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

Looking good Cin! If my replacement is anything like yours, I'm gonna be a happy man.

 

I feel your pain brotha

 

Thanks msboc! Happy yey yeye!!! I'm not sure...It looks to be new..but I will have to wait and see! My 1530 is Red, yes! So, I was excited to see the color! : )

I went with Dell Tech Support Chat when my 1530 went kaputz...

Yes, get on Tech Support Chat about your remaining half of your order.

How long will it be at Depot for repair for?

Thanks, mystery! Is about time, eh? I'm wonder also..if they would have for you..Is unique now how they are leaning towards replacement for us 1530 owners (w/gentle coaxing).

I was/am doing the same thing soon after I got the authorization...I think we all have done that. It's a like a addiction, sort of. Once you know your bad lappy is going to be replaced with something better....

And, thank you Mud Puppy! I hope you, and everyone getting replacements are also happy with the results!

I CAN'T WAIT!

Cin...

 

There would be plenty to do if you had the computer I'm extremely impatient right now as well. I just want to ship this off, get it back, tell them nothing changed (because it won't ) and wait for a sxps 16 lol. This is going to take forever.

 

@Cin, something like a week. If only I knew how screwdrivers worked This could have been avoided if the technician was able to replace the motherboard when he replaced the fan. The good news is I have an email saved that says if this motherboard swap doesn't work out, that I will be able to get a replacement machine. Also, I tested something today. I wasn't undervolting and I was stressing the gpu and cpu on battery power and it did crash. I had previously associated the battery power crashes with the undervolt, but I guess it's unstable without my help.

 

Some movement...Automated stated in Build stage...

So hopefully, not long now!

Glad you saved the e-mail...because I'm fairly certain you will be getting that replacement!


Cin...

 

i can understand that you are excited but i have to rain on your parade. you are getting a equally tainted laptop to replace the m1530. it sounds like there about even for reliability but at least new one is more powerful being the xps 16.

anyhow i am in same boat and already preparing to send the xps 16 off for repairs before i even get it

 

sybek, hello and welcome to the NBR Forums!

May I ask you to explain yourself? Why is it "equally tainted" the new SXPS1640? It is not using the NVIDIA failing GPUs, the cooling system was revamped IIRC, and the overall configuration is a great deal. If I was in Cin's position, I'd be thrilled to replace for a more powerful and IMHO better looking laptop.

 

While you bring up a good point about reliability, the XPS 16 seems leagues better than the M1530 when it comes to it, esp. since it won't be plagued by the imfamous nVidia GPU issues. Yes, cooling can be a issue on the XPS 16 mainly due to (stupid IMO) vent placement, along with throttling on i7 configurations, but no laptop is perfect and at least keeping the machine on a cooler will maybe mitigate one of the aforementioned problems. Depending on the user's needs, they might not run into the throttling issue at all.

Good luck with your replacement!

 

i admit i may be jumping to conclusions, i havent even received my new replacement but just trolling through these boards the xps 16 seems to have a fair list of problems itself. I will know more once i actually get the new laptop and probably better off reserving my judgement until then. I have just had one prob after another with the m1530 and perhaps that tainted my image of other laptops dell makes.

 

You have a conception of Dell different to other users. Personally, before going to HP, Dell was great to me, and I had a 1645 waiting to come, but the Envy 15 won me over when it came out, so I changed.

Dell has done errors, no doubt about it, the XPS line is one of the most known, but it was NVIDIA's fault. As all OEMs laptops have defects, they are not perfect. Just look at big brands like HP, Sony, Acer, etc. They all have had problems, but that is not enough to say that a laptop (you actually dont have yet) will be bad because the last one was...

Might I suggest to give Dell a chance, try out the laptop and then post your thoughts about it on the respective owners lounge?

 

Customer service with dell if effy but I had noting but good experience with tech support, Some jackass technician drop and dented my hinge while he was replacing my keyboard

Dell is going to replace the lid, and as a bonus there are upgrading me to a Arctic White lid and a WLED screen over my CCFL for my troubles ... glad I didn't buy that screen of ebay yet

Dell isn't so bad

 

yea i still think there support is great, its just the laptop i bought (m1530) was a pile of junk from day one it seemed. However i will wait until i receive new replacement before jumping the gun again. Also this is only the second laptop i have owned and realize now alot of them have issues not just dell.
Lastly i think one problem i had was i used my m1530 for gaming as well as normal daily use and these laptops just are not built to handle games, if you want to play games it is better off to get a desktop.

