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

The lighting on the m15x is just sick. By the way, dxtcmix, we pretty much have the same specs in our M1530s. Did you return yours yet?

 

I've decided that I'm not really that happy with the GT 240M that is in the m15x. Now, I haven't done any direct tests or anything, but I was able to run Mass Effect 2 at 1440x900 or whatever it was with no slowdown on my 8600M. On Battlefield 2, the Alienware struggles at 1440x900. They're not the same games of course and I'm afraid to jump to conclusions, but they are similar games graphics wise (if not ME2 being better in that sense). Is that just me?

I got a mere 7100 3d marks in 06.. I'm going to test my XPS 1530 later and see what it gets. My argument to Dell will be that since the m15x has a higher native resolution, it should be able to run the same games at the same FPS at each computer's respective native resolution or else it is not "equal or better". I'm going in for the unthinkable - asking Dell for the GTX 260M! Wish me luck. Will post up later

 

Yes i have already returned mine, the lighting is amazing on this thing, brings out the creative side of ya lol.

 

And good news about the m15x is the video card is removable, so they could send a tech out with the graphics card instead of having to send the laptop back. Thats if your warranty has onsite that is.

 

You should definitely try for the 260m if the 240m is perfoming worse than the 8600m. Good luck! I'm still waiting for Dell's response to my response. Hopefully the delay means the rep forwarded the email to a superior. Or however it works in their system. *crosses fingers*

 

You know, I've been following your story, and I'm glad you realized for yourself that the 240m is most definitely not a worthy card for an Alienware. The ATI MR HD4670 is even better than that card. Congrats on your m15x, but you need a 260m GTX to really warrant that thing's size and chassis. This is your best opportunity to get it for ( hopefully) no cost. Push for it and good luck.

 

So Dell replied with "I understand your insight regarding the issue. This is happening due to the old chipset that were shipped with the systems. The motherboard replacement we are sending now has newer chipsets that fixes the overheating issue."

What do I say?

 

So here ithe updated specs on my second replacement laptop, How does it compare:

M1530 Specs:

1 M244D Processor, T8300, 2.4, 3MB, Core Penryn, M0
0 01323 INFORMATION..., NO ITEM
1 DF266 Assembly, Adapter, Alternating Current, 90W, MOBILE 2007..., Lead Free Liteon
1 DF771 CORD..., Power, 125, 1M, C7, 2P Dual, United States
1 FW331 Kit, Remote Control, Notebook Mobile 2008, Philips
1 NK750 Keyboard, 86, United States English, Single, Pointing Barents
1 RU345 PLACEMAT..., GETTING STARTED..., EXTREME PERFORMANCE SYSTEM..., M1530, DAO/EMEA
1 XR215 Assembly, Palmrest, Aluminum W/FPRDR, M1530
1 2080U DOCUMENTATION..., AIRBORNE..., PFN34607528, RETURN...
4 2864D Screw, M3X3, K SCREW HEAD..., MICROSOFT..., BLACK OXIDE...
1 65658 TECHNICAL SHEET..., REPL SYS, RETURN TO DELL...
1 CR235 Kit, Software, Overpack, VU32, A01Digital Video Disk Drive England
1 CW725 Card, Wireless, Internal Bluetooth, 355, Windows Vista Os
1 CX071 Kit, Remote Control, RMT5, Dell Americas Organization Dimension
1 DP157 Assembly, Camera, 2M, Integrated Manufactured In China, Latin America, M085
1 F084D Kit, Software, Roxio, 10-0, Dell Edition
1 GN866 Kit, Software, Dell Media Direct3.5, Digital Video Disk Drive Extreme Performance System
1 K937C Assembly, Dvd+/-rw, 8, SLOT, 1530 Sony Nec Optiarc Inc.
1 KR515 Liquid Crystal Display 15.4WXGA+, True Life, Lg PhilipsLcd, V2
1 MK933 Card, Wireless, Minicard, 4965 Most Of World 1
1 PU705 Kit, Mouse, Bluetooth, 5BTN Travel
1 R109C Kit, Software, Turbine, Lord Of The Rings, Extreme Performance System, DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION...
1 R387D ASSEMBLY..., BASE (ASSEMBLY OR GROUP)..., DISCRETE..., 256M, M1530
1 RN894 Battery, Primary, 85WHR, 9C Lithium, SIMPLO
1 RU671 Bezel, Liquid Crystal Display Plastic, W/CMRA, M1530
1 WT611 Hard Drive, 200GB, Free Fall Sensor, 9.5, 7.2K, SGT-GAL
1 XR855 Bracket, Support, Metal, 15.4 Liquid Crystal Display, L, M1530
1 XR856 Bracket, Support, Metal, 15.4 Liquid Crystal Display, R, M1530
1 XR857 Assembly, Cable, Liquid Crystal Display, M1530
2 Y9540 Dual In Line Memory Module 2GB, 667, 256X64, 8K, 200
1 TY011 Assembly, Cover, Liquid Crystal Display, Black Magnesium-Alloy, M1530
1 XR216 Assembly, Heatsink, Notebook MEROM, M1530
1 XR217 Assembly, Cover, DASHBOARD Plastic, M1530


