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

id call and say u didnt get it and get a 2nd for free lol. but thats just me :/

 

Good try. But Dell already woke me this morning with a robo-call telling me the computer had been delivered and then hanging up before I could get a pen to write down the exchange phone number.

 

My 1645 came with a 12 month subscription to Mcafee, which I promptly removed in favor of Microsoft's free AV software (it's much less resource intensive than norton and Mcafee). I'd go with that, but that's just me. It's called Microsoft Security Essentials btw (In case you hadn't heard of it)

 

Afternoon!

Wow no siggy...nice of them..
Even though it's refurb..it's still a Lappy, and it should require a siggy! But hey, we are just the Consumer..what do we know!

I would get in touch with Dell regarding your concerns. You didn't get any paperwork with it, either? Thank you, for saying yes to taking a photo!

The only AV protection I use is Avira AV 9. That for me, is a great program. I don't have any complaints. So, when I finally get my 1640, that is what I will load onto it!

And, I haven't heard anything since the other night regarding my order process I hope I don't have any bad luck following me on this 1640.

Cin...

 

doesnt matter you didnt sign for it.. lol

 

I hope you don't too 'cause you're following me. When I look back at my PMs.. you and I were in contact back in '08 about our new 1530s.

 

if you said someone stole it from your front porch, it would be more of a criminal investigation than something that's dell's fault

 

"Stole" is such a negative word lol I'd merely say it wasn't there.

 

Wow, one email to unresolved issues (thanx for that advice) and now they're shipping me out a replacement system. Hope I get a 1640 and not an old 1530 they got left laying around.

 

I really need some good luck right now...so it has to be some good results going forward. Wowsa! We were PMing regarding our 1530's back then....I need to go check my historical "folder" for those. lol.

It will be going on 2 weeks into next week...I need to be more patient...

How awesome for you! Glad you were able to get some results, MudPuppy. Did they say anything about your temp readings from your readings? (I mean did you send them that image you attached here)?

Did they say how long yours was going to take?

Cin...

 

Thanx Cin, I didn't send my temp readings in my email. I just told them that it was doing the same things it was doing before and that my temps were skyrocketing again. Then I let them know that I was getting frustrated with the whole process. I didn't say anything about getting a replacement to them at all. Really I don't care bout freebies or upgrades, I just want a reliable system.

They said it could be up to 15 days to get my new unit. The email I got from the Dell agent said to just keep contact with him through this process to avoid internal confusion which is fine with me. So far all I have is his email so I haven't asked alot of questions. He did give me a reference number but I don't think I can look up anything with that yet.

 

I've been playing around with the 1640. I like it!!!!! It's much easier on the eyes than the 1530. BTW... the charger is on my new one is much lighter and less bulky. It'll travel more easily even though I'm going to have to get a new carrying case for this beast.

I'm still adjusting to Windows 7. I don't know how to do all the little tricks; but that'll come in time.

My second package from Dell is still "in transit". I'm going to wait to call the exchange program until I get it. I'm hopeful all the documentation will be in there. In the meantime, it might be time to start transfering things over.

 

For free anti virus products I would recommend either Avira or Avast. They are both effective but I prefer the GUI of Avira.

 

Tomorrow afternoon is the event! New motherboard gets installed, and then nothing changes! I can't wait! If it's not better I'll try that unresolved issues thing. It seemed to be a smooth process for Mud Puppy. I hate how Dell tells me "We are absolutely sure we can solve your problem by replacing the motherboard, changes have been made to it." because I really doubt anything is changing lol. Forget a new hardware design, this machine doesn't get drivers anymore.

 

Hey MP! Well, 15 days is 3 about weeks..so I hope it come sooner for you!! I'm sure things will work out just right you! It's the way, and not knowing that is the hardest part.

Nice! Makes me want mine even more now...I checked online this AM..no new status to report...yet.

So, did Win 7 come with your lappy, then? Or, did you have to install it yourself?

Fingers crossed for you that all goes well on this Mobo replacement! If not, go with the Unresolved Issues route.

Aaah..I would love to hear some good news from Dell today...

Cin...

 

I can't believe you still have no word Cin. My guess is one day, like me, you'll click on your account and the computer will already be a day away from being delivered.

Windows 7 Home Premium was already installed on the computer. I don't think I'm going to upgrade unless one of you convinces me it's worthwhile.

In the meantime, my mystery package is still in transit. I have the Windows 7 restore CD, the driver and utilities CD and a copy of Works which I'm not using. I haven't received a return label for my 1530. Other than that what else could I be expecting?

 

You get a few more backup features with Pro (full image backup, but there are free programs). You also get Remote Desktop Host (GoToMyPC for free and works on all computers with Windows).

