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

Ive been emailing [email protected] for 2 weeks now and havent gotten a response! 1 Year ago i got instant responses!! I tried emailing [email protected]

Lets hope i get an answer....

Im in need of a replacement!

http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...ssues/564949-think-i-can-get-replacement.html

 

Hi all,

I have been using my studio xps 1640 (See specs below) for a bit more than a year now and I have to admit at first I did not have any throttling problems, because i did not use software that required the full power of my CPU.

About a month ago I posted on this forum a ThrottleStop log.

I have been in contact with dell support a few times now, first of all I showed them my ThrottleStop log, but they did not take it into account.

The first dell agent told me that it was a software issue and told me to reinstall a blank version of windows 7. I created a partition and installed winodws 7, Installed ThrottleStop and a CPU stress software, and showed the log again (which showed throttling). She told me that she needed an complete blank version of Windows and that I should not have installed anything on windows.

So I created a new partition with windows, and when I called the tech-support, agent n°2 told me that I would not have enough hard-drive space to perform tests though I had 30 Go free space on the partition, btw he installed on my computer speedfan and told me to install the software I was using while experiencing throttling.

So I fixed the problem called up the tech-support and started to talk with agent N°1. After a 47min call, she first told me that there was no problem with me computer, but after talking to here supervisor, she told me that they would send a dell technician tomorrow to replaced motherboard and heat-sink. Also she said that I this did not solve the problem it could only be a software problem.


Odd fact: the agent N°1 told me that I should not use speed fan (which was installed by agent N°2) to monitor my tests.

I will keep you posted.

Cheers,

Code:

Studio XPS 16 : Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9600 (2.80Ghz, 6MB, 1066MHz)
N10X1607
Display : White Leather 16in Truelife 1080p Full HD RGBLED Edge to Edge Display
Camera : Integrated Camera with Facial Recognition Software (Software install, no media)
Ship Accessory : French Docs
Resource DVD : Studio XPS 16 Diagnostics and Drivers
Memory : 4096MB (2x2048) 1067MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
Disque dur : 500Go Détecteur de chute libre (7200tr/min)
Optical Drive : Internal DVD+/-RW (DVD & CD read and write) Slot Load Drive including software(Software install, no media)
Power Supply : XPS 90W AC Adapter
Power Cord : Swiss 1M
Battery : Primary 6-cell 56W/HR LI-ION
Non inclus - Sacoche de transport
Graphics : 1GB ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics card
TV tuner (MLK base) : No integrated TV tuner
Wireless : Intel WiFi Link 5300 (802.11 a/g/n) Half Mini Card European
Wireless : Intel Wireless Card Label - Core 2 Duo
Wireless : Europe Dell Bluetooth 370 Card
Keyboard : Internal Swiss/French Qwertz Keyboard
Operating System : French Genuine Windows Vista SP1 Home Premium (64 BIT) including Media
French Microsoft Office 2007 Home + Student
Dell Dock 1.0
Software : Datasafe Local 2.0 Basic
Software : Dell Download Store (UK, France, Germany)
French Norton Internet Security 2009 - 15 Month Subscription
2Yr Premium Warranty Support
1Yr Premium Warranty Support

 

Now that all the drama has subsided from my recent experience with Dell, I thought I would share it with you all.

First off, I want to thank whomever was responsible for posting the [email protected] email address as this was a huge step in the right direction for me.

I emailed a very long letter to Dell about a month ago, mainly to vent frustration to them about the design flaws in the Studio XPS16 line of notebook computers. I mentioned how the heat venting design was a huge culprit to the disappointment and frustration of enjoying the investment I made. I also mentioned that since I had this laptop for almost a year and a half, I wasn't sure if Dell could do anything about resolving the problem but nonetheless, I wanted to ensure that SOMEONE at Dell would acknowledge my letter.

Sure enough, I got a response within a day or so. Long story short, the Dell Executive Support Team dealt with the complaints by sending a local tech the needed parts, which included a brand new...ok, refurbished brand new RGB LED screen (I had complained about the dust behind the screen and the light leaks) and a new fan. The Tech guy came to my house, replaced the screen (for the second time) and also installed the fan. I explained to him the issue I had with the heat and he agreed that the design was the problem, not the equipment.

In any case, Dell emailed me the next day to insure I was satisfied with the service, to which I sent another long email stating that everythign was done that was to be done, but the heat issue would still remain, even if Dell would replace everything inside the laptop...again, it was all about the design.

