Dell XPS15 R2 (L502) Thread

I'm using 125 DPI (default) and set the default zoom to 120% in google chrome and it is just perfect. I'm loving the multi-touch touchpad, so nice to be able too zoom in out in an instant, plus 2 finger scrolling is really nice too.

 

I'm trying to get a blu-ray drive for my machine but don't know where to get one from, my machine was an exchange and didn't come with blu-ray. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Why didn't they give you the exact same spec you originally ordered? Makes no sense.

 

I went from an XPS M1530 bought in July of 2008, I don't think it even was a choice back then.

 

Check this out for a starting point: http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/552091-xps-15-blu-ray-drive-upgrade.html.

Here's a link to other sites discussing the same issue: dell xps laptop bd drive - Google Search....

Basically, you need to (1) find out from Dell the model name/number of the drive you want (Blu-ray reader or writer), (2) buy it from a third-party source to avoid paying Dell's ridiculous price for accessories and upgrades, and (3) replace the drive.

Here is the service manual: Documentation.

Here is the page dealing with replacing the optical drive: Documentation.

Good luck.

 

I had an xps14 bought in nov 2010,I had so many issues bad hdd 4 times,bad mem,etc,after a month of complete aggravation Dell finaly said they would send a replacement.....But they discontinued the 14!So now they want to send me a xps15,Its specd out the same pretty much,but when I got my 14 it was more money than the 15 besides the portability,I'm upset I wanted a 14 I paid top dollar for a 14.What can I do any help is welcome I'm stuck and I didnt do anything wrong they gave me a lemon and discontinued it.The only 14 thats close is the new alienware,I also own an m11x and a 17X I wanted a 14 not 15,Dell put in the order without telling me anything...sorry so long thanks in advance.

 

I'm wondering how good is the Intel Core i3 second gen CPU's? The Dell XPS L502x (ordered for my sister) comes with the following:

• NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 1GB graphics
• 4 GB DDR3 ECC SDRAM 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
• Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000
• Intel Core i3-2310M processor (2.10 GHz)
• 720p display
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• 500 GB SATA Hard Drive
• No backlit keyboard or bluetooth

The main uses for the laptop would be browsing the web, listening to music, watching videos, doing homework. Probably not playing games. I'm worried that the processor might is underpowered. Any responses are appreciated.

 

The processor isn't underpowered for what she's doing, but a lot of people here would have recommended getting the 1080p display.

always good to post your specs before you order to see what people's opinions are though.

 

Thanks for the info. I didn't have time to post the specs, it was rushed.

 

Thanks so much that helps.

 

I would go with the quad core. I too had an i7 Studio 15 and had terrible trouble with it. The new Sandybridge quads run a lot cooler and the XPS 15 has way better cooling capacity. You will not regret getting the quad, I have also had an L501x with an i5-560M and my i7-2630QM runs at the same temps. At idle my temps are 50-55degC and around 85C at full load, this was the same for the i5-560M in the L501x and the i7-2630QM in my L502x.

 

Good to hear from another supporter of i7. I have made the same choice. My XPS15 with Quad i7 2720 will be delivered today

Your temperatures are better. What is you room temperature? It is very important.

 

I play a good amount of games and the XPS 16 seems to be able to handle all games out so far. But its has heat issues. If Dell cant fix it, is it worth trading for the XPS 15 is they allow it? I know the 525m is weaker than the 5730 I have but is the 540m any good? I dont want to trade my laptop in for something that has less power in anyway. Is the 5730 more powerful or the 540m?

 

I have the 540m and have managed to play the following games on FHD (1920x1080) resolution with no problems or lag
Crysis 2: Advanced Graphics settings (there is a slight sound lag in the FMVs when you get briefed before missions for some strange reason. But no lag during gameplay)
NFS Hot Pursuit 2: High Graphics settings
Bulletstorm: High Graphics settings
GTA 4: Slightly lower than High Graphics settings(haven't tried running it on high)
Star Wars Force Unleashed 2: High Graphics settings

 

I also have the 540M. I've played Fallout New Vegas on FHD on high/medium settings with 30-45 FPS (using Fraps) and no problems whatsoever. The game looks amazing on the XPS.

 

Do you guys own a SXPS 16 as well? I just played a little New Vegas and Im getting like 28-40FPS in 1080p with fraps. This was when I had to shoot the bottles in the beginning. So it looks like the 540M is slightly more powerful than the 5730.

 

I don't have the SXPS 16. According to Notebookcheck, the 540M is very slightly faster than the 5730.

Comparison of Laptop Graphics Cards - Notebookcheck.net Tech

If you are getting 28-40FPS with a non-Sandy Bridge processor, I'd say your graphics card is doing all right.

