Dell XPS M1730 Owner's Lounge, *Part 3*

You can use these video card swap videos to help also, I used these with the DCSE manual:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yklq...30FAADBF&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=21
Added part 2: http://www.youtube.com/user/iftibashir#p/u/2/OIlwewNnQV8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxSdDyC7vto&feature=related

 

*REP*

Thanks, GadgetBoi.

That's the guide I used a long time ago to get an idea of the insides of the Beast. Cheers for the find!

 

That's good. As long as you didn't actually make the change, your data will still be there.

Just hook it up to an Intel controller and you should be able to read it. Don't you have a system with an Intel-based chipset lying around somewhere? They're very common.

 

I have been looking for the X9000 CPU on eBay and the ones I find are from of course overseas sellers but they mention that the CPU is different in some way that I don't understand.

They say, "X9000 Q174is ES Final version, Someone also call Qualification Sample. All Function、Spec、Stability、Performance the same with X9000 OEM Retail ,only extra show a "ES" symbol in CPU-Z software."
or "x9000 Q174 is ES(E0) Final version, Someone also call QS. All Function Spec、Stability、Performance are the same as X9000 Retail."

WHen I look at the intel website, they say that the X9000 CPU is, "eSpec SLAQJ, Core Steping MO."

Can anyone help me with the difference and are these the CPU's that people are buying and overclocking if they have an M1730?

 

When we buy these from non-Dell vendors, we get the same Q174 versions. Most of them overclock right, especially the Q174 versions, which are known to be of good quality.

 

I am sure I do - I have several desktops and another older Dell notebook (an older XPS from about 5 yrs ago).

But I wonder WHAT contraption I would use to hook these up in RAID 0?

Is there some external RAID 0 adapter that I could use?

I called bestbuy - the geeks there will get the data off my HDD's for $99.

They said something about a blackwidow (or similar sounding device) that might work externally - I could try that out myself - but it was $89. For $10 I can have them do it - and if they cannot, then they said there is no charge.

I understand now - thank you ALL! - why it will not be as simple as plugging my old HDD's into my new Alienware.... but, if anyone has a suggestion for an external RAID 0 hookup, I would like hear about it.

Thank you all - again - for your patience and your help.

Cheers!

 

Thanks again!

 

Two SATA cables and power adapters, just like any other drive. Plug them both into a pair of Intel ports and the controller should recognize the array. Some motherboards with an Intel chipset have a second RAID controller onboard too, so make sure you're using the Intel slots and not the third party ones.

 

Indeed it has been tested at 3.4, and I've got it sitting right here!! Shipping it out Monday

 

Okay so i got 7 installed and most my game installed, prototype plays awesome.

Well the plug for the tv is work again, MUCH better too. But how can i get it to scale the entire tv, its cutting off like 1/2 inch of the edges of the screen

 

I am assuming a lot here, so do correct me if I get it all wrong.

This is an issue with the aspect ratio. Our widescreen TVs are 1080p, meaning 16:9. The M1730 screen is 1200p, which is 16:10. So my advice is tone down the resolution to 1920x1080p, this should sort your problem out.

Glad to hear that Windows 7 is working out nicely.

And Nickbarbar, I am totally looking forward to installing that bad-boy on my new system.

Edit:
Thought I'd share the latest temps from the system, and that's after running for over 24-hours, and with a good three-hours of gaming, including Crysis.

 

Im using the t8300 2.40ghz (800 mhz FSB 3 MB L2 cache), Would upgrade to the x9000 make that much of a difference, the reason i ask, is i keep getting conflicting opnions about performance gain from a better processor

 

Drfxfeelgood,
I am not at liberty or of the desire to counteract opinions. People have opinions because they are people, and without opinions they wouldn't be relevant individuals. There's always a reason for having a certain point of view, and mine happens to be different.

Fact is that when it comes to CPU intensive tasks, I can clearly see the X9000 doing stuff that these slower processors just cannot do with ease. Consider the cache level. Some people will tell you it means very little, but I think it means much more than little - my current 9300 performs quite a bit better than the T7700 I've had experience with on a similar configuration. I am certain when it comes to things like GTA IV, the difference becomes more evident.

So I go by whatever facts I can gather from the experiences of others.

Fact is that Ernstig ran the Cryostasis demo--which is notorious for being CPU demanding--with very littler suttering. I couldn't even match his performance level when I overclocked my 8800s. (We matched everything, down to drivers and system environment/settings.)

Fact is that Hikkoo ran GTA IV with much more ease. Also a processor intensive application.