Good luck, Cin. Dell's bureaucracy is almost like the government's.

~Ibrahim~

 

i had to wait 32 days for my dell cin, because of the holiday season is the excuse i was told.. but it was well worth the wait!

 

im now on the hunt for a 750gb/1tb that will fit in here, anyone have any ideas?

 

If I go to my Dell account, will the replacement unit show up in my order status when it starts to get processed? There's nothing there now. Will I be able to see its specs there?

 

Since I still don't have all the specs for my replacement, I entered the service tag #, but got the message that there was no information for that system. I think the right hand of Dell has no idea what the left one is doing. The service tag/express service code sticker looks pretty worn. Does a refurb retain the same service tag?

 

I'm freaking out. I've upgraded my hard drive in my m1530 at one point, and the screws got stripped. The technician was unable to replace the motherboard because of this. Now I have to send it in to get the screws drilled to replace the motherboard.

tl;dr- is my warranty voided by having an aftermarket hard drive in my m1530 when sending it in for service?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: my new heatsink negatively affected maximum tempertures so significantly that it's funny.

before: gpu max low 80's, cpu high 70's

after: gpu max low 90's, cpu low 80's. LOLOLOL

 

I doubt it. I think replacing the hard drive is still pretty elementary.

 

I found this LINK and I think I'll just give up on the screws. Clearly the hard drive isn't what caused the heat, so I don't see any issues.

 

Whew....OK, that's good.

Yeah, you should be fine.

 

Check this out

I think this is how that desk in the other room got that crack in it lol...

 

I know... I woke up this morning not feeling well at all..and hoped for some good results. Not. Maybe next week. Maybe. I am beginning to really dislike being on my Netbook all the time.
'

Thanks, that's what I am beginning to think....total "mass confusion".

32 days..ohmy! Well, I'm sure it will be worth the wait for me.
How much communication did you receive during that time from Dell?

I think once you receive and Order # you will see some info (like I was before they canceled that Order #)..and going forward thereafter.

Woah! and I think you need to "unplug" your toaster for a while!


Cin...

 

This is interesting, those temperatures seem to be a fluke now. I was using my m1530 again today and it didn't reach those. It all has to do with whether or not the cpu down-clocks. I have no idea why sometimes it down-clocks and sometimes it doesn't... It reaches those really high temps when it doesn't, and when it does it reaches mid 70's for the cpu and low 80'sfor the gpu. Strange lol. In any case, even if it isn't crashing, I'm still not happy with having half the cpu I paid for.

I also know exactly what you mean about being annoyed with your netbook Cin. I used to have one, and it was fine for occasional internet browsing, but even that wasn't anywhere near as comfortable with the small screen and small keyboard. I hope your sxps 16 comes soon. In the mean time it would be funny to try to hook the netbook up to a crt monitor and usb keyboard

Here's an interesting comparison. My m1530 hit the same temperature using Firefox as the sxps 16 I used hit while building things with AutoCAD. I can't wait to find out the specifications of all these systems that are on the way Good luck everyone.

 

Cin', how long did it take you to receive your order number?

 

Well, I'm glad those temps came down for yah!!

Actually, I did have to hook my netbook up to my old 15" LCD monitor when I had my last Mobo replacement. I might have to do that again. I have a wireless keyboard I can use.

But the whole thing is a PIA. Because, I refuse to sit desk-side facing a wall. LOL...I had to finagle it so I could still use it whilst watching tv, etc.

It was about 48 hours...and the Order Number appeared on my account at Dell. I think it was only "documentation" as it appeared like this:
Customer Kit,Documentation, Airborne

The Order # has since been canceled, as they are "reworking" my Order now ...I assume that's a good thing....."assume".

Cin...

 

Thank the lord for the internet!!! my 1530 has been buggin the hell out of me, multiple motherboard replacements, hanging on post, total system faillures... always the motherboard, i just replace them myself as the tech guys always screw it up, came here today and saw this about 1640's being exchanged for 1530's, got on dell chat and without question, just tactfully,calmly, and professionaly laying out my frustration with this system and my pleasure with xps support keeping me loyal to dell they gladly agreed to send me an xps 1640! Gotta love you guys!

 

Congrat's to you now also!! Be sure to keep us updated on the flow of how your 1640 replacement is moving also! How many mobo's for you?

Nothing new for me today. My Online account is still "stet" perhaps tomorrow something new.

Cin...

 

3 new mobo's, i recieved my 1530 on 6/08 3 mobo's in a year and a half... what problem i dont see any problem.

 

3 Yes...seems to be the minimum norm. Problem?? I don't see any either?? .... I was just saying if you want to keep us updated on the status of your replacement 1640, that's cool!


Cin...

 

Brew was just joking because it's quite obvious that there are problems with the m1530...