Who the heck designed this BLEEP thing? Who in their right mind thought it was a great idea to vent the heat INTO the screen and also block half of the vents so the heat would not properly vent to the outside air? I spent about $70 extra at one point with a new laptop cooler and even that didn't help. I am not much of a gamer, with the exception of running MS Flight Simulator, but most of my work on the laptop is 3D and graphics related. Regardless, this laptop was serious dissatisfying to me.

After expressing continued frustration, I received yet another email from the EST and with it a resolution: either replace the parts in the laptop or send me a replacement system. I opted for the replacement (for obvious reasons) and the next day I got a call from EST. They told me they were fresh out of refurbs (I guess you guys took them all, lol) and I would then be getting a brand new machine.

Considering what I had and what I was getting, I couldn't complain, not to mention that I have the Completecare warranty and I never expected that a simple complaint could turn into a new machine.

In any case, this is what they sent me:

1 0VJFK MODULE..., LABEL..., DEO, ESTAR 5.0
1 188HP SERVICE INSTALL MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., EXTREME PERFORMANCE SYSTEM..., L702X
1 DKH6P MODULE..., SHIPPING MATERIAL..., SXPS17, COLOR..., EPE
1 YGV2J Module, Accessory, Waybill, Asset Recovery Business, Exchange, England, Dell Americas Organization
1 1803X KIT..., DOCUMENTATION..., WYBL, ASSET RECOVERY BUSINESS..., EXCHANGE..., ENGLAND/ENGLISH..., DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION...
1 243Y0 Module, Battery, Primary, 90WHR, 9C, LENGTH/LONG...
1 P27T3 Battery, Primary, 90WHR, 9C, Lithium, Length/Long
1 8X15M MODULE..., DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE..., 4GB, 1333MHZ, DDR3, 2X2G
1 V1RX3 Dual In-Line Memory Module, 2GB, 1333MHZ, 256X64, 8K, 204
1 8Y5N3 MODULE..., PROCESSOR..., SNB, I7-2630QM, D2, 2.0, P
1 7YPMV Processor, I7-2630QM, 2.0, 4C, SNB, D2, P
1 V9KPP MODULE..., LABEL..., INTEL..., NO BIOS..., CI72
1 7N17C MODULE..., DVDRW/BD-ROM, HITACHI LG DATA STORAGE..., INSPIRON...
1 N5K09 Dvd+/-Rw And Bd-Rom, 12.7, Serial Ata, Hitachi Lg Data Storage
1 8V934 MODULE..., LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., 17.3HDF+, WLED, TLF, CMI
1 KPMRT LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., 17.3HDF+, WLED, TLF, V2, CMI
1 GV0CP MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., WINDOWS-LIVE, WAVE4, CONSUMER...
1 C07F0 MODULE..., COVER..., LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., STANDARD..., EXTREME PERFORMANCE SYSTEM..., L702X
1 1V0WH ASSEMBLY..., COVER..., BACK..., NOTEBOOK..., STANDARD..., HINGE..., L702X
1 6V3YH Assembly, Bezel, Liquid Crystal Display, L702X
1 YTPW1 MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., ROXIO..., CRTR, START..., FACTORY INSTALL...
1 11XPP MODULE..., ASSEMBLY..., BASE (ASSEMBLY OR GROUP)..., DISPLAY..., 3G, L702X
1 XN71K ASSEMBLY..., BASE (ASSEMBLY OR GROUP)..., NOTEBOOK..., DISPLAY..., 3G, L702X
1 K467P MODULE..., ADAPTER..., ALTERNATING CURRENT..., DELTA - AC ADAPT..., 150W, 3P, WORLD WIDE...
1 J408P Adapter, Alternating Current, 150W, Delta - Ac Adapt, 3P, World Wide, M09
1 R609C MODULE..., CORD..., POWER..., 125V, 1M, C5, UNITED STATES...
1 K260C CORD..., Power, 125V, 2.5A, 1M, C5 United States
1 YFYT6 MODULE..., CARD (CIRCUIT)..., INPUT/OUTPUT..., RING2, W/OT, L701/2X
1 7VC6K Knob, Input/Output, RING2, W/O TVTL701X
1 7F99P SERVICE INSTALL MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., WIDI, INTEL..., L702X
1 GN268 Module, Information Instruction, FLYER, Dell Home Systems, NB
1 W3HMK MODULE..., LABEL..., MICROSOFT..., NO BIOS..., WIN7
1 0HTGR Module, Documentation, Studio Xps, England/English, Dao/Bcc, L702X
1 YCFKH KIT..., DOCUMENTATION..., ENGLAND/ENGLISH..., EXTREME PERFORMANCE SYSTEM..., L702X, D/B
1 H8XK3 MODULE..., KEYBOARD..., 101, UNITED STATES..., ENGLAND/ENGLISH..., C12NB, WORLD WIDE...
1 2WCP0 Keyboard, 102, United States, English, C12NB
1 T4XG0 MODULE..., MEDIA..., DIGITAL VIDEO DISK DRIVE..., DRIVER..., RDVD, L702X
1 0GK43 MODULE..., HARD DRIVE..., 640GB, S2, 7.2, #1, P11, MP4
1 8HHK9 Hard Drive, 640GB, S2, 7.2K, P11, SMSNG-MP4
1 N96VP MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., OFC-2010, FACTORY INSTALL...
1 P349J MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., ADOBE..., READER..., 9.0, MULTI-LANGUAGE...
1 221HT MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., MCAF-PLTNM, 30DAY, MULTIPLE USER INTERFACE...
1 XM544 MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., PC-RESTORE, TRANSACTIONAL LINE OF BUSINESS...
1 JP927 MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., DELL-WELCOME, TLOB
1 J071G Module, Software, Soft Contracts, DELL-IN-HOME
1 D282K MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., DTSV, BASIC..., 2.0
1 D453M Module, Software, COZI-CALENDAR
1 M239M MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., LTG, DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 K491T MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., SKYPT, SKYPE, CONSUMER..., FACTORY INSTALL...
1 D9KVP MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., QUICK FIX ENGINEERING..., WIN7, CNB
1 J0CKX Module, Software, W7U64, ConsumerDesktop, English, Dao/bcc
1 MGDW9 MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY..., W7U32/64
1 MX962 MODULE..., INFORMATION..., NO MEDIA
1 TCFRM MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., EBAY-ICON, FAVORITE
1 1NTJ9 MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION..., Framework..., STAGE
1 2XY11 MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., VIDEO, STAGE
1 6T9G4 MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., PHOTO, STAGE
1 WRRR0 MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., MUSIC, STAGE
1 WGXV5 MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., CRTV, CAMERA..., CONSUMER..., 2.X, FACTORY INSTALL...
1 X60PT Module, Software, WHITEPAGES.COM, WEBSLICE
1 99RFP MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., DSPRT-CTR, 3.0
1 61YKY MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., DSO, 2GB-FREE, 2.0
1 CD6YF MODULE..., SOFTWARE..., POWERDVD..., 3D, 9.6, FACTORY INSTALL...
1 TD3P3 MODULE..., INFORMATION..., NORTH..., WIRELESS WIDE AREA NETWORK...
1 8YXNV MODULE..., CARD (CIRCUIT)..., NETWORK..., 1000, CNB, WORLD WIDE...
1 V830R Card, Wireless, INTEL1000
1 R6H1R Service Install Module, Software, Wireless Local Area Network Card, 1000, L702X

