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

I agree, the cooling is way better. Even after playing on my M11x for hours with my leg blocking the intake the gpu still didn't even hit 70 Celsius. When I remember not to block the fan it reaches 55 Celsius.

I'm so happy with the build quality I don't think I'll ever go back to the other Dell lines.

I don't think Dell is actually phasing out the XPS line though. The only way that would work would be if the Studio line was available with better components to make it worth of being called a "high end multimedia" laptop.

 

And here are the specs!!!! it ships out today! and i will have it tomorrow

1 P111R Base,Notebook,Alienware,Black,M15X
1 0797C Customer Kit,Documentation, Airborne
1 1KYGR Module,Information,CHASSIS,Black,M15X
1 2J4FR Module,Software,Certificate Of Authenticity,W7HP64,Alienware
1 3C3PV Module,Media,Digital Video Disk Drive,Resource Dvd,Alienware,M15X
1 5FJ8M Module,Label,Intel,Notebook,CI7
1 6WPVF Module,Information,Artwork,NAME-PLT,Generic,M15X
1 717NT Module,Software,Alienware,COMMANDCENTER,M15X
1 7X54D Module,Information,Audio,M15X
1 8P085 Module,Cord,Power,110V,3W\3P,Asia Pacific,United States
1 CHKFK MOD,PRC,CLF,XXXXX,1.6,M15X
1 CP1VF Module,Software,W7HP64 Consumer Desktop,English Dao/bcc
1 D00MD MOD,CRD,GRPHC,GTX,260M
1 D9KVP Module,Software,Quick Fix Engineering,W7HB32,Consumer Notebook
1 FC0J6 MOD,CRD,NTWK,5300,ANW,DAO
1 H608T MOD,HD,500G,7.2K,SGT-HOLL,XLOB
1 HHXJ8 MOD,LCD,15.6FHD,TLF,LGP,M15X
1 JY578 Module,Information,Software,Alienware,ALIENFX,AQUA
1 JY628 Module,Software,Alienware AVATAR1
1 K467P Module,Adapter,Alternating Current,Delta - Ac Adapt,150W,3P,World Wide
1 M647N Module,Keyboard,83,United States,World Wide,M15X
1 N968R MOD,BTRY,PRI,56WHR,6C,DYNPK
1 NT799 Module,Information,Alienware,AUTO-UPDATES,ON
1 P395P Module,Software,CYBERLINK Powerdvd,8.0,Alienware
1 P398P Module,Software,NERO,9 Alienware
1 P811N MODULE,INFORMATION,DIRECTSHIP,FLEXTRONICS
1 P916C Module,Dual In-line Memory Module,4GB,1066MHZ,DDR3,2X2G
1 R0N0R MOD,DVDRW/BD-ROM,HLDS,BARE,ANW
1 R5FTG MOD-SRV,SW,ANW,M15X
1 R73V3 MOD,CRD,NTWK,370,FXCN,ANW,DAO
1 T013C Module,Software,Works,9 English
1 T968P MOD,SHP MTL,PACK,M15X
1 X582K MOD,ACC,ANW,ENG,D/B,M15X
1 XM544 Module,Software,PC-RESTORE Transactional Line Of Business
1 Y2FYM Module,Software,W7HP64,Digital Video Disk Drive,Multi-Language,Alienware
1 Y540P Module,Software,Alienware CYBERLINK,YOUCAM
1 YC8XT Module,Tuner,Software,TVT11 NTSC,Advanced Television System Committee

 

OH how so exciting! I will give you your official grat's when you receive it tomorrow! XD!!!

Your specs' look nice!!! BD Drive! I wonder if I shoulda pushed for a BD drive?? What I have works for me, fine!!

Your not at all excited, now? Are you? :laugh:

Cin...

 

DTX... when did you get your replacement approved?

 

He had a bad XPS 1530 replacement (for his GPU problem on the 1530 he had).

I believe he got approved on 3/22/10 for a replacement of the bad 1530 he received.

Yesterday his order was in for the M15..and it's shipping tomorrow as far as I know...................................

He talks about it in the previous page........


Cin...

 

sorry did not read back that far.... Mine is PND again - i told Dell I would not accept any system other than a XPS-164x - I was supposed to get a call from a senior manager yesterday who was going to call the dispatchers with me on the line- no call came, so i emailed Michael Dell - got a call this morning in reply to the email- I was told i would get a XPS 16 but would take 10-15 more days- Im trying to figure out how some can walk through the process and others will be called back and forced to wait - stating that is no other faster process when we all know there is... Congrats DXT on getting what you wanted......