SXPS 1640 Specs:

1 R149P Processor, P8800, 2.66, 3MB, Core Penryn, 25W, R0
1 MY297 Label, Fascia, Intel, CARTON
1 1V3RH TECHNICAL SHEET..., WIN7, ENGLAND/ENGLISH...
1 X836K TECHNICAL SHEET..., SOFTWARE..., FI-BACKUP-WEBSITE, ENGLAND/ENGLISH...
0 W572D SERVICE CHARGE..., DRIVER..., INTEL..., CHIP SET..., 1640
1 U943P TECHNICAL SHEET..., DRIVER DOWNLOAD, ENGLAND/ENGLISH...
0 R677C SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., QIK-SET, 1640
1 R266D Keyboard, 86, United States England/english, Xps Liteweight Single Pointing Backlit
1 T538D KIT..., DOCUMENTATION..., BINDER..., ENGLAND/ENGLISH..., 1640, DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION...
0 JM634 SERVICE CHARGE..., OPERATING SYSTEM..., PRL-PEV
0 8564U INFORMATION..., SOFTWARE..., DEFAULT, NEW TECHNOLOGY FILE SYSTEM...
1 Y231H SHIPPING MATERIAL..., BOX..., SYSTEM..., OUTER..., PALTROW, DUAL...
0 X903C INFORMATION..., ROYALTY..., KEYBOARD..., BLIT, ACROSS LINE OF BUSINESS...
1 CM889 Adapter, Alternating Current 90W, Flexible, 3P, World Wide M09
0 W930J SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., POWER..., MANAGEMENT..., 1640
0 57154 Service Charge, Software, Windows 98, Fully Integrated System Test
0 01323 INFORMATION..., NO ITEM
1 U040J SHIPPING MATERIAL..., FOAM..., NOTEBOOK..., LCD-KYBD, 16
0 R683C SERVICE CHARGE..., DRIVER..., BROADCOM CORPORATION..., LAN ON MOTHERBOARD..., 1640
0 NU242 INFORMATION..., WINRE-SIZE, 15, GB-PTN
1 Y230H SHIPPING MATERIAL..., BOX, SYSTEM..., PALTROW, DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION...
1 X686J SHIPPING MATERIAL..., BAG..., NOTEBOOK..., 18X16, LDPE
1 T810H SHIPPING MATERIAL..., CUSHION..., TRAY..., PALTROW
0 R681C SERVICE CHARGE..., DRIVER..., READER..., CARD (DOCUMENT)..., 1640
0 R676C SERVICE CHARGE..., DRIVER..., AUDIO..., 1640
0 HG095 Service Charge, Software On Board Diagnostics, Notebook
0 9T968 INFORMATION..., NO ITEM, INSPIRON
0 3W445 INFORMATION..., NOTEBOOK ORDER
0 2DXD5 INFORMATION..., ROYALTY..., SRS-LABS, 1010
0 58548 INFORMATION..., SOFTWARE..., UTILITY-PARTITION, 10MB
0 T038J SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., WALLPAPER..., STUDIO XPS
0 R678C SERVICE CHARGE..., DRIVER..., TOUCHPAD..., 1640
0 M185F INFORMATION..., RBDG, STUDIOXPS, NOTEBOOK...
1 FX429 CORD..., Power, 125V, 2.5A, 1M, C5 E, United States
1 X445H SHIPPING MATERIAL..., BAG..., PALTROW
0 R680C SERVICE CHARGE..., DRIVER..., ATI TECHNOLOGIES INC..., VIDEO..., 1640
1 P169D LABEL..., REGULATORY..., NOTEBOOK..., 1640, DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION...
0 J679G SERVICE CHARGE..., DRIVER..., CIRCLE..., 1640
0 8JRDX SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., CRTV, PANZER, 1.2
0 864KE Information, PLACEHOLDER PIECE-PART
0 7DRVG INFORMATION..., FLASH@V, 1004234
4 2864D Screw, M3X3, K SCREW HEAD..., MICROSOFT..., BLACK OXIDE...
1 1FH94 Label, Microsoft, NoBios, WindowsSeven
0 YU737 INFORMATION..., ROYALTY..., DSPRT-CTR, 2.0
0 XJ3YJ INFORMATION..., WINRE-ADDR, 200, MB-PTN
1 VJW22 Kit, Media, Digital Video Disk Drive, Resource Dvd, Extreme Performance System, Notebook
0 U142N SERVICE CHARGE..., HYPERTEXT MARKUP LANGUAGE..., WIRELESS..., INTERNAL..., BLUETOOTH..., 370, NO BIOS...
1 KW374 Card (circuit), Network, Half Mini-card, 5300
0 J017D INFORMATION..., ROYALTY..., DELL-DOCK, CONSUMER...
0 C797C SERVICE CHARGE..., HYPERTEXT MARKUP LANGUAGE..., WIRELESS..., HMCRD, INSPIRON..., M09
0 9Y453 Service, Software, Soft ContractQualxserve
0 5XDYN SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., CRTV, CAMERA..., CONSUMER..., 1.4
0 2XK0V INFORMATION..., WINRE-BASE, Pentium M Dothan, 1.86GHZ, 2 MEGB, 533FSB..., MB-PTN
1 1803X KIT..., DOCUMENTATION..., WYBL, ASSET RECOVERY BUSINESS..., EXCHANGE..., ENGLAND/ENGLISH..., DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION...
1 X413C Battery, Primary, 56WHR, Vmware 6Core Processor, Lithium, SamsungPower Division
0 TM318 INFORMATION..., SLP2, ENABLE, WINDOWS
0 R0920 Service Charge, OPERATING SYSTEM..., Windows XP Windows 2000, Direct-X
0 PTMT7 INFORMATION..., WINRE-ADDR, 500, MB-PTN
0 P658M INFORMATION..., CRTV, PANZER, 1.0, ROYALTY...
0 P575H INFORMATION..., SOFTWARE..., NO-KIT
0 N162M SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., LTG, DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
0 MN234 INFORMATION..., WINRE-SIZE, 10, GB-PTN
0 J156M SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., MCAFEE..., SAPPHIRE, 30DAY, MULTIPLE USER INTERFACE...
0 J018D SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., DELL-DOCK, CONSUMER...
0 HY806 Service Charge, Software Dell-Welcome, Transactional Line Of Business
