Dell XPS M1730 Owner's Lounge, Take 2

I really want the alienware face detection software on my M1730...

 

Give it a few more days - if it turns up on the Drivers page we might be able to use it. I am waiting for the IDT driver to be posted. I have a few thoughts on modding the driver for use with our chipset and want to give it a go. No promises.

 

Hopefully it will show up... though I think there are something that AW doesn't make available online, there are softwares that they only ship with system via DVD. Thats like dell and their media direct.

I downloaded and installed the card read driver, shall see if it works after reboot.

Edit:

I dont have another SD card, but SDHC cards doesn't work, even with dell's driver...

 

I was expecting at a higher score...

 

- The part where it means nothing in purely fiscal terms, when I was merely referring to the 'price' factor of your initial argument. No need to be condescending, okay? I ain't being a pin-head, but what I am doing is also trying to assert that your initial reasoning - price - can be counter-argued. You did say that Alienwares were generally a bit more expensive as a means to supplement your argument that they won't be suitable replacements. This is why I chose the word 'entirely' when I said I didn't agree with your logic, meaning that parts of your logic or argument might be agreeable (ala not the same brand), and other parts might not (ala not the same price). It's all in the words. I'd read twice before taking such exception.

- I don't plan on arguing squat with Dell. Never have, never will. The only thing that I would argue is for the correct parts for the correct reasons. I'd have more confidence in knowing that the XPS parts will still be available as well as the systems, but I don't know how that's going to play out.

- Yes, quite a few users also ended up with Latitudes (E-series or whatever). We don't really know the figures. Does it really matter. I was, once again, just referring to the notion that Dell does give away--at times--a comparable or better system, if a similar system or something close to it spec-to-spec isn't available.

- It should also be noted that I don't really care one way or the other about the AW brand. End of story. Very nice machine though, and it is owned by Dell. This whole fiasco of independant brand etc, is nothing more than shell and casing sticker talk - a ruse, if you will. It's the same way I view RockXtremes and Sager/Clevo notebooks, especially when one brand acquires business rights over the others.

- Where we have non-hostile/common ground, at the moment, is with the fact that we're both owners of the same machine. And fact remains that with our warranty, which Dell has to honour, we should continue getting quality products/parts and a service that will allow our machines to perform optimally without glitches or hardware malfunction. How Dell does this, is entirely their business and concern. However, I needed assurance that if it did come to replacing a system, we'd get something that actually stands in league with the XPS 1730 - an enthusiast's platform. F.Y.I.: My latest GPU replacement has actually done quite a decent job of working. I only need to clear up the clutter on my HDD to get some of the sluggishness issues sorted.

 

My main point is Dell would not want to mix their P & L w/ it's subs. Not only it's complicated, but wouldn't' be cost effective.

I never heard XPS being replaced by Latitudes but I wouldn't mind taking Precisions. I highly doubt they will replace XPS w/ business models though.

 

And your point's well taken. It's not cost-effective, which is why, much like the old replacements, some lucky few could possibly get something great, while others will have to settle for less. What we should really hope for is that the m1730 parts continue to thrive and get support.

As for the latitudes, well, I've heard of some replacements. I've even heard of certain customers getting 8700ms in place of a busted go7950 GTX, which I always found very puzzling. But, at the moment, I know squat about Precisions; can we get them in SLi spec?

 

No SLI, but M6400 17 inch screen w/ single 3700M (I think it's 9800M GT/X) w/ quadcore cpu support. It is the most expensive model on business side I think.

 

Lmao

 

Install Windows XP and start benching. You should get a bigget score.

 

I just installed the latest nvidia drivers, does anyone know how to make the nvidia control panel appear in the bottom right?

Thanks

 

Through in a pair of intel X25m, or any other fast SSD, it will boast the 3Dmark a bit...

 

I'll find out with CPU-Z and come back with the results. I also have slightly suspicions that my CPU is running hotter than yours.
BTW, nice high score you have.

Maybe I gonna do that one day too. Just curious how high I can push it.

 

Heads-up:

NVIDIA posted update to PhysX - current version: 9.09.0428

http://www.nvidia.com/object/physx_9.09.0428_whql.html

Also posted, Beta driver 186.08. You'll have to use the modded INF from LV2Go to install as NVIDIA has not yet posted a 8800M, 9800M version (this will most likely hit the site in the next several hours).