 

Oh no...your still not getting any resolve? I thought things were going for the better for you now... Let me take a closer look at your thread when I get home


Cin....

 

Its moving - slow- i think one of the managers in my case was holding things up. not wanting to give to much in the way of a better system - in the conversation is said to me " You paid $xxx.xx and you want how much more computer for that price- seems that Dell thinks that it is more cost effective to offer me a refund... Sorry bought a computer, that is what im expecting

yesterday a new dispatch was opened- i hope that makes it move faster not slower.

 

I got the same run around today....

I purchased a studio 1536 or something along those lines for a little over 600 with tax... Had many problems and they sent me a 1645.... THEY upgraded ME.

Now because this one doesn't perform the want to hand me back the original amount... HAHA!!!! Not settling... escalations is calling me soon : )

 

Its just frustraiting me that, when i see many people giving config options and Dell treating me like i get what they say i get- None of the techs even aluded to being able to talk to dispatch to get specs or spec options. Dell just sent out the Alien Ware with out a word.

 

dxtcmix, you're getting the GTX 260m, 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB of ram, the 1080p screen, and I think it has the i-720qm 45nm, but I'm not positive on that one.

That's going to be an awesome system.

 

Yup they are giving me a beast system im very happy and excited, ill try to take pics if yall wana see them

 

I hear what your saying I'm Fighting to get a proper system Lie after Lie, I have to struggle to get an answer

 

For those who allready had RGBLED Screens- has the thought to change the screen with the replacement crossed anyones mind. The Screen removeal is fairly straight forward. Ship your old one back with the 15.6 - keep the 16?

Esp if you get a referb, - i guess could be an issue if the RGB goes bad later on and you need to get a new screen - at that point you could settle for what you would have had anyway

 

and sigh. Well, I hope that with a new Dispatch being opened, etc..at least you will be on your way to some resolve..and soon! Who know's maybe some resolve today..(I try an be optimistic, most of the time)

And, your staying on top of your case, that helps!

Cin...

 

thanks Cin- I just wish someone would call who has access to the dispatchers and i can work with them to configure a system. This whole process is flawed, Computers are personal - reflective to personality, need, portability, flexibility, When i bought the XPS 3 months ago i did not just hand over my money and say give me whatever... Same should be true for exchanges...

Oh and 2 things - I HATE hearing that dang Lolly-pop add ever time i call - and second in Dells new add camp.... "Dell, Yours is here..." Im like yeah no kidding- I want it "HERE>>>>>>LOL

 

LOL i hate those ads, well my Alienware is here, and i love it, yes it is bigger and bulkier then the M1530 but thats not a bad thing, its built like a tank. It feels like its gonna be a good dependable laptop for a while. Dell should take some of the engineering designs from Alienware, and use them to improved the XPS line.

 

Making two similar lines is pointless; Dell should just drop the XPS line if anything.

Also I laughed at the "Yours is here", since it often is.

 

Its starting to look like the Alienware's are taking the XPS's place. The Alienware's are way better built then the XPS. Only thing that could be better on the M15x is the sound. I mean the speakers are way better than the M1530, but from just seeing the speaker setup on the Studio XPS 16 it looks like they have better sound.

 

I know...but things always have a way of finding resolve. Even when a process is flawed ~ We as Consumers/Customers are able to communicate (not necessarily in a "happily" manner or whatnot), our feelings/concerns with the Retailer/Company at hand..and most times they are forced to find an answer/way to make us a happy camper again.

Hopefully, by fixing/replacing/refunding what the problem was. And, I hope that even though this is taking "longer than anticipated" for you. It will end for you soon.

The problem is, that most times..they don't see the long "timeline" that we see it takes on a Consumer/Owner level..that's the unfortunate part... Hang in there!

Oh, and speaking of the "verbiage" you hear when you call in..I detest the "Hello, this is Ben Stein, and this is Shaquille O'Neal" blast..you get whenever you call Comcast...esp. when you are in a hurry and questioning your Cable bill!

Sweet...! How is the screen on that lappy? Do we get to see a picture? XD

Cin...