Fact. . . source-engine games, like Left4Dead, do utilise a good bit of CPU power. T8300 is really a cooler, lighter T7700, with slightly lower cache level. I am sure the difference isn't much, but it is there and relevant with certain applications. Although T8300 is newer, with fresher instructions sets. . . but I digress.

Fact is that my friend with an X9100 and 9800m GTS SLi cards absolutely thrashed my system in terms of performance and stability. This much is true: Our dual VGA solutions are bottle-necked by these processors. SLi requires a fast and broad bandwidth in terms of CPU in order to churn the most out of the dual video card solution as possible, so the more speed you have behind that engine, the less gimped your SLi performance will be in real-world-gaming. How much and how little gain will depend on the actual performance of the cards (8700s, for example, are 128-bit slugs and are easily maxed out at 1440x900 res on a slower CPU), and the nature of the application.

The core benefit that I plan to capitalise on. . . when you run X9000 overclocked to and beyond 3.2 GHz, the system fans run on full-blast by default, which keep system temperatures very low. Refer to my attachment in the last post, and you'll get an idea of how much better that result means for the longevity and health of the GPU on these systems, which is known to die early.

 

@Kade:
What is up with that Max ACPI temp?? Side effect of something I think...

 

Lawl! Yeah. It's messed up, but I've duplicated this error like one other time. Naturally, it doesn't go that high, and didn't even show up in Everest, but that 'something' does create the occasional funny reading for ACPI with HWmonitor (this is my second).

The system itself is cold, and almost chilly at the bottom, which is really good. Now I just wait for the X9000.

 

how did get it so cold?

 

The t8300 is crap. When I changed the options in my source games (Left4Dead, DoD: Source) to 'dual core' rendering, my system was at 97%-100% cpu activity and stuttered like crap on L4D and DoD: Source got as high as the 90's on all max settings. Thankfully with Left4Dead it was just a demo so I didn't have live with it (Had AA and AF off), but I play DoD: Source for a living for Christ's sake (ask batboy how often I'm on).

Also, running Acronis True Home Image with the priority level set to normal or background, the CPU still spikes to 100% for minutes at a time and my system is unusable, which is ridiculous, because the options are THERE to give it less CPU cycles so that the system is still usuable and not one of those "leave on overnight" scenarios. I'm talking, even when I'm backing up nothing but the 24 GB of my Steam folder, the entire system seizes up for a few minutes at a time. Not imaging the whole DRIVE, but a simple directory.

It's also terrible for movie-editing. I learned that the long, painful, hard wayyyyy a long time ago. I had to make a movie for my friend's project, combining videos. Granted, it was video-intensive for obvious reasons, but converting movies (one or two 4 minute clips at a terrible resolution) put the system at a seized up state for several minutes, if not an hour or two in all at the end of the day. When it comes down to it, the t8300 is just weak. Old old technology.

I can't condone buying it in this year of 2009, especially not since it'll be 2010 in a couple of months. Get the X9000, or better yet, get in line for an M17x and get a qx9300, and then wait another three months for the i7 to hit the m17x's.

 

Yes, the jump from 2.4 to 3.4 is huge. I originally put off ordering my M1730 until the X9000 was available.

 

Hi, new to the forum but wanted to ask for SSD advice.

Does anyone know what sort of performance the RAID controller can get from SSDs? I'm wondering whether there are benefits of going for the fastest SSDs if the RAID controller is more of a bottleneck - or are the drives still far slower than is possible?

I'm wondering if it'd be better value to go for slower & bigger SSDs, as there'd still be very fast access times.

Current spec is m1730 with 8GB, x9000, SLI 8800s, Blu Ray writer, wi-fi-n, 2 x 320GB 7200rpm RAID 0.

 

Well my tv actaully only accepts 1080i input, which is 1900x1080 res. but it upscales on its own to 1080p. I know it sounds dumb, but sony made it work just as good and better than most 1080p tv's

Anyways i tired changing all the res to make them fix and they all do the same thing

 

Yes. See image (2xIntel X25-M G2 80 Gb in RAID 0 with 128K stripe).

 

I totally believe and understand the scaling of the 1080i signal on your Sony HDTV. However, I thought perhaps taking your laptop's vga resolution output to 1080 would sort the problem, because the black borders you speak of sound just like an aspect ratio issue.

 

From what I understand, the i7 processors won't be compatible with the current M17x motherboards. So if you're seriously looking to go i7, I'd suggest waiting 6 or so months then buying an M17x .

 

The really weird thing is that the picture it like bow'd in a sense.

