Finally, my XPS 1530 being replaced due to GPU fails!!

i dont want a refund, i just want a functional laptop, and a m1530 is not a functional laptop.

 

I meant that you should buy a functional laptop with that refund.

 

Well at least you guys didnt get screwed, this is totally not acceptable

 

I did as well lol. I was given a 1640 that was worse than my M1530 (not to mention the throttling accompanying the slower gpu). I complained and eventually they told me to ship both back and they would give me a refund.

 

03/19/2010 05:12:36PM Session Started with Agent
03/19/2010 05:12:42PM Agent : "Thank you for contacting Dell XPS Experience. My name is **** and my rep ID number is xxxxxx. How may I help you today?"
03/19/2010 05:13:12PM Me: "Yes i have some questions about an existing Warranty Exchange i have setup 2 weeks ago"
03/19/2010 05:13:50PM Agent : "I'll be glad to assist you. Let me pull up your account information. In the meantime, could you please confirm the best number to reach you in case of a follow-up?"
03/19/2010 05:14:09PM Me: "yes xxxxxxxxxx"
03/19/2010 05:16:42PM Agent : "Well, Me i have checked the status of the system exchange."
03/19/2010 05:17:25PM me: "i did notice on my status is shows the same type of laptop iv been having problems with is being sent to me"
03/19/2010 05:17:45PM me: "if you look at my history"
03/19/2010 05:17:53PM me: "my m1530 has had 3 mainboards replaced"
03/19/2010 05:18:04PM me: "the cooling system replaced twice"
03/19/2010 05:18:07PM me: "monitor replaced"
03/19/2010 05:18:13PM me: "hard drive, and palm rest replaced"
03/19/2010 05:19:17PM me: "i cant afford constant problems"
03/19/2010 05:19:21PM Agent : "Yes. i have checked the case history.And that is the reason the system exchange was been initiated on this case."
03/19/2010 05:19:43PM me: "yes but i am worried i am going to have the exact same problems"
03/19/2010 05:19:56PM me: "givin that the system that is being sent is also a m1530"
03/19/2010 05:20:30PM me: "i paid good money thinking i was going to have a good reliable system"
03/19/2010 05:21:11PM Agent: "Well,me let me check the order details."
03/19/2010 05:21:32PM me: "alright thanks"
03/19/2010 05:22:17PM Agent: "Thank you for staying connected."
03/19/2010 05:22:46PM Agent : "Well, i have checked the order details and yes XPS M1530 is being shipped out to you."
03/19/2010 05:22:57PM Agent : "And please do not worry."
03/19/2010 05:23:38PM Agent : "The computer which is being shipped to you is well checked and diagnosed under different conditions before shipping you out."
03/19/2010 05:23:52PM me: "iv been sorta passed the point of worrying"
03/19/2010 05:23:57PM Agent : "You would not face any issues with it."
03/19/2010 05:24:30PM Agent : "And how ever if there are any issues with it we are always here to help you."
03/19/2010 05:24:49PM me: "yes then i will have to wait another 2-4 weeks "
03/19/2010 05:25:02PM me: "which is more downtime and inconvenience"
03/19/2010 05:25:09PM Agent: "Well, do not worry that would not happen."
03/19/2010 05:25:27PM Agent: "The one which is being shipped is well checked and tested."
03/19/2010 05:25:41PM me: "just as my past one was"
03/19/2010 05:25:59PM me: "and i still had issues"
03/19/2010 05:26:23PM me: "im just not satisfied at all with this laptop"
03/19/2010 05:26:28PM Agent : "Austin,do not worry let the computer reach you."
03/19/2010 05:26:41PM Agent : "And you yourself check the system."
03/19/2010 05:26:49PM Agent : "The shipment is already initiated."
03/19/2010 05:27:10PM Agent : "And with in 2 days you would receive your computer."
03/19/2010 05:27:41PM Agent : "And how ever expectations were already set that a like computer would be shipped in exchange."
03/19/2010 05:28:15PM Agent : "And please do not worry XPS M1530 is one of the best brands we have."
03/19/2010 05:28:33PM Agent : "We shall take care if there are any issues with it."
03/19/2010 05:28:57PM me: "i hope so"
03/19/2010 05:29:11PM Agent : "Please make a note of the tracking number:-xxxxxxxxxxxx"
03/19/2010 05:29:31PM me: "alright thanks"
03/19/2010 05:29:41PM Agent : "me do not worry we are here to help you at any point of time."
03/19/2010 05:29:48PM Agent : "You are welcome."
03/19/2010 05:30:01PM Agent : "Is there anything else I may assist you with today?"
03/19/2010 05:30:08PM me: "nope that is all"
03/19/2010 05:30:24PM Agent : "It was a pleasure working with you."
03/19/2010 05:30:32PM Agent : "Thank you for choosing Dell.Have a great day ahead."
03/19/2010 05:30:35PM Agent : "Bye "
03/19/2010 05:31:00PM Agent sent nudge
03/19/2010 05:31:01PM Session Ended


