** The Official Studio XPS 1640/45/47 replacement thread **

Ah. I just swapped them out. The one from the SXPS seems much quieter. I think I'm all set with everything now. I appreciate everyones help.

 

M4ST3RW1LL,

Was your AW a refurb?

 

Yeah, I couldn't tell if it weren't from the sticker on the bottom (which I took off), but so was my last.

 

I am having really bad gpu throttling issue, i called them and they sent a tech to replace my heatsink/fan. Its still throttling... so i bought a thermal paste to replace the stock paste it had and it STILL throttles.. is the gpu throttling and having already replaced the heatsink/fan enough to get a replacement? i also have speaker rattling problem and theres a spec of dust inside my rgbled screen.

 

My 1645 came the same way... I am always curious what was wrong with it before....

 

I can say that it honestly is up to the rep, and how stern you are with your argument.

I called them up yesterday and they tried to have me settle with a mobo/fan/heat sink replacement and I said no. I knew that wasn't the problem as we are all having this issue.

I stated that my replacement had better not be a XPS because of all the issues... We'll see what comes : )

 

Three repairs or more for the same issue then you will more likely get a replacement

 

My Message:
Dear Mr. Bhavani,

Let me say that your service to date has been great, and is what has kept me buying multiple systems from Dell. Understanding that your service has been great, my personal computer has been quite an annoyance. Let me say that my current computer has been throttling severely under load, and from what I understand ALL 1640's with a similar configuration throttle. It is why I requested to be upgraded to a 1645 or 1647 upon replacement, as throttling issues have been fixed for these 2 laptops.

Can you e-mail me letting me know the specifications the new laptop will have before it ships? I will work with you as well as I can, but I have been seriously inconvenienced by the multiple issues.

Please note that I appreciate your rapid response on the situation.


Cheers,

Magicite

His message back:

Dear Magicite,

Thank you for your reply,

I greatly appreciate your patience and cooperation with us, please be assured that we are here to assist you with this, I sincerely apologize for the technical issues you experienced on the computer, please be assured that the replacement computer would not have the technical issues as it is tested and kept under observation before shipping it to you, from your email I understand that you wish to be updated about the order details of the replacement computer, I have checked the order details of the replacement computer, I see that our production team is working to collect the components to build the replacement system according to the original order details. Incase, if the team is unable to find the exact matching of the components in the inventory, they would get an equivalent or an upgraded items, It would take 7-9 business days to get the order details updated in the records, once the order details are updated and the order number is generated, you will be able to check the status of the order details from the below link,

https://support.dell.com/support/order/status.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=anavml

Order Number : ( please allow us some to generate the order number )

Customer Number :

I thank you for your patience and understanding with us

Regards,
Bhavani.
Dell Technical Support.

Should I be pushier and more insistent? I certainly am not going to accept a 1640 after all the issues I've had, but I don't want to be a . Argh...

Thinking I should just wait till an order number is generated before I become a pain in their .

 

I would probably wait and see what they send you. Hopefully you will just get a 1645/47 and be done with it. Besides I think it will be pretty difficult finding a rep to actually tell you the specs before the order number is generated. They all seem to say you need to wait x amount of days before we know. Only negative with waiting is if it happens to be another 1640 you will have to wait another period of time to get your system. Good thing is though, if you did need to order another system replacement they may order you a New system instead of refurbished which seems to be a quicker process overall. It took me 7 days from the date order was placed to receive my new laptop

 

Original:

Intel T9800
RGBLED + leather
4 GB DDR3
ATI 4670
500 GB 7200 RPM HDD

Replaced with (free):
Intel i7-820QM
8 GB DDR3
256 GB SSD
RGBLED + no leather

 

Fred,

What was the problem you complained about for getting your replacement?

 

Holy crap fred! What did you go through to get that? I thought my 8gigs ram was nice but you got an SSD too? I was afraid to ask for that...hahaha

 

Sorry for double post but check out new sig ...Im finally using the new machine..its nice...

 

I had lots of different problems with my 1645, and they're replacing it with exactly the same machine. No upgrades at all.

Tried that too, didn't work.

 

Hey guys, I just got my order status today. Unfortunately I suck at deciphering these things, can anyone sum up what Ill be getting exactly? Thanks in advance!

 

If at first one does not succeed, try again : )

 

looks like your getting an i7-720QM with a WLED a 500 GB hard drive, blue tooth a blu-ray burner, 6 gigs of ram 1333mhz and a wifi link 5300

 

Core i7 1.6ghz
6gb ddr3 1333mhz ram
500gb seagate 7200rpm drive
1080p display
bluray drive.

 

Anyone else not able to see commenters names?

 

thats most likely the april fools joke for today, some forums are doing similar things, it's annoying.

 

Thanks guys! Do you know if the screen is RGB? This is a ridiculous upgrade from what I previously had. I had a 1640 with 2.4ghz processor, 1080p WLED screen, 5100 wifi card, 4 gigs of ram and thats pretty much it.