 

yes i was jokin cin, 3 motherboards in a year and a half, thats normal is it not? maybe im just picky...

 

I just received confirmation that my replacement went through. I"ve been waiting for two weeks now and there isn't an update as to what I'm going to get. Based on what I have right now, can you guys reasonably guestimate as to what my replacement order would have?

 

Ok guys....I just happened on this on my Dell account:

Yeah! Finally! *In Production*

How do my specs look?

• XPS 1640, Intel Core 2 Duo P8700(2.53GHz/1066Mhz FSB/3M L2 Cache)
• 4GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz 2 Dimm forXPS 1640
• 9-cell Battery
• Integrated High Definition Audio 2.2
• 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive
• Merlot Red High Gloss Finish with Leather XPS 1640
• Premium HD WLED Display Crimson Red, Leather, 2.0 MP Webcam
• DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP XPS 1640
• ATI Mobility RADEON M96XT - 1GB
• Intel Centrino 2 Label
• Windows 7 Label
• 320GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
• ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
• McAfee Sapphire MUI, 15-Month
• Soft Contracts - Qualxserve
• DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
• Dell Connect 2.1
• Dell, Software, Wild Tangent Inc Games
• Dell Support Center Software 64 Bit 2.0
• Windows Live Search,Multiple User Interface
• Dell Webcam Central v1.4
• MOD,SW,RXO,EZCD,10.3,DE,FI
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
• Integrated 10/100 Network Card
• Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11AGN Half Mini Card
• Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1)

Cin...

 

w00000000t!

 

i never knew they didn't offer gigabit internet!

 

Nice, it's getting the Ati 4670. I believe that one actually has better thermal management than the 3670. Also, it's red like your old m1530 It doesn't have the rgbled, but anything non ccfl is acceptable. Although that cpu may not have a significantly higher clock speed, going from a 800 fsb to 1066 will be huge. Best of luck, I hope it arrives soon!

 

i am exchanging my m1530 for a xps 16 also, if i had the 8600m gt in the m1530 will i get the hd4670 in new laptop ?

 

congrats Cin, your specs look great, if you dont mind, what were the original specs of your 1530, im hoping to get the RGB led as i have the true high definition screen right now.

 

Congrats Cin on getting everything straightened out! Loooks like your new machine will be leaps and bounds over your old one!

 

Ohh..WaHooTTT! :laugh: Sariously, uber excited now!

You didn't? Well I caused myself confusion...

Yes, I was happy to see I'm getting the requested "Red" aka. Scarlett 2
I'm happy with the specs! I just have to request a 6 cell battery after arrival. I had a 6 cell & 9 cell with my original 1530 order!

You might, with Dell..you have to wait and see what the specs are..but you could request it!

Thank you!

Sure here they are:

XPS M1530, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800MhzFSB, 4M L2 Cache)

Crimson Red Casing With Microsatin Finish XPS M1530

3GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm, for XPS M1530

15.4 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ TrueLife LCD with 2.0 MO Camera for XPS M1530

Camera Software XPS M1530 2.0MP

256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT

Dell 926 Vista Printer Driver

160G 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive Free Fall Sensor

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English / Media Direct

Dell Travel ExpressCard Remote Control, IR

8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive for XPSM1530

Roxio Creator Basic/Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy

Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-card

56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion P Primary Battery, for XPS M1530/85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Additional Battery, for XPS M1530

Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR)

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor

Thank you, Richard! You know very well how long this wait has been...long time coming! I can't wait!


Cin...

 

I'm actually sure every single Studio XPS 16 comes marked as offering 10/100 and I'm also sure every single Studio XPS 16 actually comes with 10/100/1000.

I'm not going to pretend I know every single XPS, but that is a marketing glitch. Same thing with mine, but I surely have Gigabit ethernet.

~Ibrahim~

 

Yey, yey, yey for you Cin!!!! Awesome. So glad for you. Do you know whether you're getting a new or a refurb? Red is awesome. Did you have a red 1530?

Which chat line did you go to when you spoke with someone? Tech support?

Truth, if you all are getting new, I want one too. Also, still haven't received any word about half my order.

 

In other, drastically less exciting news, my box should arrive tomorrow to ship my m1530 off to get the screws drilled/new motherboard. Currently this m1530 is my only computer because I've been saving for an M17x which I'm not quite ready to buy, and that's the reason I sold the hp mini. I guess I won't have my own computer to use in any case.

 

Congrats Cin on getting your replacement! It makes me wonder if I should have stuck it out with my m1330 to see if they would offer me a replacement system.

 

times like these just show impatient I am, it was just saturday night that I chatted with a rep and got replacement authorized and now im checking dell's website every 10 minutes and lookin for an order #, uggh i need something better to do.