Dell XPS 15 R2 - L502x - Owners Lounge

Hi fellow Dell XPS 502x owners,

I got mine about a month ago. So far its been working alright, except a few hitches which I'll state below.

Screen - Screen seems to discolor when I am on battery mode. Happens randomly, no idea why. Any one experiencing this and has a fix to this? Mine is the upgraded FHD display.

Audio - While playing music, my music tends to skip once in a while. How should I go about fixing it?

Fan noise - Ahh, seems like a couple of us are getting this issue as well. Fan randomly powers up and makes noise, even though we are not using any processor intensive applications.

Thanks!

 

Thanks to everybody for the suggestions!
I think I nailed down the drivers from the Dell site and everything works, more or less.

However, I am also running into the fan noise problem. While not constantly on and off it would definitely power up at random moments just like the poster above described.

From what I read on this forum seems like the way to get around it to force passive cooling and to virtually disable the nvidia card. While it does somewhat relieve the problem, i am starting to question my decision to spend so much for a laptop with an external card that I wouldn't be able to use because of noise.

Am I better off going for e.g. a Latitude model? Never read a bad word about them, but the low res, integrated videocard and lack of usb 3.0 are somewhat off-putting. On the other hand they have matte screen which, while probably less appealing than the B+RGLED display that I have, is certainly a plus on a 24/7 laptop stay. And while it is indeed 768pt at most on the vertical resolution, I have to say I can't really use fullHD on my 15.6" either, and I need to tune up the DPI and zoom up the browser to make it readable.

So do you think a Latitude is a better investment? I have one day to decide

I also installed nvidia drivers from Dell's site. Do you think drivers from nvidia's site would be a better option? (as some tend to think, regarding the fan problem)

 

300X beta drivers are out for nVidia!

NVIDIA DRIVERS 301.24 BETA

 

downloading now

edit:

installed them, everything seems fine, however I noticed it messed with my app configs, (and I didnt ticked it at the nvidia driver installer when it asked for)
it asigned intel gpu for some apps and nvidia for another ones, so I had to setup it again manually.
after fix the configs again, it seems fine, maybe a little faster than usual, but not sure.

 

Hey guys,

recently did a clean install of Windows 7 HP 64-bit on my L502X. So far so good, but somehow the hardware switch to lock my touchpad doesn't work.

Any suggestions why this could be happening?

My function keys are set to Multimedia mode, and I did download Two Finger Scroll because I didn't like the Synaptics scrolling.

I have all the latest drivers installed too.

 

Hi all,

The SD Card for my camera has scratched in very straight lines, indicating that it happened on the way in/out of the card reader of my laptop or the camera itself. I'll try to dig up some old sd cards to see if I can replicate this in one or the other, but in the meantime: Anyone experienced cards getting scratched in the card reader?

L502x - i7 2670 - 8gb - 64bit

 

maybe try re-installing the QuickSet driver? (if you haven't already)

 

Finally got my L502x today
So far, I'm pretty happy. I didn't even bother to power on the system before replacing the HDD with a shiny, nice SSD.

 

I can also confirm that 2x8GB RAM works, also when using 1600MHz DIMMs. BIOS reports 1600MHz ram speed, and 16GB ram.

 

What memory did you end up going with? I need to upgrade mine to 16 GB as well to speed things up when I'm running vmware.

Excuse my typos, sent from my SGS2 using Tapatalk.

 

I bought Corsair Vengeance, CMSX16GX3M2A1600C10 for USD157 on eBay (incl. USD40-something for express freight). Unfortunately, the seller I bought from has none left.

 

i need ur help guys...
when i press f8 at start up and click on repair your computer option nothing comes up computer stuck at a black screen...
why this happening
and also i am unable to access dell recovery image i formatted the system but didnt delete the recovery partition...
please help on this..

 

Did you make a backup? You can use it to boot off.

 

no i didnt make any back up but system came with a recovery partition that i can see in device manager but cant access it anyway
that i wnat to know how to access it?