Also I dont think it specifies the graphics card. Anyway of knowing or would I have to wait till I recieve it to find out?

 

They are the same color as the background. Just highlight it with your mouse.

I haven't frequented the forums here in a while, after the A07 release of the BIOS for the SXPS1645 I figured I wouldnt have anymore problems, however everytime I try to watch full screen streaing video, my computer ends up freezing.

Should I even bother trying for a replacement, and if so, do I just need to contact Dell Technical Support?

 

I am on hold and my last words were something like "I will not accept a XPS as a replacement as they are all having issues" let's see what they say...

 

I'm really curious to find out how it turns out for you!

My replacement went into shipping today, so I'll find out early next week of the new one is any better then my current machine.

 

Well my case is being escalated because I would simply not accept them sending me another XPS and they stated that is what I shall be getting. So I am to be receiving a call from someone of higher management again and will keep you folks posted.

 

Hi all,

Have finally agreed on a replacement. 1645, I7 820qm 8gb mem. But they are unfortunately unable to fit it with br/rw and rbgled like my original build (original specs in my sig).
my original system was £2224 the 1645 £1886.
I was thinking of getting the alienware 15 to the equivelent value of my original but personally think it looks more like a toy and don't want to lug a brick and a half around with me as I'm on the move allot.

I have found Dell's service to be quite pleasent. They have been helpfull and and vowed to find a solution from the get go. However the guys they sent round to replace system parts were less than professionals. Whats done is done. I am a big fan of the studio xps range , Build quality,weight and apearence. It is just ashame about all this throttling nonsence.

I do hope my new 1645 will be a huge improvement.

 

So I got a call back from the agent assigned to my case. I agreed to take the system as it was offered to me but with the promise (I have the call recorded) that when the revised motherboards come out that a tech can come out and replace my current one with a new one.

I also opted for the black LCD over the white one. The white leather is already becoming discolored and brown...

320-8351 Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish

Does that version come with leather??? I sure as hell hope not.

So final specs:

i7 720 1.6-2.8ghz
6gb DDR3
500 GB 7200rpm
Creative Xfi Audio (what is that exactly? and added peice of hardware?)
15.6 1080P FULL HD WLED LCD, W/2.0 MP,IN
ATI Mobility RADEON HD 4670 1GB
INTEL WIFI LINK 5300 802.11AGN

 

Revised motherboards? Can you point me to more info about that?

 

Well all boards will be revised sometime, I highly doubt that the SXPS 16 is End of Life so in the meantime they have to do something to upgrade features and whatnot to stay current.

 

ok so I need all of your opinions..I had my mind made up but now Im thinking otherwise...

My original 1640 came with a 6cell obviously, but I also bought an extra 9cell for it. Ive used the 9cell probably 98% of the time over the 8 months I've had 1640..Now the 1647 I just got shipped with a 9cell. I was originally going to just use the extra 9cell until it wears out and save the new 9cell that shipped with 47 for backup later...

Then I thought..Wouldn't it be kinda pointless to 2 have two 9 cells? So im thinking of keeping the 6cell for travel or something lighter or portable..Its hardly been used..Im sure a 6cell will work with a 1647, just not for very long, but thats not the point..


What do guys you think? two 9cells (1 8 months used) or one 9cell and one 6cell (practically brand new) ??

 

I would keep the 6 cell for traveling....

 

Im really happy but not to sound greedy...I just did a bunch of pricing on dell's site..My i7 620m config is the same price as the same exact i7 820qm config..if not mines a tad bit more expensive..makes me think I shoulda pushed for the 820? I dunno though..are people having success configuring it with a 16" rgbled still? I know you could awhile back but now? Hmmm I hate to think I coulda had a quad...

Yo egm92 you get those keyboard covers yet mang? I bit your speaker tape mod..also check out my keyboard cover:

 

Im not to worried about getting a kb/spk cover as i quick wipe over of the system does the trick, i am however looking in to getting a rubber cover for the palm rest. Rubber bottom + foam top. Because of the gloss as you guys know, leaves undisirable marks all over it. Rubber bottom so that there wil be no need for adhesives it should just sit in place and foam top for screen protection when its closed and also imagine it to be quite comfortable. I will put pictures up when i succeed in finding the right materials. Homebase i guess??

 

Just got my replacement yesterday

Original:
arctic white w/leather 1640
cpu: p8400
gpu: 4670 ati
hdd: 500 gig
ram: 4 gigs
network: 5100 wifi card
screen: 1080p WLED
battery: 6 cell
Optical: DVD/CD drive
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium

Replacement
arctic white w/leather 1645
cpu: 720qm
gpu: 4670 ati
hdd: 500 gigs
ram: 6 gigs
network: 5300 wifi card + bluetooth
screen: 1080p RGBLED
battery: 9 cell
Optical: Bluray Rewritable
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate

I originally paid $800 for my 1640 from the dell outlet. This is one hell of a replacement I think

 

Man...I'd say..I wonder if I can call back and demand more stuff after the fact?
Haha


I know we're a small group samples on this forum but I feel like Dell is handing out 1645 replacements left and right..I wonder if this is normal for them...replacing laptops like this..or I wonder if they are trying to clear inventory? ha

 

I found my order number, and was able to get my system specs. But am not happy with the substution of the i7-820 for my 16" RGBLED. I still have not received an a phone call or the promised email from Dell about my system exchange.

