M1330 Display Issue (Vertical Lines on Reboot & Crash & Vertical Lines)

If you two are referring to mobo revision numbers, then forget it. Dell is refurbishing old mobos with new GPUs (or just sending you a working mobo, regardless of GPU revision).

From my three mobos, the oldest revision had the newest GPU:

A01 -> G86-630-A2
A04 -> G86-630-A2
A00 -> G86-631-A2

 

M1330: I bought mine when first released with full extended warranty. The main board has been replaced 6 times allready. Last replacement was about 8 months ago, this has been the longest lasting board yet.

Couple things the tech shared with me;
1. stick to bios A14.
2. Was to use a vacume every other week on the vents.

I do, and so far it seems to help prevent the lint/junk from restricting airflow. I also avoid setting it on my lap while browsing the web in the living room, and I only place it on flat surfaces so I don't restrict air flow so fans can do their job.

I love this notebook when it works, but after this experience I've lost confidence in the products reliability.

 

I use my M1330 on the bed, floor, rug, piano bench, whatever and have no problems. This is with the Intel integrated video. I'm using my MacBook Pro right now for the big screen and the air intake is through the keyboard so I don't have to worry about using it on blocking surfaces.

I've never cleaned out the MBP or M1330 and they both run cool. This line from Dell is just garbage. Sure, it may keep you working for a while but it's a PITA to do.

 

My understanding is the issue is only using Dell M1330/Nvidia GPU. Same model with Intel GPU users dont experience this problem at all. I just don't understand why there is no recall on this model. Once the warranty runs out it useless/garbage. I wouldn't even want to sell to someone knowing its gonna break again...

 

There is no solution so what would a recall do? Everyone else has the same problem. I've had two MBPs repaired with the same issue. My 17 inch model doesn't seem to have this problem; maybe there's better airflow or the cooler processor. A recall would have to be a replacement and nVidia wouldn't pay for that. They'd rather the consumer and OEM deal with the headache.

 

I have no idea what a recall would do. At the very least they should let people know there is NO solution using the nvidia gpu. Replace all nvidia gpu with the intel chipset.

Each time ive spoken to a xps service tech they finally admit beign aware of the problem.

But, of course they claim it has been resolved with the new mb they are about to send out and install. Ive read some owners have managed to pursuade dell to exchange their problematic 1330s for the newer xps studio models. I wonder how those are doing...

 

From the sounds of it, not much better. It seems the SXPS 13 has its own problems, ranging from a power adapter that's hot enough to melt the label to the CPU running so hot that it's forced to downclock itself to the simple fact that it's a heavier laptop.

At the end of the day, all I can say is that I'm never buying a Dell again.

 

right,

I had the motherboard and hsf replaced.

First of all, only thing that looks different is some red dye blobs around the GPU chip.

Second - the tech did an awful job, had to re tighten loads of screws

also he ripped the blue pads of the old assembly and stuck them on the new one again!

no thermal paste? no new pads?

and now the gpu runs at 96 degrees under load.

the tech claimed the "new chip" wont fail

hahahahahah

 

You should not of signed off the job if you knew they did not complete the work as per orders, unless you found this out later.
Any work being carried out on one's unit should be witnessed by yourself and if you not happy let them do it again and call Tec support while the Tec is working on your unit..
On another note I would not be using that unit knowing no new paste used on CPU, old thermal pads recover and reused!!! They would not be leaving until I was happy...

 

Are you sure he replaced the original HSF? A "new" HSF comes in it's own box with brand new pads... The only possibility then is that Dell sent a "refurbished" HSF and forgot to include pads all together...

In any case, 96C under "load" may be nominal, depending on how you define GPU load... :-/
That's why many of us have opted for the Cu mod...

 

yes it came with a new HSF as i have the old one on my table.