The bottom of the picture doesnt line up on the bottom it streches the corner down kinda.

I mean i can play the games and all looks good, but just kinda looks dumb when its on the desktop. I wanted to have it so i could play poker on my tv as the couch is nice and comfy.

I will say 7 makes the dual displays work SOOOOOOOO much freaking better. Im very impressed so far, and haven't run into any program issues yet.

So far prototype works great with the new driver, checking the rest over the next couple of days.

 

I can back that up as well, my X9000, 9800gt set up is totally stable, the whole system runs really cool when it's overclocked to 3.2. GPU temps never go above 58c no matter what game I run and for how long.

I have just finished a 2 hour session of COD 4 and after 3 minutes my gpu temps are back down to 39c.

 

Right on, Chief. Nice to see you back here. I assumed your laptop would be doing great!

Anyway, I need some advice on thermal compound/paste.

Obviously, I am getting a new CPU, so I am looking into my options. Should I apply a paste to both the GPUs and the CPU? Will this make significant difference to the temperatures? Also, which particular paste would work best? I know Arctic Silver 5 is considered the cream of the crop, but I was wondering if something newer and better's come out since.

 

MW2 http://www.modernwarfare2.com/games.php#/videos?id=8 hits the States tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing how it performs on my M1730.

 

It'll perform dandy at max resolution. My prediction, and you can quote me on that prediction. Heh. Any potential or immediate performance issues--if any--will be due to driver problems. This game will ideally fly at an almost perfect 60 FPS.

 

Kade, if I could do it all over again, I would have immediately bought my laptop w/the extreme processor and OC'ed it. I would also have immediately removed all the stupid thermal pads and thrown AC5 on them, especially for the GPU's. My M17x runs great now but I'm still considering throwing AC5 in there...

 

So your talking about scraping off the factory paste or pads that Dell uses and using AC5 instead?

 

yup. Keep in mind I have no experience doing this since my 1730 is now gone and I JUST finished getting my M17x setup the way I want it to be

 

The paste is fine, if you've got your own, but DO NOT scrap the pads. This is analogous to putting on after market wheels onto your escalade because you want it to be 'pimped out' - the 22" mag wheels might look nice, but they are not designed for the payload or the vehicle itself. They will cause alignment problems. The pads are there for a reason, and though they might not be metal, they transfer heat quite well.

And Kade, I never did put on AS5 this time around. I was in too much of a rush. My temps seem a couple degrees lower on the lower end this time around. I will put some on this week when the cards die again.

And AS5 is just the one everyone uses. I've seen some benchmarks done in the past with temps for other pastes, and AS5 is NOT the best, but it's about the most commonly found and best value. Some ceramic pastes work well. I can't stress this enough - the paste is NOT supposed to be used a lot. It's merely to fill in imperfections of the contacting metal points - it's not supposed to be a medium between the chip and the heat sinks. It's supposed to create a level point of contact between the two points to maximize surface area and thus heat distribution/transfer. Do not lube it up like it's a mechnical component that will be moving. Just a tiny tab and spread it out thin. You should barely be able to see it.

 

Oh, and an update: I don't know WHAT is going on with Dell, but they are screwy as ALL HELL. I'm allegedly getting an M17x today by 3PM by way of FedEx. I didn't even TALK with anyone yet about the specs (am supposed to receive a new update call on this by midweek) yet to verify it, let alone it be built yet.

 

Thanks mate it's been some time since I posted anything but I visit everyday to see what's going on, I have had zero issues with my rig so far but only time will tell of course.

Anyway i'm picking MW2 up in the morining and will report back on how it performs on my setup.

 

Hankaaron, I really put good stock in your opinions.

However, I have to ask: Putting aside the reputation of thermal compounds and such, are the pads from Dell really that good? I ask because you do seem to know about the subject, and perhaps you might be able to explain why there's a growing school of thought that finds Dell's 'thermal pads' to be utterly useless.

Lord Zath, this is exactly why I got another M1730 with running warranty. I am more than satisfied with the performance of the cards. With the x9000, I should be satisfied. Sometimes, it is better to know the limits and true capabilities of one's machine, then fine-tune the system to last, and finally make the software work within those limits.

And Chief Barker, I think your laptop's already passed more time stable than many people's machines, brand new! Heh. Nice. Enjoy Modern Warfare 2.

 

So if I was still going to utilize the pads, would I use the paste between the CPU and the pad?

 

Uh, until and unless the pads are not helping with the contact the way they normally do, there is no point in adding the paste.

 

That's what I thought.

Thanks!

 

No worries.

So, I got Street Fighter IV.

