Dell XPS M1330 - nVidia GeForce 8400M GS - Copper Mod

Yep, basically.
The GPU will last varying degrees amount of time, but I don't know anyone here with a 2 year old nVidia M1330 that hasn't had at least one replacement, if that gives you some clue. Most of them tend to fail in the first year.
Dell has extended the warranty on this issue by one year. So, there's no need to fear for an additional year on this issue. By the time your warranty expires and the GPU fails (so, say your warranty ends tomorrow, you've got until April 27th 2010 to have the GPU replaced). From there, you might get another 6 months out of the GPU, who knows? At that point, the M1330 will be a pretty old laptop anyway - you'll be able to pick up an M1330 motherboard on ebay with the Intel graphics instead of the nVidia graphics, and not have to worry about it again. And I am basing all this on a LOW warranty estimate. For all I know, you still have warranty until 2011 + the extra year. If you get a replacement that late, you'll likely get a whole new laptop that does not even have this problem (because it will be like a Studio XPS 13 instead of an M1330).

Personally, I wanted out. I sold both of my M1330s. This was in part because I no longer needed them, part because I was in need of some money quickly, and part because I wanted out of this mess.

 

Mkay, thx for the long educative reply

Today im going to take my m1330 to warranty which is being done by dells official reseller in my country and i thus hope they also have automatically extended warranty.

Ah and one more question.
I assumed that thre high temperature is the cause of GPU failure but if this isnt it, then what is?
Just out of curiosity..

 

When something heats up, it expands. When it cools, it contracts. This is basic science, and this is part of what happens to all computer components.
However, the materials used in many of the G84 and G82 cores, which covers the 8400M GS, 8600M GT, 9500M GS, and probably (certainly) others were of poor quality. As a result, during this normal heating up/cooling down cycle, the GPU begins to break down and no longer functions properly. High temperatures going down quickly to low temperatures (from 100C to turning off the laptop and going to ambient) greatly increased how quickly this process happened.

 

Sadly, my 'new' refurb M1330 didn't even last a week.

Failed to power up yesterday beyond the power LED and a quick flash of the HDD LED, then nothing. No video, not even the BIOS splash screen. Would have tried the copper mod had I even had the chance to get the shim.

I'll be returning it for a refund as this unit is most certainly defective. Sad, since I really liked it for the short time it was up and running.

 

I just ordered this computer with the 8400M. I hadn't found out about all the negative reviews related to this nVidia chip. It may not be too late for me to switch to the Intel graphics. I will mainly use the computer for work (Office and Matlab) but also want to watch Hulu and Netflix over HDMI output. I can game on my desktop.

Is the nVidia issue resolved at all, even for the newest ones (I ordered on 4/29/09)?
Would the Intel graphics be adequate for me?
If it were you, would you a. take your chances with the nVidia and Dell service, b. switch to the Intel graphics c.try to cancel the order and avoid this computer entirely ?

Thanks for your help!

 

This question has been answered (primarily by me) like 100 times in this topic... but I'll do it again. Sigh.

If you're going to get an XPS M1330, there is no valid reason to buy one with an nVidia chip. It's not fixed, it can't be fixed (it's out of Dell's hands entirely) and thus, it won't ever be fixed... no matter what Dell, nVidia, or anyone claims. So, switch to Intel if you're going to get an M1330. If you're not gaming, there's not even a reason for the GPU, it will just unnecessarily output heat and cut down your battery life.

That all said, I would not suggest getting the M1330 at all. In addition to its cosmetic problems such as the hinge gap, it's an old platform (Santa Rosa) and considering we're on Montevina and are going to be looking at Capella sometime this year. It doesn't make any sense to get an M1330 unless you're getting a fully loaded (except Intel graphics instead of nVidia) for extremely cheap. You can generally get newer, better tech for the same price.

 

I am willing to buy a piece of copper to perfectly fit this from anyone through paypal =]
i dont have the tools to cut or flatten copper pipe or sheets =[
please PM me!

 

Check this thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=354154

K-TRON is selling 16x16mm copper shims. I'm using one in my Studio 1535 for the ATi dedicated GPU right now.