0 F940C SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., DCON, 2.1, DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION..., EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA..., BRAZIL CUSTOMER CENTER...
0 D179D INFORMATION..., ROYALTY..., SNVS, FCRG
0 D158D SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., ROXIO..., 10.3, PREM-SD
1 8G51N Assembly, Liquid Crystal Display, 16, Full High Definition, Low Cost, 1640
14 4270E Screw, M2X3, K Screw Head, Machine Screw, Black Oxide
1 1YKKW Kit, Software, Creative, PANZER, 1.2
0 W888C INFORMATION..., ROYALTY..., ROXIO..., 10.3, PREMIUM..., UPSEL
0 W66R1 INFORMATION..., WMP@V, 12000
1 W393D LABEL..., REGULATORY..., WIRELESS..., 5300, INSPIRON...
0 U141N SERVICE CHARGE..., DRIVER..., WIRELESS..., BLUETOOTH..., 370, 5DB, NO BIOS...
0 RDW2W INFORMATION..., WINRE-ADDR, 1, GB-PTN
1 R020C Kit, Software, Works, 9, English
0 PJ289 INFORMATION..., VPEPR
1 M960G Card, Wireless, Bluetooth, 370 Latin, 5DB, No Bios
0 M174H INFORMATION..., ROYALTY..., POWERDVD..., 8.3, DIGITAL VIDEO DISK DRIVE..., TT
0 K801C SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., WORKS..., 9, ENGLAND/ENGLISH...
0 JRR02 INFORMATION..., WIN7
0 G685C INFORMATION..., ROYALTY..., DCON, 2.1
0 CT097 Service Charge, Operating System, VISTA, FLASH, INSTALLER
0 C482K SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., WIT-GAMES
0 9FJYM INFORMATION..., IE@V, 80000
27 63PDH Screw, MOSAIC/MIDAS,M2P3,M2P4 & TANG..., 5X5, Phillips Head, THREAD FORMED..., BCS
0 4Y7R9 INFORMATION..., SOFTWARE..., WORKS..., 9, ROYALTY..., ENGLAND/ENGLISH...
0 Y923N SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., WINDOWS-LIVE, CONSUMER...
0 XK353 INFORMATION..., .NET@V, 20000
1 VDWFK Kit, Software, W7U64, Multiple User Interface, NO-E
0 P575H INFORMATION..., SOFTWARE..., NO-KIT
0 M8192 Service Charge, Software MCAF-SCTY, UPDATES
0 JX8N2 INFORMATION..., WINRE-ADDR, 1600, MB-PTN
0 9WV3G INFORMATION..., .NET@V, 35000, SP1
0 2PFFT INFORMATION..., QUICK FIX ENGINEERING..., WIN7, CONSUMER
0 253VN INFORMATION..., DIRECT X (@V)..., 110000
0 YK191 INFORMATION..., SOFTWARE..., 30DAY
0 YJ528 Service Charge, Software SYSM-TRAY-CLNR
0 UP051 Service Charge, Software Wlcm-Ctr-Cstms, Transactional Line Of Business
0 RPRV5 INFORMATION..., WINRE-ADDR, 7, GB-PTN
0 NU242 INFORMATION..., WINRE-SIZE, 15, GB-PTN
0 JRR02 INFORMATION..., WIN7
1 K645G Hard Drive, 250GB, Free Fall Sensor, 7.2K, 2.5, WD-MX160
0 CT359 INFORMATION..., SOFTWARE..., MCAFEE-SEC-PROVIDER
1 6337P Label, Service Tag/Express CodeCorona
0 00159 Information, First Boot, Hard Drive
2 YP792 Screw, M2X2MM, Flat Head, Machine Screw, Nickel Plated, Black
1 Y152D Assembly, Heatsink, Notebook Discrete, 1640
0 XJ3YJ INFORMATION..., WINRE-ADDR, 200, MB-PTN
0 X821M SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., DSPRT-CTR, 64BIT, 2.0
0 X278C SERVICE CHARGE..., OPERATING SYSTEM..., WINDOWS XP..., DOTNET..., Framework..., WINDOWS BASED INSTALLER...
0 U139N SERVICE CHARGE..., APPLICATIONS..., WIRELESS..., BLUETOOTH..., 370, 5DB, NO BIOS...
0 T7JCP SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., DOWNLOAD-STORE-LINKS
0 P575H INFORMATION..., SOFTWARE..., NO-KIT
1 N022G LABEL..., REGULATORY..., WIRELESS..., BLUETOOTH..., 370, DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION...
0 M023R SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., POWERDVD..., 8.3, DIGITAL VIDEO DISK DRIVE..., TT
0 HR1WV SERVICE CHARGE..., OPERATING SYSTEM..., WIN7, Q974476
2 H299F Dual In-Line Memory Module, 2GB1067MHZ, 256X64, 8K, 200
0 D180D INFORMATION..., ROYALTY..., CRTV, CAMERA..., CONSUMER...
1 1D51J Assembly, Dvd+/-Rw, Serial Ata, 1640, Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology
1 6NP74 Label, Intel, Notebook, CMT2, Rebranding
0 3R6XV INFORMATION..., SUN@V, 16017
1 3JV66 Label, Certificate Of Authenticity, Operating System, W7U3/6
0 TX271 Service Charge, Software Windows Vista OS, Personal Computer-RESTORE, ALL COUNTRIES...
0 T2673 Service Charge, Operating System, Windows XP OCA-MARKER
0 P911C SERVICE CHARGE..., DRIVER..., WIRELESS..., HMCRD, INSPIRON..., M09
0 N534M INFORMATION..., MCAFEE..., SAPPHIRE, 30DAY, ROYALTY...
0 F214K SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., DTSV, BASIC..., 2.0
0 C5245 Service Charge, Operating Software, Windows XP Professional SP1, Windows 2000SP4, SUN-JRE
1 U785D ASSEMBLY..., BASE (ASSEMBLY OR GROUP)..., DISCRETE..., 1640
0 P880M SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., SNVS, FCRG, 2.4
0 P352J SERVICE CHARGE..., SOFTWARE..., ADOBE..., READER..., 9.0, MULTI-LANGUAGE...
0 J8WR2 SERVICE CHARGE..., OPERATING SYSTEM..., W7U64, ENGLAND/ENGLISH...
0 G301K INFORMATION..., ROYALTY..., WIT-GAMES
0 F091D INFORMATION..., ROXIO..., 10.3, PREM-SD