So basically, since its already shipped i have to receive it, then contact them again, and wait another 3-4 weeks for a solution, or not receive a solution at all

 

What I'm trying to say is that this isn't abnormal. I did the same thing. Just keep complaining. Eventually they give in.

 

We shall see, the sucky part about it is my laptop is used for dj use, and i cant just keep installing the software on different laptops, cuz then i have to call NI and have them deactivate licenses and all that fun stuff. i have to have a solid dependable laptop. If this new system is dependable then awesome, but there is a 80% or more chance that its gonna fail just like the old one.

 

Here are the replacement laptops specs

1 X496C Base,Notebook,CPEN,T9300,2.5 M1530
1 2835C Module,Documentation,Airborne,2-DAY,DELL DRCT
1 8U335 Ship,Notebook,Inspiron Sputnik, 250N,US
1 CM279 Module,Bezel,Liquid Crystal Display,W/CMRA,Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp,M1530
1 CY416 Module,Software,Dell Media Direct,3.5,Operating System
1 CY425 Module,Software,Dell Media Direct,3.5,HAWKE
1 D050D Module,Software,VHP32SP1 Consumer Notebook,England DAO/BCC
1 D351F Module,Liquid Crystal Display Notebook,Black,Dummy,M1530
1 DP952 Module,Keyboard,86 United States-English,Dell Americas Organization
1 DR464 Module,Label,Microsoft,WindowsVista Os,Premium,Inspiron
1 DW997 Module,Label,Intel,Notebook Centrino Mobile Technology Update
1 F022F Module,Liquid Crystal Display 15.4WUXGA,Dummy,M1530
1 FX125 Module,Software,CMRA APPL Inspiron
1 FX345 Module,Software,FPRDR APPL Inspiron
1 H081D Module,Software,Quick Fix Engineering,VHP32SP1,Consumer Notebook
1 HT995 Module,Blu-ray Rewritable Double Speed,1530,Panasonic Inspiron
1 J019D Module,Software,DELL-DOCK Consumer
1 J206C Module,Software,Dell Connect 2.1,Dell Americas OrganizationEMEA,Brazil Customer Center
1 K838F Module,Software,VHP32SP1 Digital Video Disk Drive,MUL5 Dao/bcc
1 KW181 MOD,SW,DSPRT-CTR,2.0
1 MG952 Module,Dual In-line Memory Module,4G,667MHZ,2X2G
1 MT623 Module,Software,Dell Media Direct,Blu-ray Disk Playback Royalty
1 N533M Module,Software,Mcafee SAPPHIRE,30DAY,Multiple User Interface
1 P166F Module,Software,VHP32/64 Certificate Of Authenticity
1 P178G Module,Hard Drive,320G,Free Fall Sensor,FJTSU-A160 Inspiron/xps
1 PU575 Module,Remote Control Notebook,Mobile 2008
1 RH778 Module,Adapter,Alternating Current,90W,Lead Free,Liteon Russian
1 RN536 Module,Card,Network,Bluetooth 355,Thurman And Uma,Dell Americas Organization
1 T013C Module,Software,Works,9 English
1 T630F Ship Group,Notebook,United States,3P,M1530,Dell Americas Organization
1 TK366 Module,Battery,Primary,56WHR 6C,Dynapack International Technology Corp
1 TR250 MOD,SOFTWARE,DELL MEDIA DIRECT3.5, KIT,DVD,XPS
1 TY009 Module,Cover,Liquid Crystal Display,Black,M1530
1 U350D Module,Liquid Crystal Display 15.4WUXGA,True Life,Secondary 1530
1 W871N Module,Software,WINDOWS-LIVE Consumer
1 XM544 Module,Software,PC-RESTORE Transactional Line Of Business
1 XR147 Module,Assembly,Base (assemblyOr Group),256M,M1530
1 XR226 Module,Palmrest Magnesium-alloy,W/FPRDR,M1530
1 XR617 Module,Media,Digital Video Disk Drive,Resource Dvd XPS-M1530
1 XR620 Service Install Module Software,Inspiron,XPS-M1530
1 Y575C Module,Software,Roxio,10.2 Premium,Blu-ray Disk Playback
1 YY220 Module,Card,Network,4965 Inspiron,Most Of World 1