 

Yeah Its alright, but the thing is I'm wondering if I will lose performance should Dell let me get a replacement. Notebookcheck has the 540 above the 5730, but then they say the performance is between the 5650 and the 5730...?

 

I suspect that all things being equal, the 5730 might edge the 540 ever slightly. It's worth noting that the 540 is a new GPU, hence likely to be in newer system than the 5730, and even though games 3DMarks etc. emphasises more on GPU power, CPU still get a say in the final figures. Wouldn't sweat it though, they are pretty much in the same category. It may be worth checking if the games you play is more AMD leaning or nVidia leaning.

Now onto my own question Is there a laptop cooler that's particularly well suited for the L502?

Thanks

 

Hi,
Can i install windows xp on my l502? where should i get xp drivers? (official or non-official). I searched their site and only found 7 64bit drivers?! so what about 7 32bit and xp? I'm so confused about it!

thanks

 

Hello,
MY HP (the one in the sig) just took its last breath.
I'm planning on buying an XPS 15 L502 model 195
but the problem is they dont have the 1080p monitor here where im at !
I' Not so sure about the backlit keyboard function either.
any ideas and is it worth it ?
btw here is dubai, UAE
you guys got any ideas?

 

Just got off the phone with Dell tech support. They are sending a tech out to replace my hard drive. I have only had my systems since April. It is just so slow. I have i7 core with 6GB. I am so not happy

 

But what i cant get to work is the Windows Experience Index it will not rate my computer at all since day one i tryed to rate it , and all i got was an error message at the end saying your computer cannot be computed call your manufacture or something like that, so ive been on to dell they have had a look at this by taking control of my machine and there putting a Dell Tech out to me tomorrow to replace my motherboard, they reckon theres a problem with the motherboard it will not do a windows experience index to rate the computer,

But all these problems could be all coming from the one thing the motherboard in the end, i will find out tomorrow when the Dell tech changes mine

 

Had my hard drive replaced on Thursday. Computer is a bit better but not much. You tube videos hang. Long story short I called Dell and asked to speak to a supervisor and they are sending me out a new system. Dell support has a system scan tool on their site and my laptop results come back as "fair". I used that to push for a new laptop. I've had my system since Mid-April.

 

hey guys

there is a built-in option in Samsung notebooks to extend battery life and reduce wear level. Basically this controls the maximum load of the battery (you can charge it max to 80% which is the most "comfortable" for LiIon batteries).

Is there a similar option or application for dell? I'm already using the extended battery life and the stop charging option, but it could be more efficient if I could maximize the amount

 

Just got my xps15 today. Replaced the HDD with OCZ Agility3 120gb. Doing a clean install now. I have to say, taking of the front cover(around the keyboard) sucks. It's got so many little hooks that you have to pry off. I thought I was going to break the thing.
Looking forward to booting up for the first time.

 

Update on my motherboard just got it changed today by the dell tech i still get the same problem with my computer, will not do a Windows Experience Index i get the error message THE WINDOWS EXPERIENCE INDEX FOR YOUR SYSTEM CANNOT BE COMPUTED so waiting for dell to contact me back to get this resolved, the dell tech said Dell's going to phone me back soon with a driver update hope this works? this problem has persisted from day one since i got the computer in april im not to happy , if there driver update dosent fix it i will ask for a new replacement

 

I just got mine yesterday, after 3 hours of use it just turns off... not it won't even start up......... adapter seems fine because the light turns on but.... anyone had any similar incident? It will take me forever to return it to the US..... daaamn...

 

After all the problems with the laptop since day 1 , the guy from dell offered me a New Replacement or get a Full Refund , i decided to get the Full Refund in the end.

Spending that sort of money on the New XPS you expect everything to be working perfect it wasn't for me so it puts me off of wanting another one for the time being,

 

Anyone having trouble with waking up with the keyboard or mouse. Mine won't wake up with either the internal or an external keyboard or mouse. Only the power button will wake it up which is a pain when using it with an external monitor and keyboard/mouse. Dell tech support was (obviously) not helpful. After an hour of trying to fix it by remote, the told me that my laptop does not support ACPI.

Obviously it does support ACPI

Any thoughts?

 

Hey guys. I had the choice to return the laptop but I fell in love with the sound quality . Still I think I would have preferred the 15z model since it has better design IMO.

But anyways I have questions:

I heard that you can buy the 40 pin cable required for 1080p screen for around $20? Where can I buy it for that price?

What is Dell's policy on refunds? I did not buy the laptop on Dell's site (Fry's) and the return period is over. I want to switch to a 15z, or the best laptop Dell can offer that's not an Alienware.

 

I have had the XPS L501x since last Nov..
It started giving me problems since Jan..
I am about to receive a new L502x as a replacement this month..
Hope it doesn't have many issues.

 

A question.. hoping someone can shed some light on it...