Man, does that game fly, and I am not even using SLi. I like the engine, and I think it's a perfect return to form for the franchise.

But. . .

Opening theme track is a bloody embarrassment to all fighter franchises/games. Damn! Just when I had started to get over the nausea-inducing, sappy-pop crap of the late 90s!

 

Strange, when both my cpu's max at 100% i dont get any slow down or stuttering. However sounds like upgradeing to the x9000 is worth while.

Is there a particular type of x9000 which is more desirable. Iv seen some called SLAQJ, Q174 ETC,

 

Q174 would be ideal.

 

Hi All,

Been a while since i have posted on here ... but been keeping up ...

I had a bsod a while ago and since then my sli has kept my computer restarting everytime i log into windows ... i decided to install w7 RC version onto my beast and the sli worked again .. until i was playing prototype [great game ] and i got another bsod [argh]

after a long bios restart it booted to windows and just as it was loading into the gui enviorment it restarted ... tried this as few times and kept restarting argh

i wentinto safe mode and removed all the nvidea drivers, cleansweeper and ccleaned it restarted and got back into to windows defualt win drivers

i reinstalled the latest 186 drivers and it installed ok ... got back into w7 np then tried to restart sli and after restart go back into guii and guess what bsod .. tried teice more then safe mode again and used 191 drivers ...

what ever version of drivers i use i am unable to get sli working again ..

anyone have any idea's before i try dell - im in warrenty but i know after reading on hear how bad they can be i want to see if you great guys have any idea's before i go down that route ...

many thanks all

 

Dude, it sounds like your dual card solution is having issues sharing memory. Simply put, the hardware's gone bad and you need a video card replacement.

You will find that sometimes, it will work, and sometimes it won't; driver changes will create a similar result.

I think you need to give Dell that call.

Anyway, I got my X9000 today, installed the chip and it is doing great. The system is fully overclocked, stable, and very cool. The fans are also running at full blast, and steady. Hell, they aren't even that loud in my opinion, so I'm happy. Thanks goes to NickBarbs for the deal; we helped each other out.

 

Yea thats what i thought ... hopefully dell will be nice - i will keep you informed - rep added btw

 

No worries, mate, and thanks.

I had the exact same problem with my last video card, and that lead to an escalated case because that was like the 6th VGA card in under three months.

Anyway, you get the idea. You'd best get them to deal with your matter. Given that they don't have replacement GPUs at the moment, I think you'll probably end up with an M17x for a replacement.

 

well i hope so but im not holding out much hope as long as i get an equal or better spec i don't mind

let u know how i get on

well on the phone to dell at he moment - being very polite and courtis try that way and it seems to be working - scary - no point shouting down the phone as they will cut you off - he explained that there is a large back order of 8800 gtx sli and that it will take a FEW days to get my card ... so i will give it 1 week only and then call back ... i will not take it lying down !!! - he asked how long it took to get my system and if there was a back log on the original order date [which there wasn't] and i got the system in 1 week [hard ot beleive but true!] - and noew being transfered to a supervor OMG i didn't beleived they exsisted and asked bout my experience - lied all they way through sayin great experience but hopefully will work - the call has already been esclatted - will fet a call after 11am tomorrow - will see if that happens or if they don't will let u all know

 

Repped for buying my CPU! haha. Yeah that was an excellent Q174 CPU put her to good use

 

Thanks, man. It's a bleeding-fast CPU! You got rep for selling.

And yeah, I do aim to get the best out of the processor, and I'm already seeing results.

Although, the new 190 drivers seem to make 3dMark06 crash. I downloaded the new 187 drivers from Laptopvideo2go, and I get the same crash. What the hell?

 

OK guy here in oz has just had a new card installed.

A new improved 9 series according to Dell and the techhy.

Part number K650M and has the TV/SPIDF out port missing and a plastic blank put in.

so

F979M = 9800 gt
J951N = 9800 gtx
XM888 = 8800gtx
K650M = ?? new 9800gtx

http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/3ggzx/

Is the GPU-Z spec's and it is saying 9800gtx. Can any other owner confirm if this is exactly the same as their 9800gtx?

This guy has been promised that it is a newer revised card.

 

I'm pretty sure, that hikkoo (one of people with 9800M GTXs) has been reporting that he is missing that TV/SPIDF out port as well. So by the looks of it you got 9800M GTXs. Congratz!
To make sure you can check the number of shaders in GPU-Z. 96=8800 GTX/9800 GT. 112=9800 GTX.
Edit: My bad, just checked your link, and it is definitely 9800M GTX