 

one more issue guys i dont why but when i put this wallpaper as desktop background i notice a coloured line on left edge of the desktop ....not anywhrere else...i have attached screenshot here..

 

@techodac

are you sure that line isnt included at the image itself?

try pick paint, and make a black picture, and then set it as background image to check if the image still there

do the same with grey color.

 

i checked with the gray it is still there so it is not with the image it is some display issue i guess...please suggest a soluton

 

is the machine still covered by warranty?
its sounds like hardware issues for me (screen or gpu probably)

 

Hello owners of DELL XPS

i am planning to buy a new xps 15.

in case of laptops, i am mainly concerned about the laptop getting heated and shutting down (my old hp compaq would not stand half hour of counterstrike )

so, can you please tell me if you have had issues of overheating while playing games for a long time (maybe 3-4 hours at a stretch)?

also, what i want to know is how long will the xps live before it dies out?

thanks in advance

 

I have not had such issues, even when gaming for extended periods of time. But others have. As far as I've read, most have been able to fix this with repasting the cooling rig.

 

thanks for the reply

the ambient temperature makes a lot of difference on the heating of the system.

dude, you live in norway, while i live in india abot 25-30 degrees difference in the ambient temperature....... not to be rude, but, yours can never overheat in NORWAY lolz

i dont know man, i dont think i would be able to do such delicate work...........i m a mechanical engineer, work with bigger things lol

 

We do have a natural advantage when it comes to cooling
But I don't really do that much gaming outside, so it doesn't matter much.

 

Hey all!

I was running Prime95 Blend Stress Test on my 2630QM and was intrigued by a few things:

After about a minute (or less) of sustained max CPU usage, the turbo clock rate would drop from the 2.6 turbo to ~2.2GHz. Temps were at ~76C

Does the same happen on other people systems when stressing the CPU? - Does it "downclock" from the max turbo after a bit?

Also, in the HWINFO64 Sensors Window, Memory Channels 0 & 1 sensors reached 111C!!!!! That can't be right!?

Could others please prove/disprove the same happens with their systems??

Thanks

 

I played Starcraft 2 on extreme settings last night for 5 hours straight with a cooling mat just to be cautious. The fan blew out nothing but slightly warm air the entire duration. With regards to how long this computer will last you. If you only play counter strike this may be the only laptop you'll likely need. I have 8gb ram, the 525m video card, standard hdd, and 1080p screen on mine and while using LightRoom 4 or Photoshop there is no delay. As I said, I play SC2, BF3, Skyrim and more on this rig at medium-high settings usually with little issue. Just purchase a cooling pad and it'll be all good.

 

dude, the old hp i am talking is an intel celeron processor. i couldnt play any other game on it lol (and yes i play skyrim on my desktop)

thanks for the advice btw. i am seriously considering a dell xps.. i figured i just need a good cooling pad and my overheating concerns will be covered.

 

Well, you should not be running Prime 95 on a laptop. They are not designed to take that kind of punishment! It proves nothing about stability or temperatures, as your cpu will never be running 100% all the time. Nor will the memory be strained anywhere near as much.

In otherwords, your results mean nothing; nor are indicative of the cooling potential or stability of your system. If your system does not crash while doing your normal day to day gaming or get so hot it burns to touch, then you having nothing to worry about.

 

True dat ^^^

But when all others temps are hanging just below 80C. The difference of 30C+ is something to be concerned about.

It is either a faulty sensor or I might have gone wrong when I repasted the CPU. (One of the thermal pads are worn/insterted incorrectly)

 

can you please tell me what kind of performance does the 540M give out? what kind of games i can play and at what resolution?

 

i am thinking an alternative gaming aid for my xps 15.i am confused between gaming controllers,joystick or a gaming keyboard.can anyone suggest what to go for and are there any wireless controllers available ?

 

I've had my XPS15 for just about a week now and thought I'd chime in about it a bit.

This XPS15 L502x is to replace my throttling SXPS 1645. Specs are in my signature.