The only caveat to all of this is that I have to retain the warranty I had, which means it will run out in a couple more months, but truth be told, I am willing to extend the warranty since I now have a new machine.


In any case, I am pleased with the service, the quick turnaround and of course, this machine is much better for heat expulsion than the 1640.

Jim

 

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I emailed support after I got the laptop and "complained" about the fact that I didn't receive DVD media of the software installed. They told me that the recovery partition contained everything I would need but I made a case to them that if something happened to the HDD, I would be screwed, so they relented and sent me the DVDs...how's that for going out of their way?

Jim

 

Ok, so I have been through the same steps everyone else has been (countless repairs, sending my laptop in, etc.) and am now being offered a replacement. My only issue is the guy is telling me he cannot tell me what the replacement will be. He says it will be a refurbished XPS 15... but does not know the specs. I asked him I wanted to be sure I got at least comparable specs and he said he would and if I received anything that want he would send a tech out to replace these parts. Do you guys think I should do this?

Below is the system I have and my main goal is to sell the system to upgrade to something else.... do you guys think I could get more for this system or a upgraded refurbished XPS15?

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8700, 2.53, 3MB, CPEN, 25W,
Video Card: ATI 4670
Display: 16” Liquid Crystal Display, RGBLED Full High Definition 1080P
RAM: 4GB DDR 1067MHZ, 256X64, 8K, 200
HDD: HARD DRIVE..., 320GB, FREE FALL SENSOR..., 7.2K, 2.5, WD-MX160
Blu Ray - Dvd+/-Rw And Bd-Rom M1640, Sony Nec Optiarc Inc.
Backlit Keyboard: Yes
Built in Webcam: Yes w/ facial recognition
Bluetooth: Dell Bluetooth
WiFi: Intel 5300
Battery: Original 6-Cell plus Dell 9-Cell battery
OS: Windows 7
Warranty:
Description Provider Start Date End Date Days Left
Next Business Day Support BSC 7/9/2010 7/8/2012 612
Complete Care DELL 7/8/2009 7/8/2012 612
XPS Technical Support DELL 7/9/2010 7/8/2012 612

