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

Damn, you're right, lol. That's a beast SSD. Do you have any benches with it? I've been meaning to find a good comparison between the G2 Intel's and this PM800/Corsair P256/PB22-J SSD that's coming in.

No, I feel you. It is disappointing that, with free upgrades, some people get more. It's not even about money because technically you didn't pay outright for this one.

Like I said, if it's any consolation: I went from 4GB-6GB and nada.

~Ibrahim~

 

What did you guys have to do to get yours replaced? I have a m1530 and have had the motherboard and cooling unit replaced 4 times, the HDD twice and the mouse once. I emailed the "Resolution Expert Center within Dell" and they say:

"The Nvidia issue was not a 100% failure rate. Unfortunately, we are not offering the XPS 1640 as a replacement""

I try explaining to them I have to get my laptop repaired every other month because of overheating issues but that does not concern them.

 

What?!

Humph. I complained that this was my 3rd SXPS 16 and they gave me an SSD. I mean, it's not an entire system, but the thing is worth over $600...

You have to tell them as it is. Some ways to get the manager to understand your situation:: how would you feel if this happened to the systems you're using right now? Like if a representative's computer failed during a support call? If they had to be replaced every month? Don't you think there would be a loss of productivity?

Don't push for the upgrade as it's a knee jerk response to say no. Make them convinced (FOR REAL) that this is not acceptable to you and it wouldn't be for anyone. Either they'll mention upgrades or you can just mention it. Don't ask: so, can you give me a SXPS 1640? Ask: I've heard some of Dell's other systems don't have this problem.

TBH, I was talking on the phone for around 30 minutes giving a rant, briefly interrupted by the manager's response of "right".

Again, this won't work if you ask like a poor guy looking for an upgrade because that's not you (right?!). You're a seriously pissed customer. Dell has your money and they aren't going to give it back, but what you have is not what you paid for.

And this is totally acceptable and morally right. You are NOT trying to scam them for upgrades because the XPS 1640 is better. You just want a system that doesn't fail repeatedly. Realize if they offer you a different system (but not the XPS 1640), you'll get a working and hopefully overheating-free system. But not a XPS 1640. And, in reality, you can't demand a specific system.

Be clear: you just want a working system. Is it that much to ask?

~Ibrahim~

 

Thanks for your help I will try what you have suggested. I was just telling them that I was reading around and saw that people with the same problem got theirs replaced with the 1640 I wasn't really asking for that one.

 

Ah, yes.."reading around" = Dell representatives seem to loathe forums, even though they have one of their own. Try to maybe avoid mentioning that you know other people have gotten replacements because then they're in the mindset (well, darn, I gave one upgrade and now the floodgates are open).

Good luck!

 

Cin

For all of my replacement Dell's (and there have been a few), I have been contacted to discuss the new specifications and given the opportunity to explain why an upgrade would be appreciated. I would def look at asking for Ultimate immediately as it costs them nothing.

Also, they will send you notification on "My Dell" which explains the specifications of the new system. In fact, I always got a notification through the mail.

Sadly, I have moved away from Dell, having just sold my XPS 1340 and am taking some werious looks at Asus.

Good Luck!!!

 

I just clicked on my account and got the following specs for my 1640. I like some comments from any/all of you. It looks like I'm only get Microsoft works. I have Office Home Edition and want office. Anyway, here are the specs. I'll post my 1530 specs after the new ones.