 

I noticed the second column in the SXPS 16 section now has i5 & i7. Are those still the 1640s or is the 2nd & 3rd column the 1647. I was just wondering if I could request the i7 for my replacement if those are the 1640s.

I also agree with Serg. I have had 3 DELL laptops and 2 HP and have had problems with all. I don't think you can say one company is going to have better quality than the other but has more to do with the different models.

 

Yeah, it's definitely a model thing with reliability. EVen then, I've had some friends who gamed on the M1530 (yup!) without issue, but if you look at the forums, it looks like every single one is failing.

While the forums are "busy" with SXPS 16 issues, there are plenty of users who are happy.

1640: Core 2 Duo
1645: i7 (quad-core only)
1647: i5/i7 (dual-core only)

~ibrahim~

 

The biggest issue (although I haven't experienced this) with the m1530 was complete failure due to a faulty Nvidia gpu. Regardless of whether it dies, it most likely overheats. Although the new sxps 16 may look similar, perhaps worse, I have first-hand experience and It does run cooler than the m1530. This was with the Ati 4670, so I can't say anything about the other gpu/motherboard available. This was a 1640 with a 2.66 GHz c2d. I completely disagree with the statement that the sxps 16 is "tainted".

 

well hopefully the xps 16 will be better than the m1530, i never ran below 90 degrees on my m1530, and that was with diff boards and proccessors.

 

Oh, your not "raining on my parade" I am still uber excited! Welcome to the forum, btw.

It would take a lot to make me apprehensive about receiving the 1640. I am happy to finally be getting a replacement, and the 1640 as the one!

I do not believe the 1640 is "tainted" ~ if it was, I would have refused it as a replacement for my 1530. I think my specs far outweigh what I have right now (though I will miss the 1530 as a whole, not the faulty GPU). And, I was very excited when the XPS 1340/1640 originally came out, I had plans on purchasing either/or at one time!

Let's not "downgrade" the 1640..when we haven't even tried it for "ourselves". Let's be happy that we are getting replacements, finally.

Cin...

 

My M1530 is in "the box" lol. I'll ship it tomorrow. I hope it doesn't take too long. As far as what people are saying about Dell support, I would also have to say it's pretty good. Although regardless, that wait for the technician seemed like an eternity.

@Cin' I can't wait to hear more about the replacement! I'm very interested to see how the 4670 performs as compared to the 8600. I know if there are any two upgrades I might request they would be the 4670 and the rgbled.

@Sybek Good thing I brought my umbrella. You can go buy a desktop, but my laptop is for more than gaming. It goes without saying that gaming is better on desktops, but I'm not going to carry around a desktop. I'd prefer to pay the premium. Also, there is one kind of gaming where I even prefer laptops (assuming it has a decent gpu); LAN parties!

 

i have to agree with cin here, its exciting to be getting upgraded to a newer better equipped laptop as an exchange, but again the hard part is waiting its KILLING ME!

 

As said, the main XPS M1x30 problems were from NVIDIA and their terrible cores that burnt (fixed nowadays in theory). The overheating is normally due to bloatware or running to many things at once.

When my Envy came, it had 91 processes running from start and temps of +60C. I deleted over 20 programs that were useless, ran on 60-70 processes my laptop ever since, and my temps when down by 20C, to low 40s-mid 40s, and I hit 60/70 when stressing the CPU. It is normal that a stressed core heats.

About the SXPS 16, well, you know why we have so many negative comments around? Most people commenting are those who had problems, with all laptops its the same, so you find more negative comments than positive. My guess, happy owners are enjoying their laptops and not bothering on praising how well it went.

So, until the replacement arrives for everyone, it would be better to wait. Dont judge the laptop before getting it. Try it out, use it, get to know it. If you like it, there you go, you are happy. If you dont, you can contact them and send it back for a money back or another replacement.

As for those, like Cin here, that are already getting your replacements, congratulations and I hope you enjoy it! Good luck!