How do I contact my case manager, and let him know how I feel about this substution?

I have had no luck by using Tech support, my tech hotline, or the unresolved issues..

 

So wait hold on... if I have a 1640 with a Pxxxx CPU and hit has throttling, horrid speakers, warping body work, a off color screen and in general gets very hot... I can get an i7 replacement?

 

WAY TO BITE MY STYLES DUDE! Glad it worked out for you I had to do it for 3 of my friends cause they couldn't manage to do it properly. As for the covers, well it's been in transit for 2 weeks... it should arrive sometime this week, I hate when ebay auctions say "USA / TEXAS" and then the purchase paypal email has "Shipping from Xiao Ming in Hong Kong, China" that's really annoying but I guess it was only 1$ + 3$ shipping, I bought 2. I'll write you a mini review as soon as I get them, for now i'm using a generic cover that isn't form fitting, it just rests atop the keys.

I'm going to get my ram upgraded to 8gb instead of 6gb, I need the laptop to run a peak performance and that would mean triple channel.

 

LOL you know what I was thinkin how me and you and tenknics all started our exchange calls around the same time, but my soulution is just barely in sight hopefully I can get this solved soon and join you guys in happiness

 

Why did you have to do the tape thing for your friends? Its just taping and cutting...haha not rocket science..At first I made it exact but the 2nd one I didn't care..I use my external speakers anyway..

I keep forgetting what build you ended up getting as a replacement...i7 720qm right? did you get RGBLED and blu-ray with it? Also are they upgrading the ram for you for free?

Also fyi, clarksfield aka i7 720QM/820QM/920XM doesn't support triple channel. Only dual. Only desktop nehalem and westmeres, i7 920+, and Xeon's support triple channel.

Even if it was triple channel, 8gb wouldnt work because it isn't divisible by 3, triple channel is installed in groups of 3, so it'd be 3gb/6gb/9gb/12gb etc..for correct triple channel configs

also weren't you selling yours ?

 

I'm getting a i720qm, 6gb, 15.6wled, 500gb, 4670 (with the option to upgrade when a new board is available) X-FI audio, DVD-RW (I don't need BD on my laptop I have a 65" LCD for that).

I thought the 1645 came with 3 dimm slots... guess I was wrong.

I'm looking to sell it but I'd need to find a replacement first... I can't seem to find anything I want though. I want an Asus, but the style is just bulky. I like the Edge to Edge screen but thats hard to find and find an Asus that I can customize is pretty damn hard + expensive. I can buy a pretty good G51JX but can't get a 1080p display without paying out of my butt.

 

Just a re post:

So wait hold on... if I have a 1640 with a Pxxxx CPU and hit has throttling, horrid speakers, warping body work, a off color screen and in general gets very hot... I can get an i7 replacement?

 

You can get a replacement, i7 is not guaranteed though. Give it a shot and see what they offer you.

 

So then I ask for those on this forum that got an i7 replacement from C2D, what did you say.

 

Yea I wanted to sell as well but there is nothing out that looks cosmetically as clean as this and I like everything spec wise. I use the esata daily, I use the displayport almost 24/7 and the hardware specs are great cept the video card. Not a huge PC gamer anyway..Hard to sell this when it fits my needs perfectly..I didn't want the bluray in the replacement either but I made a really big deal about getting a replacement with the same specs or better..I said I would lose the bluray if they could compensate me for it by giving my something else (hoping ram or ssd). But he was able to add bluray (even though I couldnt on the site) even though I didn't really push for it..So yea..I just took it since I had it originally..

Ive yet to install the Xfi because I keep reading bad things about it? I will give it a shot later..everything is running great right now and I just wanna enjoy it..

 

Tenknics so the xfi is just software? so basically I could just install it on my current SXPS and have it run?

 

tell them your 1640 throttles and you want a replacement. thats about it.

 

Sorry for this post, I decided to dedicate a thread to my dilemma.

 

Thats it? I will try tomorrow or monday.

 

Hello

I have a 1640 with P8600 and RGBLED screen, and I think I have throttling issues (CPU downclock from 2.4GHz to 1.6GHz when stressed with Prime95+Furmark, and that would explain why I sometimes experience severe lags while playing SC2)
I just updated the BIOS from A10 to A14 but it didn't solve anything.

I was thinking about asking a 130W power supply - which may solve the problem - but I just saw that some of you guys managed to get i5 and even i7 in replacement of your Core². Fancy that Is it really possible to get an i7 without giving up on the RGBLED ?
How did you do it ? Phone/Mail ? What exactly did you ask for ?

Thanks!


BTW, what's the difference beetween 1645 and 1647 ?