1 N987D Base,Notebook,Core Penryn T9600,XPS-1640 $540.12
1 0MX95 Module,Information,Liquid Crystal Display,CRV,WHITE,1640 $.00
1 2835C Module,Documentation,Airborne,2-DAY,DELL DRCT $1.99
1 35W0M Module,Software,Roxio,EZ CD,10.3,Dell Edition,Factory Install $.00
1 8J1GH Module,Dvd+/-rw,Hitachi Lg Data Storage,Extreme Performance System,1640 $30.10
1 9XX53 Module,Liquid Crystal Display 15.6,Full High Definition WHITE,1640 $156.49
1 CP1VF Module,Software,W7HP64 Consumer Desktop,English Dao/bcc $.00
1 D113N Module,Hard Drive,500GB,Free Fall Sensor,7.2K,SGT-HOLL $120.00
1 D9KVP Module,Software,Quick Fix Engineering,W7HB32,Consumer Notebook $.00
1 HW426 Module,Adapter,Alternating Current,Delta - Ac Adapt,90W 3P,World Wide $12.67
1 J019D Module,Software,DELL-DOCK Consumer $.10
1 J206C Module,Software,Dell Connect 2.1,Dell Americas OrganizationEMEA,Brazil Customer Center $.00
1 J6XND Module,Software,W7HP64,Digital Video Disk Drive,Multiple User Interface,NO-E $.39
1 M017R Module,Software,Powerdvd,8.3,Digital Video Disk Drive,True Theatre High Definition,Factory Install $3.94
1 M412C Module,Cord,Power,125V,1M,C5 E,United States $.93
1 P420X Module,Shipping Material System,PALTROW,Dell Americas Organization $4.28
1 P881M Module,Software,Compact Diskette,Sensible Vision Facial Recognition,2.3-00 $.65
1 P916C Module,Dual In-line Memory Module,4GB,1066MHZ,DDR3,2X2G $168.00
1 T013C Module,Software,Works,9 English $9.95
1 T22TT Module,Software,Creative Camera,Consumer,1.4,Factory Install $.37
1 T703D Module,Keyboard,86,US-ENG,DellAmericas Organization,1640 $20.52
1 TPY64 Module,Information,Liquid Crystal Display,Full High Definition,15.6,1640 $.00
1 U338C Module,Battery,Primary,56WHR 6C,Samsung Power Division $41.37
1 U592C Service Install Module Software,Notebook,1640 $.00
1 U982D Module,Media,Digital Video Disk Drive,Resource Dvd,1640 $.43
1 VR08H Module,Software,Certificate Of Authenticity,W7HP32/64 $73.82
1 W3HMK Module,Label,Microsoft,Notebook,Windows7 $.00
1 W871N Module,Software,WINDOWS-LIVE Consumer $.00
1 WH0CN MOD,LBL,INTEL,NBK,C2D,RBDG $.00
1 WU658 Ship Group,Notebook,North 1640,England,Dell Americas Organization $5.28
1 WYJ1V MODULE,CARD,NETWORK,DW1520,INSPIRON,UNITED STATES $10.17
1 X922N Module,Card,Network,370,Latin Consumer Notebook,Dell Americas Organization $4.35
1 XM544 Module,Software,PC-RESTORE Transactional Line Of Business $.00
1 Y532R Module,Assembly,Base,Discrete 1640 MLK1 $224.02
1 Y720M Module,Software,DSPRT-CTR 64BIT,2.0 $.00 **********************************************************
These are the basic specs I have for my 1530.
Intel Core Duo CPU T8300 @2.40 GHz. 4.00GB RAM,
NVIDIA Ge Force 8600 M GT



So... what do you guys think???
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Ok I tried online chat and they said they would replace the motherboard but I said "no I want a system that works more than a month" and now they are sending me a SXPS 1640. Thanks again ikjadoon.

 

Yeaaaah!

@msboc

Looks spiffy!

~Ibrahim~

 

Thanks for the input Ibrahim. I ended up talking to tech support about the Office situation. Then it struck me that I'm going from 32 bit to 64 bit and all my CDs are 32 bit. He said he'd have the guy who ordered the replacement call me.

What has happened to the software for the rest of you who are getting replacements?

 

Hi Les!

Thanks for the input! (Always good to hear from you, BTW)
Hopefully, they will keep me well advised, as they did you! And, I will check about Ultimate (I already have it, though)..but just to see. : )

Sorry, to see you leave Dell..and and move to another brand! But, hey that's how things roll for each of us!

OoOHH... You got your specs! Sweetness! That means your order is moving along!! Wow, they have them spelled out oddly (maybe, because I haven't seen them configured that way, yet).. !!!

So, how are you feeling now, that you have seen your specs? : )
I'm jealous..I just checked..and my still remains "stet" : (

Hopefully koer & acaurora can chime in about their replacements, I'd like to hear about their software, also!


Cin...

 

OoOHH... You got your specs! Sweetness! That means your order is moving along!! Wow, they have them spelled out oddly (maybe, because I haven't seen them configured that way, yet).. !!!