2nd replacement:
1 224-7380 Studio XPS 16 Notebook
1 310-0173 Airborne Documentation, System Exchanges,Factory Install
1 312-0950 9-cell Battery
1 313-7054 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive for XPS1640
1 317-2364 4GB, DDR3, 1333MHz 2 Dimm
1 317-2825 Intel CoreTM i5 540M processor (2C/4T, 2.53-3.06 GHz, 3M L3)
1 320-1208 ATI Mobility RADEON HD 4670 1GB
1 320-8335 Premium FHD WLED Display, Obsidian Black, 2.0 MP Webcam
1 320-8352 Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish with Leather XPS 1645
1 330-6222 Windows 7 Label
1 330-6468 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP,XPS 1647
1 341-8989 500GB 7200RPM Free Fall SensorSeagate Hard Drive
1 410-1883 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
1 410-2184 McAfee Sapphire MUI, 30 Day
1 412-0148 No ISP requested
1 412-0360 Soft Contracts - Banctec
1 420-6436 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 420-6576 DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
1 420-7938 Dell Connect 2.1
1 420-8051 Microsoft Works 9.0, English For Inspiron
1 420-9100 Dell Dock Consumer
1 420-9691 DataSafe Local BackUp 2.0 Basic
1 421-0092 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 421-0187 Dell Support Center Software 64 Bit 2.0
1 421-0188 Facial Recognition
1 421-0323 Windows Live Search,Multiple User Interface
1 421-1010 Dell Webcam Central v1.4
1 421-1361 MOD,SW,RXO,EZCD,10.3,DE,FI
1 421-1365 Genuine Windows 7 Ultimate, 64 bit, English
1 421-1695 MOD,SW,PDVD,8.3,DVD,TT,FI
1 421-2000 Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio Software Enabled
1 421-2086 eBay Webslice
1 430-0700 Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1+EDR)
1 430-0725 Intel 6250 Wireless-N w/WiMAX (2x2) Mini Card
1 430-3605 Integrated 10/100 Network Card