Thanks

 

Got an update on the system. It will now be a brand new system with the below specs. Should I make the switch? Looks like they upgraded pretty much everything.

see below:

XPS 15

Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English

2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5-2410M processor 2.30 GHz with
Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz

6GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 Memory

Backlit Keyboard - English

15.6 FHD B+RGLED TL (1920x1080) and Skype-Certified 2.0MP
HD Webcam & Facial Recognition

NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 540M 2GB graphics with Optimus

640GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive

Elemental Silver Aluminum

Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card

JBL 2.1 Speakers with Waves Maxx Audio 3

Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1030 & Bluetooth 3.0

mini Display Port to VGA Adaptor

56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

1 Year Basic Service Plan

 

just 2 things.......

1. the Studio xps 16 have better build quality and casing-design, (yes, ive tried xps 15. feels not like SXPS 16)

2. the keyboard on SXPS 16 is way better.

otherwise...good GPU on Xps 15..............

 

Agreed. I have a XPS 1640 and I just got my GF a L502x XPS 15. I love the layout and feel of the 1640 over the XPS 15, but in the end I will always choose performance over styling.

 

I received my replacement laptop yesterday. I am pretty much happy with the overall specs.


Processor i7 740 ----> i7 2630QM
Ram 4GB ----> 8GB
HDD 500GB ----> 750 GB
Graphics 5730 1GB ----> 540 2GB
Screen 16" RGBLED 1080p ----> 15.6" B+RG LED 1080p

Well they gave me a designer Lid aswell.

I downgraded from W7U to W7HP as i was not using any of those additional features and upgraded the HDD.

They gave me 3 year Complete Care aswell due to the Screen downgrade.

Ya and thats about it.

I am happy the this thing doen't heat up as much as the SXPS. Also am getting over 5 hrs of battery on 9 cell thats almost double as compared to what i was getting on SXPS.

Love the Speakers.

But aesthetically SXPS was much better. Mine still looks good when the lid is closed as i have the designer lid.

 

I take it you guys are getting this done in the warranty period?

Ive had a bigger PSU sent out and updated bios/drivers which have helped a little bit.

My 1640 has never been to much of a issue but it is aparent there. Since using it travelling it shows up (used to sit ona desk and just do the odd gaming here and there). I bought the machine in 2009 and its warranty expired in August 2010.

 

So people are successfully getting their Studio XPS's replaced with the new XPS's?

I already got my laptop replaced once successfully...but its showing the same issues as the previous...I wanna try and get it replaced but I don't want to go through this hassle again unless its possible I can get out the Studio XPS line and into the new line...


Also whats this I hear about usb 3 problems?

 

No, they refused to replace mine with anything other than a 1647. My original specs are:

XPS1640
C2D P8700
8GB
Blu-Ray
1080p WLED
4670
Black w/leather

Those asshats tried offering me:
XPS1640
C2D P8400
4GB
DVD
900p
3670

Then the asshats today approved me for:
XPS 1647
i5 340m
4GB (Downgrade I rose hell about it too)
Bluray
1080p
4670
White... I complained about this too
Refurb.

Approved today, arrival on monday, can't complain about shipping. I tried for a XPS15, XPS17, m17x but no dice. Maybe if I complain some more, as I really have no faith in the SXPS chassis anymore. I loved it, but now it's just like... ugh, it's Monday, gotta call Dell.

I work for Google, have buddies who work in Round Rock (I live in San Antonio), and I still couldn't gain any leverage. So we will see what the future holds, maybe I'll get lucky and my refurb will burst into flames.

Always email [email protected] along with calling customer support, it's the quickest way to get replies. I emailed at 2am, got a reply by noon, had an approved system by 2pm.

Hope this helps,
Travis

 

I got a reply last year when I got my 1640 replaced...

I've emailed twice this past week and haven't got a response yet?


Hmmm

 

So Dell has finally agreed to give me a replacement for my SXPS 1645 (see SIG) that had throttling/overheating problems. I did e-mail Michael @ Dell and someone contacted me within 24 hrs. I sent it away to the depot once for service and they only replaced the heatsink, fan and hard drive(?). They said I would be getting a new system and that it would take 5-7 business days to arrive. It concerns me that some people are only getting refurbs of the StudioXPS line when EVERYONE should be getting at least an XPS 15 since the StudioXPS line is obviously flawed.