 

Intel T9300 2.5GHz, Nvidia 8600m GT (which is just going to fail.), 4GB of ram, 320GB hdd, 1920*1200 screen, blu ray reader, six cell battery.

They could have saved tons of money and time by just making a new motherboard. I wouldn't mind an M1530 if it was with a 9600m GT or newer. Or an Ati 5xxx. But this definitely won't ever happen.

I know exactly what you mean about feeling displaced by not having one computer to work on. Currently I'm just living off a flash drive with the files I really need. It just doesn't feel like home until everything's back to normal.

As soon as you get this new one, complain about heat. That must be terrible with having to deal with the dj software licenses.

 

Can't you deactivate licenses on line via you account? Or do you have to notify NI for some reason? I have a drive with all my music software and licenses on it so when i get a new laptop i can take the stock drive out and put this in. I did it recently and the laptop had a fault so all i had to do was put the drive back in my existing system and i was back up and running.

 

I think after you install it on 2 systems you have to contact them. Hopefully this m1530 runs better then my current m1530. Strange that they are giving me another m1530 though lol

 

Once you get it, don't wait, just start complaining. It has the 8600m GT and therefore will have problems eventually. It may seem fine, but if reliable is what you need the Nvidia 8xxxm series is not for you.

 

wow are you seriously using a Pentium 2? lol until ur laptop gets to you?

 

I'm using a lot of different machines. HP mini that I borrow, desktop in signature, and two different Dell Celeron desktops. Nothing too exciting.

As soon as I'm set with my M11x one of these Celeron Desktops is being given away.

What's really funny is that the HP mini I borrow was mine. I sold it recently. The only reason I had it was for some sort of backup, this was great timing.

 

I don't know if it's different for things like komplete but when i have two licenses activated all i need do is go into my account and deactivate one then i reactivate it on a new install. From what i've read you have to be firm with Dell otherwise they will keep sending you the same mobo, or in this case laptop!

Given that you've had repeated fails it does seem a little odd though! Have they explained why?

 

Does anyone have a SXPS 1640 with a P8800 Processor and an ATI 4670 videocard?

 

Don't listen to Dell, those are compatible.

 

After talking to Dell I recently received a 1640 for my M1530. Apart from the 3670, I was surprised I got a T9900 and 9 cell battery. Since I primarily game on another machine the 3670 didn't bother me as much. However if I find major performance differences from the 8600m GT I might go for a 4670. I have yet to test any games so what can I expect?

 

Well, you got the White (shan't be so bad on fingerprints), and you got the 500gb you wanted, not bad! I think you should ok!

I am appalled they sent you a known "defective and faulty" replacement laptop with a BAD GPU...a bad apple for another bad apple. What was Dell thinking???

Well, it's a guarantee, that you will use this one, and your GPU will overheat & fail..and you will be contacting for service/and or a replacement. Bad, bad move Dell.
I have a few words, but I can't use them here. Not ladylike, and would get me into trouble... They don't even make this lappy anymore..So how can they "assure you" that you will not have "any problems" going forward??? Replacements call for a Like/Similar specs..this is not the case with the 1530.

Dell either is "on it" or they "are not" with Customer Service Relations, and in the case..an "Orly Fail" Sorry./end Dell fail Rant.