 

Ohhh Ohhh....Per Automated Dial.... My Lappy is "estimated" to ship on 1/25/10~ WahoooT

Let's hope that my "Dell usually over estimates on the ESD", "to protect from Production delays, etc", helpful comments..will work for me this time!

And, I just ordered a nice $7 sleeve part of Dell's today Daily Deal for the lappy!

Oh I will surely let you know! I bet yours does ship today!

The waiting is the hardest part..but at the end..it pays off!

Yes, agreed.


Cin...

 

Cin' I can't wait to hear more about the replacement! I'm very interested to see how the 4670 performs as compared to the 8600. I know if there are any two upgrades I might request they would be the 4670 and the rgbled.


I think the replacements are all coming with the 4670.

Due to travel I've only been able to play with my 1640 for a few days. But so far I think it's the best laptop I've had my hands on. It does get slightly warm, BUT it hasn't gotten HOT.

I spent a long time on the phone last night with tech support (such as it was) trying to get them to decode my specs which came as a fairly incomprehensible list. The tech told me that if you have MOD in your specs, it's a refurb. Mine is, but it looks absolutely brand new and as long as it functions the way it is now, I'll be a happy camper.

One thing this didn't come with is blank slot cards for the express card slot and the media card reader. They say these are needed to keep the dust out. So I guess I'll be on chat tonight ordering them.The manual for the 1640 is on line and you print your return label from an online label. Things have changed since my 1530. I'll reprint my specs here, the way the tech person did them.
And actually, now that I look at them, I still don't understand the last few items in the list. GRrrrrrrr.


1 N987D Base, Notebook, Core Penryn T9600, XPS-1640
1 J179K Processor, T9600, 2.8, 6MB, Core Penryn, 35W, E0
1 MY297 Label, Fascia, Intel, CARTON
1 0MX95 Module, Information, Liquid Crystal Display, CRV, WHITE, 1640
1 2835C Module, Documentation, Airborne, 2-DAY, DELL DRCT
1 35W0M Module, Software, Roxio, EZ CD, 10.3, Dell Edition, Factory Install
1 8J1GH Module, Dvd+/-rw, Hitachi Lg Data Storage, Extreme Performance System, 1640
1 9XX53 Module, Liquid Crystal Display 15.6, Full High Definition WHITE, 1640
1 CP1VF Module, Software, W7HP64 Consumer Desktop, English Dao/bcc
1 D113N Module, Hard Drive, 500GB, Free Fall Sensor, 7.2K, SGT-HOLL
1 D9KVP Module, Software, Quick Fix Engineering, W7HB32, Consumer Notebook
1 HW426 Module, Adapter, Alternating Current, Delta - Ac Adapt, 90W 3P, World Wide
1 J019D Module, Software, DELL-DOCK Consumer
1 J206C Module, Software, Dell Connect 2.1, Dell Americas OrganizationEMEA, Brazil Customer Center
1 J6XND Module, Software, W7HP64, Digital Video Disk Drive, Multiple User Interface, NO-E
1 M017R Module, Software, Powerdvd, 8.3, Digital Video Disk Drive, True Theatre High Definition, Factory Install
1 M412C Module, Cord, Power, 125V, 1M, C5 E, United States
1 P420X Module, Shipping Material System, PALTROW, Dell Americas Organization
1 P881M Module, Software, Compact Diskette, Sensible Vision Facial Recognition, 2.3-00
1 P916C Module, Dual In-line Memory Module, 4GB, 1066MHZ, DDR3, 2X2G
1 T013C Module, Software, Works, 9 English
1 T22TT Module, Software, Creative Camera, Consumer, 1.4, Factory Install
1 T703D Module, Keyboard, 86, US-ENG, DellAmericas Organization, 1640
1 TPY64 Module, Information, Liquid Crystal Display, Full High Definition, 15.6, 1640
1 U338C Module, Battery, Primary, 56WHR 6C, Samsung Power Division
1 U592C Service Install Module Software, Notebook, 1640
1 U982D Module, Media, Digital Video Disk Drive, Resource Dvd, 1640
1 VR08H Module, Software, Certificate Of Authenticity, W7HP32/64
1 W3HMK Module, Label, Microsoft, Notebook, Windows7
1 W871N Module, Software, WINDOWS-LIVE Consumer
1 WH0CN MODULE..., LABEL..., INTEL..., NOTEBOOK..., C2D, RBDG
1 WU658 Ship Group, Notebook, North 1640, England, Dell Americas Organization
1 WYJ1V MODULE, CARD (DOCUMENT)..., NETWORK, DW1520, INSPIRON, UNITED STATES
1 X922N Module, Card, Network, 370, Latin Consumer Notebook, Dell Americas Organization
1 XM544 Module, Software, PC-RESTORE Transactional Line Of Business
1 Y532R Module, Assembly, Base, Discrete 1640 MLK1
1 Y720M Module, Software, DSPRT-CTR 64BIT, 2.0