Any idea what kind of specs I should expect with the new system? How does it work exactly...do they just give you what they want or do you get to choose certain parts? They said they would call me back soon (talked to a person yesterday). Is it a possibility to pay them extra if I want a certain part? Maybe it sounds odd that I want to give Dell more of my money after living with a laptop for nearly a year that didn't perform to spec, but I wouldn't mind having the absolute best config I can get.

Thanks

 

Just push and push and push for the highest upgrade you can get. After a ton of callbacks, some arguing, lots of time on the phone on hold plus techs running remote checks my wife eventually went from a 1640 to the XPS15 with RBGLED and one of the better i7 processors and a much better videocard.

Just keep insisting but be polite!

 

Current specs in my SIG. Dell has approved a new unit for me, these are the specs. I would have liked to get the 2GB GT540m, other than that though I am getting an upgraded CPU and en extra 250GB HDD space (plus Bluetooth & USB 3.0).

1 225-0675 XPS L502X (Direct) $389.99
1 312-1185 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Batt (L502X) $0.00
1 317-6408 Intel Core i7-2630QM 2.00 GHz $200.00
1 317-6414 6GB,DDR3,2 DIMM, 1333MHz (L502X) $100.00
1 318-0138 JBL 2.1 Speakers with Waves Maxx Audio 3 $0.00
1 318-0151 BluRay Combo Drive $100.00
1 318-0392 Windows Live Wave 4, CNB $0.00
1 318-0434 Roxio Creator Starter, FI, CNB $0.00
1 318-0490 Elemental Silver Aluminum (WLAN) L502X $0.00
1 320-1673 15.6FHD TLF B+RGLED LCD L50xX $150.00
1 320-2118 NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 1GB US (L502X) $100.00
1 330-6222 Windows 7 OS Label,CNB $0.00
1 331-1668 Backlit Internal Keyboard - Eng (L502X) $25.00
1 331-1674 Resource DVD (L502X) $0.00
1 342-2370 750GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive (L502X) $80.00
1 410-0487 MICROSOFT OFFICE STARTER 2010,CNB $0.00
1 410-0548 ADOBE ACROBAT X READER MLANG,CNB $0.00
1 410-9453 McAfee Platinum, 15 Month, MUI, CNB $49.00
1 420-6436 PC-RESTORE, DIM/INSP $0.00
1 420-6576 DELL WELCOME,SW,DIM/INSP $0.00
1 420-9691 DATASAFE LOCAL BACKUP $0.00
1 420-9876 COZI-CALENDAR,INB $0.00
1 421-0092 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG $0.00
1 421-0757 SKYPE VOIP SOFTWARE APPLICATION,CNB $0.00
1 421-1737 WIN 7 HOME PREM, 64, ENG,S/XNB $40.00
1 421-2086 EBAY-WEBSLICE, CNB $0.00
1 421-3642 Basic Stage, CNB $0.00
1 421-3874 Camera Software 2.X, Factory Install,CNB $0.00
1 421-4289 DELL SPRT-CTR SW 3.0 $0.00
1 421-4550 Power DVD 9.6, 3D, CNB $0.00
1 421-4736 Wireless Display Software (L502X) $0.00
1 430-3893 No Mobile Broadband L501X $0.00
1 430-4038 INTEGRATED NIC $0.00
1 430-4047 Intel WLAN-N 1030 and BT 3.0 (L502X) $20.00

 

Congrats! I think you'll like it.

 

To be honest it's not really an upgrade except for the cpu. My 5730 is overclocked and im pushing just under 10k on 3dmark06 with no increase in temps. And the 1645 is better looking

 

You're forgetting the upgrade to Sandy Bridge. No small thing there.

 

I said cpu was a jump but still for gaming no big increase even a slight decrease. The 720/820 are no slouches

 

Also as a replacement of 720QM i guess you should be entitled for 2720QM.
X20QM -> 2X20QM thats the upgrade from intel. Intel prices say that aswell.

 

After owning a 1645 for nearly a year I can't see how anyone would want to keep that thing. Yeah it's nice aesthetically but doesn't the temp bother you? Just knowing how bad the cooling is and the affect that is likely having on the components over the long term is troubling to me. As long as the L502x doesn't throttle that's good enough for me, I bought an XPS to play games from time to time and it is no fun with the SXPS after five minutes. The speakers are also nicer (HATE those speaker grills on the SXPS), and I'm getting a screen and hdd upgrade.

