S-XPS 1645 Throttling Info. and Updates

I think many would be happy with an extende warranty, a bag, something small.

But to be honest, I'm not really worried about that. This laptop fixed right is what I really want. Perhaps I should keep my goals in order and worry about the rest later.

But that cooler idea sounds pretty cool too Dell.

 

Its got to be possible, i agree with what your saying. Its proberly going to take a bit of time for every line of support to get upto speed on the issues in hand.

By reading the majority of this thread it appears to be hit and miss to whether dell support reps (all over the world) have any knowledge of this problem!!!

 

I know..but the CPU speed is

 

According to the Dell website in the Netherlands XPS support is only available in English, so I don't think it is handled in NL.

And I believe Bill said it is also possible for users in the EU, so I'm not worried just yet.

 

Hi

greetings to DELL/BILL and all people here .

I am from INDIA.
And this is real expensive machine by my budget.
I somehow managed to buy it. But then found out about this throttling issue.
I am happy that Dell is living up to the expectations I had from the company.

I wanted to ask... Will the adapters be replaced in INDIA as well? And what will be the mode of transfer? As in will we be contacted from Dell or do we need to contact Dell?

Also. I have been playing RE5 with good fps 39-40 avg with everything turn on and no FAA from the game but 4x FAA from the ATI Catalyst Control Panel.

I have used RealTemp to monitor the Multipliers. It will never lock to 7 but varies from 7-10 while gaming. I have not tried likes of Crysis or COD etc.
I do not have RGBLED.

The Cpu temp reaches 75+. Is it fine? Or should it be less?
After throttling removed will it reach higher tempratures?
What is a SAFE temp range for operation of this machine?
Do laptop cooler pads help?

Dell please do replace the adapters in INDIA as well.
Thanks in advance.


P.S: The blower is placed in a wrong way.

It should be facing downwards.
Please do take measures to rectify that as well. Because the machine gets realy hot when the screen is opened way back covering the blower.
Its impossible to get a decent view without completely opneing the screen.

 

While streaming fullscreen videos over internet the machine becomes unresponsive and hangs.
I find out this is an issue with the catalyst drivers not working fine with flash player.
someone mentioned that removing creative XI-FI audio software will resolve this issue. Is this correct?

 

I had similar problems when I removed the IDT audio drivers. Re-install IDT and try it again. Hope this helps.

Nikolay

 

TO BILL and the group.

I bought my xps 1646 820 wled between Christmas and New Year to take advantage of tax incentives for small business here in Australia. When ordering I specifically asked the sales women if the throttling issue was still a problem. She checked and said the problem had been fixed weeks earlier. I received my shiney red machine in 10 days and tested it our as per the recommendations of this forum. I soon realised that the throtteling problem was real, but decided to wait an see how things panned out with the promised and fixes.

Last Thursday I called support to ensure I was logged in the system and the 1st level guy admitted this was a problem world wide. He said wait for the bios version 6 which would be released very soon and he would call back in 5 days.

To my amazement a 2nd level woman rang yesterday and after trying to convince me that there was not a problem since the computer was for multimedia and not gaming, connect to my machine and reinstalled the graphics driver. She failed to get Catalyst to load and then said that she would send a tech to replace the main board and heat sync. The tech would also reinstall windows 7. This has worked in 70% of cases.

I engaged with her and convinced her that the issue had nothing to do with heat but with the power supply and the utilisation of both the CPU and GPU. As soon as she realised I could express myself in computer talk she softened and began communicating. She asked me for my power adapter serial and was very interested when I commented that it was quite hot to touch. She then said that she would also send out a new power adapter. The laptop was not designed for more than 90W. All through the very long conversation she was typing in my responses.

At this point I challenged her logic and suggested that a new bios was being developed and that the forums were suggesting that the issue maybe being addressed by Dell. She softened more, especially when I sympathised about the difficulties of communications in large companies. Then she said she would call me on Monday and let me know if any new developments came up.

I guess I am wondering if I will get my mainboard replaced, heat sink replaced and new 90W adapter, only to have to wait to receive a proper 130W adapter. I assume the bios will be released via the usual channels.