 

Heh, I got my shim after I returned the M1330 to Dell. If you want to buy it, PM me. I've no use for it now.

 

awesome, is it the proper size? I'll give you a PM

Hey Ferretwulf, I have no idea how to PM with this site =/
Can you shoot me an email at : [email protected]

Thanks you so much!

 

My M1330 had the graphic problem as mentioned here, and it was repaired by Dell about 6-8mnths ago. I did the copper mod following the guide posted here (great guide). Got great temperature improvement about 59-64 C idle. Well about a month ago, the graphic problem reared its ugly head again. So just to confirm, the copper mod helped with temp control, but the poor 8400 design did failed (in my case). It took Dell 3 weeks to repair my M1330 (1 week for the motherboard replacement, another 2 weeks for the defective LCD that they replaced even though I originally did not complain about). So 6-8 mnths from now, it would probably fail again, but no more replacement from Dell for me, because I don't have any more warranty.

 

Yep, its the one made specifically for this application, by the e-bay vendor located in the UK (mentioned somewhere earlier in this thread). I'll send an email to the address above.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=390039096448

This UK seller is selling them for a pretty good price. 50mmx25mmx1.5mm for 3.7 pounds. Anyone know if these would be good?

Also, regarding that 1 year warranty extension thing by Dell that people are mentioning. Is it only replacements for the GPUs or for heatsinks as well (since they're directly interacting with the GPU)?

 

This mod is GREAT! Thank you to all that had contributed for it I noticed that 1,5mm would too much for my Acer Aspire 5920G and I bought 0,9mm thick sheet and it fits perfected! The mod cutted my temps noticeably - clocked VGA from 95 to 80 degrees I bought my copper sheet 100 x 100 x 0,9 from the same guy that bboy1 linked

 

Breaking news (again) ... Nvidia Sued by Laptop Owners Over Faulty Chips

 

I wonder if I could get anything even though I no longer own any of my M1330s.
Free new laptop
Yeah, I'm dreaming.

 

Hi All

I have a question. witch copper shhet is better (for thikness): 1.5mm or 2.0 mm or maybe 1.2 mm? it's quite difficult to get 1.5 by recomendations here in LT

 

ok, after postponing the copper mod for a year and changing 2 motherboards, I decided to do copper mod tonight because I got all of the components since 6 months but absolutely no time and courage.

The copper & arctic silver 5..

Here is the results:

room temp: ~24C

Before copper mod:
idle temp: 63C
rthdribl_1_2 running 10 minutes (it does not get hotter than this): 95C

After copper mod: idle temp:61C
rthdribl_1_2 running 10 minutes(it does not get hotter than this): 77C

Even if I force fans to full speed for 10 minutes the idle temp won't drop below 60C. I guess the time is close selling my m1330. Or face the inevitable.

By the way, I have a spare bottle of Zalman ZM-STG1. As I read, it's better than AC5 but it's so liquid that I couldn't trust it and apply ac5 instead.

Do you recommend it over AC5?

 

I have a Dell XPS M1330. It came with Vista Business. I used to get a fairly honest 4 hrs battery life when using MS office applications. I had this laptop for more than 1.5 years and little trouble (apart from many issues with vista which got better with each update). I needed to upgrade to Vista Ultimate to meet intra company system compatibility. After upgrading to the Ultimate version I noticed slower responses and sometimes blue screen crashes. The machine was a lot warmer than I was used to. Battery life was down to no more than 2.5 hrs. About a fortnight after Vista Ultimate installation a hardware fault developed. I learned through much pain and web searching about the NVIDIA graphic processor nightmare. Dell replaced my motherboard on their voluntary extended warranty. After the repair I started to monitor the NVIDIA chip temperature with the NVIDIA software tool. The idling temperature was around 69 degrees C, with low intensity graphic use it rose quickly to 80 degrees C.
I have recently installed the Windows 7 R/C. I found it much smoother running than Vista Ultimate but battery life was 2.5 hrs and the machine was quite warm. The aluminium keyboard palm rest panels were uncomfortably warm fifteen minutes after turning on the computer.
Digging in I found that SearchFilterHost.exe ate 50% processor at idle and would interrupt only for very brief moments. After turning off the windows search feature the processor idles now around 1-2% and the machine is significantly cooler. Right now is the NVIDIA core temperature at 60 degrees C. The keyboard palm rest is pleasantly luke warm after more than one hour operating time and remains there. Battery life is again at 4 hrs.
The processor and the NVIDIA graphic chip is thermally connected to the same heat pipe. I wonder now if that has contributed to the failure of the NVIDIA hardware fault. The whole issue has taken (and still takes) very significant mental capacity and time. Not to mention lost productivity.