How does the second replacement compare?

 

The Second Replacement looks great!! Definitely a upgrade with some nice specs

 

What is upgraded?

 

I just finally got around to contacting dell about the overheating issues with my m1530 this weekend. I wasn't in a big hurry before because I have a XPS 16 but I have recently started having to use the m1530 regularly again.They were going to send a tech out to replace the motherboard, heatsink, etc.

I just got an automated notice today saying that some or all of the parts are back ordered. I did not get an ETA in the voice mail so I have to call them to see what is going on.

I hope these parts become available soon since I am counting on my 1530 right now. I really love that little laptop.

 

Intel CoreTM i5 540M
500GB 7200RPM
4GB, DDR3 (unless you had it before)
ATI Mobility RADEON HD 4670 1GB (unless you had it before)

 

Is my screen the RGBLED? whats different between the 1640 and 1645?

 

1640 is the Core 2 Duo system, the 1645 is the 45nm i7 quad system, and the 1647 is the i5/i7 32nm dual core system.

 

1 313-7054 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive for XPS1640
1 317-2364 4GB, DDR3, 1333MHz 2 Dimm
1 317-2825 Intel CoreTM i5 540M processor (2C/4T, 2.53-3.06 GHz, 3M L3)
1 320-1208 ATI Mobility RADEON HD 4670 1GB
1 320-8335 Premium FHD WLED Display, Obsidian Black, 2.0 MP Webcam
1 320-8352 Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish with Leather XPS 1645
1 341-8989 500GB 7200RPM Free Fall SensorSeagate Hard Drive
1 430-0700 Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1+EDR)
1 430-0725 Intel 6250 Wireless-N w/WiMAX (2x2) Mini Card

Yea Congrats KOT, that looks much better than the last one (and easier to decipher too ). The i-540 is a very good processor (stays cool with great performance). It's a 1647 with RGBLED. Dell calls the RGBLED the "Premium WLED". Then you also have the 4670 for sure, and the 9 cell battery. The 6250 Wireless-N card is also the newest wireless card you can get from Dell, and should provide great wireless connection. Then the 500GB HDD is an upgrade over the 250GB they tried to give you. You got a fantastic replacement, good job working all that out (and it looks new). Enjoy it !