On a positive note, I hope that it works for you for a bit of time, I hate to see you have to reload all that software and run into more problems so suddenly fast.

I have the 4670 on my current 1640, and will have it on my replacement..it's sweet.

On that note...My replacement shipped..should be delivered on 3/23/10 Finally.

Cin...

 

The 8600m GT is much better than the 3670. They run games at similar frame rates, but the Ati can't anti alias without halving the frame rate, whereas the Nvdia drops like 5 or less fps. I wasn't happy. Anti aliasing is important in games with large areas to see other players at any sort of distance, not to mention it looks better.

 

Well i will put the replacement thru my tests (Prime95, furmark, etc) im still surprised they did this lol. I probably just got a bad service rep that dint wana help me. just like you said, hit and miss. I mean wouldn't it cost them more money to send me another "known defective" laptop that they are gonna have to possibly send technicians or send another replacement laptop? Wouldn't it just make more sense to send me a Laptop that isn't known Defective? The logic doesn't add up does it?

 

Right you are - while Crysis felt a tad faster without AA and under moderate resolutions, the frame rate fell terribly after turning on AA. I'll be keeping mine as I don't want to trade computers with Dell again. On the bright side my system runs much cooler and I can barely tell it's refurbished.

 

Yeah, are you going to share your test results? I think you may have gotten a Rep, who could very well have been a bit stubborn, and that's well to bad. : ( Yes, a "hit or miss".

It would have been more cost effective to send you a new lappy, ie, 16xx or better vs. another 1530...

Logic? Were dealing with Dell. Where they either "have it, or they don't". They tend not to see the Consumers side of things, I think until the "issue" as a whole becomes well known, and very "large" per se.

I'm still waiting on that followup up call/and or e-mail from the Rep advising that my order has shipped. (When, it actually has, and will be arriving tomorrow).... followthru.love it.

But, I do have some Rubber Bumpers readied to adhere to this new lappy, when it arrives for any slips or falls! XD (kidding).
Cin...

 

Well i have the replacement M1530 now, ran the stress tests (Prime95 & Furmark) and its staying within operating temperatures but only because its throttling itself. When i say throttling its droping the CPU speed down to 794mhz, and droping the GPU speed as well. Basically that sucks!! because if its throttles itself like this while im DJ'ing its gonna cause a DPC Lag spike which is gonna result in Audio Dropout. I like dells logic on how to fix a defective product, just make it nerf itself when it heats up. makes you feel like you made a quality purchase of a high quality, high performance machine. Running Furmark the GPU gets up to 72c which i can tell you within a month's time its gonna climb back up to the 80-90c bracket again.

 

Complain about the throttling, that's how I had my 1640 refunded.

 

Problem solved, they are replacing it with another model, of better specs. Strangely my Replacement m1530 has a Bluray burner in it. ill have my specs up as soon as they are available.

 

Glad to hear that!
My 1647 arrived today! ..Pretty happy! Preparing to do a clean install. Turned it on to make sure all is ok with it, so far so good. It's funny to have both the 1640 & 1647, side-by-side..same colors!

One of my friends was like..you shoulda asked for a BD Drive, a SSD, everything..tried/pushed to get pimped out for the best...I said...
"Why would I do that"? Why would I ask for more than I had coming to me, in the first place? My GPU failed on my 1530, I said..Dell gave me comparable to what I had in said replacement. With this replacement, I got very lucky!

Can't wait to see your specs!

Cin...

 

Cin,

Will you give a comparison between the two? I'm very curious about Internet speed. Start up speed etc. Can't wait to hear.BTW.. is there a lot of bloatware on it? Actually, I think you said you always did a clean install.

Anyway, give with the info as soon as you have it!

 

The best part of the 1647 will be the 130w adapter instead of the 90w adapter. I wouldn't have much of a preference between the two (1640/1647) if Dell just made a new 1640 bios and sent of new adapters like the 1645/1647. Have fun with the new one Cin!

I'm past my EDD for the M11x two days now. I wonder whats up; it says it shipped already, but I'm not sure how often FedEx updates the delivery status. Currently FedEx has it as the first of four stages or something.