 

msboc, you have the WLED 15.6 FHD screen, Intel T9600 C2D, Seagate 500GB 7200RPM HDD, Windows Home Premium 64bit, 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 RAM, I cant find the GPU there, but I am assuming it is ATI r4670HD, right? YOu also have the face recognition software, integrated webcam, a 6 cell 56Wh battery, I dont see if the KB is backlit or not, but it seems.

Par contre, I am somewhat lost, where is the MOD part in yours?

 

Yes, I do have a backlit keyboard and ATI R4670 HD. That I checked out via device manager and I'm assuming these are better specs than my 1530

Now that you mention it, I don't know where my MOD is. When I spoke to the tech about part of my missing order, I told her that it looked like some people who were getting replacements, were getting new ones and ask why I got a refurb.. I had copied and pasted Cin's specs to an email to myself and showed them to her (without Cin's name of course) and she said that the MOD in her specs meant modified which meant refurb. So... maybe that was all a bunch of bull since Cin's seems to be being built and mine appeared one day.

Does anyone know whether some replacements have been new and others refurbs?

 

And, I just ordered a nice $7 sleeve part of Dell's today Daily Deal for the lappy!

Great idea Cin. Do you... anyone know.. .can we order a sleeve for "up to 15.6 inch screen?

 

As far as all this stuff about it being either new or refurbished, I really would prefer to get the refurbished one just to get it faster (assuming there's nothing wrong with it, small scratches aren't as huge deal though). I'm disappointed to hear that Dell didn't give you a sleeve, when I got my M1530 it came with a nice one that I've always used. Considering it has to be "equal or better", if your M1530 had one maybe you could ask them to send one.

I'm frustrated with myself. I called for pickup today and I called a little too late so now I have another day of waiting. Maybe I should drop it off at FedEx.

Also, something slightly related, Seagates terrify me. I'd rather have a smaller Western Digital or Toshiba drive. My friend doesn't have his Asus due to a Seagate drive failure. I watched it die, it was like it was in slow motion and there was nothing I could do as Windows became less and less responsive

The 4670 is much more powerful than the 8600m gt, but I'm just not sure how much. That T9600 must be awesome. Keep us updated on your awesome new sxps 16 msboc

 

Sirhcz0r,

Go to Fed Ex. So much easier. At least that's my experience.

I have to say... that the computer is without scratch or dent. Shiny as new. Only things that shows it's a refurb are the slightly dirty service tag and a big green sticky on the bottom saying it's a refurb.

As for the Seagate, I've heard nothing good about it. But...I don't think there's much I can do. I just don't want it to have a slow death. This puppy is so fast though I still files to transfer so maybe that'll slow it down a bit.

I agree, I should have received a sleeve. Dell doesn't seem to have many for 16". That's why I was wondering if I could use the up to 15.6 screen. One's on sale for $6.00. As it is, I'm going to have to buy a carrying case since my old one won't fit.

All in all, Windows 7 included, I have that, I love sitting at my computer feeling.

 

1 Y532R Module, Assembly, Base, Discrete 1640 MLK1

That is the P/N for the ATi 4670

I love my XPS 16, minus the HD failure recently, its been great (loads better than my M1330)

The 4670 is an awesome card and the laptop doesn't get nearly as hot as the M1330 did.

If your M1330/M1530 came with a remote in the express slot, you can call and request one because your previous system had one. I did and they sent me a M1330 remote, sent it back and got a XPS 16 Remote.

My SXPS is a refurb machine (look at the bottom of the laptop, it'll have a green "Outlet" sticker). It came with the description of "Previously Ordered New", but no clue what that means.

 

Previously ordered new might mean an order that was cancelled or one that was ordered and never used.

