Dell XPS M1730 Owner's Lounge, Take 2

Is there any way you can verify the temperatures by sticking in a diode yourself?

 

http://consumerist.com/321353/email-addresses-for-19-dell-executives

Please note some of them don't work.

 

hey sorry to bother you again.

i just looked up nlite and going to try it.

can you give me the driver that you used for the raid driver.

thanks.

 

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?ProductID=2101&DwnldID=17884&lang=eng&iid=dc_rss
extract it and you will have the drivers - 64bit. 32-bit can also be found using the Additional Downloads link on the same page.

 

Can't remember exact temp for L4D, but I have never seen CPU temp go above 62 degrees on my old M1730 when playing games, and that was summer with rather high temp of ambient air in the room. Usually stayed around 52-56 degrees celsius. Was T7700 2.4GHz.

 

wow, nlite did the trick.

Thanks guys!

btw, for raid stripping, which one do you recommend?

64k or 128k

 

copy/paste

Hardware monitor
-----------------------------------------------------

ACPI hardware monitor

Temperature sensor 0 103°C (216°F) [0xEAD] (THM_)

Dump hardware monitor



Hardware monitor
-----------------------------------------------------

Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 hardware monitor

Temperature sensor 0 97°C (206°F) [0x3] (Core #0)
Temperature sensor 1 93°C (199°F) [0x7] (Core #1)

Dump hardware monitor



Hardware monitor
-----------------------------------------------------

GeForce 9800M GT hardware monitor

Temperature sensor 0 55°C (130°F) [0x37] (GPU Core)

Dump hardware monitor


first the gpu temps hits +100°c, the last few days back to normal temps, but now the cpu's going hot in moments,....
But no problem system will be replaced next week, i only hope it will be at least the same configuration and not a downgrade system.

 

I wonder if even Dell themselves know why this is happening. It sounds like it's gotta be a motherboard or power supply issue.

Do you guys verify if the temperatures really are hitting that high?

 

hmm.. reading a few pages back, temperature seems to lead to the failure of the 8800gtx.

i better watch mine too.

is this right? you guys use "HWmonitor" to get readings?

edit.

looks like i hit 79c max just playing fallout 3.

is there a program to control the fans on the gpu?

 

The fans can't be software controlled. My 8800M's hit about 81 degrees under load (after playing F.E.A.R. 2 at the high settings for some time). They idle at about 53 degrees. But my room temperature is also hot, I have about 28-32 degrees here.

 

Did you get those new drivers working?

 

53c??? my idle is at 70c.

 

That's kinda high for idle temps!!, almost sounds like the heatsink might not be making good contact. On mine the cpu idles at 35c core1 and 38c core2 and 39c gpu1 and 40 gpu2 and neither cpu or gpu's have gone higher than 71c under load the past 2 weeks and the room temp is around 85 to 90F here when I am using it. Then again I did remove and lap the heatsink on my cpu last year and for safety I am also undervolting the cpu as well. My cpu did idle at around 53c before I lapped the heatsink and before I started undervolting it too.

 

Batboy,
I've been meaning to post for several days. After looking at those pictures I'm appalled but not surprised. I've had replacement parts from dell come absolutely managled. I've seen techs pull out completely broken parts from a pristine box with pristine packaging.
I've been having problems with dell for years. Lately I've gone through problems receiving and redeeming gift certificates. Cancelled orders, incorrect shipments, codes that don't work and then weeks trying to rectify the situation. I received my promo gift card weeks late, with less than a month to redeem it and I'm on the third attempt, now waiting for them to return the funds to the gift card.
Sometimes I feel like gouging my eyes out.
I just went through a year of hell with my xps m1730 until I emailed every dell exec with my story and got it replaced immediately. As you said, build up your ammo, be precise with dates and times and hours invested and names of those you talked to.
You've made my xps experience so much better with your work on the xps wiki and then your own site.

 

@Bloodroses:

Thanks for the thought. I'm glad things worked out for you and all is well with your system.

Not sure if I mentioned this in my original post but truthfully, I was not upset with Dell as much as I was with the Service Tech. Dell should have examined the replacement GPU more carefully - but other than the hold time I spent on the phone with Dell I wasn't really to upset with them. The service tech on the other hand was completely unprofessional and a walking idiot to say the least. Disrespectful and careless with my system. I mean what kind of tech allows the LCD to slide (logo side down) over the sitting surface of a hard plastic drafting chair???! F'ing idiot. He propped the LCD on the chair to change the LCD Bezel and as he was removing the bezel it slipped out of his hand onto the chair. (Yes I did tell me to put it on the TABLE and work on it there). Hell, he didn't even have a anti-static mat or wrist strap.