My setup:
L502X (a refurb from Dell)
i7-2670 2.2
8GB
1TB
1080 screen - lives up to the hype
9 cell batt - puts the keyboard at the perfect angle for me, perfect
backlit, blu-ray, whatever

Ok, my problem is that when I'm listening to music, like from WMP, and I start surfing the web, there is some skipping in the music...
I would assume this would be due to WMP taking up so much CPU but this i7 should def be able to handle playing music and surfing...
So, should I try to update drivers? and if so, where do I get them?
Should I try using a different media player? which one?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks... Just FYI..I'm in love with this laptop, just a few little things to iron out.. By the way, I've used a 2012 macbook pro i7, a Dell Vostro 3550, a lenovo T420 and an HP DV4 all for several weeks over the last year and all of them have at least one dealbreaker.. but not this one.

 

Shouldn't be an issue but the 5400 1tb and using wmp might be an issue. updating the drivers wouldn't be a bad idea, just get them off Dell web site. I use foobar to listen to mp3s/flac files without issues.

Excuse my typos, sent from my SGS2 using Tapatalk.

 

Thanks man, I guess I'll go ahead and update my drivers...
Just in case someone else has the same issue here's my solution:
I just download Winamp and started playing some music.. opened Chrome with 5 heavy websites and not a crackle, quickly opened about 8 more and still smooth as butter... Guess the major problem was just WMP being a CPU ...thanks

 

Good conclusion. And there are better (and free) media players available.

 

I use iTunes. On my 7-year-old Inspiron, if a web site ran some annoying Flash ad, it would often cause the music to stutter or have brief pauses. On my XPS15 it isn't an issue at all.

 

Well, I downloaded the free version of Winamp and it seems pretty good so far... but what are these "better" alternatives you speak of.. and if you can't post it because of rules or something just PM me.. thanks

 

^^^ By "better," I meant better than WMP. Winamp is quite good. You may want to check out Media Jukebox, Media Monkey and PotPlayer.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...growing-free-windows-software-list.html#Media

 

Oh ok, I thought you meant better than Winamp... but I'll give those a try too.. thanks

Aahh.. I see.. thanks for the link

 

Got another question for you guys...
I've noticed that my spacebar is much louder and makes a "clack" sound.. while all the other keys are pretty close to silent..
Should I bother calling Dell and trying to get a replacement board or key or what?
anyone else dealt with this?

 

Yup, had the same issue with my arrow keys. I called Dell last Friday and a new keyboard came Tuesday which I fitted myself free of charge under warranty

 

Hello,

I was wondering whether you guys could offer me some advice regarding my L502X. I got it in September of last year, and I've noticed a few issues since then. The first one is a white patch in the bottom right of the screen. It has been there as long as I can remember, and appears to be behind the screen perhaps? It's certainly not something on the screen. Another issue is that I occasionally get seemingly random slight pauses for 1-2 seconds while on it. These basically manifest as a slow down in whatever is running, with the sound going crackly or jittery. Finally, I've been looking into the temperature at which the laptop runs. Having looked through the thread, I've seen people reporting 90+ C as being very high. According to CPUID HWmonitor, I'm running between 94 and 97 depending on the core when it's under load. I used Skyrim to test this at first, and then 3DMark06 which produced similar temps and a result of 8860.

If you're wondering why I haven't acted on any of these before, it's because I'm an engineering student at uni, and received the laptop right before University started. This is the first real break I've had in which I might be able to send it back in if these are issues that I should be aware of. Anyways, thanks for taking the time!

I realised that I hadn't actually provided any information about the system, so here we go:
Dell System XPS L502X
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2540M CPU @ 2.60GHz
6144MB RAM
Nvidia GeForce GT540m 2Gb
And the 1366x768 screen which you guys seem to dislike!

 

Just FYI - I called and a tech came out and put a new keyboard and a new palmrest/trackpad on it.. took him about 10 mins... and I got to keep my old palmrest and an extra keyboard they sent (although it's not backlit)... and it didn't cost me a thing
This new keyboard is waaaay better... it's consistently almost silent when typing.. it's awesome

 

I got my laptop early in 2011 and since then it has been working well till 18th evening last.
My Laptop (Model No: P11F) refused to start on 19th morning and is as such dead since then. The power socket gets off as soon as it is connected to the laptop..
Some one said , there is reverse current and the motherboard may have gone. I just do not believe it. The laptop was working well till the previous night. There is no way
to get the battery charged.
Will some one tell me if actually the mother board developed some sudden problem? I do not allow any un authorized person to fiddle with it.

 

Any new drivers for windows 8.1? I'm still in love with this system, nothing else interesting haas been released. I wish I had a touchscreen but it's not that big of a deal. The driver I'm specifically looking for is for the physical wave maxx-audio keys.