S-XPS 1645 Throttling Info. and Updates

Assuming you're running at 1280x720. Not really for a 4670 mobility/ Core I7 @2.0-2.5ghz. on medium settings Crysis isn't very demanding.

I know on a 2.4 ghz Core 2 Duo w/ Desktop 4670 512meg it can play on high+some at 1280x1024.

So 1280x720 wouldn't be a problem, however keep in mind that wide screen can often be harder on a videocard/CPU because it generally has to draw more geometry.

1920x1080, I wouldn't be so sure about.

 

Crysis comes in 4 different settings, Low, medium, high, and very high. There is also a very low mode, but you wont see that option selectable unles you have a card with less then 256megs of VRam.

Crysis has a quark in that, It can also run 2 different code paths, DX9 and DX10. DX9 is much easier on hardware and even when you are running in high settings you can get a good performance boost forcing DX9 mode. Crysis will default to DX10.

 

This is awesome. I skip 2 nights of reading this forum, and come back to realize that pigs are flying. Much thanks to Bill, Todd, and Brad.

 

Sorry, I did not answer the first time. I'm just not sure on this one. I can confirm that there is not an engineering issue with RGB screens, 130W adapters and A07. Procurement may be a different story. I'm just not sure.

EDIT:

Meh. Now I'm doubting myself. Let me check on the engineering side of my statement above Monday.

 

Thanks, Sly. I assume you have and play Crysis. What are the max and avg frame rates you get with medium settings in DX10 mode? And same question for DX9 mode?...with TS and a 130W adapter.

 

Are you sure its 10? I'm at 16 and I still can't send PM's I have a feeling it might be related to rep power.

 

Thanks Bill -- looking forward to the answer as I REALLY want this with the RGB screen now that the issue is resolved -- thanks for that, BTW!

 

Count me in on the new power supply....Definitely throttling on Call of Duty!
emmerat

 

Do you think the power issues may be what causes the RGB screen to turn green or blue once in a while until you restart? It happened to mine a time or two, and I saw other people mention it. Was always alarming to say the least.

 

lol@Throttlegate. That's for Latitudes from title tinkerdude gave his big report.

 

Thanks Bill and Todd,

As I am in Korea, I think I have to wait till an official announcement. I have a question though how the announcement is released to 1645 owners.

Will the announcement be posted on DFC and NBR? or Will it be directly sent to the owners?

Actually it is not easy to follow-up the threads on a daily basis. Actually these days I can't take my eyes off from this thread.

I hope the announcement is delivered directly to the owners especially in on the regions outside US/Canada.

 

What ever happened to tinkerdude Bill?

 

Hey Bill I was wondering...How long did it take Dell to design and implement/make available the redesigned exhaust (downward-pointing) for the XPS 13's? I was wondering how that was implemented as well (proactively or otherwise/Were Dell Tech's sent out or was it an easy DIY?) I would presume that it would be released at a faster turnaround for the XPS 16's as it's probably not that different a design (just a bigger size), right? Thanks, glad to see you online a lot, becoming a household name now...

I assumed the exhaust redesign would be for all xps 16s too...

 

Hello to all! This is my first post here at NBR. I've been following the discussion on the S-XPS 1645 throttling issue for a couple weeks now, and have been posting on the Dell website of similar throttling problems that I have been experiencing with my S-XPS 1640. But, to date, I haven't felt that I've gotten any satisfactory answers regarding this issue:
http://en.community.dell.com/forums/t/19306277.aspx?PageIndex=12
http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19306277/19612792.aspx?PageIndex=16
http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2010/01/20/dell-still-looking-into-throttling-on-the-studio-xps-1645-and-studio-17-laptops.aspx

I would consider starting a new discussion thread, but since this thread seems to have gotten the attention of some of the folks over at Dell, I thought it might be best to post here, at least initially.

@ Dell-Bill_B:
Last night, you mentioned that you would be looking at the 1640 with a different engineering team:

I would like to know what the current status of this investigation is, and what is its projected time-frame?

The folks here seem to be pretty happy with the proposed solution of a new 130W power supply along with an updated BIOS. Will a similar solution be offered for the owners of the S-XPS 1640?

 

Sorry I don't have a 130 watt adapter, yet . But I will test on battery with it set to max performance.

I will give you the difference in FPS in Crysis between DX9 and DX10 on battery.

In DX9, 32bit, at 1280x720, medium settings, running the GPU Benchmark Run 3, Average= 50.99, Max=66.38 ,Min=31.13

In DX10, 32bit, at 1280x720, medium settings, running the GPU Benchmark Run 3, Average= 54.98,Max= 70.4,Min= 36.38

Wow, Didn't expect those results. But that's what they were. But remember high settings could possibly swap the numbers and drivers make a huge difference, these drivers are reported to be 8.65.

I could try to run in 64bit and/or higher settings and see if that performs differently.