I wont have time until later tonight, but I will mod the INF if anyone is interested. I have mine set to require a reboot when enabling or disabling SLI - just seems to be cleaner that way.

I'm guessing this is the driver you are talking about Merrick. Which version (Vista or XP) did you install and how did you install it (Have Disk or modded inf from LV2Go)?

GG.

 

Dumb question,

I bought the XPS m1730 and the first thing I did was wipe out the hard drive and give a fresh install of Vista.

I would like to use the webcam, but I dont know how. What software do I need?

Thanks.

ALso, does anyone know if this laptop could take a 280M GTX video card if I wanted to upgrade in the future?


Thanks

 

Anything new in 186?

You can find the web cam driver here:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&ServiceTag=&SystemID=XPS_1730&os=WLH&osl=en&catid=&impid=

There is no GPU upgrade path for M1730, other than 9800m GTX

 

I have the driver for it, but I wanted to know how I could use it to take a pic?

 

There is a free app called 'CrazyCam'.

You need to download Adobe Air first:

get.adobe.com/air

Then get this:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/News-Newsgroups-Blog-Tools/CrazyCam.shtml

 

I just had a look. Thanks for the information. Yeah, the machines come with quad-cores and the Quadro 3700m, which is amazing and cool. It's better than the 9800GTX. Hell, it's got 128 shaders like the 280m, but clocked lower at 550/1375/950 (Core/Shader/Mem) like the 260m. I'd say that this machine would do quite well, seeing as a single powerful card with a very good CPU solution can still produce amazing results.

Reference:

Quadro FX3700m specs -
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-Quadro-FX-3700M.14962.0.html

GTX 280m specs -
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX-280M.14558.0.html

GTX 260m specs -
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX-260M.14559.0.html

Note: That the Quadro is technically like a very slightly downclocked 280m. Imagine if the 280m had 260m clocks but with a slightly higher 128 (vs. 112) shader count.

 

Thing is, will the quadro do well in games? Or will it require some kind of modding to perform like a gtx card?

 

Extra shaders dont give much real world gains, and 9800m GT in Sli is still very formidable set up in most games.

I think you can run modded Geforce driver on 3700...

 

Quadro doesn't mean much at all, atleast it didn't w/ XPS M1710 and Precision M90. Both had pretty much same card w/ different name.
7900 GTX/2500M

 

You need the Drivers and Utilities disc for reinstalling the Dell Webcam Manager. That should do the trick. It also works for Vista 64.

 

Just wanted to drop by and say thanks for the help back in early May with my XPS 1730 order. I really wanted to be a XPS 1730 owner....but oh well.

I moved on to the Allpowerful lappy.

But thanks to BatBoy and Achilles for answering my questions when ordering the Beast...... +1 rep

EDIT: Darn, I guess I have already rep'd BatBoy some time in the pass...have to wait to do it again.

 

NP. AW is better system if you have the money anyways. What specs are you going to go for?

If I was going for one I'd go w/ WUXGA, 2ghz quad, 280M SLi, don't care about HD, base ram, BT, Wifi, 3 yr warranty. I think this will run to around 3.5k...

 

My config will be:
T9600
4GB 1066 RAM
1900 x 1200
280m SLI
320GB 7.2k hd
BT
Wifi
3 yr. CC
With EPP and DPA discount (11%)
Total: $2760
(Shipping waved since they cancelled my previous order.)

 

My XPS 1730 order was $2668 so $100 more.

So no extreme processor, but better GPUs.

Give a little, take a little.

 

I have now realized that my 9800 GTs in SLI are more than powerful for anything I need.

Here's why:
On my desktop I have a 24inch 1080p LCD monitor and dual Radeon 4870s. I turn my. I run my resolution at 1920x1080 with 4XAA and in games like Crysis that can come with quite a performance hit.

However, on my laptop I find that there is no need to turn AA on and I get very good performance without it and its hard to notice on the laptop.