Bill can you please also find out what will happen for customers in Australia?

BTW the rep was in the Phillipines and not in India. I have found that the service from DELL is generally very good, but it is annoying talking to people who just follow scripts and obviously are frightened to upset their call-centre manager.

The human factor goes a lot further than the sterile business model. DELL would be legendary if it allowed their front line staff express their personality and use their intelligence to support their customers. Computers often need a team approach to solve ther various issues that always come up with the combination of software and hardware

Guess I have made up for hours of lurking in this forum...

 

This is great news, I hope it's true..and that also people outside the USA will have no problem getting a new AC adapter.
Sending out new adapters is something I would not expect from dell (tbh) but I do feel it is required to make up for the 3 months of waiting. (and for the problem itself).

I never expected this problem to be solved..mainly because either:
1) the engineers never even spent 10minutes testing the laptop..i mean 1 benchmark or 1 game while using the AC adapter would've been clear enough.

2) the engineers knew about the problem but hoped nobody would notice? or something

Either way very worrying if you ask me.

Anyway, like said many times but worth mentioning again IMO: communication to the customers!!! Even if the problem is very serious, it's not nearly as bad when you inform and communicate with your customers.

 

FYI, in case anybody has any doubts that the fix will happen, I just went to the Dell Order Status website and as of late yesterday 2/04/2010 there was a 130W adapter order placed for me and should arrive in the next 3-5 days, I have an order # only, I have not got a tracking # as of yet I will keep you posted.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You - Did I mention Thank You, Dell-Bill B

 

Tin foil hat time!

 

Hi folks. I am in France and have the same problem on my Dell Studio XPS16 i7-720QM and RGBLED display. Will French users / customers have the possibility to change their 90 watts adapter for a 130 watt adapter ? Anyway, I hope so.

 

That is great to know. Thanks Bill for coming down here and for talking to us.
Thanks everyone who made this possible, without this community im sure the problem would had continue without a fix..

 

Yes, according to Bill this is a global fix. Im in Argentina and I had the same doubt, he told me that it may delay a little bit comparing to US customers but that I will get the 130watt psu

 

Usuyami is not an address where Dell can send the replacement adaptor, any more than Midnight_Voice is. As we don't choose to publish our real names and addresses and/or our Dell Service Tags, here (and nor should we!), Dell_Bill_B needs to contact us privately so we can give this information to him, and he can get our adaptors out to us.

Nothing more sinister than that.

Though I would really like to share that beer with Dell_Bill_B, and get some idea at what level in Dell the throttling problem was first gifted on us, and at what level the resolution effort is originating from.

Nice to listen to Kase 101 again, too. I've been getting it here in Canada, but it's blocked in the UK....

 

Let's hope were talking about mere days... I've had this machine since end of november and am getting quite sick of this. I refused to pay money for another adapter since that isn't what I paid for.

 

Thank you for your reply. That's what I understood but wanted to be sure.

 

Hi,

Haven't finished catching up on these posts yet this morning, and not sure if Bill has answered this yet but I wanted to respond.

This issue was not intentional. From what I understand there is a mathematical algorithm that is used to manage the CPU performance and in these instances it wasn't doing what they expected. There is throttling in every system to some degree to even out the "spikes and valleys". The new BIOS they're currently validating would manage the CPU performance states so that the systems will be performing at, or very close to, its maximum power more consistantly then they do with the current BIOS.

And, this is my own personal opinion, but it doesn't cost significantly more to ship out a 130-watt adapter than a 90-watt with the original order. If they felt originally that it needed one they would have done so. In the long run it will cost significantly more to send out replacements than we would have saved from sending out the 90-watts.

Bill's comment, from what I can tell, was geared more towards corporate culture and what we're allowed to say vs. what we want to say.

Lothirk, from the discussions last night I don't think you would need a 150w power supply. With the new BIOS coming up a 130w supply should provide all the power needed. If you choose to use a 150w power supply its something that you would need to purchase. And to be honest, from what I see, it would be a waste of your money to buy one.

