Dell XPS M1730 Owner's Lounge, Take 2

off topic

hikkoo
your picture looks more like crossfire then sli.

 

Thanks , I will try it in the evening . All the best to you and your machine .

 

Crossfire would have red shooters and a green victim lol

 

Not surprised... Everyone always tests video cards like that, if the machine shows a picture, it works. I've always assumed the same myself until I got a refurbed set off eBay that worked fine for about an hour, even in games, before showing artifacting and other problems. It slowly degenerated to the point where it'd BSOD and hang immediately after boot after a few hours. If I had just played for half an hour and thought 'great', shut it down, and left like on a flight or something, I'd have been so screwed.

During my experience with desktop video cards, I never knew it was possible for cards to fail this way. It sounds like bad manufacturing process, really. I used to buy used OC-ed cards all the time, everything ran fine at stock settings.

I can't believe how stupid Dell has behaved with all of this. If people can fix these cards and these exact symptoms by sticking the damn thing in an oven (I've heard of at least a few people doing this with 8800M and 8700M cards), you'd think Dell could repair them properly through a similar but controlled procedure. Or send them back to nVidia for a repair, then clean it up, throw on a new HSF with new thermal paste, test it, and send it back. How much money could they have saved? And made on top of that by continuing to sell the M1730? Bureaucracies...

 

Still waiting on dell to actually tell me my laptop is fixed now, I was told i'd have it back within the week at the latest, it's now into the 3rd week since I sent it off for repair :|

I'm just wondering if anyone else has had their dell laptop taken away for repair, and whether it took this long?

This amount of time to fit a motherboard then graphics card seems abit OTT to me.

 

It's time to kick some a** arnie that is totally unaceptable mate.

 

Regarding my replacement M1730, I still haven't heard a thing since last week so I gave the guy a call who's dealing with my case and he said there was some sort of delay. I'm hoping they are all out of 1730's and they have to send me an M17X.

We shall see.

 

Uploaded Call of Duty "World at War" map pack 2 videos this am. Other than FRAPS killing the FPS they look and perform well:
http://www.youtube.com/user/GadgetBoi63

 

Hi Guys!

My dell M1710 decided to fail the other week. Queue the usual XPS support (now they've shipped it to india.. Grrr) and 3 engineers in 3 days. I complained to all the management teams i could get hold of after receiving my 2nd refurbished 7950 GTX.

Anyway, i've just been offered a replacement M1730 with 2.1ghz c2d, 2gb RAM, sli 9800 GT to replace the 3 yr old M1710! result! Shame they will only match the 2.1ghz processor in my current one, but there you go! (chief barker, this will mean they arent out of M1730's! I too asked if i could upgrade to M17x, and was told no as they had plenty of stock of the M1730's in! ce la vie). And i'm hoping to upgrade the RAM to 4gb seeing as its about £35 to do so now days!

Anyway, i'm looking for a backpack for it now! I love the XPS M1730 dell backpack, but they're £80! And cheapest i can find is £50 delivered. Just wondering if anyone knows where i can get one from?

OR is there a better bag that you lot know about? Something under £40 would be good!

 

Here at the Dutch site they're still offering the M1730. Even with the X9000 and 9800GT card.

http://www1.euro.dell.com/nl/nl/thuis/Laptops/xpsnb_m1730/pd.aspx?refid=xpsnb_m1730&s=dhs&cs=nldhs1

Maybe it has something to do with the factory in Poland. They produce for the European mainland. Maybe they have a lot of stuff still in stock.

 

What kind of FPS did you get?

 

When playing the game I get around 50-91fps on multi-player maps and 70-91 on single player maps

 

Got Terminator Salvation, runs smoothly, but I hate the third person view. Screens later.

 

Can't wait to run this on the M1730, looks like it will be an excellent game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBJcOy6iuUc

 

Need some help verifying these readings as I did not notice this before last driver update 186.24 P02. At idle my GPUs report different core, shaders and memory clocks. When I run a game both go to the same clock speeds so this only happens at idle. Can anyone verify the same readings?
BTW temp is the same for both

 

Gadget, your core and memory are both the same in each screenshot. CPU-z is reporting shader clock whereas GPUz does not.

Are you saying you have the tools opened twice and set to report readings for GPU#1 and GPU#2?