I saw him rip of the blue pads and just stick them on the gpu and cpu as if they were chewing gum!

can anyone tell me why the is some red blobs around the gpu? my old board did not have that

 

so my m1330 finally became a statistic and died do to the 8400... its been out of warranty septembe including the additional one year... but do to my ability to make people do what i want..lol.. i was able to get them to replace my motherboard. i just received my laptop back and it has the g86-631-a2. i was wondering if that is still one of the bad models or a newer one. btw my hardrive was damaged and is in the process of being replace by dell.

 

I just wanted to stop by and say that my 1330, with modified heatsink, finally bit the dust, after almost two good years of service. I am not under warranty, so I am going to try and replace the nVidia board (which I never needed) with an Intel board, in hopes that I can keep it running as long as some of my older Dell laptops. I alternate between feeling infuriated that Dell released and then didn't properly support this POS, and extremely grateful to this board for all the information and support and LEARNING that occurred as I tried to fix the problem. Needless to say, after 10 plus years of buying Dells, I will never do so again. I built the last two desktops in our house myself, and they run cooler and quieter than any I ever got from Dell, and bought my latest laptop (ASUS 20UL) from Amazon for $475.00. Anyway, thanks to all-- hopefully I won't have to come back!

 

I feel your frustration but I just wanted to point out that I had this same exact issue with a HP DV9000 so it is not exclusive to Dell. The whole debacle revolves around nVidia using weak materials. HP had to rebuild my entire DV9000 then they release a BIOS that makes the fan run longer. Sound familiar?

 

Apple had the same problem. They did extend the warranty to three years though. It's not an OEM problem - it's an nVidia problem. I do note a bunch of problems with Dell XPS laptops though and maybe this is due to cpu and gpu product transitions. I have no needs for a laptop anytime soon so will just use what I have. Wants, yes.

 

Depressingly familiar! I think my frustration has to do with Dell support of the issue after the fact: they did, in theory extend the warranty for those with NVidia gpu, but when my motherboard failed (surely heat related) for the third time they claimed it was unrelated, because it was not preceded by vertical lines. When, first mobo replacement, I asked to be downgraded to Intel integrated graphics, they said it wasn't possible. Anyway, these are luxury problems, right?

 

Sorry to hear it

Mine's still alive *knocks on wood* (and so is my extended warranty, ouf!)

It's really a shame because if it hadn't been for the nVidia chip fiasco, this Notebook would have been Dell's answer to Sony's finest at about 2/3 the price! I just bought myself a cheaper & smaller a-la-"Netbook", an Acer 1810TZ. I compared both in their ability to play complex 1080p videos & immediately began to appreicate what the 1330 can do... .

You may be thinking "apples & oranges" but when you consider a difference of ~500g and a few extra centimeters, well, the 1330 packs a lot of power in such a small format

 

...well in that case, you got a refurbished HSF. However, that's not a big deal; all HSFs are equal (as long as the assemly is clean, internally); it's the GPU chip itself that's the main problem followed by the fact that the cooling solution is not optimal (hence, why many of us opted to replace the GPU's thermal pad with a copper shim).

 

Even I am facing this problem. Starting Laptop, sometimes DELL boot comes some times dark screen and then colorful vertical lines all over and ultimately everything becomes white.
Can anyone guide?
Within how many days DELL people can get it solved?

 

This thread has some age to it!

I have a similar issue but not exactly the same. My M1330 is 2.5 years old, maybe 3. I have had zero issues until now. I have installed Windows 7 and then when I update the video driver from the video default and restart I get a crash.

My screen will get to the Windows startup screen, show the swirling colored balls turn into the Windows logo, then I get a few colored lines and the image distorts followed by a black screen.

If i restart in safe mode and uninstall the driver it goes back to working fine. I have updated my BIOS to A15 and have tried drivers from Dell's site and Nvidia's site and haven't seen any difference.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

 

Assuming you have XPS "Full" coverage, within 48hrs. If you have to send it in, then I don't honestly know, but a safe estimate is 4~6 weeks... .

Correct, it's not the same (not even similar) and I would suggest you will be better served elsewhere (in another thread). I would imagine you're not the first to upgrade your 1330 to W7... :-/
Good luck

 

I had my m1330 for two years before the nVidia chip crapped out last January (2010). Luckily, I have the 3 year at-home warranty that had been offered as a freebie upgrade when I bought it at their site.

