S-XPS 1645 Throttling Info. and Updates

Crysis Demo is very old and has some bad code. so it runs like crap, regardless of your system.

A 150W adaptor is not needed at all for this system, if your adaptor has a efficancy of ~71 and its a 130W it will be able to pull ~180W from the wall. At no time EVER has this system been seen pulling more than 146W from the wall, and that test was done by me.

Nothing larger than a 130W is needed. Crysis Demo is not going to run well on this graphics card, Crysis Warhead will run much better. If your still having speed issues it is more than likley a heat issue. Put a fan on high blowing into the side/under the laptop to verify if you still getting slowness in games while playing it after 15-30min

 

Rabble rousing aside, Dell-driven CPU and GPU throttling will not be marginalized by a SSD. Your statement does not make any sense to me.

 

Also not true, I have the 500GB HD and I am not throttling but before I received the 130W adapter/A07 Bios it did throttle. I can say that I am happy with the way it performs now.

 

Ive done some real world benchmarking and these are my results. My specs are in my sig and I'm running A07. Max brightness throughout. 130W AC adapter.

Dirt 2 Demo benchmark - Max settings - 1080p - No AA

AC - TS off - min fps 15.4 - average fps 19.7

Battery - TS off - min fps 12.6 - average fps 19.6

AC - TS on - min fps 16.6 - average fps 19.8


Crysis benchmarking tool - All settings on Very High - 720p - No AA

AC - TS off - average fps - 21.21

Battery - TS off - average fps - 20.97

AC - TS on - average fps - 21.17



So, in summary:

No change in performance between AC and battery without TS and having TS enabled seemed to make no difference to me at all. To be honest these results surprised me, I was expecting some throttling given some of the responses ive seen on this thread since the release of A07....

 

well, this is not the point. I know I might not even play Crysis with this laptop, but I just hate the fact that the new power house i bought can even run a 2 year old game smoothly...this really sucks.

 

Run it with TS enabled and if you have a dramatic increase in performance then you start to have a valid argument. My results above suggest that wont happen and therefore the limiting factor in the system is the mid range 4670 GPU which, although capable, is never going to run the most power hungry game ever made at max settings smoothly....

I run Crysis with everything set to high and 720p and get a solid 30fps, I'm pretty happy with that to be honest.

 

A quick search yielded... 10.52 FPS at roughly 1080p (yep, it's actually 16:10)
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/792/4/



And that is for the desktop version, which undoubtedly should work without handicap.

I think a lot of the expectations here are unrealistic.

And for those complaining about 3DMark06, take a look here for comparison.
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/792/8/

 

I am curious, anybody know the difference in power draw between WLED and RGB Screen?

 

I am with you on it, same thing applies to 3D MARK 06 is choppy as hell at 1080p even with 130W adapter and new bios A07 in place. My old desktop runs 3d mark 06 super smooth....less ram, weaker video card and not much slower cpu.

This XPS 1645 laptop is full of issues....and DELL does want it admit.

Have anyone noticed that DELL stopped selling DELL XPS 13 I only wonder what was the main reason.

 

I keep saying that. People need to realize the Radeon HD 4670 is a really low-end card. It's crippled by low memory bandwidth, and pixel fill-rate. It will perform alright at lower resolutions at best, and newer titles will run better than older ones because it does have a lot of pixel shading power which some games don't rely on as much (mostly older ones). This card compares to a GeForce Go 7900 GS from 2006 performance wise, actually it's slower at high-resolutions. Try to remember too that the 9xxx series GeForce was just rebadged 8xxx series, which is what this card was designed to compete with.

 

The point is that the demo is bad to run to get a real idea of the performance of this machine - if you have the full version fully patched you will get better performance out of it. Crytech made several preformance changes to the game after it was released, the demo doesnt have these changes.

 

Are you assuming that your desktop video card is weaker because it has less than 1 GB of memory? If so, that's a terrible way to compare cards. What model/make is your desktop video card?

Did you actually just miss the links and graph I posted or are you simply ignoring it because it doesn't fit in with your negative narrative of the Dell SXPS 1645?

 

The 4670 is Upper Mid-Range. and i honestly have no problems playing all current games without any issues at 1080P, some maxed, others not.

It doesnt really matter, this thread should be locked - if any other problems are an issue then a new thread should be created. or that person should call dell and work with them for a further fix.

someone please create a thread for the exaust vent.

 

No they have not, just checked and its for sale alright.

 

I agree, I also am not having any problems since the 130W adapter/A07 Bios. It seems that if you are having issues then it is related to those laptops only and you need to contact Dell.

 

Studio XPS 13 is not for sale for good two weeks or more on US website.

I only wonder what DELL will say when you call them up and ask for one....

 

I see, on the Canadian site its available.

 

hahaha, im starting to think that famx is secretly quitecat

 

I just look at my system configuration on DELL website particularly RGB panel and it says LOW COST

1 0VCRJ MODULE, LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY, 16, FULL HIGH DEFINITION, LOW COST, 1645/1647

 

Famx, your moaning is starting to grate so the least you could do is stay on topic....