 

My temps are a little to high. I think I gonna clean my fans and use some Arctic Silver 5 for CPU/GPU.
Can anybody who is experienced, advice me about the do's and don't's? It'll be the 1st time for me to take my rig apart at demolition height and use AS5 paste. Is it very different from normal thermal paste?

 

Follow the guide in my sig

 

That is true. Extra shaders vs. a single 9800m GTX or even a 9800m GT/8800m GTX would prove mildly better - 30% on paper, and significantly less in practice. Vs. SLi, the 9800m GTX/GT or 8800m GTX would absolutely own the FX3700.

However, you people can look at the reviews, and critical tech-talk yourselves. Most of these physics and graphical intensive games expect a good CPU configuration, and that's where the Precision wins out with its quadcore.

I think you can run modded Geforce driver on 3700...[/QUOTE]
Correct. I've used FX2500 - same thing.

 

In addition to Rip's excellent guide be sure to download and reference the DCSE Manual as well...

LINK


------------------

re: the 186.08 BETA driver from NVIDIA -

I haven't had time to test in-game or run 3DMark06, but you guys should check it out. It adds a very cool Stereoscopic 3D section to the NVIDIA Control Panel. Lists Left 4 Dead as being compatible. I can't wait to test it. Now where did I put those 3D glasses from the SuperBowl... lol

 

Forget it bud, the XPS not having quad stands no chance. There are Clevo`s close to 17k already.

 

One question, how the heck do you turn on your bluetooth? I downloaded the drivers from dell and they said "press fn+f2" but that didn't work. I know the switch on the right turns off both bluetooth and wifi, so clearly it has to be on for me to be online. Other than that, I don't see how you can turn it on via keyboard.

 

hello, been awhile since i checked on here.

m1730 been running great and have been very happy with it still.

But man i just looked the new alienwares......omg those videocards have to be awesome.... I didnt look for reveiws yet, but what are they benching the 3d's at?

 

Check the bios - there's an option in it regarding bluetooth, and an option regarding what the switch on the right controls. For example, for me, it only controls bluetooth - I got sick of accidentally cutting myself from the Internet

 

404's are caused by the "others" from Lost. In any case, @ hikkoo, are you talking about installing x9100s into the 1730? I'm pretty sure you already knew that won't work unless you are buying an AW soon?

 

Yea, having quad in that is beastly, sadly business laptop prays on graphic accuracy, stability, and data security, thus there is no overclocking on M6400... I for a while saw M6400 as M1730's upgrade, though now AW seem to have a more direct replacement for M1730...

A heavier sager 9280 would workout faster and much cheaper...

 

I`m having a weird issue with the 185.85 driver. It won`t activate the screensaver , nor will the screen turn off, no matter what time limit I choose or screensaver.
What the heck? I need it shutdown on command
Also, standby is missing...

 

Just install the 186.08 driver eleron...

You'll have to use the old have disk method I think unless you look over @ LV2Go. Not sure if they have an XP inf yet.

XP 32-bit:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_186.08_beta.html

XP 64-bit:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp64_186.08_beta.html

 

Guys, ForceWare 186.08 is out. Check this. I am trying them now.
We finally have the 186's...

LE: I guess batboy was faster than me...
LE2: Oh, but LV2Go have the INFs.

 

Yeah - i haven't noticed any issues with Source Engine games either. SLI enabled, clocks are D/Cing as well. Very nice.

What's really cool is the Stereoscopic 3D section of the Control Panel. WOW. Grab a cheap pair of 3D Glasses (paper ones will work) and fire up the demo or a supported game. Kind of cool eye candy. I had to turn it off though - was scared it might send me into some kind of seizure playing L4D... LOL!

 

Well, I have finally installed new WD drives. Took me about a day to get my system up and running the way I want it to (wanted to do a clean install). But I forgot to copy all my games saves from my previous drives I still have my old drives lying around. Will I be able to stick them back in without losing data on them and destroying raid config?

 

I don't think so... If you distroy RAID configuration, you will lose all data, that's what I know.

BTW, I just tested the new 186's. They perform about the same as 185.81, but in some games I have huge performance drops (from 40 FPS to 1 FPS) sometimes. I am using Windows7 RC X64. I hope that this'll be fixed in the next versions.

 

Yeah, you got a very valid point there about the business machines.