 

I had a quick look on the Australian Dell store and they don't have the slimline 130W power supply listed. They only have the brick. I figured this probably means that it will take some time to get Aus sorted for powersupply replacements, and I need a spare regardless, so I just ordered a PA-4E off ebay ($60 AUD delivered). The guy has a few left, but only 1h 30m left on the buy it now.

 

First time poster,
I just want to say that this has been an invaluable resource for me. I hope I can put something back in sometime.
I am in Japan and have ordered a 1645 RGB screen 820qm XPS (not yet delivered). I spoke with a dell technician on the phone and she said (after I inquired into the BIOS version...after I had read this extensive thread) that the current Japan BIOS version is the same as the US...in other words A01!
So the point is this, if the techs here don't know about this problem (I asked specifically about throttling but was told these machines are designed for exactly the task I will be doing) then would anyone care to speculate on the chance that a 130w adapter could be in my future (from Dell Japan).
Now I am a novice regarding things like BIOS etc... so please excuse this next question: Are there any regional differences or differences in general between countries concerning BIOS (I suspect NOT)? Can I simply use the US release A07 and, if Dell here doesn't supply a 130 watt, my own 130 watt (approved) adapter?
I will be editing HD movies on this machine to complement my studio comp and need as much performance out of the XPS as possible (ie: as stated)

Thank you all again and I am really pleased that Dell has stepped up to do the right thing.

Cheers,
Sam.

PS. This thread is liked greased lightning!!!

 

Hey guys I'm considering two different Dell/Alienware systems to replace my XPS 1645, and considering the SSD..... Would one of you who has a 1645/1647 be so kind as to post the exact model/information on the 256GB SSD that Dell is putting in them? I want to make sure its not the OLD Samsung that was horrible.

I'm sorry for the offtopic post, but this really is XPS 16 conglomerate

EDIT: I know it's been posted, but for the life of me I can't find it with search Ikjadoon, i think you ended up with one right? Any chance you could PM me or post the nitty gritty on it?

 

I hate to repost the question, but I never saw an answer to it...

I see that folks are wanting to roll back their BIOS to A03. Is there an issue with A06 and throttlestop? I imagine my system will probably come with A06... which is good for my iPhone, but not good for me if throttlestop doesn't work with it.

 

I don't understand the issues with the iPhone... I never once ran into a problem???

/puzzled

 

I'm curious about this too. Moreover, in the whole PSU bargain I missed this -- what's this redesign going to fix?

I also would like to know how to act for this. Not to be offensive, but the times I called Italian reps for the PSU they didn't seem to konw anything, so I'm worried they will deny this too...

If feasible, a DIY fix would be awesome.

 

hi i havent been on for a while, and im suppose to be getting a new replacement soon and i was wondering whats the progress so far? has dell finally admit that we need a 130w+ power adapter?

 

In a word.... YES!!!!

 

Hey, I just got my replacement xps 1645 with the 256gb SSD on Thirsday. It's a Samsung PM800 with firmware VBM24D1Q. My drive has TRIM enabled.

 

You're kidding right ?!

How can you see if this is enabled by the way ??

 

All I know for sure is that I was able to send PM once I hit 10 posts. I sent a test PM to you to be sure it was working.

 

My son had a problem with syncing his Iphone using Itunes with his SXPS 1645. On another site there is a multi page thread on this for the SXPS 1645 only. However it supposedly relates to most all new computers with the i7 Running Windows 7 64 bit. The A06 bios update fixed this for him. I don't see why anybody would want to roll back a bios update if they are not having any new problems. I would expect the new bios A07 when released would incorporate the A06 changes.

 

? I never had any problems with my 3GS. My girlfriend didn't have any problems too (1645 with 3GS) ?

 

My son has a 3G and he alot of problems. The new bios fixed it. I guess you were lucky or he was unlucky.

 

The iphone problems are with the p55 (i think its that) chipset by intel, intel fixed it a while back and HP, acer and Gateway updated their bios to fix the issue a few months ago,
dell's just a bit late thats all
btw its with the i7's with windows 7

 

Download CrystalDiskInfo and it will tell you. My SSD is on VBM19D1Q and does not have TRIM enabled, I wonder if theres a way for me to ask them to send me one that has it or if I can flash the firmware myself.

 

@Dell_Bill_B: Can you please try to ensure that the techs testing the new BIOS consider the 'sudden loss of mains power' scenario by pulling the plug when a test 1645 is motoring?

As this has been reported as temporarily or permanently bricking the battery in heavy use in unofficial >90w scenarios.

This will be a real-world issue for me, in the new official >90w scenario, as I plan on using my 1645 in Spain, where mains outages are a more frequent occurrence; frequent enough that I wouldn't use a desktop out there unless I bought a UPS.

Up to now, using a laptop has covered this fine, as the battery is my fallback; but I'd like to avoid any danger that my 1645 will brick if the mains goes away, as far as possible.