 

Mine did come with a remote and a sleeve. Will call. Thanks for the tip and the encouraging words.

 

Oh I know I can't wait either...I was hoping (just hoping) to see a delivery notice when I got to my front door this evening..I know that is expecting way to much!!

Do you think you will end up getting a cooler for it? I think I want to get "bluetooth speakers", also!

Do you have any sort of "sticker" underneath your lappy? I always thought that anything that was refurb was indicated with a sticker.

Here is what my $7 Dell Deal Deal bought me...I think it will work out nice with the 1640: (I still have my sleeve for my 1530, but I don't know..I always can have room for extra "accessories") lulz.

One place I go to get sleeves, and such for my lappy & netbook is meritline.com, they have good, inexpensive sleeves.

LINKY, or LINKY

Yeah, previously ordered new usually means that someone ordered it, and at the end..they failed to completed the order..: )


Cin...

 

Update:

ESD: 1/22/10

We shall truly see!

*Pins and Needles*

Cin...

 

Do you have any sort of "sticker" underneath your lappy? I always thought that anything that was refurb was indicated with a sticker.

Yes, I have the refurbished green sticker. It sounds like some people are getting new, some previously ordered and some refurbs. Honestly, I don't care, well, I sort of don't care, as long as the computer runs like new and looks like new.

Cin, what size is your sleeve? Did it say it accommodated a 15.6 or 16?

Can't wait to hear your news!!

 

cin did your order show up under your dell account, or did you have to talk to a rep to get it, so far nothing for me, but then again it has been less than a week.

 

I would rather just have the computer run well and I would be happy, like you are!

The sleeve, doesn't have the dimensions..but here is the listed information on the sleeve: It's sold out for the $7 price now..But, you can still get it at Dell Small Bus. for $14.99.. LINKY There are more color choices availi', also!!

* Padded sleeve protects laptops with screen sizes up to 15.6-inch
* Equipped with back slip-pocket with pen-loops to organize a few papers and power accessories
* Made of durable and stylish dobby Nylon / Polyesther
* Double zipper construction for ease of access

Overview
Perfectly Simple. The 5dot Connect sleeve is specifically designed to fit Dell Laptops with screen sizes up to 15.6". Made of durable polyester for superior style and wearability, the sleeve features a subtle dobby-woven 'check' pattern with signature '5dot' embroidered treatment on the back and comfortable padded carrying handle. It also features a soft, padded, suede-like liner to protect your laptop's finish, and a back slip-pocket with pen loops to organize a few papers and power accesories for a quick trip. The perfect solution when you don't want to carry all of your 'stuff'! This product has been tested and validated on Dell systems. It is supported by Dell Technical Support when used with a Dell system.

I figure, if it doesn't work out...I can send it back, or gift it to a friend! Sometimes these will "stretch" a "little", we shall see!

And, yes hopefully some "good news" tomorrow or Saturday, or Monday!

Cin...

 

It showed up under my Dell account...it was suddenly just there one day! Give it a few more days..it will show up!

Did you get a Dispatch number or anything yet? You can get on Tech Chat and get that Dispatch/Conf. #


Cin...

 

wow... thats so cool cin!!! tomorrow is the day then!!!

just as a note, i had 3 different bags and sleeves for my m1530 ( everyone ended up giving me one as a gift so yeah i have plenty of them lol ) and they all fit my sxps 16 without a problem, some tighter than others, but it still fits.
now with *skin-like* sleeves there can be a problem since it has little to no tolerance for small seize variations.

just in my experience anyway

 

Yeah..I hope... However; earlier this afternoon when I checked it said 1/25/10..so...not sure what one to believe. I will go with 1/22/10!!! GIVEN!

Would be cool, if it shipped tomorrow for a Sat. delivery...


Cin...

 

Im guessing if you are going to be able to sleep waiting for the SXPS to get there...(crossing the fingers here for it to arrive tomorrow)

Bon courage mon amie!

 

Are you going to let us enjoy your unboxing pictures?

 

Morning, Serg!

Nothing yet...: ( Still waiting..hopefully more updates, as the day go's by

Oh you know it! That's a 100% Guarantee!
I will even do some comparison shots of what it looks like "side-by-side" to my Crimson Red XPS 1530 (Scarlett)

Cin...