 

Bill most definitely brought up the exhaust vent issue in last night's call. It was a bit out of scope of the people we were talking with last night but its something that is now actively going to be looked at.

As I've said on the DCF threads, I hesitate to put up an ETA for the BIOS update because we've missed a lot of deadlines in the past. I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression on time lines.

 

Damn, I tried too but I don't have a "list of order placed". I have to manually enter an order code which, of course, I don't have.

However great to hear.

 

Thanks again for the kind reply. I really love this new way you're communicating with us. Be assured, maybe it seems hard to keep such a direct line with users, but I promise you that this efforts will translate in more money for Dell for my future computers and peripherals.

Ok, I think I'll stick with the mass, then, and get my 130W for free.

 

I have been reading the lasts posts for a while now but i dont see how we can request the ac adapter upgrade, can someone tell me how?

thanks in advance

 

Nice ! I always trusted Dell to fix this throttling issue, and now it's nearly done.

Great work, and also for the guys working on this fix !

 

Hi peste, its not yet available. I don't think it will be until the current BIOS validation is finished and its widely available for download. That development team is pushing to get the validation done as quickly as possible but they have some logistical obstacles that they may run up against. And, I'm sure most of the posters here would agree, its more important to get it out right than to get it out early but not working as intended.

 

Hi Todd,
i am from India. i called up Dell and they have no news about 130W adapter. What should I do? How can I get the Adapter?

Thanx alot. Really appreciated

 

read above your post

 

The program is not yet in place. There are a LOT of logistical issues with rolling out any sort of program globally.

There are something like 10,000 Dell Techs around the world. Since this program is not yet in place its not surprising that the vast majority have no news about it. Heck, you guys here on NBR are getting the news before the techs are. (although I'm sure that it will filter through the cubicles relatively quickly). Until the program does become official I would expect that most techs won't discuss it over the phone. Just as we haven't tried to give concrete deadlines on when the BIOS fix will be released they wouldn't want to give you promises that they can't keep.

 

well I will be ordering my dell xps 16.I am very satisfied with the outcome to bad I missed out on the deal last week because i didnt want a broken machine now the price is higher,I guess i will wait to see if they drop.

So if we order a xps today they will come with the 130 watt adapters?

 

Nice to hear that dell is doing something. I'm wondering if the send me the adapter with my laptop (it's currently under repair at dell).

 

Originally Posted by Tenax View Post
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=446193

Dell's Update:



Quote:
The system should throttle no more with the next BIOS update in conjunction with a 130W ac adapter. Mobo will be fine with 130W adapter, but you will need both the BIOS and a new adapter. How you get that adapter is one of the questions I cannot answer just yet. Working on it.
....
OK. I can't say how yet because I don't know all the details, but customers will have a path to get replacement 130W adapters. I can say that we will be replacing them for NBR customers proactively. Don't flood my PM box, please! Brad or Todd will take that up with you guys tomorrow.

As far as new system orders yet to ship, more to come.
Seems like dell now agree with us, and the adapter will be the proper fix. Looks as well like 90w adapter may be replaced with a higher wattage as well. ETA is still unclear at this point in time, but hopefully bill will stay in contact and know more after a few meetings time.

 

Ya got it. Thanx alot frnd.

Thanx Todd, i am looking forword at the new BIOS. Just love this laptop and dell and wanna love it more. Thanx again

 

Thank you

Getting my daughter ready for school didnt search was looking for a quick answer thanks

 

As far as I know, all Dell AC adapters have the required ID chip that allows them to work on all Dell systems, so I think it should work fine.

 

Just to make things clear, when we post in this thread Bill, Brad, and I are referring specifically to the XPS 1645 models since that is what this thread was designed for. Some of the information is relevant to the other systems in the XPS 16xx family.

Please don't take any posting we do here to reference the Studio 1747 or any other model. While we may screw up and post something in the wrong spot its our intention to keep the discussions separate since there are two different resolutions.

To quote from my post on DCF:

 

1. I'm going to hold off on this one for now. Forgive, please.
2. The program is for 130W, but we can discuss/debate in PM next week or two.
3. lol@210W and no comment. (tongue in cheek, don't be offended please)

 

Hi there.. i'm from INDIA as well and one of the first customers to receive this laptop and i love it despite its throttling issues...