Overall this is a very nice machine. Much like my 1645, lots of oomph in the package. It is lighter (and really feels it) than my 1645, BUT it is much thicker - it really only measures by about 0.5-1cm thicker, but in your hands it *feels* like it's bigger than that.

The battery life on this thing is really, really great for me. I have the 9-cell, and I'm able to get anywhere from 4 hours to 7 hours (rounding up) depending on what I"m doing in the office. THis means I can safely drag the laptop to a colleague's office for a hacking session and leave my AC adapter behind. Previously with my 1645 I had to bring the power brick everywhere.

The screen is as great as everybody says it is. I haven't really used it for media yet, but just from looking at images and minor Photoshop/Illustrator work, it is quite amazing. With the calibration profile from that other thread kicking around here, it's even better.

The speakers are also among the best I've heard on a laptop. My friend has the HP Envy 15 w/ the Beats audio. The Beats speakers are indeed great and can rumble with the bass without losing a beat (get it?), but I find that the highs are handled better by the JBL speakers. I prefer balanced sound over vibration in my rear molars. The MaxxAudio software helps a lot too, adding the artificial definition that these tiny speakers would not normally pick up.

Gaming performance, haven't tested yet either. Can't say I'm going to be surprised or impressed by it. It's a GT540M, with overclocking I'm sure it will perform on par, give or take, as my previously overclocked ATI 5730. I'm not a hardcore gamer and don't mind having my games run at say 1280x720 on Medium settings, so I'm sure the GT540M will be just fine.

Got to say I'm very satisfied with this machine. I do wish that the fan didn't kick in as often as it does, but it doesn't bother me much as I often have my headphones on while I work in my office.

 

Just got my machine today...

Im very happy with it, however...

I'm in the UK and cant plug an aerial in to the laptops aerial socket because the standard UK aerial plug is to big!

What type of adapter do I need, and who sells them, any ideas?

TIA,

Mark.

 

Just found out you need one of these, hope this helps - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330464866123#ht_1113wt_1168

M.

 

A coax adapter should have come with the laptop (and to my knowledge the same adapter is used everywhere regardless of the country). If you contact Dell, they should ship an adapter to you overnight. That is what I did.

 

Thanks for that.

Did they charge you? How much was the cost? I've ordered one from eBay now, but would prefer the genuine article from Dell.

I bought my machine from the Dell Outlet, so am unsure if they will be so generous. I'll phone them and see what they say.

I'll let you know how I get on.

M.

 

Hi everyone,

Its been six months already and I haven't still bought a new laptop backpack for this machine. So now I am planning to buy one and would love to get some help from your side.

Few important points to note
a. my budget is below $150
b. need at least two compartments (including the laptop compartment) and a third small pocket in front and should be decently padded
c. preferably a known brand, so that it is available in my country too.

Currently I am looking at Laptop Bag Review Week: Targus Spruce EcoSmart Backpack | The Real Mac Genius

Would it fit the laptop perfectly (I have a 9-cell battery) and serve me well?

As I said all suggestions are welcome and I am expecting some helpful replies....

 

Just rang them..

It doesn't look good. They are saying it's not included in the price and I'll probably have to pay. They're going to get back to me.

M.

 

I wonder if I can put a Ivy Bridge processor in this thing.

 

Only if Dell outs a BIOS with the necessary updates. Given the state of Dell's BIOSes, that's unlikely

 

I got my laptop from Dell Outlet, and they gave the adapter to me for free. Try contacting Dell again, and this time mention that the setup manual page 31 item 4 specifically states that the adapter is included with laptops that include a TV tuner. That is what I did, and they shipped it to me overnight for free.

 

I am pretty sure that once the new XPS laptops our released they won't do any more BIOS updates to the L502x.

 

Hi aj...

Thanks for taking the time to get back to me. I've just sent them an email outlining what you said.

I reckon they'll have to give me the adapter FOC too

Thanks again,

Mark.

 

Hey...

Im using a Logitech Revolution Mouse with my laptop.