 

Guys. What should I do?

 

Yeah but they forgot my bluray drive, and I really didn't want leather, I figure it will cause heat issues!

 

Reply back...to them what other options do they have for you? As, even with the newer "chipset" it does not resolve GPU/overheating issue.

Ask them is this 100% Guaranteed? And, if so..You want that in writing from them before they replace the Mobo/GPU..that it is 100% Guaranteed not to overheat again with the new Chipset "fix".........meh.

The Nvidia GPU is not resolved. If it was, they would have pulled the "extended warranty" etc..

Cin...

 

Alright. Good response. Thanks.

 

Does the leather cause any heat issues? I hope my video card driver won't crash on this one

 

Any updates?

I have the Leather on mine, hasn't caused any "heat issues" to date. Actually, I still have the 1640 I need to return (haven't a chance yet) ~ So, I am using both the 1640 & 1647 w/Leather trim and haven't had any heat issues w/the Leather. The Leather Trim is on the Lid only (and not that large ~ about the size of a ruler). : )

Cin...

 

Just fired off a response. I should hear from them by tonight. (Hopefully)

 

Hey Cin what do you think of the specs I am getting? I have to get them to swap out my bluray drive as soon as it gets delivered but I am thinking I made out!

 

Good Looking forward to hearing a positive response from them for you! : )

I think your spec's look very nice!! Yes, you did good! Now you just have to wait for the arrival. XD.

Cin...

 

Hey guys,

So I called Dell and not surprisingly, the rep said they wanted to send out an on-site technician to replace some parts. My original M1530's (bought Aug 08) hard drive died and was overheating just as bad as this one (100+ celsius chipset, ~95+ celsius 8600) so they sent a brand new replacement (not refurbished) last year in January. I used the reasoning that if a brand new replacement has the exact same problems, then replacing a few parts will only be a temporary fix, if even that. Unfortunately, this was to no avail so I said nevermind to the rep and I will think about it and call back later. This current laptop has never been serviced (but it is the result of a "service") so I guess they want to throw some new parts in it to see if it'll solve anything but we all know this won't do anything, at least for the long-term.

The online chat doesn't work right now (all reps are busy or so) so I had/have no choice but to call. I don't really want to email as I want active communication.

This is frustrating when the laptop gets so hot but I know we've all heard of these problems 100 times. It's so hot that I can't touch the bottom of the laptop without literally my hand burning... When the laptop gets so hot (and this is with a normal desk fan blowing in/around it), the system throttles performance so I can't play World of Warcraft or even watch a regular video without the FPS slowing down terribly. Shouldn't be happening in a system like this.

I just don't know what to try at this moment. I don't really want to waste time "replacing" parts and want to know if I can get a replacement, preferably m15x as that would suit my needs with the powerful cooling above all else. Anyone have any advice? I have read the past 10+ pages and first few but I'm in a bit of a pickle because this current laptop is a "replacement" and hasn't had any service done to it yet, and I just don't think they believe me or something. Then again I've only called once so far.

 

I'm in your exact position except this is my first time contacting Dell. They said they upgraded the chipsets but that's not true. Anyway, like Cin said, ask them for a guarantee that the replacement parts won't give you the same problems. I'm waiting for Dell's response to me saying that. Should hear from them today. I used email because their live chat is broken and I don't like talking on the phone.

 

27+ hours and no response.

 

Not sure if it's the same email system, i asked for a quote for extended warranty 2 weeks ago till now no respond. I called up their tech support and got quoted immediately. I am currently running the laptop without cooler and can see temps average around 50-65 for cpu and 7x-8x for gpu. That's when not in a air conditioned room, it's in air conditioned, temps r around 5'c lower.

IF i run games n stuff easily temps hit 8x - 9x for gpu and processors 6x - 7x. I wonder how long it will last.