Now coming to your problems.. i also had the same problem.. i did a reinstall of X-Fi software and it worked.. now no hangups during fullscreen video viewing on the net..

Now, i have a query for Dell-Bill.B:

Firstly i thank you for being our a ray of hope.. All of my Family (including my cousins) Own a DELL laptop and they adviced me the same.. I saw faith in DELL and made the cut.. Bought this one and i'm satisfied with my system.. I still have faith in DELL.. I have been waiting patiently for a FIX on THROTTLEGATE issue so i didnt even update my BIOS..(mines still A01).. i thought i'll update once the BIOS is out to fix this THROTTLING issue...

Now, i have been patiently following this thread and i have two Query:

>> Firstly I'm in INDIA and how do i go about asking for a replacement for 130W adapter.. (and how will you send me one if you can? because its in the name of my brother who is a senior alienware executive sales manager for america.. his name is Sudeep H)

>> Secondly, I Think that Core i7 on DELL machine bottlenecks slightly on full usage..
i have gathered related info on this:

I'm a proffessional chess player and use this system extensively for my chess analysis..
The Chess Quotient for total threads goes:
1 Logical processor: 1824 KiloNodes/Second
2 Logical processors: 2928 KN/S
3 Logical processors: 3660 KN/S
4 Logical processors: 4836 KN/S
5 Logical processors: 5098 KN/S
6 Logical processors: 5252 KN/S
7 Logical processors: 5492 KN/S
8 Logical processors: 5612 KN/S

See?? the values after 5 threads hardly improve significantly... compare this with one of my co- chess players HP DV6 core i7 720 with the same specs:

1 Logical processor: 1798 KiloNodes/Second
2 Logical processors: 2860 KN/S
3 Logical processors: 3677 KN/S
4 Logical processors: 4985 KN/S
5 Logical processors: 5309 KN/S
6 Logical processors: 5662 KN/S
7 Logical processors: 6079 KN/S
8 Logical processors: 6788 KN/S

SXPS 1645 8 Logical Processors = HP DV6 6 Logical procesors

Can you just clarify to why this problem is occuring??

P.S:What the Heck?? took 2 hours to read the info on this thread posted since yesterday night.. LOL!!

 

No offense at all, I was just wondering

We'll see by PM when it comes my turn, then. I'd prefer a 150W to be sure. Thanks in the meantime.

 

You have Google, right?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-disclosure_agreement

Not sure what you're getting at when you choose to use adjectives like "secret," but if I have something to hide, I'll tell you point blank that I won't talk about it.

We posted a Direct2Dell post to specifically address the throttling concerns on E-Series, which by the way, is off topic for this thread.

I will ask you one more time, and ignore you going forward if you choose not to answer me: What is happening in your usage model with your E-Series Latitude that causes it to throttle?

 

Thanks for your honesty Todd. But there is something here that still doesn't quite square up. Was it that if the flaws in the algorithm had been spotted in testing, Dell would have realised that a 90w adaptor would not be enough, and would have had to respecify the 1645 with 130w?

Or is it that, as seems to shine faintly through earlier Dell postings here, Dell still think that the 90w adaptor would be man enough for the job - albeit that as it would get even hotter than it does now (and mine certainly gets uncomfortably hot, which is what brought me here in the first place), the 130w adaptor should be a cooler and safer option, with more margin for error?

In which case, double thanks for getting us the 130w; it's unquestionably the right thing to do, even if it's only temperature, rather than capacity, at issue here

NB: the cavalry arrived just in time. I was going to start the return process this coming Monday, and hopefully now I won't have to.

 

Hi,

I have been waiting for buying a i7 Laptop(I made myself very clear on this) for about a month and half.I confess that I demand and abuse a lot with my software testing,really long computations from Cryptographic studies, Theoretical Physics etc.Also, I wanted the laptop to last for atleast 6-years,if possible.After that it would just take place as a back up com, at home.I know I would have hard drive issues, by then.