Dell sent a tech to replace the board, and now as of June 9th, so far so good. When he was doing the work I had asked him if Dell "fixed" the problem so it wouldn't recur like it had with a lot of users on this forum (and Dell's), and he stated an emphatic yes. (i think they hate it when the consumer is privy to the issue)

So, I'm thinking (maybe naively) maybe by the time mine crapped out Dell had had enough complaints and finally took care of the problem at the source, instead of just sending out another faulty board/chip.

However, I've got my eye on any video problems that may occur, and I will contact Dell as soon as I see any.

I really like my m1330, and feel that, despite the nVidia chip problem, it was (is) one of their best designs.

Just wanted to let yall know my particular situation. Good luck!

 

My video went down for the 3rd time a few weeks ago.

I phoned Dell up and they just offered me a full refund!

Sent in the Laptop and 3 days later they had refunded my account, and even better they refunded me £101 too much!

I'm in the UK if that helps anyone.

What I have learnt from this, whatever the technician says, your M1330 WILL break, it is just a question of time.....

 

Wow, a full refund? Nice!

Most people who had their 8400 break on them 3+ times only got a free SXPS 13 as a replacement. Maybe they've finally run out of those, now that the SXPS 13 has been discontinued for several months?

 

Sounds like there are diminishing cost and image returns on replacing these computers.

 

2yrs 4 month and my laptop just died

Should I spend $250 and get an intel motherboard and replace it myself or should I just get a new laptop for around $1500? Thinking of the alienware M11x

Man if you have a M1330 YOUR day will come

 

Get a new system. It isn't worth the headache and the new and faster components will be nice. Getting a replacement for your 1330 will only result in another disappointment down the road unless you go with Intel Integrated. The new stuff should be three times faster than the X3100 so you'd be missing out.

 

Hi,

I was wondering if I swap for the Intel Motherboard. Would I need to source a new heatsink?

I haven't got the laptop with me atm so just trying to the source the parts before my sis brings the laptop home.

Cheers

 

Wow. First time I've heard of this! I hope Dell does this in the US. If my 1330 video goes out again, they had better or I'm suing for the full purchase price even if I have to go through crappy small-claims court.

 

What GPU does it have now? I've been told by tech support and an engineer aaand line manager that the gpu has been replaced and i've just triple checked it after i read your reply. They wouldn't tell me the make and model though which makes me slightly dubious.

Please tell me it's not the 8400M!

 

Surprise! It's an 8400M GS.

 

Just a question for you guys. My >3 year old (just out of warranty) M1330 is displaying pretty much the exact same symptoms described here except that it is completely dead and doesn't appear to POST nor does it output anything to an external monitor (blank screen). Despite it's age this is the first time the laptop has had this issue thankfully.

Now to me is screams of a classical example of the GPU issue looking at the pictures on here and all over the internet, and comparing it to mine (see below).



However I've had the Dell technician out and he is blaming the issue on the LCD panel. I unfortunately wasn't able to be present while the technician did his thing and unfortunately the person supervising wasn't actually supervising him so we are not exactly sure what was done. From what he explained to me on the phone it sounded like he only did a diagnostic test (Power on while holding down the 'D' key) which is meant to display a test pattern on the panel. Now it doesn't actually display anything different to above but if the motherboard is dead and the laptop is not POST'ing will this test actually work? Does anyone have a faulty M1330 on hand to check this out? I've seen plenty of cracked LCD panels in my time and the above picture is not of cracked panel. I don't see how a damaged panel could cause the PC to not boot anyhow?

I've rang Dell support again and they are adamant that the tech has put on his notes that he did in fact change the motherboard and issue persisted. Since they say it is not a motherboard issue and that the laptop is out of warranty they are now being less than helpful.

Anyone have thoughts, suggestions or ideas? I'm going to try to back in touch with the tech and then have another go at ringing support.

Thanks.