I hear BatBoy's got his eye on the M17x, or as he likes to call it, 'The Thing'. Many people are getting drawn to this new model, and with good reasons about a variety of things and features. Although I wasn't as wowed by it, because my focus was on CPU and GPU, and the mobile version of the 280 GTX isn't all that great - just a mildly powerful 9800m GTX. Since I've already had my eye on some Sager/Clevo brand machines whiich tout the same specs, and my main target is to get the better CPU to compliment a strong SLi GPU combination, the AW specs didn't impact me the same way (been seeing similar spec laptops with deskptop CPUs for a few weeks now).

I'm going to focus more on the Sager sub-brands. For example, my next unit --if I actually lose it and go that far--could very well be the Kobalt Comanche SLi; quad-core extreme with dual 280m GTX. But then again, will this really feel like a massive step-up? Probably not because while the machine's significantly stronger, it'll just feel like a tighter more flexible version of XPS M1730. Sure, these new rigs will break 3dMark06 barriers, but so what? Static benchmark will always remain static, and will not always correlate with real-world gaming performance. The Comanche seems good for the price, given that Alienware's more expensive, and I probably get less in return - warranty etc., already considered. Besides, these will cost UK clients much more seeing as the price is almost exactly the same but in pounds.

People who want future-proof machines, or machines that could last at least a decent while, need to rely more on things like the Crysis DX10 benchmark, because while the game could be considered good by some or bad by others, it is without a doubt the epitome of GPU/CPU graphics. Very little out there manages to bring PCs down to their knees like the CryEngine 2 in a sandbox setup.

Anyway, I'll go with your advice of waiting it out, which I'd consider one of the best advices thus far.

Oh, and here's a kicker:
I got a general glitch on my screen; vertical scan lines, very mild, and everywhere, especially under lighter backgrounds. It wasn't a big deal, but it did look obvious, and pretty stupid. So I call up Dell, which resulted in a thirty-minute-plus conversation of testing everything and anything under the sun, with mild artifacts even showing up in the BIOS menu. What's the result of this conversation - the quintessential diagnosis? GPU replacement. "And what hardcore grounds were your cards breaking?" some of you might ask. Well, I was Playing Mass Effect and The Witcher in 'Single GPU' mode for around 2 hours/day, over the course of the last two weeks. The real irony being that all this happens literally hours after I declare on this forum that my replacement GPUs are finally doing dandy! Bahahaha! Fail, man, fail. I don't even think it's worth the agony anymore, so I just laugh.

Refer to the attached image for the glitch, and uh, assume that it is constant and consistent almost everywhere. Yeah, looks like something decided to urinate inside the LCD. For the glitch enthusiats, look very closely and you'll see the fine vertical lines.

 

Thank you sir, I`m heading over there right now. Was kinda annoyed with this driver anyway , lots of querks, bad video image and so on.

 

BatBoy,
Could you please explain the warranty deal? What does it mean if I have Next Business Day Replacement for 3 years, compared to not having Complete Care with this package?

 

Sorry BatBoy, just jumped into a random part of the conversation. I'm going to assume that you're still talking about the M1730 - you can use Stereoscopic 3D on it? Doesn't it require 120hertz refresh rate to display correctly? Can the XPS M1730 handle that? :-O

I was going to get the 3D Glasses from Nvidia, but I thought it wouldn't work on the m1730 X.x

 

Can someone please recommend a good bluray reader. Despite assurances to the contrary I suspect that geeks.com is sending me another HP OEM product.

Eventhough the person on tech support told me that this was NOT an OEM product, but if you look at the pic you can see the HP logo on it.

The product description makes no mention of it being an HP OEM part, unlike the Optiarc 5500A description, which DOES mention that it an OEM for HP.

If this indeed turns out to be the case (and boy will I be pissed if it does), what other bluray drives can you recommend?

 

Regarding the nvidia 3d glasses, yes I do remember it saying you should have 120hz refresh for optimal display. However, I also heard from other sources that you can technically play on a 60hz screen. Just that it may cause headaches for some people since its 30hz per eye or something, so I'm guessing there's some sort of lag? That's all I can share since I don't own one. I'd pick one up whenever they fix the issues it has for world of warcraft.