 

Does the 1,5mm shim fit a D630's Quadro? Experiences, anyone?

 

Which laptop would you recommend that is as light as the M1330? I was originally interested in a Studio XPS 13, but I don't like the increase in weight. Thanks!

 

Quick question.
Now that I have a new mobo I am going to do this mod (had the materials sitting around for a few months waiting for this thing to die).
After completing the mod, I want a bios isn't running the fans as often (I don't care if the laptop fails I have the protection).

Any insight into the quietest (fan speed) bios would be appreciated.

 

I had no problem with A07 bios (version7)

 

Thanks Sistoic and Hep! and everyone who put work into this mod. Having already been through one motherboard replacement, I was worried by the fact that my GPU was idling at 70C. At load, it could reach 100. I'm afraid of mods, but I was more afraid of that. I've just this minute completed the mod, and it now idles at 58. I've not pushed it particularly hard (I'm timid and use it more for a work machine than a games machine), but what used to send it to 90 now takes it to 67. Might even get a few degrees lower as the thermal paste beds in.

And it's soooo quiet.

Thanks again.

 

Excellent, glad to hear it's still doing a service for people.

 

First of all thank you very much for everyone who took part in the process of making this mod so easy to do.

I have used "Coollaboratory Liquid MetalPad" as thermal conductor and have polished cooler's surfaces as well as CPU with "Heat Sink Lapping Kit". Copper shim came in perfec condition so I didn't had to polish it. It gave me more than I've expected. MAX GPU temperature dropped from round 100C to 78C. On idle it is only 62C now. CPU idle is now only 45C and 73C max due to the use of MetalPad.

I am so happy, thank you all once again.

 

Not anymore

A company called Innovative Cooling has given away many samples of there product called ICD, it comes in 2 flavors ICD7 and ICD24.

This stuff is like 95% pure Diamond, the most dense material around giving it better thermal properties than any thermal compound, even famed AS5.

But the real reason I stopped by to share this is because it is very unique in that its VERY thick, so thick that many people now including myself have replaced existing thermal pads with it.

It pretty much makes this copper shim mod obsolete as the ICD is cheaper, easier, and will give better thermal results, the stuff is also non-conductive so its safe to apply and when replacing a thermal pad go wild with it and put more than you need so you make sure you have a good seal.

I replaced 6 thermal pads on each of the 4870 cards in my W90 and they were the high end kind and the results were nothing but good.

The word is getting out about this stuff, its going to replace AS5 I think except for the die hards (and I was a die hard fan of AS5 even using it in situations where its not recommended)

 

Link here for Innovative Cooling http://innovationcooling.com/Reliabilty1.htm

 

I bought my laptop 12/20/08, so I've had it for about 6 mos. Lo and behold, it has started randomly locking up. Explained to the Dell people and they are going to have someone out to replace the motherboard. I already have the Arctic Silver and the copper sheet is in the mail.

One question: Does Dell give you a brand new replacement motherboard, or is it "refurbished"?

 

All dell replacement parts are refurbs.

 

yep... the bag that the replacement mobo came in said refurb... as well did the replacement keyboard

 

Stink... so what exactly does refurbished mean anyway?