 

I found a program in the SSD thread in Hardware thread but have since done a clean install and for the life of me i cant find it again! Hopefully someone can help with the name, it basically gives you all the drive details like TRIM etc and tell you how healthy the HDD is.

Mine is def TRIM enabled though. I would have thought all new drives from DELL will be this firmware from now on.

I'm in the UK so i don't know if that makes a difference.

EDIT.. ChrisNee1988's post above is the program I used. CrystalDiscInfo.

 

@Midnight_Voice, Dell will make it throttle on battery. Thatz what i think.

Is this still the S-XPS 1645 Throttling Info. and Updates thread ?

 

A slightly offtopic question...

Does ThrottleStop not work properly with the A01 BIOS? I got a new 130W adapter from Dell (more on that below) and started GTA IV with TS active (Cmod 100%, ChipMod 100%, and Multi set to 13), but didn't notice much of an improvement while gaming. On examining the TS log, I see that there was no clock modulation - however, the multiplier stayed at 7 most of the time.

Going to try the A03 BIOS now...

I'm located in India. Got through to a supervisor day before yesterday, who was aware of the issue. I explained the entire throttling process to him, and he agreed to send me the 130W adapter, which I received today. This was before Bill arrived, but for other Indian forum members, try to get through to Ivan (Supervisor) on the Dell India tech support if you're in a hurry.

 

LOL it's weekend
but yes, this is still the S-XPS 1645 Throttling Info. and Updates thread

 

BIOS A03 should work It did with me

 

yah, that's nice . The person who took my call was like "we are not yet told to supply 130W to the customer" . He took my number and all and said that he will contact me. He also told be that new Bios will out by15 th.

What should i do ? wait.

 

Not entirely sure. I spoke to him about his censorship claims on one phone call, and set up and sat in on a conference call with the thermal engineering leads for Latitude and some other folks from Dell Product Group. I made sure he had all my contact information, including my personal cell phone, but never heard from him since the con call with the thermal guys.

I would not want to speak for him, but maybe he's moved on to other things? Again, cannot say for sure about that and would never presume to speak for him or say anything denigrating about him.

My overall take is he had a cause, and I got him a chance to speak directly to those who made the decisions that had direct bearing on his cause. Anything beyond that on my part would be speculation.

 

I'm not sure if this is a side-effect of the throttling issue or not, (I'm assuming it is), but you can no longer (currently) order an i7-based XPS 16 with the RGBLED screen.

 

You know, I really do not know how long the end to end process took for the 1340 exhaust vent cover. I heard about the resdesign efforts one day, and it seemed like it wasn't long after that they closed on it. We had a 1340 with the old vent, and we just removed the vent. Worked fine, but looked a little low-rent until we got the new vent cover on it.

 

No clue on a time frame at this time. It's on my list to go chase Monday morning. I will ask Brad or Todd to hit your DCF threads and post updates as they become available.

 

<3 Bill

thanks for your ouput!!

 

Hey bill, you might know more than me on this, but if I bought an aftermarket Sony BC-5600s from a person who got it refurbished from Dell, and my Dell system that it is going in is under warranty, does my warranty cover it? Just curious, because Dell says "this device is supported by Dell technical support when used with a Dell system" or whatever and that the warranty covers it. Is this how it works?

 

The 15th? Great. nice to get a day, even it is still a while out.

 

Thanx vfranchetti and ChrisNee1988, I downloaded the program and ran it. It shows me :



Seems like TRIM is enabled / supported ?!?!

Or...??

 

Any speculation on a release date is pure fiction. As of last week, A07 is in test. There is no firm ETA on web release or factory cut-in at this time. I have an estimated time frame the engineers gave us, and it's not a time frame that you guys would consider unreasonable if I told you, but I am not going to give that time frame out just yet.

If I do that, it's only a matter of time (like 30 seconds after I post it) before it suddenly becomes "the official release date" in online circles. Then if we run into any dev issues that cause a delay, suddenly Dell is again the arbiter of doom, chaos and fraud.

 

I'm happy to see that things are moving along well in this regard, I've been busy with school the past 2 weeks and haven't really been active on NBR ughh hopefully I get some free time soon

 

Not sure of the exact policy on refurbished non-Dell branded items bought from a third party, but I'm pretty sure your warranty is nil. You would have to have the original order number and 2 pieces of verifying information, like bill to address and customer number, to even have a shot at the 90 day warranty on non-Dell branded items.

You may be able to take it up with Sony.

 

My PM box is 95% full. I am not ready to start sending AC adapters. Sending me PM's about your 130W adapter shipments now will only make it impossible for me to use PM's for other things in the meantime. I am not usually an external communicator for Dell. My role is Listening Czar for Dell Global Online, and I really do not have the bandwidth to keep up with the dialogue on the thread and a busy PM box. I assure you, when the BIOS is closer to release, I will clear the decks and make time to work the PM box and get your adapters out as quickly as possible.