 

No idea. My cpu hit 90c because of YouTube yesterday. Ugh

 

See how hot you can get it for fun. If anything they'll just have to replace it sooner. My gpu was stable to 110+ Celsius, but I'm not sure how far my cpu went. I think the cpu was usually what caused the crashes, unless I was actually hitting 115 Celsius on the gpu back in the days when I never monitored temperatures.

Don't get too stressed, treat it like a rental.

 

But they're refusing a replacement. I don't want to go through all the mobo/gpu replacing headaches without any results. I'm waiting on their response. I was kind of "harsh" this time I think.

 

The highest I got so far was 101 in the CPU and about 99 on the gpu

 

I ran my gpu for a long time with it stabilizing at 89 Celsius. I can't even guess as to how long yours will last because these gpus vary so much. Some of us go years, and some only last a month. Mine never even failed, but I got my refund just for complaining about the heat. With it being my first laptop, I didn't really think to much about the temperature, since I had nothing to compare it to. But interestingly after a year of ridiculous temps, and even heavy overclocking, it hadn't failed.

 

Wow. You got a nice person I guess. How much/long did you argue?

 

That was just a really short version of what happened, no the replacement/refund wasn't fast at all. I can't remember exact dates, but reading the old posts I have in this thread might give you an idea of what I did.

 

Alright. Will do tomorrow. I actually read the entire thread when I first found it. Didn't pay too much attention to dates though.

 

Have you heard anything back yet? And, would you rather have a replacement, or a refund?

If you haven't heard anything back yet, and you should have a Case Number by now...Have you thought of going the Unresolved Issues route? Or, taking it via e-mail to the Executive Mgmt. level? If so, you should prolly go the Unresolved Issues route first.

FTR, Chat Support is still "down" for me...

Cin...

 

After two emails, I'm waiting for their third. I sent my latest out on Wednesday at about 4PM. So about an hour until it's been 2 days. If I don't hear from by the end of today, I will be contacting Unresolved Issues. Also, replacement vs refund would depend on how much of my money they are refunding. Thanks a lot for all your advice and support.

Oh and Chat Support is still "busy" for me too.

 

Alright. 2+ days and no response. I doubt emails go out on the weekends. Going to wait until Monday afternoon before going to unresolved issues.

 

Sorry..you haven't hear back....Yes, I think now would be a good time to submit to Unresolved Issues. Did you ever receive a Case Number, or any pertaining Reference Number in your e-mail correspondence with Dell?

Cin...

 

It may be just me- but it seems Dell is starting hold back- perhaps the wave of replacements is not hitting the higher ups... Ive had issues getting simple things that cost nothing. My other machine a e6400 that came with the win7 upgrade - i had to fight tooth and nail to get a windows7 reinstall disk when the upgrade disk got scratched... Support was saying that they would only send the Vista Ult that the machine came with- I told them of the upgrade- their reply was that they do not have those disks and upgrade ended in Jan... I said what does a customer do in this case- they had me call Microsoft which was a dead end- I had to escalte to US- Austin based support to get 1 stupid CD...

 

I did get a number in the subject of my emails that I was told not to change. I'm assuming that's my number.

 

Aaaaannnnddd I got a reply just now.

"I understand. Rest assured that we will always be on top of your system in any case it happens again, there is only a small percentage that this issue happens again with the replacement motherboards. The issue is with the GPU chipset overheating due to incorrect calculations. The replacement motherboards has those corrected."

Hmmm

 

My case is same as yours, if heavy gaming can easily hit near to 90. The thing is when I see those temps, i quickly used my cooler pad. It's really tempting to see how high the temps can go without the cooler. Highest I got b4 shutdown is 95'c. One thing I notice is I can make the system temps go up by running throttlestop lock multiplier, and run prime + furmark. Temps kept going up till 95'c and it went off.
I wonder if I keep complaining the laptop have very hot arm rests would give me any solution by dell.

 

Well, I think at this point you are going to be going "back and forth" with this brilliant Rep. I think, now may be the time for you to go the Unresolved Issues route, and have your Case Escalated.

I mean, you could take that replacement Mobo..watch it fail again w/in proven time...but, meh...(sorry).

Replacement Motherboards have them corrected now??
Where's the Dead Horse...so I can beat it with a Stick? (wait I don't believe in violence)...

Cin...