 

Yup. Our 1640 was a POS. Great looking design at first but then the flaws come out. Bottom line is the Dell did the right thing and replaced your machine. Don't let these other folks bag on it because they feel the need to defend their purchases. Now, if you feel that it's not enough of a replacement for the time and aggrevation go right ahead and push for more. It wasn't until after we had the machine in hand that my wife got more upgrades like the screen, processor and video card.

Just took more calls and time on the phone but in the end it was totally worth it for her.

 

Agreed. I'd push for the better processor.

 

OK, here I go.

Problem Laptop: StudioXPS1640. CPU 8700, 4gb DDR3, HD3670, Samsung 128SSD.

It has always overheated, and throttled, I got dust behind my screen which had to be replaced several times, mousepad issues, touch buttons not working correctly, maybe at all, speakers scratching out, power supply routinely not registering as the correct one.

I know it's bad, but I just kind of coped with all that stuff for the most part. Got tired of it finally, and just bought myself an Alienware M18x to replace the XPS, and gave the XPS to my sister-in-law. Three days later, the motherboard fails.
Been round and round with the Dell techs, going nowhere fast. Anyone have any idea where I might be able to get a replacement motherboard?

 

Sorry to hear about that. M18x is a nice upgrade from the 1640 though . As for the replacement motherboard, if you are out of warranty Dell will do absolutely nothing for you until you pay 'em...usually more than is needed too. So you might want to abandon that option if you are out of warranty. To get a replacement motherboard, I suggest you check eBay. You need the part number though, which I don't know, but I'm sure you can find on NBR with some searching (I remember seeing some posts with part numbers). You might be able to even google the part number. Good luck.

Actually I'm in the same happy boat as Brendanmurphy and I have the dreaded i7-4670-RGBLED combo (screen is still amazing!). I use BIOS A09 (130w adapter) and the Zalman NC-2000 cooler (avg max temps 81C, now in the summer gets up to 84C). There is no noticeable in-game throttling. I've played COD:BLOPS which runs fine and also played Borderlands, NBA 2k11, Dirt 2 all run without any throttling as well. I even play the more demanding Battlefield:BC2 with no throttling in or out of game, as confirmed with Unclewebb's great Throttlestop program. So I don't know if it's a matter of luck or something else, but my system more or less runs at spec. It's not the best cooled system at all (far from it) but it looks great and works well. I still think the vent placement is probably one of the dumbest decisions in laptop design history...but I've gotten over it...a little .

For those that can get a replacement XPS 15, go for it if your SXPS 164X system has problems. The system handles heat better and just seems to have less problems. The reason I can speak about my 1645 so calmly is because I have a warranty until 2013, so if any problems creep up I'm instantly pushing for a replacement . Or at least that's how I plan it in my mind. I just advise that those getting replacements do their research and make sure Dell doesn't downgrade you with the replacement (CPU, Vid card, wireless card, etc). Dell can be sly at times...

 

Ive been reading all the past pages and I just had to register.
Anyways Ive been having the same issue, just like everyone else in here.
So far these are the things that have been replaced by a dell technician;

Motherboard
heatsink
palmrest
fan
screen

These are my current 1640 specs; Problems; overheating, throttling

Core 2 Duo P8600 2.40
6GB DDR3
1080p RGB -15.6
500 GB hard drive
ATI 4670- 1GB
Bluray Drive
Windows 7 HP
6 cell battery


I talked to dell via chat today and here is what they offered as a replacement

Possible Replacement XPS 15;

i7-2620M (2.70 GHz)
6 GB DDR3
750 GB Hard Drive
Blu-ray Disc Combo
GeForce GT540M 2GB
15.6 inch FHD (1080p) B+RGLED
6 Cell Primary Battery



I have not accepted this replacement yet, Im just wondering if yall think this is a good replacement or am I getting ripped off in anyway? Is it possible they will give me a refund? I have also emailed [email protected] and no response yet! Help!

 

That's a heckuva replacement for a 1640. I'd jump on it in a heartbeat.

 

IMO, although clearly it's an upgrade, it will not solve the overheating problems. They've upgraded me multiple times (I currently have a Studio 1747). Doesn't make a bit of difference. They all overheat. This was my latest email to "Michael Dell":

I've asked for my money back at this point, which they have refused. I don't know where else to turn, but in doing some research, I came across this at http://www.lieffcabraser.com/defect...nspiron-1150-5100-and-5160-notebooks-lawsuit:

These are exactly the problems I've had with every Studio they've shipped me (XPS and 17). So I called them and spoke with an attorney about a potential class action lawsuit. I gave her a bunch of links to threads showing where others are having problems and they are currently doing research into it. My suggestion would be to call LCHB (their San Francisco office) and let them know about your problems. Perhaps if enough people call, they will take the case sooner.