 

I hate that comcast thing when you 1st call, its so annoying, but i <3 my comcast interwebz lol

I really like the screen on this laptop, very bright and vivid. Its neat how they put a sheet of glass over the screen edge to edge on the laptop. The customizable lighting is fun, and the wrist rest is the best i have ever experienced on a laptop, its got a nice matte finish. I installed my Traktor Scratch Pro DJ software, hooked it up to my Audio 8 DJ, and this laptop absolutely rocks for DJ use, i cant wait till i get to use it at a Rave/club/House Party, its gonna catch some eyes. Most people use Macbook Pro's lol.

I will try and get some pics taken as soon as i can, gotta charge my N95 lol (i use my old phone as a digi cam lol) If anyone has any questions about the AW M15x feel free to ask me

 

Wow u guys really get all the luck, I did tried hinting tech support bout my laptop having sum probs and it would need sum replacement or repairs soon. Straight they hint me back that my system is kinda old and these probs r the norm especially if i game non stop, as in overheating, hang, freeze. I even mention if i don't use a cooler pad and with air conditioning, the temps definitely hit 85-90'c. The tech guy just said since it's an old laptop prolly it's time to get a new one. Do you guys face such tech support ? I am quite tempted to complain the attitude of this guy as I still have sum more warranty to go. Quite tempted to spill or drop the laptop to claim their completecover. Who knows they might replace with a new unit. Wish they would tho, XPS 16 ? Or M15X ?

 

What kind of notebook are you using? and how long have you had it? Did you call tech support or did you talk to them on the online chat? You have to be someone firm with them, yet polite.

 

I have a end of year 2007 XPS M1530, with 3 years complete cover. I tried online chat, which they direct me to use tech support as they claim line is not stable. Called up then the tech guy keep on mentioning my laptop is a year 2007 model which kinda old and stuff. I am quite polite and even check with them the warranty extention for 1 year comes to about USD 260+ and 2 years comes to about 400 USD.
Since I already had a mobo replacement last year around june, I bet it's gonna die soon just hope it's within the warranty period.

 

i got my M1530 in February 2008, so mine wasnt that much newer then yours. Just tell them your system is getting really hot and overheating, that should do the trick. Do not hint at replacing it with a XPS 16 or Alienware M15x they dont like that lol. Just explain to them you have had your Mainboard replaced once before, and you are worried you are gonna have problems when your warranty runs out. And as far as choosing between the XPS 16 or the Alienware M15x, it all comes down to what your using the laptop for. If you want a sexy looking laptop with shiny glossy goodness, and good sound and performance, get the XPS 16 (also bigger screen). If you want a Beast looking laptop from the future, that is rugged, and has killer performance and a awesome cooling system, and Customizable Lighting, Get the M15x. They both work well for gaming, the alienware probably takes the edge more for gaming, also the Alienware's have less problems with Throttling. Both are great laptops so either way u get a winner.

 

I know...I know...I do like Comcast it's the only reliable Internetz we have around here, right now..(talk about local Cable Monopoly)

I'm glad it's work out for you for your DJing, etc Looking forward to those pics!! XD

I wonder if MSBOC's replacement 16xx shipped yet?

Cin...

 

Here is a somewhat ok photo of it, with my lighting customized to my liking.

 

I wonder if MSBOC's replacement 16xx shipped yet?

Cin...

I was away. First thing I did when I switched back to EDT was to go to Fed Ex where they've been holding it. Now it's in the trunk of my car. Tomorrow will be the big unwrapping day though I expect it to be just like this one. Okay... with a reliable keyboard.

So Cin... just tell without posting specs, is the 1647 much faster than the 1640?

 

Thanks for the tip bro, actually if not coz of the 8600 I wont worry much bout over warranty. Just as u said, best is to get them solve this b4 the warranty ends. Heck I even plan to extend warranty if they would give me a replacement, sum sort of a price to pay to get a more reliable system. I own a xps 16 c2d system which is sum what quite reliable, with a 130watt brick it is even better. I would prefer they replace the M1530 with a M15X but I doubt it's possible, unless I kinda insist that I want a 15" unit instead of a 16" unit. I believe the M15X is even bigger than the XPS 16.

 

Hi, I own a XPS 1530 (C2D@7500, 4GB, 8600, 1680x1050) for about 2 years.
I´ve also bought the 4 years warranty with home service.