Heat issues are tolerated as long as the Laptop doesn't break down{ I had a notebook with T7400 (2.16Ghz, 667Mhz,4M Cache) with a 320 GB 5400rpm.A intel integrated graphics. I used to work on planetary simulations: I used to simulate and procure data for a minimum of 3 days straight and would go as far a week.What worsened the condition, I used to design a fairly good resolution false-colored thermal profiles around the planets while the above data procurement was going on.This laptop is already 1.5 year old, poor thing cannot survive my needs even when I tried over-clocking.)

I have no price concerns as long as the Laptop costs less than 3000$.And I prefer a Laptop over a desktop.

Now, that I willing to keep such high price, I expect it to game pretty well, and same goes with visual-based applications.

I am prejudiced against aleinware.I have considered this fully configured SXPS 16 as a suitable match.I have been following this issue closely; waited for the fix as this is the only i7 Laptop available in India presently.However, I have found HP Envy on par (or is it even better?), but it is not yet released in India.

I would like to know your opinions regarding the following:

1)Taking a fully configured SXPS 16 as soon as this issue is fixed.

2)Waiting for HP Envy 15.(the 2+2+2+2 DIMM's does provide an advantage over 4+4 of SXPS)

I am aware of the fact that a really monstrous racing car picks it own driver.I believe that I can keep the amount of power these machines give to complete use.

Also I have a 1TB external,so I don't mind having a low size SSD on my rig.OR is it better to have a 7200rpm HDD? In addition, I may be buying a warranty for atleast 3 years if available.[This is outside the 3000$ cap]

All those other other rosy stuff like the displays, expandable battery(in case of HP envy) do matter to me.


And I am 18, and so sort of power freak.Kindly, give me your suggestion.

Excuse me if this post does not belong to this topic.I would be grateful if you can direct me to the right place.

Thanks in advance


Mahathey
Genius is born,not paid; but has its price.

 

Hey there.. DELL SXPS 1645 FULLY LOADED is the "RIGHT" and also the ONLY CHOICE for you..

1) i dont recommend hp envy 15 because i dont like its dvd drive stricking out from a USB port.. if you fine with it then i guess u'll HAVE A HARD TIME MAKING A DECISION ABT DELL SXPS 16/ HP ENVY 15(If the HP ENVY 15 is released in INDIA ofcourse) .. and please dont wait for the envy to get launched in INDIA.. because i was waiting since july 09 for DV7 to get released in INDIA and all i got outta HP customer care every 15 days of calling was.. "I'm Not sure sir.. we dont have the exact date of release but i can assure you that it will be in NEAR future".. (that near future came after 6 months as DV7 got released in Jan in INDIA) and
2) i also recommend DELL because DELL bring their latest models to INDIA on par with the Global models compared to HP who release their models in US first and hardly get them to INDIA.. (look at models kike HP HDX 18, DV6t, DV7t, DV8t Quad editions which have been released in US loooooooonnnnnnnnnggggggg Back.. but haven come to INDIA) and if they release in INDIA also they release it only after They have withdrawn it from US sites..
3) DELL website and support centres are up to date and very usefriendly (you can get everything you want from DELL india website) compared to the crappy good for nothing HP website..(you can check them yourself:
DELL: http://dell.co.in
Hp: http://welcome.hp.com/country/in/en/welcome.html

4) i have always been a power user and have used my SXPS 1645 heavily (For GAMING, PHto editing/Chess analysis) since i got it and i have absolutely no issues whatsoever regarding heat or any other things regarding my SXPS 1645..
5)For the rosy stuff you mentioned... DELL is a perfect choice for upgrade.. because The RGBLED 1080p screen is currently the best laptop screen in the world and it definitely comes within 3000$ range (along with fully loaded 1645), and you get a backlit keyboard which the HP envy lacks(Booooo!! hP!!) and the 9-cell luks pretty cute compared to the uglt 12 cell in HP..

>>>>if i was in your place i wudda gone for the SXPS 1645!

 

I allways thaught the advantage with tri channel memory would be to have 2 x 2 x 2 .... is that not the only way to take advantage of the 192 bit bus vs 2x2x2x2 or 2x2 which could only utilize 128 bit....

comments?