Now if the next replacement GPU is in the same condition or also shows problems with temps then I'll start to lose it with Dell for sure.

I have to call them in the morning and have them explain to me why there is still NO tracking info or shipping STATUS for the replacement GPU. Hope they have an answer for me and I better not be told its on backorder.

 

39c and 40c for your GPU! Wow, mine are at like 64C now and I've just turned on the laptop 5 min's ago.

What's your set-up for those low temps? Did you do anything special?

EDIT: After 15 min's of being on they've now dropped back to 54... hhhmmm. I think I might run that OCCT program over a very long period ~12hr's to see what I get.

 

If you have an X9000 overclocked to 3.2 GHz or faster, the machine will turn all the fans on full so the idle temps are a little lower (including for GPUs).

Right now my 8700s idle in the mid-50s with the fans on low.

 

Maybe your fans weren't on when you got 64C?
My cards are idling at about the same temps as yours, 53-54C.
With 22C room temperature I got 49C. But never less than that. I have my system for about 3 months now.

 

hmm.. now im worried. the thing is that the fan turns off or low when it hits 70 and doest start back up until it hits 74c.

 

Nothing special, I just removed the heatsinks on both gpu's last week and cleaned them and put some AS5 on them, but they were running about the same before that too. Other than that nothing special other than using my cryo cooler with the fans running at 12v in addiditon to running the cpu at 3.4Ghz to keep the fans on at full speed all the time.

 

i think im gonna try that.

the plastic top lid on the left where the video cards are are hot to touch.

 

Well, for those of you who are keeping an eye on my post re: replacement GPU nightmare, it appears Dell did not ship out the part until today. They shipped it Standard Overnight with a 3PM delivery time. Time to call Support again and ream them a new one. This is yet another unacceptable action on Dell's part. The call was placed on Friday afternoon and there is no reason why that part could not have shipped PRIORITY Overnight with an 8am delivery time. Now the tech will not be able to schedule the service call until Wednesday.

Pathetic.

 

Don't worry yourself Batboy it's more ammo for when you get so peed off with it that you have to insist on a new laptop.

 

I just want to thank all of you that post in here it has been helping me a lot, and sad to say the M1530 lounge is DRY!! so THANK YOU!!

 

Aaaah! I have dilemma and pretty urgent.

I really need your honest opinion chaps, and I mean honest

I recieved a call from dell late this afternoon about them replacing my m1730.

The guy on the phone is going to call back at 9am tomorrow and we are going to go through the specs. for the replacement.

He read through my email I sent him stating that "I did not want to have my M1730 replaced with the same model" amongst other rants, he said it was not possible for me to have an M17X as he did not have the facility to do this.

One part of me is saying get a brand new M1730 and the other is saying press for the M17X.








Considering that my rig is about 18 months old now i'm thinking that I should go for the brand new 1730.

Do you think he was telling me a load of crap about the M17?.

Will I F it up by insisting on it?.

He has promised that I will get upgrades with the replacement but i'm not sure which as I already have an X7900 cpu and SLI 8800's.

Wowee! maybe an X9000 CPU and sli 9800 gt's


What do you guys think.


Edit. Self doubt is a terrible thing.

 

Chief, if they can manage tracking down a x9000 (seeing as they dont have access to x7900s anymore) and a 9800GT SLI then I say go for it. Just be SURE to have them reply via email you are being sent a NEW system and not a refurb.

You could probably push the M17x point, but be prepared to be involved in numerous calls and delays as I am positive they will give you the run around.

 

I sure will ask him to send me an e-mail to say it's a brand new system. On the UK dell website they still advertise the X9000 cpu so hopefully they come up with the goods.

And you are right I probably will get tossed around different deps. if I insist on the M17.

I'll keep you all posted on the outcome tomorrow.

Thanks again Batboy.

 

Batboy, I feel bad the way Dell treats you. It's a shame. We paid a lot for this machine and the XPS support.
I need to buy a notebook for my son. I'm serious considering not to buy a Dell anymore. If they go on this way, they'll lose costumers in the end.

Edit: chief barker, I think they only will send you a M1730. You just have stick to your guns and demand a full spec one. An X9000 and M9800GT SLI to start with.

 

No worries Chief. Nice to see they still offer the x9000 on your side of the pond.

@Ernstig: I would still (I know, funny) stick with Dell. If you are planning a purchase of more than 1000.00 on a lappie for your son, I still suggest a 3 or 4 year warranty with Accidental Damage coverage. Its a pain to deal with (and shouldn't be) but at least you know you will still have it dealt with to your satisfaction.