I've never seen specs like that either. That's why I posted to the group. I didn't know how to compare to what I have now. Even the tech support guy I called was having trouble interpreting it... Actually he never really did..:rolleyes2:

So, how are you feeling now, that you have seen your specs? : ) If I could understand them better I'd be thrilled.... with the exception of Office. Just praying that this 1530 doesn't blow up while I"m waiting.

I'm jealous..I just checked..and my still remains "stet" : ( Sorry too. But I think my order actually went in a week before yours... not that helps you. :-( But hang tight. Can't wait... though not as much as you, I know.... to see what your new 1640 is going to look like.



Hopefully koer & acaurora can chime in about their replacements, I'd like to hear about their software, also!


Cin...[/QUOTE]

 

I honestly have no idea, you should get the latest versions or the ones offered with the sxps 1640.

About the 64 bit stuff, the only software that should be 64 bit are your drivers and some special programs, office and photoshop work perfectly in a 64 bit OS ( i think photoshop has a 64 version included, at least the one i bought recently does ) thats the cool thing about a 64 bit OS, it can also run 32 bit apps without a problem

hope this helps!

 

I've been talking to Dell about my m1530, and I definitely went about it wrong. I just demanded a sxps and they kept saying I needed a new motherboard. I'll try again on chat instead of the phone I guess. I functional system would be fun.

Glad to hear so many people are getting something to replace their "space heaters"

 

Cin

Dont count me out yet as I like what I see in the Dell 11z except for battery life and some concerns on the touchpad I am going to check on...

 

Yeah, well I'm sure those specs will get straightened out so somehow they are "readable" lulz. What do you monitor your temps on your 1530 with? I use Everest Ultimate..very helpful.

That's right your order was a week before mine..so maybe end of this week, I will see some results!

Definitely do Chat...I used to do Phone all the time..and now I have found I get much better results via chat. And, I can don't waste my cell phone minutes on Dell Eternal Hold!

Oh, no I won't count you out yet! I think you are an incredible asset to the Dell familia! That 11z is nice!

Cin...

 

Oh yes, that eternal hold with the funky music lol.

EDIT: My chat on the internet came to the same thing, I'm still getting a new motherboard, but in any case it was a much smoother transaction that took far less time. I'll see how temps are after that, I sure know that they're more confident than I am about this.

 

Oh yes.. The luvly music.

That's why I like Chat..I can multi-task much easier! Sometimes, their hold Que's are very long, though...Saturday, when I got on chat, I was 20th in Que..it took about 45 minutes! But, was cool ~ I kept busy doing other things!

Do you use a cooler for your 1530?


Cin...

 

I do have a cooler and have my cpu undervolted, but there isn't any perfect fix for this machine unfortunately. I'm almost all set on a/c, but on battery I can take my pick of crashing by heat or insufficient voltage

 

The Dell music is foul. But usually xps tech support on the phone is quicker than the chat and easier for me to deal with. I just put them on speakerphone and play games.

I'm obsessing about Office. I know my specs say I'm getting Works which I don't want. I also think I'm entitled to use my Office key on one other computer, but correct me if I'm wrong. That being said, I'd been hoping to save my second time I use the key for a netbook once I have the $$. Anyone who's gotten a replacement have any experience with the Office situation? Anyone have any suggestions? I'm waiting :SLEEP: ... as in days, probably... for the tech rep to call me re: specs.

 

If you have the key, Office is allowed to be installed on three computers maximum within the license agreement.

 

Thanks! Three is a good thing.

Not sure, though, why they're bothering to include Works with the new one.

 

WOW! I just checked my Dell account and it said my order had shipped!!! I wish I understood all the specs the way they've been written. But whatever it is, it should be here soon. I think. I don't have a tracking number. I wonder, has everyone's replacement experience been like this?

 

If you post the specs here we can most likely decipher it for you. Mine was sent via overnight. Generally once it is shipped the process is extremely fast.

 

I posted them on page 5 the way they were given to me by Dell. Can you look there and tell me what I'm getting? Can't figure it all out the way they set it up.

BTW... you're right about the shipping. I just checked and it's due to be delivered tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!