 

New 130W adapter on its way:

Date of Purchase: 04/02/2010
Estimated Ship Date: 05/02/2010
You must be available to sign for your shipment when it is received. Although we do not anticipate a delay in your order, we occasionally run into unexpected delays in the manufacturing process. If this should happen, we will notify you and provide a revised estimated ship date.

Billing Information Shipping Information
Payment Method Shipping Method
SHORT ORDER INTERCITY

Bill To

Bill To



Order Details
Quantity Description Unit Price

1 ADPT,AC,130W,DLTA,3P,WW,M09 $0.00
1 CORD,PWR,125V,2.5A,1M,C5,E,US $0.00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sub-Total $0.00
Shipping $0.00
Tax $0.00
Total Price $0.00

All discounts applied to this order are reflected in the subtotal, shipping, and total amounts.

Thanks Bill!!

 

As far as heat goes, I have seen my processor temps with an i7-820 make it up to the high 80s while playing SupCom. Although this isn't quite at the 100 degree limit, it is a bit disturbing for a new laptop on a game over 3 years old. I think a vent attachment is definitely needed.

 

I have just been updated by Dell and my 130W Adapter will be delivered on 2/08/2010 (Monday), by FedEx

Shipping Method: Next Business Day
Shipped Date:2/5/2010
Estimated Delivery Date: 2/8/2010 (updated)
Carrier: FEDEX EXPRESS

Tracking # also has been provided.

Thanks, Dell-Bill B

 

For that price ranger you probably can consider elitebook or precision or thinkpad workstation. Both xps 16 and envy 15 are not very sturdy, I don't feel them can last 6 years. When I am using these laptop, I am constantly worrying I will break hinge in half or accidentally sit/step on it. Professional laptops usually have 180 degree hinge and can withstand a few hundred pound.
Otherwise these two are very close, xps has better screen, envy is more portable and slightly faster due to new video card.

 

So Todd, what about SXPS 1647 owners? Those machines have sever throttling issues too, exactly like the 1645.

thanks in advanced

 

Hi Dell-Bill_B,

Thank God Dell is finally engaging with customers about this issue, in a meaningful and purposeful way. And my most sincere thanks to you for taking your time to post in this forum. What a terrible shame for all parties this didn't happen much earlier.

As you may surmise from my NBR username this whole experience made me very angry. And it wasn't just because Dell screwed-up by letting the 1645 out of the door with an inadequate adapter and crippled bios, or because the build quality leaves something to be desired (mine doesn't even sit flat on the desk), or because of the awful backlight bleed and laughable colour accuracy on the RGBLED screen, or even the complete lack of Linux support.

Sure those things are really annoying, but what made me really really mad was Dell's reluctance to admit their mistake in the first instance, and a complete lack of any credible, technical feedback thereafter. Hopefully that has now changed for the better.

Frankly, if it wasn't for the efforts of Unclewebb writing his Throttlestop program, and donating so much of his own time to helping folks with this issue, I think Dell would be sitting on a *much* larger pile of returned 1645's right now, and some other models besides. He bailed you guys out big time. Sadly, Throttlestop couldn't help me on Linux, so I had to waste my time raking through the Intel manuals and datasheets.

There are only 2 reasons why I didn't return my 1645 already; 1) It's my work machine, so it's a major pain for me to be without it, and 2) if I have to endure another frustrating and fruitless "bounce-around" Dell's customer support dept., then I might just end up hurting somebody.

I would like to see whether this new bios will fix my problems, but I want to know whether you will provide bios images that I can install in Linux? I know Dell have some Linux support for firmware updates , as I have the tools installed, but I don't find the the bios for this machine on the update site.

Failing this, you might at least consider providing an old-style DOS updater that I can run from an MSDOS boot disk.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

hey Dell-Bill_B.. can you update your INDIAN counterparts regarding this issue?? they hardly seem aware of it..

 

You could try a combination of customer number and company name.

I have ordered stuff from Dell in the past and somehow never received my tracking details. Using the above mentioned combination allows you to list all orders linked to your account.