I just fired off a Unresolved Issues complaint detailing my service call/XPS Support hold times and lack of resolution/damaged replacement GPU/and idiotic on-site service tech. I also slammed them for not sending the 2nd replacement via Priority Overnight and also requested a new service dispatch be created to replace the CPU and CPU fan to cover all the bases since the CPU is showing a very high temp as well (now maxing out at 82c).

I hate the fact my recent posts have turned into a #$*#&*$ session. Hopefully my notes will help someone in the future. Sorry all.

 

I'm also considering to build myself a new desktop system with an i7 975 Extreme and 2x HD4890 Crossfire. My son will get my M1730 system then. He needs one for school. He's just 14 years old and the beast with all his books will probably be to heavy for him. Choises, choises.

 

Better to b**** in Dell hell, than observe silence of servitude in Dell heaven, which as history would tell us, is a complete myth.

We are fortune to have this kinda' warranty service though, so keep up the fight.

I'm thinking fo arguing for an X9000 CPU. Yes, I'm greedy.

 

has anyone had the 9800's go bad or are they just 8800 gtx's? I know they're the same thing, but any chance that the 9800s were made better?

 

Well, Bpat received a 9800m GT SLi card as a replacement after a series of faulty 8800m GTX replacements. This latest replacement card was overheating from the start, and if you follow his story closely, it seemed to be worsening with time.

Of course, I personally think this has more to do with bad refurbishing standards/Q&A rather than card type. Most member experiences imply that fresh, new 8800m GTX cards tend to perform fine.

 

Something I should point out to any of you stuck in the Dell Service rigmarole is that when they offer a replacement and you want an upgrade is to consider demanding your money back. I did this when my 1710 was playing up. I wanted the 1730 and they wouldn't replace it, i got the same line as above "I'm don't have the facility to do this.", so I pushed for a full cash refund and got it. The advantage with this is that I got to keep all the 1710 peripherals, bag, tuner, MS software etc etc and the 1730 at that stage was a lot cheaper than what I had originally paid for the 1710 so i saved $500 cash and probably around another $500 for the peripherals.

 

Okay guys, got my 1730 today

Few questions:
1. I bought this from a member on here, for warranty, does anything need to be done or is it already done because of the service tag which is located on the battery correct?
2. My GPU temps are around 70-75C idle, is this OK? It seems a bit high.
3. Should I buy one of those coolers to put on the bottom of the laptop?
4. On my desktop, when I my put my laptop on it, there is very little space for air flow which I am going to guess is the same for everyone. This sounds normal right?
5. My current warranty is like 10 months left, I am definitely going to extend it....does it matter when I do it as long as it never runs out? Do you guys think in the near future, Dell will stop having extensions for the XPS lineup? Its probably better to extend it now then wait later right?


Thanks so much for the help guys...I know these questions have probably been answered to death but if you could bear with me

 

2. Yes it is high. I take 67 playing GTA 4.

 

Ugh, I'm pretty sure I messed up the thermal paste on my vid card. It started idling like 10-15c hotter. =\

So I'll take it apart again and try cleaning everything off. When I opened it, the old thermal paste was a mess, guess I didn't get all of it, and probably used too much new paste.

Anyone got tips on getting all the old gunk off (especially around the edges) and how to apply the new paste? Exactly how much should I apply? I'm using OCZ Freeze. I also have AS5. They both look the same to me, but I guess I'll try AS5 when I attempt this again in the morning.

 

1. Ownership Transfers:
http://support.dell.com/support/top...tag_transfer?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=anavml

2. Yes and No. I wouldn't want to see a anything higher than a MAX of 75c. If you are not using a driver after 185.66, your cards will not downclock based on load. Meaning, they will run @ full 500/799Mhz clock speeds whenever the lappie is on (which is not necessary - especially if you have SLI enabled). If you are running Vista 64, try the current 186.12 driver Dell just released for the M17x - it is compatible with the 8800M GTX ( http://support.us.dell.com/support/...id=R226274&formatcnt=1&libid=0&fileid=324207).

3 & 4: Up to you. I have never really found a need for one (well, until my card started failing - lol). As for propping it up, I use this (works great with the M1730):
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3289&cl=US,EN

5: When you are down to 6 months, I'd extend it (or now, up to you). I have just under a year left and will be extending my coverage in a few months.
http://support.dell.com/support/top...?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=pub&~ck=anavml&servicetag=

 

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=applying+thermal+compound

 

Good link BatBoy that's what my cpu and gpu's looked like after I cleaned them and applied the AS5 too. Hope you can get your beast fixed soon, I can't believe you still have to wait till wednesday!! That is totally unacceptable. I should know I have been a service technician since 1989 in the high speed wide format printer business and I have never seen that happen to any of my customer's and would not let it happen at all either.