 

This is something I haven't heard mentioned in here; Does Dell let me at least keep my hard drive from my 1530 if I end up needing a replacement? Also, what do they do with these systems lol

 

Err...A bit nervous now.
The Order Number that was related to my replacement has been "canceled".

Ack. Getting on chat now..... *sigh* Not sure what is going on.
No e-mail communication, nothing..just "canceled" on my order status.

Grat's to you, msboc..on yours being shipped..


Cin.

 

Cin, i wouldnt worry, another guy got this same problem, only to find out a day later that he has been assigned a better system

anyway, i hope its the same case with you, and that dell isn't messing around

 

wow what a pain to the butt

 

(sorry about the double post)

from what i can tell dude, you will get:

The ATI 4670
Core 2 duo 2.8 GHz ( THE ENVY!!! your damn lucky lol )
the wled 1920x1080 screen
500 GB 7200RPM hard drive
windows 7 64 bit home premium
4 gigs of ddr3 RAM
6 cell battery
some Dell wireless card, maybe even the intel 5300

Its a beast of a machine man! just be careful with that HDD, if it starts clicking and lagging, download the latest firmware from dell, and flash your drive, the problem will be gone ( thx for that Fen! )

 

I just got off the phone with Tech support....They said that the Order number was canceled and being refreshed with a new one..as they were pushing a new build thru???

I dunno. We shall see. When I get Order Shipment Notification/E-mail is when I guess I shall actually believe it. I have had my fair share of "cancellations".

Remaining somewhat positive....

Cin...

 

Cin, I'm sorry to hear they're redoing it

What are the highest temps your/other m1530 owners cpus/gpus have reached?

My cpu has reached 80+ Celsius and my gpu has reached 89 Celsius

EDIT: Those are the temps I've seen, but it had been much hotter before I started regular monitoring lol.

 

Cin,

I hope it's going to be fine. The process seems so screwed up.... no set way of doing things at all.

When I went back to my account it looks like I have two shipments. One coming tomorrow and the other (I have NO idea what it could be... guesses anyone) not registered yet with FedEx.

Cin... Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Post here the moment you have news.

 

Its a beast of a machine man! just be careful with that HDD, if it starts clicking and lagging, download the latest firmware from dell, and flash your drive, the problem will be gone ( thx for that Fen! )[/QUOTE]


Thanks. I feel relieved.

 

Yup.

Some eBay sellers of Office 2007 (ahem...no first-hand experience, though....LOL) used to market a single CD-key as a three-pack when it really was just one CD-key and each CD-key, per the agreement, can be installed on 3 computers.

~Ibrahim~

 

As far as anyone who has an m1530 now, the sxps 16 is much better. I've used both and the sxps 16 is similarly designed, but more sturdy. The only thing I would ever really miss on the m1530 is the amazing keyboard, it doesn't look amazing but it's so easy to type on The sxps's keyboard is backlit though.

 

Yeah...I'm hoping for turn around..on my order. The sooner the better.

Thanks, Sirhcz0r.. Hopefully, this will turn out for the positive..this redo. It just has to...better than what I'm currently dealing with!

That's true msboc..they really don't have a process in this. And, they don't have any communication when this happens. I wouldn't have known if I hadn't checked my account, this evening. *throws hands up* (not in anger).

Those 2 shipments you are getting, one is prolly your 1640, the other is your documentation/CDS, etc

Thanks..for helping me remain positive, msboc & everyone in this thread! I really don't like using my Netbook 24/7....I want my lappy!


Cin...

 

Sure hope it all works out well for you Cin.

I'm getting a bit worried about my M1530 as well. On my 3rd motherboard and now its starting to act up again. Every so often my videos just lock up and don't respond (WMP, VLC, etc.), the same goes for my volume mixer. It did the same thing before and a new motherboard seemed to fix it but here we go again. I'm thinking I may be better off with a new unit.

 

Are Dell parts so bad? My 1530 was overheating so much that it would shut itself off. At some point I checked temps with HWmonitor and I was well past 80C. But then it would run totally cool. Finally all relevant parts were replaced and within two days it ran hot again for a couple of hours and then fine. What gives??? I wasn't doing anything different from one point to the next. What actually is creating the heat problem?