 

Yea, if you mouse over each pic one will say GPU_1 and the other will say GPU_2. I just made a screen cap of each and used both tools for each to verify the readings

 

Only thing I can think of is there might be some kind of conflict with it being opened twice? Not sure... Wish I could verify for you... but my 1730 is a paperweight for now.

 

Sorry I misunderstood . The apps are only opened once. I picked GPU1 made a screen capture and then chose GPU2 and made a screen capture. Also reads the same if I only use CPUZ or GPUZ.

 

I'm gonna go ahead and apologize for that...

dell is ing retarded sometimes

 

@Gadget: I know it sounds weird and unlikely, but perhaps it changed in that brief second it took to grab the screen capture. Also, not saying with 100% confidence, but when the screen capture app processed the data it may have caused PowerMizer to up the clocks for a brief moment.

I guess one way to confirm would be to watch it for a few mins without a screenie. Then switch to core#2 and watch it for the same period. Is it stable and the same as core#1?

@Zenith: No worries bud... my post was a bit long and bounced between a couple of different points. Easy to misunderstand what I was trying to get across.

 

@ Batboy: http://www.nvidia.com/object/product_geforce_gtx_260m_us.html

I believe this is the page you were looking for?

 

BatBoy, after reading that little bit on how they inspect returned GPUs, I hatefully say, "Why didn't anyone believe me?" I was one of those voices, although not in this thread, but I've had my share of doubts so I never pursued an agenda. Afterall, one person's experience isn't everyone's experience.

As for the list of reasons why M17x is the greatest and all that jazz - well, of course. However, for that price, I could very well have one of these Sager-sub-brand laptops with better features and specs. The casing and other cosmetic points are a plus, but they mean very little when it comes to performance; it's got the approach of a Mac, but what makes Macs. . . well, Macs, is OS stability and general reliability of hardware, at least that's what so-called Mac owners tend to boast. The M17x's performance is another topic that I'll exploit. Yes, sure, it would be top-notch, but nothing signficant; 280m in SLi is -nothing- like its desktop counterpart. Show me one game on the market that will benefit from M17x cards that even dual 8800 GTSs could run at pretty much the same 1080p HD resolution without a hitch. It is by and large a fact that since these consoles have started to dominate the HD-gaming market, many titles are now being built with a specific style of coding designed to exploit mainstream hardware, and very few of them 'push' video cards to that brink. Not to mention, the 280m isn't even that significantly powerful to warrant being deemed a 'next gen' card. And let's not even talk about driver support issues when you have so many problems with driver-support that even these old cards aren't performing up to the mark, so how will a fancier higher-clocked 'new name' do in similar light? Good, but not that great. I'm much more intrigued by the possibilities that are available with properly supported Mobility Radeon 4870s in Crossfire, because they hold distinct advantages (and disadvantages) over nVidia hardware, but once again. . . poor drivers. So what's the point? Personally, I'd rather have an M1730 that 'works' for more than a few months. The M17x just ain't worth that massive price-tag. (Also, UK-users, have you noticed that the 'All Powerful' is only being offered with a 1440x900 screen at the moment?)

Alas, my overall faith in these high-end notebooks has gone down. What's all this power for when parts are failing due to heat-damage or some other Q&A-related mess-ups.

 

Found my GPU clock difference problem. If GPUs are OClk'd (600, 900 & 1550) from default then one GPU doesn't downclock fully @ idle. When I set my clocks back to default (500, 800 & 1250) and OClk'd using a custom profile & rule then everything was okay and both GPUs reported the same clocks throughout any usage senario. Now both are idle and reporting the same clocks (200, 100 & 400).
It would still be good to know if anyone else that OClks their GPUs from default is seeing the same issue with older/other drivers.

 

The only real interest I have in the M17x is the fact that it has that lovely 9400 chip onboard. Can you imagine the heat reduction/battery time increase benefits when switching to the 9400M when you don't need the two dedicated cards? Must be nice.

 

Oh yeah. That is also a plus. Although portability and battery life weren't top-priorities on my list, which is why I got the M1730 in the first place. Heat reduction sounds interesting, though I think a properly conceived gaming machine should be constructed with the idea that the primary GPU can sustain the load with the current casing. The Toshiba X205 and Qosimo models had good designs to compensate for GPU heat.