 

So the tech came and just did the D-test?! I'm quite sure its a GPU problem since the vertical lines are the exact symptoms of it. The diagnostic test is to determine whether its an LCD problem or not. If it isn't, the screen should show the appropriate colours during the test. i.e. red, green, blue (without the lines).

 

Unfortunately I am not exactly sure what was done. The D test doesn't appear to work as intended though as the screen doesn't flash any color, it just stays the same as above. Does that mean it is the panel or is it possible for the motherboard to be damaged enough that the D test won't work?

 

Has this problem been fixed? Are there any other significant issues with this Dell Model?

Regards,

Mike

 

I think that Dell giving customers different computers is an implicit admission that the problem isn't fixed.

 

Count another dead 8400 M1330

It's too early in the morning to be reading 138+ pages. So I'll ask a question I'm sure has been asked hundreds of times before:

I'm out of warranty (ended 2/27/2009), so I guess I'm SOL and my ~$1k laptop is now a paperweight?

-edit ugh, I read the entire thread!!!! Where's my cookie???

Well I sent tech support an email, crossing my fingers that they'll replace free of charge. Although I'm not really looking forward to a replacement that will just break. I'd LOVE to get a new Studio XPS or heck, a full refund and just go and buy something else. I loathe dealing with Dell Support

-edit 2 Denied... Doh!

Hmm, to try again on the phone... hmmm.

-edit 3 Denied by XPS Tech Chat
CSR said I was out of warranty and there was 'nothing' they could do (my arse!).

 

Hello people,

First of all, I live in The Netherlands. My M1330, which I bought in december 2007, crashed last weekend. I have just spoke to the Dell technical XPS support and they said I have 3 years of warranty (just in time!). I told the guy about the problem and what I have seen in this forum, he let me wait for a minute to ask around, came back and told me they know about the problem. In 3 days I will receive a box that contains a phone number in Germany, he told me I had to call it and they'll send a deliveryman to pick up the box with my laptop inside. They'll replace my motherboard and the nVidea card with an upgraded one, he told me it won't happen again. It'll be gone for a week, but will come all fixed back .
And all this: 0 euro.

Greetings,
Stefan

 

I bought a XPS 1210 loaded as a replacement desktop. I had a overheating problem, so bad it would just freeze up. Dell replaced it with a comparable XPS 1330, stating they didn't make the 1210 anymore. The new one also had a overheating problem and the vertical line problem. I extended the warranty on it knowing Dell would probably have to replace it. Dell sent out a tech to replace the cpu cooler gizmo, which fixed the overheating problem, but the vertical lines still showed up. Dell made me send the notebook to their repair facility. I got it back a week later, fired it up and......vertical lines still there. Another tech visit to replace the motherboard, the tech took one look at it, and said it wasn't the motherboard, it was the lcd panel cables. He replaced the motherboard anyway and the vertical lines were still there. Finally, Dell, said they would send a replacement notebook, a refurbished XPS 1640 with the same or better features I bought on my first notebook. Now, I'm reading here about all the problems with the XPS 1640. It's been two years of problems, I hope this one works. In the meantime I bought a replacement HP desktop, Dell Studio 11z notebook, and HP netbook. This problem child/lemon has been delegated to my hubby to play games on.

Sherril

 

This is known issue with nvidia gpu if u have some lines on the screen.

 

I got mine in Nov 2007 and service just expired... . Although I recently bought an Acer 1810TZ "Netbook", I'm still actively using the 1330 (typing this post from it ) When I bought it (for a small fortune... in Euros, I might add ) my justification was it would be a five-year Notebook. Having said that *and* having been through two Mobo swaps (once for the GPU), I just extended my XPS On-Site service for two more years... . It cost me (...are you sitting down...) €180...

€2K investment for (hopefully) a five-year stretch; time will tell it if was worth it, but like I said, I'm still happy to have it / be using it

 

how much should the copper mod cost for this

 

Under $7 USD for the copper if bought on Ebay. Plus the cost of thermal paste. So ~$15 USD total if you don't have anything.