The first issue was a defective power supply, which was exchanged within the first week in 2008.
About half a year later the CPU/GPU temperature increased to more than 100 degree Celsius.
So an engineer replaced the heat sink unit and it seems to be fine.
Yesterday I restarted the laptop. Since then the device wouldn't turn on anymore.
Just the blue lightning and that's it. When I hold the button “D” and turn on the device, I got some different colors on the display.
I am self-employee in the IT business and need a reliable device. I guess when I call Dell they will send a technician to replace the defective parts.
I don't have a problem with that because I´ve almost 2 years warranty left, but I think this device is a hot time bomb.
So, what would you recommend to get a reliable exchange device?

Because of business tasks the Alienware is not an option. Sometimes I play casual games, so I don't want a ATI 3XXX.
Because I live in Germany, I don't know if the XPS 1645/47 is already available here.

Thanks and happy Easter.

 

Make sure your mentally prepared for a lengthy process. It isn't fast to get what you want.

If you know what it is you want, try getting a refund. It's easier that way. If not see if they can give you a Studio XPS 1647 with the 4670.

I complained about heat on Dell chat and that's what got the whole exchange started. Also, if you don't like what they give you, tell them. I got a 1640 I didn't like, and got my refund after that and got an M11x instead.

Good luck.

 

Lookin good, lookin good! <-(sorr's I'm addicted to that smiley)

Thanks for sharing the pic!

How are things? I still haven't sent back my 1640, been over 10 days...I will have to next week..I'm housesitting this week, don't have time to mess with it...

There you are! So, has unboxing day for you? Everything as good as it should be, thus far?

The 1647 is so much faster than the 1640. All my readings are on my 1640 (and at home)...I am Housesitting this week.. Will grab em' later on this week.... So far no complaints..just a little one..the touchpad is extremely.."sensitive". If I have a bit to much movement..my "screen" size is changing on me :lol:

Hello! Welcome to the 1530 Club! LoL.

I think at this point, with the known fails on the GPU..I would firmly just push for a replacement. And, since you can't have a AW as one, I would assume they would go with the 16xx Series for you. You have also had a few "issues" with you 1530, so you have that as some good backup!

Sariously, I would not let them replace the GPU again, as it will be prone to a "future fail". Most of us also, had warranties left on our 1530's. I have about a year left on mine. When they replaced my 1530 with the 16xx, they just transferred it over.

The 1645/47 as far as I can tell is availi' at Dell UK. Here, is the LINKY, for you to check

If any of us can help you with any other q's you have just post here, and we will be happy to

Cin..

 

Aaaack! I need advice!

Dell originally sent me a refurb 1640 as my replacement. It was great until the keyboard stopped working. After much back and forth with support (and all of you know how that goes) they said they'd send me a new one with the same specs. (There's more to that story but it's not relevant at the moment.) Anyway, I just fired up the new computer which has been sitting here for a week. And... it's running about 10 -20 degrees hotter than my refurb. I can feel the heat.

So... what's next? Ask for another one? I've only had this one about a week. I'm totally upset and disappointed. I've been doing next to nothing on this new one and I can feel the heat bigtime.

(BTW... after about two weeks of using an external keyboard, the keyboard on the refurb suddenly started working. But I'm still not comfortable keeping it because there must be a short in there somewhere.)

 

That sucks man. I'd just call/chat them up and tell them whats up and that you want yet another replacement. If its running that hot then its probably just a matter of time until it fries. It seems kinda unfair of them to keep sending you broken laptops when I'm assuming you paid for one that was supposed to work.

 

I envy your m15x man! I hope they give me one!

Its been nearly 2 weeks and they haven't updated me on my order. They told me I would know in a week what they sending me.

Also, I asked Dell what happened if the replacement laptop they sent me stopped working if I received the replacement a few days after my warranty expired. They said there is no grace period and whatever I get I am stuck with, unless I purchase an extended warranty. That's not fair to be honest.. They could be waiting until my warranty runs out so I don't complain!

 

You should DEFINITELY try to get that expedited. If I were you I'd be on the phone with them right now.

 

So, today a Dell engineer replaced the mainboard, CPU and the heat sink unit. Just replacing only the CPU doesn't work.
My XPS m1530 operates again yet.
I know this is not the final solution, but for business a functioning device is the first important thing for me. I will deal with the long-term issues later.

Working on my 10” MSI Wind Netbook over the last days was a little unsatisfying as you can guess.

Anyway, is there someone who can provide the last A12 Bios with the patched SLIC 2.1 for Windows 7? I would really appreciate this.

EDIT: Already found a matching BIOS.

Thanks and congratulations to all users who already got a replacement Unit.