 

Sure will It's running the Clean Install now!!
I had a chance to play on the Net for a few before I started the clean install. It seemed pretty fast so far. I will do a sorta side by side net comparison when get fully uploaded after clean install, uploads are done, etc. And, run SpeedTest on both simultaneously, see what comes up!

There didn't appear to be that much of Dell's "Gracious Welcome Gift's of Bloatware" XD.

I will have to snap a photo of them both side-by-side, of course!

Thank you! I think I will...I can't wait to get everything completely loaded up, and make her completely "mine"

Where is your lappy' sitting with FedEx right now? Mine shipped on Saturday from TN, and arrived today. FedEx updates regularly. You could even dial 1-800-463-3339, and speak with a FedEx Rep, and they can give you an idea. They are pretty friendly/helpful

Cin...

 

Glad to see you've gotten it!

 

Cin,

Not to put too much pressure on you... but have you done any comparisons? I'm also eager to see a pic of your screens. Anyway, hope the lappy is a speed demon.

Mine is still in production. Weird. But I'm having so much trouble typing on the external keyboard. Total pain.

 

The M11x arrived and it's great! All this waiting paid off. I find it amazing how cool it's staying. I've been playing for hours and the gpu hit 55 Celsius, and the cpu doesn't even hit 50.

 

Howdy! I should have that completed tonight! The lappy runs pretty fast!
Luvin it thus far! :yes:

Sweetness, so glad it is working out for you!
And, I'm sure it will stay at the temps it should be.


Cin..

 

Hi! I've been following this thread since my M1530 started overheating/having GPU issues (artifacts in games presumably due to overheating). After two mobo replacements, they offered to send me another laptop. That was two days ago. Should I just wait until the order shows up in my dell account? Or should I call? I will not accept another m1530 nor will I accept a 3670. That's just the way it is. I want to stay on them before they tell me its too late to change it.

Also, my warranty runs out in 20 days or so. Therefore, the new laptop may not be here until after it expires. Do I have to purchase an extended warranty, or will they give me a bit of time after I receive the new one? All I really need is a month or so to make sure there aren't any major problems.

 

If you're "antsy" like I was you can chat (better choice IMO) or call them, like I did. One of the techs might even expedite your shipping (to Next Business Day), like they did me. Give them the feeling that you need it urgently, and you might get lucky . Mine never showed up on my Dell account, so I sort of had no choice but to chat them (I also got my replacement in 3 days flat, though that is rare ). It is highly unlikely that they will ship you another M1530, so you'll probably get one of the XPS 16XXs. I hope you get a 1645 or maybe even a 1647, as those are the more "revised" models. As for the 3670, it all depends on Dell, but don't accept if they give that to you (as I most definitely wouldn't, regardless of what they would say). I hope that's not the case with you and you get the 4670.

As for the warranty, I don't think they extend it for you. Though I think that they might give you sort of a 20-30 day grace period. I think, but I'm not sure. I would expect that to be the case, as the customer has to be happy with what they received before all is final. Good luck, keep us posted with your specs.

 

I just recently did a warranty exchange, and they sent me another M1530 but I called and told them i dont want this model, because i know im gonna have to get it fixed again. The key is DO NOT mention you want a specific model, just tell them you can't be without your notebook and you are tired of having to have stuff repaired / replaced. Tell them you would like to get another model since you have had so many issues with your m1530. But make sure you tell them this ASAP otherwise you will possibly get another m1530 and have to wait even longer like i have had too. Make sure you are polite and professional with the Customer Service rep but let them know you are unhappy

 

Thanks guys! One more thing. Perhaps this would be useful for others who are having the same issues..

I don't know what kind of system they'll replace me with yet, but what kind of arguments should be used in order to get upgrades if I don't get component x? Obviously its human nature to want the best I know some people said to ask for RGBLED and said that Dell would replace it with RGBLED when it came in, but I don't understand why. Is WLED worse than LCD? Will it, for example, get less battery life than LCD and therefore I should argue for a better screen? Is WLED not as good as LCD?

I think I should be able to hold my own on the 3670 vs 8600m vs 4670 debate, but just to be sure, the ATI 3670 is shared versus the 8600m and 4670 is a dedicated video card, correct?