I did it on my dying M1330 and it brought it back to life

 

Just turned on my Dell XPS M1330 and experienced the colored vertical lines and kinda freaked. I googled the problem and wound up here. Thanks to all for their posts, I was able to call Dell and get right to the problem. Thankfully I am still in warranty. I have my case and dispatch#s and they are sending me a box so I can send it out to them for repair. Yes it's the motherboard or the lousy Nvidia chip or both. They tell me it will be like new when I get it back. Hope to god they replace the Nvidia chip with a ATI chip. I should have done the extra added expense at time of purchase for the upgrade to the ATI but heck who knew Nvidia had a bunch of bad chips out there. For those of you out of warranty, I just received in the mail about 2 wks ago about a lawsuit concerning the Nvidia chips. According to the info looks like you all should be covered whether you are in warranty or not. Check it out.

 

Not possible. The only other graphics option for the M1330 is an integrated Intel graphics. You might could convince them to replace it with that if you don't care about graphics performance and are more worried about the Nvidia chip dying again (which it will eventually, no matter what they tell you, there is no "fix").

 

I had my Dell M1330 PC repaired by Dell under the extended nVidia GPU warranty in June 2009. Dell replaced the motherboard and nVidia 8400M GPU (presumably since the GPU is a non-removable part of the motherboard). Kozzney mentioned "no fix" exists. Does this mean Dell simply replaced the defective nVidia GPU with an identical one?

Thanks,

 

Yup. Get out your copper mod.

 

I posted here last summer about my m1330/nVidia 8400 GS graphics chip situation. I bought mine Feb. 2008 from Dell.com and luckily got a 3-year warranty.

Last summer I had already experienced one mainboard/GPU failure, last January 2010. Dell sent out a tech to fix it, but as I feared at the time (after reading all the posts on the Internet) it would eventually happen again.

Well, come October, about 8 months later, it failed the 2nd time. Still under warranty, Dell sent out another tech and did the deed once again. (also, my slot-load optical drive failed a couple days later, so again another tech came out and replaced it)

After a couple of weeks of pondering, I finally got pissed off and lit a fire under my butt, fully realizing that Dell was just giving me the runaround with replacing a defective mainboard with a defective mainboard, and that it would only be a matter of time and the thing would fail again, warranty or not (my warranty would be out Feb. 2011), and I'd be stuck with a dead laptop.

I went to the BBB for Texas and filed a complaint against Dell, explaining the two failed mainboards, and that since Dell basically sold me a defective product and was continually circumventing the problem by replacing defective hardware with defective hardware, I demanded my original purchase price back.

Well, not 2 days later I got a call from Dell regarding the complaint offering to send out a new XPS L501x (the new XPS line) to replace the m1330 instead of refunding my money. I accepted, and 3 weeks later I got the new laptop. (I had heard HP was replacing their defective laptops with the nVidia chip problem for quite a while now).

The new technology is much faster than the 1330, and the HD screen is incredibly clear and bright. It has 1 GB graphics memory (new nVidia chip) which makes the old 128 mb pale, and an i5 Intel processor. It has JBL speakers with subwoofer on the bottom that sounds fantastic, and it has a backlit keyboard, something I didn't think was going to be that big of a deal, but now that I've tried it, it's really nice to have. I'm shipping the 1330 back to Dell in a couple days.

So, in my case Dell made good, but it was after a lot of hassle and laptop failures, many calls to support, and techs coming to my house. That I was still under warranty helped too, and I'm glad I filed the complaint when I did.

I think the moral of the story is, always try to get a 3 year warranty. Laptops can be touchy, but the m1330/nVidia mainboard fiasco can certainly go down as a black eye for Dell. (Hp and Apple had to deal with it too.)

 

Got my XPS M1330 in late 2008. I just got that colored stripes when I turn it on. Looks like it's going to need motherboard replacement. Called Dell and they said they'll send a tech, but they are just going to replace it with another defective GPU? The tech on the phone mentioned that the GPUs heating issues have been fixed. Is that true?

 

You couldn't read 2 posts up?

No, it's not true.