 

Newbie here. So I came across this thread as a result of searching for M1530 overheating issues. I bought mine in Sept 08 and it's worked for me beautifully minus a few hiccups including the day I got it. Anyway, I was monitoring my system's temperature and

The current temperature column shows my computer's temp while it was idle with Word and Firefox open. The highs column was while I was doing some semi-intense stuff. I haven't contacted Dell yet and I don't know what my first step should be.

Specs are:
C2D T9300 2.5GHz
4GB ram
320GB 7200rpm HDD
Nvidia 8600GT 256MB

 

Get on Dell chat from their website and complain about the heat. Don't accept them saying they will replace the heatsink or motherboard, since that's only a temporary "fix". Say that you need a reliable system, and just keep complaining. If they don't offer you what you want, demand a refund. In the end I got 80% of my M1530 purchase price, which was pretty good.

 

When you say purchase price do you mean the amount you paid or the amount the system was configured to before any discounts?

 

Temps shouldn't be like that already.. Is the performance any better today? If not, get back on Dell for a fix..or..*mutters* replacement to your satisfaction...(I know..I know..not again)....

Yeah, your GPU is basically starting/on the fail..Get on Dell Chat, and see what they will do for you. They will prolly want to replace your Mobo/GPU..advise nicely/firmly that's a "temporarily fix".

Do you have a warranty left on your 1530, at all? Or, are you on the Nvidia 1 Year extended warranty now?

If you have a Warranty left on your lappy, you will be able to contact Tech Support via Chat. If not, you will have to Call.

Here is information regarding the Nvidia Warranty:
NVIDIA GPU Update: Limited Warranty Enhancement Details

Cin...

 

Without discounts the M1530 was around $1400 I believe, and after discounts I thought it was around $1100, but Dell thought it was $1250 (I don't trust my memory lol). In any case, I got $1000 back. It was after discounts/the amount I actually paid.

 

Thanks guys. When I purchased mine, the configured price without discounts was about $2300. I maxed pretty much everything out. It came with a 3 year warranty so I'm still covered. I looked on Dell's site and it says my warranty started in 2009 which makes no sense because I bought it in 2008 and that it expires this year. Maybe it changes every year? But I'm definitely covered Next Business Day Support and XPS Technical Support.

 

Ok, that is good you have NBD and OnSite. Hop on Chat (plug your Service Tag into: Chat With Technical Support

Advise of your high readings, etc..., and see what they say...like I said I'm sure they will prolly advise they want t replace your Mobo/GPU/etc...You could at that point ask if the replacement is a guarantee of any future overheating due to the known Nvidia fails.

Cin...

 

Should I tell them that I know other people have had these issues and were not fixed by mobo/gpu replacements?

 

Yes, you should..and Dell is fully aware of this..also. If they deny this..then they bottoming in their own ignorance...

Dell stopped selling the 1530 over well over 8 months ago. And, now it's more costly for them to continue to replace the parts. So, its just easier to replace with a like system (ie. 16xx or as such). Easier to issue/replace a system with a non-faulty GPU then to continue with one that is faulted from the start.

That is why most in this thread, including myself have received replacement lappy's because of the bad, bad GPU's (and several bad, bad replacement GPU's).

Cin...

 

They already know this. Just keep it about you absolutely needing a reliable system.

 

Alright, I'll try tomorrow. I went on the chat right now and it seems that they're closed.

 

Yes, they get to sleep for a little bit! : )

Here are their hours: 7 days a week from 8 a.m. – 12 midnight CST

And, keep us posted and Good Luck!

Cin...

 

Well the way dell calculates the warranty is not from the year u purchase then ends the period ur warranty expire instead sumtimes they add on like if u purchase at 2007 then it ends on 2008 and starts at 2008 to 2009 and so on. Just use ur service tag and check ur warranty U will know what I'm saying.

Bout replacements is it not every case gets replacement unless we kinda push them ? I tried calling them up and complain the heat, as my unit can hit 90 + if i dun use cooler pad and I fix the bottom cover. Currently I remove the bottom cover and use a cooler fan blowing directly the heatsink and temps r really nice. Problem is I got bout 25x days left for warranty, and telling them it's overheating, sumtimes hanging, well the only way to make it hang is to run trottle stop lock the multiplier and let it burn on furmark + prime. I manage to get a screen shot of 85'c but after 90'c the whole unit turned off.

I wonder how hard is it to get them do a replacement, maybe I must get myself a nice rep willing to pity me on my case of toasting laptop.