You can get them from nvidia site.
     
    nikola1970, Aug 16, 2011
    #1985
  36. nomygod

    nomygod Notebook Geek

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    minecraft - set the program "javaw.exe" to run on the nvidia card. at first I tried making minecraft.exe run on it, still slow, then I made javaw run on it - 100+ fps
     
    nomygod, Aug 16, 2011
    #1986
  37. unclebenny4140

    unclebenny4140 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks. I'll give this a shot tonight. I'm pretty sure I already set both minecraft and java to use the nvidia card. I'll double check though.
     
    unclebenny4140, Aug 16, 2011
    #1987
  38. ramosj88

    ramosj88 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I noticed the same thing. I didn't like the profile so I uninstalled/removed it.
     
    ramosj88, Aug 16, 2011
    #1988
  39. zjacobss

    zjacobss Notebook Consultant

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    Use the color profile provided by notebookreview.com, I also used the one from this thread before and didn't like it.
     
    zjacobss, Aug 16, 2011
    #1989
  40. Shadow_Shooter

    Shadow_Shooter Notebook Guru

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    any links pls?
     
    Shadow_Shooter, Aug 16, 2011
    #1990
  41. zjacobss

    zjacobss Notebook Consultant

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    zjacobss, Aug 16, 2011
    #1991
  42. unclebenny4140

    unclebenny4140 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Changing the "global" setting from auto to high performance resolved the issue.
     
    unclebenny4140, Aug 16, 2011
    #1992
  43. nomygod

    nomygod Notebook Geek

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    wouldn't that make everything run on the gpu? overkill much if it does.
     
    nomygod, Aug 16, 2011
    #1993
  44. ramosj88

    ramosj88 Notebook Enthusiast

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    ramosj88, Aug 16, 2011
    #1994
  45. silentoz

    silentoz Newbie

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    silentoz, Aug 16, 2011
    #1995
  46. mjdent

    mjdent Notebook Enthusiast

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    Can no one advise
     
    mjdent, Aug 16, 2011
    #1996
  47. zjacobss

    zjacobss Notebook Consultant

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    zjacobss, Aug 16, 2011
    #1997
  48. verynice69

    verynice69 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey guys, I have a question about idle temperatures (and the harddrive in particular). My CPU is usually running in the mid-50s C, and goes up to the low 60s with a little bit of load (I don't really do anything too stressful for the computer). The harddrive however starts off at around 27-29 C and slowly progresses up to around 50C (and as high as 57C with mild load). I was wondering if anyone gets similar temperatures for their HD?

    I'm concerened because my old seagate HD died a few weeks ago (and I lost everything on it - I'm an idiot for not backing it up), and it was replaced by Dell but I decided to use the refurb replacement as an external HD and put in a brand spanking new Seagate momentus XT, which has been making some clicking sounds. The clicking sounds combined with the excess heat has me worried that this will die as well.
     
    verynice69, Aug 17, 2011
    #1998
  49. awaisuk

    awaisuk Notebook Deity

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    awaisuk, Aug 17, 2011
    #1999
  50. southdrexel

    southdrexel Notebook Enthusiast

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    50C seems a little too high without any load. My XPS l502x has the WD7500bpkt that came with the laptop and its temperature usually hovers around 41~42 (although it does get above 50C after a prolonged time of heavy usage).

    Your CPU temperature also seems a little on the hot side. What cpu do you have?
     
    southdrexel, Aug 17, 2011
    #2000
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