 

if you read carefully, in the test they used 4670 512mb. therefore, our 1G should perform much better. No?

 

The lack of factual testing in this thread makes it a headache to keep up anymore. Although my 1645 is back to Dell, I wanted to keep tabs and see if A07 was successful for anyone else.

It'd be nice to see A07 with 130w/150w and RGB/WLED screens. Most of that info is probably scattered in the last 20 pages or so (I've got details for a A07+150w+RGBLED somewhere in here).


My final advice to 1645 users: if the laptop works as expected, then congratulations. Dell got your laptop fixed after a several month delay.

If the laptop does not work as expected, don't:
- Demand a larger adapter
- Demand a screen downgrade
- Cry and moan on a oversized thread, shoving any useful posts into oblivion
- Make other childish demands about things Dell "owes" you
- Post unrelated issues with the laptop, or ask without searching a couple pages first (if it's been asked, I'm sure it's been answered in here somewhere)

Instead you should:
- Create a repeatable test to prove a throttling or performance issue (there's plenty of great examples in this thread)
- Post your results, as well as any specific hardware specs (adapter, bios rev., monitor type)
- Post any other issues with the 1645 in a new thread. Trust me--it'll get noticed much easier than putting it in here.

Finally, consider returning the laptop if your problem still hasn't been resolved. Several posters just keep talking the laptop down like it's nothing to them, yet they keep complaining about it. If you hate it so much, why not return it and find a different laptop? You'll at least (probably) get the restocking fee waived.
Otherwise your complaining does us no good here.

Code:

< /rant >

Thanks to everyone who helped with discovering the problem, providing workarounds, and posting relevant and useful information in this thread. It's been a fun ride

 

I agree wholeheartedly with your comments.

I posted some tests like those you're after on the previous page

 

Well stated and I agree, sorry to see that the 1645 did not work for you, but you certainly gave it chance to with-out a doubt. Best of luck with your next model.

 

If the game is memory limited, i.e. the game is loading more textures and geometry than can fit into video memory, then yes, the performance would be severly reduced. Otherwise it would make no difference. Does anyone know how much memory ultra-high textures consume in Crysis?

 

What you are asking about is called a "proactive field replacement" at Dell. I'm not making a big announcement here, but I have seen 2 emails from a guy who has the pull to make it happen discussing the feasibility of a PFR for 1645 customers. He's out on holiday until next week, but we have a con call set up with him tomorrow night to discuss this. I'd be surprised if he's actually on it, but if he is, I'll definitely be in his ear about it and also doing the same for 1647 and 1747. If he's not on the call, I'll take it up with him next week.

BIOS rev A04 is coming soon for the 1647. I have an ETA, but need to verify that we can go public with it. It's not unreasonably far out as things stand now. We're talking in terms of days, not weeks or months. We have been told that it eliminates throttling, but we were told the same re: 1645. I think the general sentiment here is that it's mostly solved for 1645, but you will have to read through and make your own assessment. Out of respect for NBR management, I cannot say one way or the other whether you are "good to do in ordering" or not. They have asked that Dell employees do not solicit business here, and I would not even if I were allowed, as I think "pitching a sale" would undermine my credibility with the community.

Dude. No offense, but some of your posts are pretty over the top. I have not run 3DMark06 on A07 yet, but if you think you have a problem, I would consult the other very knowledgeable contributors here about it. For all we know, you have a software or genuine hardware problem. If it's causing you this much angst, I'd suggest you just return it and go buy a similarly spec'd machine in the same price range from another vendor.

Um, yeah. The parts thing. This is a tough one. Stick with me here. When we have someting like this, specfically, engineering says a new part has to go out to solve an issue, there is a formal process in place that is run across multiple teams. One part of the process alerts procurement folks about how many extra parts they will need via forecasting. In this case (you've heard me talk about the "compressed schedule" before), engineering simply did not alot enough time between "we are developing a solution that will require upgraded AC adapters" and when the BIOS update hit for the procurment folks to beat Chinese New Year with their orders. You will see a few supply hiccups in some (or most) regions for a couple of weeks. Sorry in advance, but we will get these issues worked out as quickly as possible.

On the D2D front page post, that's coming. We had all agreed to use the release date as the landmark for when the post goes live, but honestly, that duty falls to Todd and Brad. They have been focused on other duties in addition to getting AC adapters dispatched over on the Dell forums. I sent a note over to them and Lionel suggesting they get to work on the post ASAP, and they have already started the drafting phase. Hang in there. They will get a post up as soon as they can.

Oops. Sorry. I could make up some BS, but I simply forgot to send the exhaust issue over for sizing last week. I will make sure it's in this week's reqeusts. If you guys start a new thread on that issue, please drop me a link so I can include it in my sizing request.

Not laughing at you, but LOL! In the US, if we order 2 parts on one dispatch, and one of them is backlogged, the whole order is held. I kind of like it the way it happened to you, because if the cord goes on backlog while you're waiting for the adapter, at least you got your cord before we ran out. Still, pretty hilarious that you get a cord without an explanation.

