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    Having a problematic DELL XPS L501x

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Ckhurana, Jul 20, 2011.

  1. Ckhurana

    Ckhurana Notebook Consultant

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    Hi All,

    I am having a DELL L501x with the specs as in my signature. Now this machine is having some issues which refuse to go away. Basically, after getting the machine in Jan 11, I have had 2 mobo replacements to battle the excessive heat which is almost always present no matter how nimble the task the machine is attempting.

    Now, the temps (GPU idle ~60, CPU ~ 60) remain constant on idle, but the fan keeps on at medium high at ALL times. I had even tried re-pasting the TIM but to no avail, it only holds for some time before the fan problem rises again. I have the latest drivers (STOCK) and the BIOS but nothing gives.

    And due to this constant fan on thing, my 9 cell battery lasts only 2 hours MAX, that too when I am JUST browsing the web!

    I am unable to play even moderately 3D intensive games on this machine; it just starts to pack up!

    Now after all these replacements, I am getting inclined towards the SandyBridge options. I have heard they are more power effective and better tuned for lesser heat generation.

    So, my questions follow -

    1. Is it technically possible to fit in a L502x Motherboard/processor in my L501x chassis?

    2. If only this is possible, I could convince DELL to do this replacement. In that case, what would be the best replacement MOBO +Processor config I should AIM for??

    Please let me know guys, I need to tell DELL to do something about this issue!

    Thanks!

    CK
     
    Ckhurana, Jul 20, 2011
    #1
  2. Ckhurana

    Ckhurana Notebook Consultant

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    :BUMP:
    Well, if anyone could help me out with the technical details, it would be great!
    Please let me know guys!
     
    Ckhurana, Jul 20, 2011
    #2
  3. SAiLO

    SAiLO Notebook Evangelist

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    Don't know about fitting SB motherboard and processor into your l501x, but if it keeps constantly breaking Dell should replace it with a new unit or give you a 2nd gen XPS.
     
    SAiLO, Jul 20, 2011
    #3
  4. atbnet

    atbnet Notebook Prophet

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    I would ask for an exchange because two motherboard replacements in six months is not acceptable by any means.
     
    atbnet, Jul 20, 2011
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  5. Sam_A_1992

    Sam_A_1992 Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes defo ask for a replacement.
     
    Sam_A_1992, Jul 20, 2011
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  6. madmattd

    madmattd Notebook Deity

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    Your fans are running because you have a dedicated GPU running all the time. That's a lot of extra heat to deal with. If you can get a swap to Sandy Bridge, the quad's have Optimus so the dedicated GPU won't run (at all! -> uses Intel) during little tasks like browsing the net, meaning far less heat to mess with=fan only on super low if at all!

    The equivalent Sandy Bridge would be a i7-2720QM and a GT 540m if I am not mistaken. Should be compatible, I am 99% sure they didn't change a single thing in the chassis for Sandy Bridge, it's just a different mobo/CPU/GPU.
     
    madmattd, Jul 20, 2011
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  7. Ckhurana

    Ckhurana Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks a lot madmattd! DELL would be getting in touch with me as I have already logged in a complaint for this yet again.

    Let me push for just the mobo+processor swap, I don't want to go through the same hassles again of getting a new system from scratch and restoring backups for HDD data is a pain all the time.

    Let me see if they agree to my demands.
    C
     
    Ckhurana, Jul 20, 2011
    #7