Any news Cin?

 

Check out these Max temps under some serious load. Does Dell consider this acceptable?

 

WOW... dude, boiling point temperatures are not acceptable at all! i seriously doubt dell would consider it "acceptable" either, i would send unresolved issues a mail, maybe you'll get a replacement

 

Have you cleaned the cooling fins?

 

Those temps are insane. Complain to Dell, but undervolt with rmclock for now so you don't become sterile lol. I've hit 89 on my gpu, but 98 on your cpu is within two degrees of what Intel even considers safe for it. That is not acceptable because after a certain point your cpu will (read: should) downclock until it lowers its temp. I noticed that mine is not crashing constantly, but is instead just slow. That's what the huge frame rate drops are caused by in games.

See the undervolting guide here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=235824

 

I took it apart and blew it all out real good and that didn't help. And I have been undervolting it after I discovered those temps which did cool it down some, but there's obviously something wrong with it. It does seem to run slower now too.

Now I'm just gonna hope that Dell will replace it instead of just replacing parts again since I do have 2 years left on my warranty. It makes me mad cause I do really like this laptop. Oh well, we'll see what happens. I appreciate all the advice.

 

Thanks, mudpuppy....I hope so also.
Your temp reading are well over outrageous. Insane. You should contact Unresolved Issues and take it up with them. Send them a screen shot of that. And, ask them if any of them would let a family member handle their 1530 with temps like that? Here is the link. You want the one on the "right" side..Technical Support. And, you are better with a new unit.

When my GPU failed last week...my temps were sky high also. I think our 1530's they just get to a point where they can't take it anymore. Great lappy's but they shouldn't have to go thru so many GPU replacements XX=year. : (

No new news yet, msboc...hanging in there..but starting to get a teeny bit "feisty". A good night of relaxation is helping. It's just using a 9" Netbook screen continually that is nerve wracking.

Cin...

 

I'm writing to you from my1640!! It was waiting for me on my doorstep when I came home.

A couple of observations and a bit of info:

Fed Ex did not require a signature.
It's definitely a refurb. (Did most of you get refurbs?)
It's white (which I love)
It's fast.
It's beautiful.
I don't like the feel of the keyboard or the sound of it compared to the 1530.
And it feels warmer than my 1530 does the majority of the time.

I'm going to d'load HWMonitor and check temps out. Where can I find out what acceptable temps should be?

BTW... what's the magnifier and how do I work it? My print just got larger.

 

Try using Control and up and down on the mouse wheel. I'd have to agree that the m1530 keyboard is better, but I've never heard the sound on the sxps 16. My m1530 had latency issues in Windows XP that it doesn't have in Seven now, so the audio is okay, but I wouldn't call it good. My "low" temps on this are mid 40's for the cpu and high 50's for the gpu with my cooler, undervolt, and arctic silver 5 thermal paste. theres not much more that can be done lol. I'd say yours would be good if idling is around 30's/40's for the cpu and gpu respectively, and under a very heavy load high 60's low 70's is as high as I would call "good". I'm interested to see what they are! I hope it's cooler than it feels

 

What program are you using to monitor your temps? HWmonitor is not showing the same categories that it does on my 1530.

 

Hey mscboc! Grats, grat's on the arrival of your 1640!

I'm surprised FedEx left it w/out a siggy required. Did Dell ship it with no siggy required?

Ohh I would love to see a picture of that white? Would you be willing to snap a photo of it? Please?

Please provide more feedback once you have spent a bit more time with it, as such!

Cin...

 

Morning Cin,

Yes, Dell did NOT require a sig on the delivery. Why not?? Because it refurbished? Does everyone who gets a replacement get a refurb? I still want to talk to Dell since I have no idea what parts are in it besides that weird invoice. I'm assuming my four year in house warranty etc. carry over.

Will definitely snap pic of white. I LOVE it! I have a crazy day and want to play around with my new toy. But I don't have any anti-virus software on it. I'm not quite ready to move my McAfee subscription over to the 1640 as I have to use the old one til e'thing gets transferred. (Any suggestions about that?) AVG in the meantime?

BTW... the backlit keyboard and looks are sooooo sleek.

Any news on yours?