They'll probably mute themselves and say, "This guy is actually asking if we still sell the 1340, even though he clearly states it's not on the website." When they stop audibly laughing, they will tell you that that system is EOL, and try to sell you something else. They might even make up some excuse or try to guess at why it's not available, and tell you they "have it on good authority" blah blah blah. Official announcement: The 1340 is EOL. You may notice it's still for sale in some regions. This may be for any number of reasons, including, but not limited to, the business unit head in your region made a good case for keeping it alive in his/her region, they have some in inventory in that region that still need to move.

 

Looks like they still have problem if system has RGBLED screen, right?

Can I return it if I already pass 30 days?

I'm still waiting for my 130W AC adapter

 

So as Bill requested, I created a thread for the heat vent issue - please post some comments there so it can get some attention.

thanks!

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5900640#post5900640

_________
XPS 1645 - RGBLED/720QM/320GB HDD/4GB RAM/ATI 4670 1GB

 

Dell-Bill can you comment why RGB panel is no longer offered with XPS 1645...?

 

I called yesterday to get the 130w adapter (I live in the US) and the rep said they are only providing the adapters to those with OS freezing problems. I had to lie to him saying my 1645 was freezing to get it. What is up with that Dell?

 

LOL so now adapters fix freezing issues!?

 

I have no idea, but I have a con call in 9 minutes. I will ask and post back immediately.

Sigh. I saw the message and it was crystal clear that:
1. All 1645 customers get adapters on contact.
2. 1647 customers get one if they complain of heat.
3. 1747 needs BIOS only (which I am trying to get changed due to heat issues.)

 

Bill, did you notice my PMs? I got the 130-watt adapter but it came with the cable that doesn't fit properly. How do I go about getting the new cable with the updated part number?

 

hey Bill, how about this??>>
We have to return our 90W adapter becoz the 130W adapter they are sending us (in INDIA) is classified under "REPLACEMENT!!" .. and if we dont send the 90W adapter within 10 days they'll bill us!! WoW Great!!

 

About to get to my PM's right now. Sorry for the delay.

 

Just discussed this matter. The deal is that since we knew we were facing a lack of power issue, it made sense to turn the switch off on the RGB offering, since it draws more power than the LED. Once the 130W adpaters start shipping from the factory with new systems, they may or may not turn it back on. I can't go into why, exactly, but I'd bet money you have seen the last of RGB on the 1645.

I can't speak for India, but I can share with you that if I were a manager, and you got transferred to my phone as an angry customer from a tech or care rep, I would not want to sit there and argue with you over an AC adapter. I'd just surrender after you beat me up for a few minutes, and tell you to keep it.

 

Hi Dell-Bill,

Can you comment as to whether the 1645 throttling issue is now case closed or whether more investigation is going to be done into the latest throttling problems regarding the GPU and A07+130w?

 

GLAD I GOT THE RGB!!!!!!!!!
wat if someone for any reason screws up the RGB panel?? will he be replaced by the RGB panel or downgraded to WLED?? if downgraded wat abt the money they paid for the RGBLED?? (just curious to know)

and abt the tech care rep.. i tried everything from every aspect to convince him to keep my old 90W adapter.. he seemed to be more arrogant than me (asking to keep my 90W adapter) and said its the official orders from higher officials so i have to return my old 90W adapter.. wat cud i do?? i gave up on it.. atleast i'm receiving 130W adapter!!

 

Wait. I may have mis-spoken. Can someone school me, please? Does an RGBLED consume more or less power than a WLED screen? I guess I could Google it, but I really gotta get on these PM's before it gets too late.

 

From what I have seen on this thread it uses more power.

 

RGBLED uses more power, definitely.

 

Found this on Google:
In comparison, the 15.4 inch wide display backlight power consumption is 4.55 W with WLED BLU and 10.36 W with RGB BLU at maximum brightness setting.

 

the RGB led, way i understand has 3 leds for the backlight, that are the different colors. To recreate colors better. instead of a single blue led used in the wled screen.

Yeah those power numbers by surfed sound about right when we did testing earlier.. maybe a little deviation on the bad side but close enough

 

That kind of bothers me a bit. I'm still waiting on my order with RGB, but it worries me that it was removed.

 

Hey Bill, just incase you missed it, here's the thread (started by zimmyntrn) discussing the XPS 16Xs heat vents, so you can "size it up!!" Thanks for replying earlier too.

Click on this Bill (or anyone else)

 

Good. Thanks. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't contributing to the confusion.

 

I say new updated bios and new 130w power adapter drains battery so much that is not feasible to use RGB anymore. In addition 130w power adapter is not sufficient enough to handle CPU, GPU and RGB display all together when run at full performance.

When calling DELL to get power adapter replacement shouldn't RGB display owners be offered 150w power instead 130w?....or it will take DELL another month to come to that conclusion? I hope Dell-Bill can pull some strings and speed up this process and make it easy for RGB owners.

It's a shame but I would not be surprised if Studio XPS 1645 is put in into EOC in very near future.

 

Does that mean there are other issues with the RGB and 1645? I can't understand the reason for removing the option yet keeping it on the 1647 unless its just sales related.