 

hi all!

this issue has been going on forever it seems.

this is my 1st post and it is a very positive post indeed!

some 30 hours after contacting dell (re my puta crashing due to the GPU), i am back in business.

a dell contractor has just left my home having replaced the motherboard with a refurbished unit replete with improved GPU.

it would be untrue to say dell could not have done better (they could have actively informed ALL M1330 owners of the design fault).

that aside, i am soooo happy with dells quick service!

i know alot of people slagged dell over this issue, but i for one will be buying dell again and have become an even greater fan!

 

Working pull from a system, inspected by Dell tech and approved to be good and functioning.

 

So a refurbished motherboard is a motherboard pulled from an already manufactured new computer? That's not much different from being new.

 

No, it's pulled from a computer that was returned for some other reason.
Maybe it was dropped and replaced under accidental warranty, maybe it was a system that was returned under the refund time, maybe it was a board that was taken from another system that had the palmrest, keyboard, and motherboard replaced and it was determined just the keyboard was bad (Dell has a kind of shotgun approach to fixing computers - replace EVERYTHING, sort it out later).

 

Or maybe GPU been replaced as I have seen on some mobos..
Mobos I have seen replaced with a new GPU will have some type of resin (bounding agent of some type) around the frame of the new GPU & PCB.

 

I got one of the weird motherboards with only the GPU replaced. Tested it on Age III and it went up to 90C (!!!). Do I have to do the mod with the copper? I'm impatient. Could I just bond the heatsink directly to the GPU?

 

I do not really think the boards are having GPUs replaced... if they are, Dell isn't doing it, they're shipping the boards out to the manufacturer. In fact, this is likely what is happening.
Just because the GPU was replaced doesn't mean it's fixed. For the 10,000,000,000th time, they're all faulty. It's only being replaced with another faulty GPU.

You may want to try what ViciousXUSMC suggested on the previous page, in this post.

 

But I thought only Dell's cooling design was faulty. I thought the faulty GPU issue was fixed. Should I just keep burning through mobos until I near the end of the extended warranty, and then apply the Copper Mod? Or will the Copper Mod allow my mobo to have a normal lifespan?

 

No, not only the cooling is faulty. There are two problems with the GPU in the M1330.
Please re-read the first post of this topic.
I'm sick of people all asking the same question without reading first.
The copper mod will extend the life of the M1330's faulty GPU. That's NOT why I created this mod though... it's because I wanted lower GPU temps to allow for some moderate gaming. That's it though. It doesn't magically fix a faulty chip.
Though we do now know that we can revive M1330s in the oven...

 

And now, back to my main questions (which still have not been answered):

Can I bond the GPU directly to the heatsink?
Should I just keep burning through mobos, or will this mod give me a normal lifespan? (3+ years)

 

You know man, you really don't read.
In this post I referred you to this post which answers this question:

Just be sure to use ICD7, other pastes don't work the same.
Since the GPU is faulty, it will still be dying in a year or two. Because the failure is NOT caused by excessive heat, but by normal heat up/cool down cycles, this mod only prolongs the life a little. I personally would do the mod, and get the board replaced right before warranty ends if possible.
Then once it fails past that, we know how to fix the boards now with the oven trick.

So seriously, when someone says to just go back and read, because people have already answered your questions, just do it instead of acting smug.

 

Great information on the copper mod for the Dell XPS M1330.

Do you know anyone that has done this procedure on the Studio 15 laptop? Nothing came up on the search function....

 

The studio 15 has an ATI chip and I'm unaware of problems with the cooling in that laptop.
What kind of temps do you get under load?
Worst case I would replace any thermal pads with ICD7.

 

I did read the post you referred to, but I didn't want to get the ICD7, because I already have the Arctic Silver. What I'm asking is if I can do the Artic Silver plain, without the copper.

 

No, you cannot. That will be worse than the thermal pad.

 

Temps often reach 60'C according to the core temp application
How many copper shims are needed for the Studio 1537?
Only for the GPU or the CPU also?

 

Temps of 60C on load are normal. You're not going to lower that with a copper mod. Check for a thermal pad. If you have one, replace it with ICD7. That's all I can suggest.

 

has anyone tried to lap their gpu cooler and/or copper shim to see if it would improve temps?