 

I don't think I'll be getting the 260 GTX and I'm running out of time. I put in a request for one, but before that I had spoken with a manager who told me "it was a 512mb card (actually, it says 1GB in every program I've used) and the old one was 256mb". Of course I told him I am not an idiot and anyone with any computer hardware knowledge at all knew that that didn't mean it was faster. He said he can't do it, blah blah.. and I try to argue that because they didn't send out the specs before sending it I should be entitled to a bit of leniency. A guy I spoke to earlier said this is Dell policy and he didn't know why they didn't send the specs to me, even though I called 5-6 times and was e-mailing someone about it. Later, I spoke to someone who put in a request for me and took down a bunch of information.

Yes I like the looks of this laptop, but I'm also about to leave college and get a job. If I'm going to have a laptop with an alien head on it, I'd like it to be fast. The m5130 and the Studio XPS, for example, looks professional.

I'm going to keep trying. The fact that Dell didn't speak with me about what system they were sending, even though I asked for this to happen MANY MANY times is really a problem. I've put Ubuntu on this, all my security software (BestCrypt, GnuPG, etc), video encoding, etc. I will have had way too much time invested in this computer to ask for a new one.

At the same time, I'm considering getting a refund and getting that MSI with the Radeon 5850 (I think). At the same time, if I can upgrade the video card myself, that would be a big positive as I can play almost all new games on this.. its the future I'm worried about. Anyone know where to get laptop video cards?

Sorry for the rant

 

You can buy a 5870 which is confirmed to work with the M15x *HERE*.

 

I just got off the phone with Dell. There is a lot to be said that I did not see in this thread or anywhere else for that matter.

On Replacing M1530 with a Current Model (1640/m15x)
First thing regarding replacing the entire laptop with one of the current models (1645/m15x) - it can't be done yet, at least not for me. Even though this M1530 is my 2nd one - a replacement - from last year, they would like to replace parts and stuff first. If even after the replacement of parts the issue keeps occurring, the rep said I would have to send my laptop to the depot to have the engineers look at it though I think this part can be avoided if the issue keeps occurring and you really need your laptop for work, school, etc.

8600M GT Replaced with 8900M GTX
The rep told me that Nvidia had recalled all 8600M GT's and have a new, upgraded graphics card to replace the 8600's. I did not believe this and the rep did not know the name of the card since it was 'soldered to the motherboard.' I asked her to kindly check the name of the card because I really wanted to know if it was just another 8600 with "better design", a lower-quality "upgrade", or something I'd never heard of. Turns out it was an "8900". What the hell is an 8900 I thought. I asked her to please confirm the entire name - 8900m gs, gt, gtx, what? Ultimately she said it was an 8900M GTX.

Since I had planned to get parts replaced this first time anyway, I thought this was better than getting another 8600 anyway. I still don't understand and believe it's a GTX but we'll find out. How will this laptop support an 8900m GTX's heat if it can't handle the 8600m GT?

Either way, they are sending an on-site technician to replace the following:
1) Motherboard with new card:
2) 8600M GT -> 8900M GTX
3) "Fans"

This was completely alien to me and I was dumbfounded when I was told this. I thought there were only 2 options - replace the card/fans/etc or replace the system (either another m1530 or current model).

I'll see how everything goes and if temperatures drop, performance stays the same (it should increase by a damn lot...should it not?), still throttling during high temps (100+ celsius at the moment), etc.

I'll report back.

PS. I just remembered that I forgot to ask her also to add in a 4th "replacement" component - reapply thermal paste. Think the technician carries this or would I need to call Dell back, give my service #, and see if they can add some thermal paste?

 

They always want to replace parts, and there isn't a 8900 GTX as far as I know. Dell lies when it's convenient for them. Get back on Dell Chat and tell them that you've already had it replaced, and need a new system. Keep asking for higher ups, and whenever someone says no, find someone new. It takes time, but getting M1530 parts is a waste of your time.

If all else fails, start asking for a refund, that's what I took eventually.

 

Don't accept that....You don't want that...*sigh*.

And, if they were to replace it anyways, the Technician is always supposed to apply Thermal Paste when replacing the Mobo/GPU. It is supposedly dispatched with the Parts.

(I had a case when my last GPU was replaced where the Technician tossed it in the *box* stating it wasn't necessary, and told me it "wasn't mine to keep" = Fail")....

Escalate Unresolved Issues or contact Global Escalations.

Cin...