 

I emailed Michael@dell 10 days ago and asked for some assurance re buying a buying dell since I was having some many problems with my 1645. I was out of warranty and had been complaining since October of 2010. They replied within 2 days and once they checked that I had the latest drivers and power adapter he said they would fix it. They send me a fed-ex box the next day, I shippped it the very same day and it arrived on a at Dell on Wednesday, I got a call Friday, same week and he gave me a tracking number and said it should be there today. Sure enough it arrived by 3pm and the service document said they replaced the heat sink and the fan. After running it almost constantly for 4 days with games, photoshop, movies and various programs open at the same time, the fan kicks on but only for a short time under heavey load, the temps are hovering around 48 to 52 C, and the fan noise even when running is at least 50% quieter than before. So far so good. I would think if they did make a bad product but at least they are attempting to resolve the issues. My experience so far has been very positive. I have since bought the alienware r11x r3 after recieving such good service. Anyway, just my two cents worth...

Bigshow

 

Is my CPU downgraded in anyway? Or is it better or equivalant? Does anyone know what the battery life is on the xps 15?

Current 1640: Core 2 Duo 2.40 P8600

Replacement: i7-2620M (2.70 GHz)

 

Really nice upgrade.

 

Dell corporate office contacted me within 48 hours of the email I sent to [email protected]. Anyway they offered a XPS 15 (details pending) and a XPS 17

Here is what they offered on the XPS 17:


i5-2410M
6GB DDR3 ram
17.3" FHD (1080p) 3D Display
NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 550M 1GB
Tray Load Blu-ray® Triple Writer
500GB

I should have accepted the first XPS 15 they offered me, but I made a mistake.
I should be getting the specs of another XPS 15 tomorrow. When I do, I will post here

 

HI I just have a quick question. Is the [email protected] only for america and only for dell xps owners? The reason I ask is because I have been having nothing but problems with my dell studio 1558 and they are refusing to replace the laptop as they say the dell studio 1558 is discontinued and they don't have one to replace it with. They are saying I will have to pay £200 to get upgraded to the xps 15 or I have to keep getting repair after repair done!

 

Emailing that addy couldn't hurt. I say try it.

 

Emailing works in India aswell so i guess it would work in UK aswell.
Give it a try.

 

I have been talking to the Dell corporate rep these past few days now. The rep had offered me 3 different configurations for the XPS 15 (L502x) and 2 configurations for the XPS 17 (L702x). I kept declining the configurations until I got everything that was on my current laptop or more. I kept persisting and finally picked the XPS 15. Below are the specs!

These are my current 1640 specs; Problems; overheating, throttling

Core 2 Duo P8600 2.40
6GB DDR3
1080p RGB -15.6
500 GB hard drive
ATI 4670- 1GB
Bluray Drive
Windows 7 HP
6 cell battery


Replacement XPS (L502x):

i7-2620M processor (2.70 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.40 GHz)
8 GB DDR3 RAM
750 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
NVIDIA GeForce GT540M 2GB
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 and Bluetooth 3.0
15.6 inch FHD (1080p) B+RGLED
Blu-ray Disc Combo
6 Cell Primary Battery
Backlit Keyboard
Windows 7 HP

Do y'all think I should upgrade to the 9-cell? Will Dell let me upgrade if I pay them extra for the upgrade?

 

Highly doubtful. However, you can try and convince them to give it to you.

 

Now I'm having second thoughts about the processor. Should I get this i7-2620M or should I settle for a QM? Is there really a huge difference or is the 2620M just as good? I really like the config with the 8GB ram. This might be a stupid question, but please help!

 

You might want to push for 2630, 2720 or 2820. The quad cores have much better benchmarks and is probably more futureproof.

 

OK, thanks for letting me know! I will try to see tomorrow, if I can push for the 2630QM at the least! Anything else I should know or/push for?

 

Ok, so I spoke to Dell today regarding the quad core upgrade and they offered this XPS 17:

XPS 17:

Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM processor 2.00 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz
6GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 Memory
Backlit Keyboard
17.3" HD+ (900p) LED Display
NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 550M 1GB
500GB 7200 RPM SATA
Blu-ray Disc BD-Combo
Wireless-N 1030 and Bluetooth 3.0
6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
2 Year Premium Hardware Service
Windows 7 HP

Which one shall I get? The XPS 17 or XPS 15

XPS 15:

i7-2620M processor (2.70 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.40 GHz)
8 GB DDR3 RAM
750 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
NVIDIA GeForce GT540M 2GB
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 and Bluetooth 3.0
15.6 inch FHD (1080p) B+RGLED
Blu-ray Disc Combo
6 Cell Primary Battery
Backlit Keyboard
Windows 7 HP

 

This is a no-brainer because I can tell you without any doubt that coming from an SXPS16 you will not like the 900p screen on that 17.