Anyway, point is valid. I just never made a big deal out of such perks, because my ability to be rational goes right out the window the moment I'm having issues with a company that is hyping up gimmicks to push their price, while their Q&A is well, in the dumps.

 

Agreed Kade. Any news to share? PM if needed.

 

I'll just shake my head in disappointment. Somehow, I have this dark lingering feeling that my replacement unit will not be arriving on the 31st of this month.

How about your end? I see from your signature that the resolution is still pending. Damn. Didn't that last agent get someone on the case? PM, if needed.

Edit - man I should read through all the pages more often:
Regarding the question about the 9800m GTX SLi. Well, I know of one guy who got the M1730, personal contact, but will never sign up to the forums. His card has held up nicely, up until this point, but he hardly uses the machine, and is considering selling it in the near future. And aye to the issues with the G84/86 and 92. All the 8800/9800 are G92 with slightly different SPU numbers and clocks, and the reports about the reliability and long-term stability of this chip are mixed, at best. Even our current 280m is a 55nm G92b, essentially the same chip but on a smaller die-size, which is an improvement.

 

can anyone help me please?

 

Do you have Quickset installed? Also, what OS? XP or Vista, 32 or 64?

 

Exactly. I'm hoping that when they moved to the smaller die-size the previous known solder issue had been corrected. Of course, only time will tell and this is all speculation.

 

yes I have quickset installed. I also have both XP and WIN7 . They both used to recognise the cable when I attaced to Dvi port but now nothing on both OSes.
Do you think its a hardware problem? the DVI to VGA adaptor works good. Only the digital signal is the problem.
thanks for reply

 

hi,
"And cheapest i can find is £50 delivered" can you give me the site please i'm also searching to buy one.

 

temps (idle) with the 9800gt are much lower than with the 8800gtx.

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

ACPI hardware monitor

Temperature sensor 0 33°C (90°F) [0xBF1] (THM_)

Dump hardware monitor



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

Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 hardware monitor

Temperature sensor 0 28°C (82°F) [0x48] (Core #0)
Temperature sensor 1 27°C (80°F) [0x49] (Core #1)

Dump hardware monitor



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

GeForce 9800M GT hardware monitor

Temperature sensor 0 56°C (132°F) [0x38] (GPU Core)

Dump hardware monitor



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

GeForce 9800M GT hardware monitor

Temperature sensor 0 56°C (132°F) [0x38] (GPU Core)

Dump hardware monitor


3dmark06 [email protected]
3dmark06 [email protected]

betadrivers dell: 186.24

 

@bpat, sure i'll paste the link when i get out of work. Some of us start early!

And Those having problems with your dells? I had downtime of ONE week with my M1710, and was "outraged". So sent 15 snotty emails over a weekend to:

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Ok, so that copies in finance directors, HR managers, and the michael dell management team. But i was offered an M1730 as replacement for a 3 yr old m1710 within 1 week of starting my complaints!

I'm not for a second suggesting you will get a replacement. But i know a guy who had SEVEN gpu units out for his M1710 before they eventually swapped the unit. I certainly wouldnt stand for refurbished cards!

Good luck!

Oh, and bag wise its now between the abbrazzio apollo 10/11, Pakuma choroka k1/akara k1, and the dell m1730 backpack!

 

When using those emails, I highly encourage the use of any TECH or other Rep/Manager who has failed to assist you. This puts then in the lime light as well. I'm sure all will agree, if you had your name on an email going to the big wig team, wouldn't you freak a bit?

@Evil: Who was the first to reply to your email? Which department?

 

[email protected]

They were first. the unresolved team. Basically complained on the phone and sent in arsey email to the complaints team. Copied in michael_dell.com (which is allegedly just a management team) and some guy called Sujay called from the unresolved team. He was less than useless! so i got the complaints team then. Devi_r is sujays boss. When i got out of office alerts, i'd email the PA's/managers in the message.

[email protected] is apparently michael dells email, tho i'm dubious. It was only when i put in the words "none of you have contacted me yet, the service is a f****** disgrace, the machine is not fit for purpose" that i got an offer of a replacement.

Really looking forward to it! 9800 GT, even tho i read it has its problems, is def better than my 7950GTX which is faulty anyway! Due on or before 3rd apparently...