 

Thanks msboc, I brought the box to FedEx and was out of there within two minutes. A painless process other than the bad traffic getting there. FedEx asked me when a good time to pick the box up would be, and then I was told the next day they didn't do things like that. The guy came at 9:45 a.m. when I was going to be home at 2:15 p.m. to give it to him. If i knew it was going to be so early, I would've just left it outside. Everything's all set now anyways though.

@Anyone who has the replacement already: Do they give boxes to give them the M1530's back, or do we just keep them?

@Cin: I can't wait for side by side pictures!

 

I was told to ship the 1530 back in the box that the 1640 came in. I haven't done it yet because I'm still restoring files.

Cin... we're waiting. I can't wait to hear you say how much you like it!

 

Nothing yet.... but i did recieve a e-mail from some dude saying he is working on my exchange and blah blah thanks for my patience....

Thank you for contacting Dell XPS Hardware Premium Support , My name Is Bhavani, and my Rep Id is 165440 .
I am writing this Email to inform you that, I am following up on the dispatch number 123398264, a order was created on 1/17/2010, to process a System exchange. Let me assure you that your system is being built at our factory according to the original order configuration. I am personally following upon this, to get your order full filled as soon as possible. Please be assured that I am here to assist you with this.
If you have any queries about the system exchange, please reply back to my email. I appreciate your patience and cooperation with us.
Regards,
Bhavani,
165440.
Dell Technical Support.
Shift timings 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST.
Weekly offs Saturday and Sunday.

 

Thanks again msboc, good to know. I'll definitely swap the 250 gb 5400 rpm hdd back into it and take my 400 gb 7200 rpm hdd out before the permanent return. The 400 came in an external enclosure and I took it apart to swap them. It didn't make sense to have the bigger capacity drive as the backup.

For Dell's sake I hope they get this right. If I still like them at the end of all this I'll be coming back for an M17x once mobile DX 11 cards are available.

Without my baby (M1530) I'm stuck on slow desktops and a netbook. I think I might have to relearn console gaming. At least I still have my favorite mouse to use with the netbook. I bought it shortly after getting my M1530 is 2008; it's a Logitech laser mouse with the small receiver. I recommend it because it's wireless, has a very small receiver (it doesn't have to be taken out), and doesn't have any lag like some other wireless mice and therefore works for playing games. Dell's touchpads are terrible lol. I remember with some of the earlier bios (and higher temps..) that it was unresponsive because my hands had become so sweaty. Something I just remembered is that the sxps 16 has a multi-touch touchpad. I'm interested to hear how the new touchpad is compared to the old one.

Another thing I'm extremely eager to know is how hot can the sxps 16 get under stress. I recall hearing from msboc that hwmoniter wasn't reading things the same with the latest version, so maybe giving Everest Ultimate a try would be worth it. If that isn't reading it right, Serg has an amazing thread somewhere with lists of free programs including system monitoring programs.

 

Do I have trouble already?????!!!!!

I'm going to post this on the 1640 owner's thread. But before I do, I'd like to hear from all of you. This morning when I logged on, I got the message "preparing your desktop." Then a generic desktop appeared. I got the message that I was logged with a temporary user profile and I should check the event log. I logged off and tried again. Now I have my desktop background and a few of my desktop icons but none of the shortcuts (which I don't need) that were there before.

This happened to me a couple of times with my 1530. Should I be frreaking out and calling Dell immediately? Is this a motherboard issue?

 

Doesn't sound like a hardware problem. I have never had this problem so I searched around and found this. It looks like they have a few solutions.

 

I think you ship it back in the box the 1640 came in. LIke MSBOC said.

Well.....It's past 1/22...No further information, it did not ship per the ESD shipping date information I received. Now all I have is "is processing".
So, I am not sure what to make of that.

Well, I'm still waiting also...Hopefully, it will ship on Monday?? I don't know I guess I will get on Chat this weekend to see whats up.

The e-mail is a good thing. You got Disptach record...prolly w/in a weeks time or so you should start seeing some turn around. Practicing that patience level is so hard.


Cin...

 

Sounds like you're definitely getting a new 1640. I'm having trouble with Windows 7 already and feeling very frustrated and down. Two issuses already and so far no real solution.