And what's this about throttling issues? I'm using my notebook as a desktop replacement/gaming machine, I don't want anything to throttle itself, especially when I'll have maybe a couple of days left on my warranty if it makes it in 3 weeks. I want something that works, and frankly with all the garbage I've been through, I probably deserve a nice upgrade.

Thanks again

Edit: I just want to say how disappointed I am in Dell right now. I expressed concern that the replacement system would not be in time for my college finals. He said, it has only been 2 days and then ended the chat without a goodbye or anything else. I was still typing, in fact. What the hell?!

09:43:40 PM Agent *******
It has been only 2 days.
09:43:54 PM Agent *******
The system exchange would take a maximum of 30 days.
09:44:04 PM Agent *******
I will expedite the process from my end.
09:44:22 PM Agent *******
You would receive the same or better configuration.
09:44:30 PM Customer **********
I understand. I was trying to see if it could be expedited because of my need for a fully working computer.
09:45:34 PM System System
The session has ended!

 

Wled is a backlight for an lcd. Those are two different parts of the screen. The 3670, 4670, and 8600 are all dedicated cards. I'd say that the 8600 is slightly better than the 3670, so definitely push for the 4670 is gpus are important to you.

As far as throttling, the 1640 was really bad when I had one. See if you can get them to give you a 1647.

 

Well since the Session was ended so unprofessionally, i would contact support again either it be by chat or phone and ask to speak to a supervisor, and explain what happened to the supervisor. One thing i can tell you, is dell does care about customer service, and the rep just ending the session like that is not acceptable at all. Other thing is you can go to the unresolved issues area and email them if this kind of stuff keeps happening.

 

Hi, just I'm just wondering is this M1530 replacement only limited to certain region ? How bout Asia ? There's lots of M1530 being sold for must less compared to what they used to be worth. Some even still have complete cover warranty while other already expired. I currently have one unit which have around half year more of warranty not including the one given for the GPU. Is there any posibility that I could request an exchange ? Or just have to run the laptop 24/7 till the gpu goes kaput ? FYI this laptop already had 1 hdd exchange, mobo + arm rest exchange last year. Just really worry if it won't last just after having the warranty end which usually happens as the battery just gave up after the warranty ended.

 

My Replacement has been ordered, and they are giving me a Alienware M15x!!! YES!!! I will have my specs as soon as they are posted

 

That's awesome! Hopefully they give you the GTX 260m and a decent cpu!

 

I'm sure that they will, looks like they are giving out Alienwares for replacements right now (at least it looks that way)

 

That's great news : ) I'm sure your going to enjoy that M15x.... XD. Can't wait to see your specs.

My 1647 is working out just awesomely!! No problems yet...(knock on "whatever")..I usually manage to jinx myself, somewhere and somehow at some point....

I still need to post my side-by-side comp's bet. the 1640 & 1647! And, soon ~ As, I just got a letter from Dell..they want the 1640 back!!

So, I will pack Scarlet2 up on Monday after I completely do the Dbanning on her over the weekend, as such!

Oh, I also downloaded MS Office Professional Plus 2010 Beta..it's nice!

Cin...

 

P111R BASE (ASSEMBLY OR GROUP)..., NOTEBOOK..., ANW, BLACK..., M15X 00001
0797C CUSTOMER KIT..., DOCUMENTATION..., AIRBRN 00001

Thats what is posted for parts sofar, i dont have a order number yet, when do you think i will see a order number with specs?

 

It shouldn't be long now, I don't think! I would guesstimate in the next several days? I would assume they are able to process these easier than they have the 16xx Series.

Cin...

 

Wonder if dell is phasing out the XPS line? with Alienware's taking their place?

 

Not sure...but if so, it's been a nice ride starting with the XPS 1530 to the 1640 to 1647!!

The Alienware is a very line though, that's for sure...*SoliD*

So, you will have to send your 1530 back, also..right?

Cin...

 

I sent the Original M1530 back already, but when the M15x gets here, i will be sending the Replacement M1530 back. Nice thing about the Alienware M15x is its using a Replaceable Video Card (MXM 3.0 type B to be exact). Has two separate Fans and heatsinks for the GPU and CPU. The cooling design and overall design was much more thought thru on the Alienwares