It's not a blue tooth mouse, it uses a usb micro receiver dongle.

http://www.logitech.com/repository/1400/pdf/25312.1.0.pdf

My laptop is fitted with the Centrino 1030 card...

...I'm wondering if the Centrino is clever enough to connect to my mouse directly, so I can then stop using the dongle?

Is this possible?

TIA,

Mark

 

No I don't think it is. Wireless mice, while also using the 2.4GHz wireless frequency range, don't work the same way that wireless LAN does. They are different protocols (right term?), much the same way that wireless routers and cordless phones both function at the 2.4GHz frequency, but won't work together (though you'll find many stories of cordless phones running interference on wireless routers!).

Also, your Logitech mouse uses some sort of specific security feature that keeps other devices from taking over control of the pointing device.

Hopefully this answers your question, and that somebody can provide a better, more detailed answer than mine (for the sake of clarity).

 

Get a Targus Drifter II backpack! Those things are amazing! I dont have an l502x just yet but i will in a few days, the Drifter II should hold it though

 

i've tried everything mentioned to get rid of the fan noise, but nothing seems to help. A10 BIOS, uninstall/reinstall nvidia drivers, everything. hell, i even have an SSD in here and have had the fan noise issue since i bought this thing. looks like DELL does at least acknowledge this issue, but considers it to be normal :\

Louder Fan Noise on XPS 702x and 502x Systems | Dell

 

Would just like to point out, for the sake of humour, that the linked document is a copy and paste from MS Word, and includes some spelling and grammar errors.

Maybe if you catch all the errors you'll get a prize!

 

Hi, how do you configure the L502x with i7-QM and FHD-B+RG for max battery life and what is then the min power usage programs like throttlestop or RMClock show?

 

Shouldn't be difficult. There are 2 things you can do:

In the Windows Power Options,
(left-click battery icon in taskbar, select More Power Options, select "Change plan settings" for the power plan you want to use)
Set the Processer power management to min = 5%, max = 50%. This basically means use only half of what the CPU is capable of, only when there is something CPU intensive otherwise it will sit at 5%. Of course you can put in something less than max 50%, since you have a quad-core the extra threads will help balance out most processes that need the extra power. For example I have my max On battery set to 25%. This way when I am unplugged my i7 isn't going over 1GHz (well it kind of is, but I felt 25% was just a good number to go by) and would give me maybe an extra bit of battery life.

The same goes for the display brightness and wireless adapter power saving mode. You should set your LCD brightness to the lowest it goes, which I think is 30% or something like that. Similarly, set your wireless adapter to the highest power saving mode.

In the Dell Battery Meter (right-click battery icon in taskbar, click on Dell Battery Meter)
Enable Dell Intelligent Display - this thing automagically brightens and dims your display depending on the brightness/colour content on your screen. You can also play with the Dell Extended Battery Life settings to see what fits your computer usage, like disabling the DVD drive, changing your Power plan, etc.

I have not done any sort of real empirical testing for any of this, but I do find that the 3 Windows Power plan settings help a little bit. I wouldn't say that it gives me hours and hours of extra time on battery, but noticeable enough to warrant these settings. I dare say that, if I am not doing anything intensive (e.g. catching up on mail or writing up reports), I even get up to 6hrs or more with the 9-cell battery. So far I haven't gone more than 4-5 hrs on battery, but Windows reports that often I still have about 25-40% battery life left by the time I plug back into the AC.

HTH!

 

That is interesting, as it is the first time I have seen a document admitting there is a fan speed issue. Anyway, have you changed the INTEL drivers?

 

Hey, Wondering if anyone would kindly help on issue I'm having with my Dell XPS 15 L502X. Had it for early a year now - if fact just checked and the warranty runs out in 6 days!

Every so often I get a high pitched bleep followed by a scratch noise like your rubbing your thumb over an inflated balloon. Anyone else had this problem? And what do you think I should do to solve it?

Its the 1080p screen version Laptop - if you need more spec let me know.

I'm also getting crazy noisy fan but sounds like everyone has this issue

Thanks for any help