The 15's 1080p is actually better than my SXPS16's RGBLED.

 

I decided to stick with this for the screen because I love my current screen on the SXPS 16 and if you say the 15 screen is better than I'll def get this one!

XPS 15:

i7-2620M processor (2.70 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.40 GHz)
8 GB DDR3 RAM
750 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
NVIDIA GeForce GT540M 2GB
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 and Bluetooth 3.0
15.6 inch FHD (1080p) B+RGLED
Blu-ray Disc Combo
6 Cell Primary Battery
Backlit Keyboard
Windows 7 HP

Do y'all know how long replacements systems take to ship! I believe it is a refurb..

 

So i contacted dell via the email adress posted and sent them a formal complaint. In it i complained about the throttling, heat dissipation, vibration/audio distortion, and USB issues. I got a return email within 4 hours and talked to them today. However the offer he gave me was VERY dissappointing and he really showed his lack in knowledge.

SXPS 1645:My Current PC
Processor: 720QM
Video Card: ATI 4670
Audio: "HD Audio" w/ SRS
WIFI Card: Intel Link 5300
Display: RBGLED 1080P
Card Reader
Bluetooth

XPS L702x: Offer he gave me
Processor: 2630QM
Video Card: Nvidia 550m 1GB
Audio: Unspecified
Wifi: Intel Centrino 1000
Display: 900P WLED
No card Reader (at least not listed)
No Bluetooth


That offer was a joke. Especially the display! The dumba$$ even tried to tell me that RBGLED was an older technology, and that WLED produced brighter colors and deeper contrast. He even said that 900P was an upgrade compared to 1080P! What a joke.
And I read earlier in this forum that if you have a 720QM your entitled to the 2720QM? not the 2630QM. Can someone give me a logical argument for this? I was sure that the processor was a downgrade, but wasnt sure how to argue it.
Also, im not positive but im sure that the wifi card is also i downgrade from what i currently got. Anyone confirm this with a little explanation?
The only thing he upgraded was the videocard (probably cause the current video card is incompatible with the XPS 17. At any rate, he simply matched any other specs not listed such as the 9 cell battery, HardDrive, Memory

How should i re approach this offer? Im considering re-sending Micheal dell an email with the original complaint along with my frustrations from the offer i received and the lack of knowledge the the support guy had. And asking if they can make a better offer and work with me.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

With the XPS 15 screen you can make it brighter and the whites are whiter. I have the brightness all the way up on the 16 and I actually had to turn down the brightness on the 15. "Sharpness" is about the same and it seems I can get blacker blacks from the 15 as well. You should really like the B+RG.

My refurbished have always shipped within a day or three from wherever they originate.

Enjoy

 

How are you guys able to get a replacement? Honestly. I have so much problems with the heating issue. I have had the motherboard replaced once and the heatsink replaced twice and it is not getting any better. My system is idling in the mid 50s to 60C on all the cores. I don't know if this is normal but it is very hot and I can feel the heat as I type.

 

thanks for the help! I just got a tracking # and it should arrive in the morning. I cant wait!!

Keep asking for different configurations and eventually they will get it right or even more. That's what I did!

I have had multiple Dell techs come to my house to replace parts:

Motherboard x1
heatsink x2
palmrest x2
fan x2
screen x2

Dell told me to ship my laptop to the depot twice , but I use my laptop for work so I couldnt and had to decline.

I then was reading on here and some guys were saying that emailing [email protected] would help with getting the system issue resolved. So, I emailed him regarding all my issues and everything. I received a call a day later from the Dell corporate office and got offered XPS 15 or XPS 17. A total of 6 different configurations (4 for XPS 15) (2 for XPs 17). Dell chat also helps to it started!

 

Thanks for this information! I'll try to see if he can help if my heating issue is still bothering me.

 

Hey guys,

For the same throttling reasons of studioXPS 1640, writing a mail to [email protected], I got a call from executive customer support of India.
He offered me xps 15z and xps 17 to choose from.

But later he sends me basic quotation of xps 15(not xps 15z or xps 17). I know I shouldn't be falling for this but what should be my response. He also told about some upgrades in case I choose xps 15z.

my studio xps is bought for around $1320. The two laptops which he offered are obviously costlier even in their basic configurations. My question is, does price matter for them while offering a replacement?