 

If i leave my beast sitting for in-between 20mins to over an hour i will come back and my gpu temps are usually 76c but if i just sit and watch moving the mouse every 2 minutes or so it stays around 55c and gaming i get an average of 72c. i have been thinking this might have something to do with the power settings because it seems that when my display is off the fans dont move at all untill the Gpu's reach 76c

 

Update on my dealings with dell.

I've just finished a phone call with a rep. and he read through a few specs. of the replacement. The only thing I can see that's good about the replacement is it will have the X9000 cpu......................BUT!

He said the system will have the 8800's in it which rang alarm bells as they are not on sale anywhere (here in the uk on dell's website).

Also the new one will have 2GB ram!

He did insist that it will be a brand new laptop but I'm very suspicious that it will be a refurb.

So considering that, I have told him that I will not be accepting his offer and have asked him for either a full refund or the alienware.

I have his direct phone number and I have said I will ring him tomorrow for an update.

Wish me luck guys

 

Good luck bud. Just wondering now Chief - but what is your recourse under UK Consumer Law? How long do you have before you can't ask for a refund of your purchase price? I know they have to follow more of a consumer favored policy which is nice but do you have legal ground to stand on (re: refund)?

Keep us updated...

 

I'm using a bit of reverse psychology here Batboy in requesting a refund, I'm really aiming for the M17X.

Sneaky I know but considering the amount of problems i've had with my laptop I feel that it's the least they can do.

 

I see that you live in the UK, i'm from Belgium and my new replaced system also is in production i guess in the factory in UK.
If i were you i will not accept this deal.
I'm still waiting for the email Dell promised me to send with the specs for my replaced system

"Also, we have requested for the order confirmation documents to be sent to your email address and you would receive an automated email within the next 24 hours with the list of specifications." .........................nothing received yet, delivery will be on or for friday, but still in production.

 

Thanks for that,

I knew this would be a long drawn out battle with dell but I will get what I want in the end.

 

I just redid the thermal paste on the GPU, and I'm wondering if I'll have to try a third time. I had both the heatsink and the GPU at a mirror finish, however this time I didn't strongly tighten the heatsink screws, I just tightened normally until they wouldn't go anymore and didn't give it those few extra turns.

It started up and slowly rose to 70-71c before the fans would kick in and lower it to the 50s, then the fans would shut off and it would cycle again. So now I'm running a game for about 25 min and it peaked at 76c although the room is about 5c cooler than before I attemped changing the thermal paste (and it peaked at 80c then). So if anything, it's gotten 1-2c hotter. I've heard that AS5 takes some time to settle. How much cooler does it eventually get? More than 2c?

So, do you guys think I should try it again? Or tighten the heat sink screws some more? I used AS5 this time and I didn't apply it in a thin layer, I put a little blob in the middle of each chip/core. That's how I've always done it with CPUs, dual core, quad core, whatever and it's worked well for me without making a mess (last time I spread it out using a credit card which didn't work so well).

Also, the middle copper thing... on mine, the copper plate came off when I removed the heatsink, so I cleaned that up and put some AS5 on that too and "reattached" it (just stuck it back on top).

If I do it again, I'll use a plastic glove to spread out the paste, that works a lot better than a credit card.

EDIT: Ambient temperature is 23 C / 74 F. I have the back propped up about an inch, no laptop cooler yet.

Also, is there any kind of GPU stress test program? I'm testing it right now with Red Alert 3 at 1920x1200 at all high details with the AIs battling each other with me zooming around randomly at the firefights. I don't have L4D or other games you guys are using to test yours. =\

 

Also, how many fan speeds are there? Low and High?

And is there a direct relationship between a rise in ambient temperature and chip temperature? Like if the room went up 10c in temperature, would the GPU/CPU/etc go up exactly 10c also as well?

 

Just got another update regarding my m1730 getting sent back to Dell for repairs.

Yet again they replaced the motherboard, to no avail. They tested it again and decided it was the graphics card but didn't have one in stock, so they said they only ordered the graphics card yesterday so should get & fit it today, and i might have it back by the end of the week, but more likely next week now. So that means it'll of been away for repair over 2 weeks.

I'm glad they're fitting new parts but still worried it'll be another 8800 refurb that'll fail again within a short period of time but we'll see.

 

If my card idles at 75C, is that OK or will it eventually go out? What is the limit where it starts to get unsafe?