 

Wait..you sent that last bit to Michael Dell and got a response?

 

You will be happy with it moving from a 1710. You'll miss your subwoofer, but everything else makes up for it.

 

haha, didnt get a response from michael dell sadly. Tho again, rumour has it you can call his PA and tell her you have been asked to call him. And if you blag past there, he will usually talk to you. Sounds like a legend to me! they presumably get wise to it!

It was odd how after those words i got an email simply saying "we have reviiewed your case, is this spec ok for your replacement?". So no apologies for the shockingly woeful XPS support these days. Although, tbf, they are always out next day with the parts. just a shame that some of the parts dont work out the box! He left me with the spare 7950 GTX card too! so think they may end up on ebay!

And as much as people slag off dell and XPS, i've loved my M1710, literally to death! Its battled on for 3 years with little complaint! Hammering away 1920 x 1200 gaming! Just a shame it had replacement CPU, GPU (x2), RAM, HDD, LCD, Bezel, keyboard, AC adapter, motherboard.

@Batboy. Yes, i really will miss that sub! the sound on the M1710 is bloody brilliant!

 

The M1730 sounds good too, it has four 18mm Bose speakers with 10W RMS.

 

bose? i wasnt aware of that...

 

Dude, that is so hardcore! I try to keep my temper in check, but sometimes I wish I could lash out at them in similar fashion.

Anyway, you got a dandy result right there; the M1730 is great upgrade.

Keep in mind, I don't hate XPS, or some of the Dell laptops. However, each and every ounce of profanity is well-deserved by their Q&A department. My M1710 with a 7900 GTX lasted me three years as well, and I sold it functioning just fine. What I take issue with is the shoddy back and forth banter with the support staff, and the equally shoddy replacement parts.

 

Still going round and round will tech support myself, over a month since I first called them with my problems.

Called again today and it took the person on the phone 10 minutes just to look up my laptops information. And then she said it was in for testing, when last week the other person I called said it went in for testing on tuesday 21st and would be done in 2 days.

Had enough so I did what others have done and fired off e-mails to all the Dell addresses in the hope I'll get to speak to someone who knows what they're doing.

 

Got one a few days ago for £50. Bought it on ebay. Can tell you this is a really huge backpack. Swallowed my laptop just easily.

 

hey guys whats the pros and cons of going from vista 64 to windows 7?thinking about switching

 

Holy cow that Sujay guy is the one dealing with my case, and yes he has not helped me much other than 'hmmm there is a slight delay with your new replacement'.

What a numpty.

Who is his manager and how do I contact him.

Oh for those who dont know what the definition of numpty is........Someone who (sometimes unwittingly) by speech or action demonstrates a lack of knowledge or misconception of a particular subject or situation to the amusement of others.

Pretty much sums up dell's support staff.











Thanks.

 

That looks absolutely awesome, I just hope it runs as smoothly as COD 4 does on my 1730.

 

I had the same person call me back within about 2 hours of my email, he was apologising and agreed with what I'd put in my email, and he actually called me unlink the regular tech support people who promise but never do.
Apparently my laptop was good to go then at the last minute they found ANOTHER problem with it, hmmm I wonder if it's the fact they're using horrible refurb parts over and over

 

Well, after ZERO resolution I have decided to fire off one final email with documentation and pictures (exec carpet bomb email list) including the manager of the web escalation fool who has refused to respond via voice and ignored my requests for a supervisor to contact me. Also including that idiot in the SEND TO: list. Let's see how he likes his name and emails going out to a ton of upper peeps @ Dell.

At this time I have a 3rd GPU sitting on my desk (also with heat fins mashed in on the end of the card and dust and hair all over the fan housings). My replacement keyboard (onsite idiot broke the keyboard backlight cable), replacement CPU and CPU fan and LCD bezel are still 'In Production' with NO SHIPPING ETA as "one or more parts" are on backorder.

That first rep I spoke with back on the 15th when I called in the problem, spoke with him on Thursday last week and he PROMISED over and over to follow up with me last night - of course he never called.

Let's see what happens. My next stop if no action is taken by Dell will be comsumerist.com, theinquirer.net and several other sites. I'm done being polite.

Sorry all, I'm venting again.