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

You know what i find interesting - My Daughters Computer was just replaced - A 1525, with T5550 1.86, 3gb, 250gb, 4965N, .... With a Studio 1558 i3-330, 4gb, 250gb, 5300n, ... Replacement offered on 5/14 due to backorder of parts to repair, Shipped in 5/16,... It took a month to get from a 1640 to 1647..

 

My issues was heat which leads to throttling. It doesn't happen on all laptops. However if you want a replacement you will most likely have to go through numerous motherboard swaps before you will be granted one.

Most likely because the 1640 is in hot water with replacements as many people are requesting replacements with the heat problem so wide spread. Also your daughters laptop is fairly standard in terms of components (250gb, 4gb etc), these components are much easier to source as compared to RGB LED screens and 600 gb hard disks etc.

 

Just a little fyi, they wanted to try and have me send mine in the depot for a mobo heatsink fan replacement and I stated no.... Stand by your guns and give valid reasons on why you know for a fact that a depot visit or parts replacement won't work... we all know that these brand new units do not have hardware problems and it lies in the bios.. But hey, if dell is willing to send me another brand new one, I'm gonna let 'em and I will be sure to sell it this time.... must resist opening it!!!!

But back to the point... If you know what you are talking about, and are respectful of the rep and his position and limits, I am sure you will have good luck... Good luck all

 

jeremy - i would agree except while i was waiting i would check the outlet site daily and during the month long wait i counted no less then 20 1640s with the same or near the same as what i had.. let alone what i ended up with. also my 1640 request sat for 10 days from PND to finally get to Aut status.. This last request was in aut on the 15th and ordered and shipped on the 16th... 2 days- ( I was still quoted 10-15 buisness days when the process started)

 

I hope I am as lucky as you in terms of arrival date in respect of the order being authorized... I chatted on Friday about my replacement and it's status is already authorized...

 

I just kept on ringing Dell and emailing them, I then emailed Michael Dell and in half an hour I got an email saying the order specs were ready, as soon as I confirmed them it was ordered and I received it today (10 days later).

In regards to getting a replacement, I don't think it's to do with the bios, else they would create a new one and flash everyone computers. I think its related to the design of the cooling system. But then again I don't think anyone knows the honest truth

 

I dunno... I think a few folks here have said that all that is really needed is to raise the thermal limits before the systems tells itself to throttle back..

 

So you guys think It was a mistake when i bought the 1640? I read some things that the one with 4670 doesent have the overheating problem being a newer revision.The throteling happens only when gameing or also when watching a movie? Hopefully nothing crackes in time from the heat like in the old xps (the nvidia 8600 faulty cards)

 

well mine was ordered on the 8th and STILL nothing!

 

I am not sure but it only took less than a week to receive mine, it was refurbished (checked everyday for a week on dell outlet never saw specs of this) but i got an email the day that it shipped saying that i wouldn't get it until 4-5 weeks because it was in production, and they called me the day before asking if i was satisfied and I asked how long it would take just so I know when about to be home, and the person said it would be another 4-5 weeks. Not sure must be lack of communication, also said on my dell account would take 7 days delivery but it was shipped FedEx priority overnight, got it today been on it for ~4 hours installing, uninstalling, screen ~60%, watched Avatar for a little bit, and am not experiencing any heat issues, def better than my xps 1340. Only problem is when I go onto the system's service tag and under service contract and warranties it shows nothing but when I go on my systems it shows my warranty expires in 730 days and contract type shows Q but when I refresh shows NW, not sure what that means but thats something for another day. My point in all that is just wait, I highly doubt it takes 4-8 weeks to get your replacement.

 

Have you added the new lappy's service tag underneath I think its called "my systems" on your dell account?

I think I remember having to do that to have the warr. show up on the new one. Hope this helps.

 

Q = I "think" that is for your old system (not replacement)(expired)
NW = Nights & Weekends
ND = Next Business Day
And, if you click on the +XXX (days) next to your Contract type > Under "Contract Expiration" and it opens up a description of "Additional Contract Details"
I show 3 systems: 2 are returned 1530/1640 = Q
and 1647 NW (default lappy)

Under Expanded/for further info on Warranty:


Hope that helps w/the NW info' a little!

Cin...

 

coming for...

 

First off, they have every right to replace components until they feel as though a replacement is in order. The 1640 will not be replaced unless you have multiple problems or you are very lucky.

Secondly, its illegal to apply for a replacement to simply upgrade what you paid for. If you by chance get a better laptop then that is fine, but if you are trying to get it replaced because you see everyone gets better hardware then what you are doing is wrong and illegal.

 

waiting for...

 

ugh I give up! I was told 3-5 days on may 10th. May 22 here we are and not even a tracking number. Is this normal?

 

LOL- how in the world is it "illegal"...you can make an argument to Dell that based on principle you deserve a better laptop and if they agree of you make a worthwhile argument they will upgrade u and u will NOT be breaking any laws..lol

 

I think what the poster refered to as illegal is to make up or exagerate issues to get a replacement and upgrade, IE fraud..

Its not illegal to ask for or argue for an upgrade based on a well documented support case with a failed hardware.

 

My 1640 is going to be replaced due to throttling...don't know what with yet, only just attanged it today.

 

Learn to the put the statement in context you idiot.

 

Well my replacement 1645 will be here today... If you were going to go about loading an Ultimate version of 7, should I delete the different partitions Dell has implemented on the disk first?

 

Push for a 1647. I got the 1647 listed below, No issues with thottling, heat or crashes... and using the 90w power as well.

great overall machine for battery life, performance, well rounded.

 

Yea....it can't be a 1640 since it's no longer available with the 16" RGBLED screen, which I currently have, and I won't be accepting anything less than this.

But I realised the internal TV Tuner is no longer available

 

THIRD 1645 just showed up with THE SCREEN SCRATCHED ALREADY!!! Silver Trim is already coming unglued..... COME ON Dell?!?!

Never thought I'd have to, but this time I am going straight to the top... Shall I use [email protected]? Or [email protected]

 

Both emails work- i used both to get mine.

 

Thanks, just used [email protected] and will stay updated... Wish me luck guys

 

was this another new build?

 

Yes sir. Same setup though...

 

The system they want to give me is similar to my current one with some differences:

1647 (from 1640)
i5-540M (up form c2d 2.66)
6GB RAM (up from 4)
256 SSD (up from 128)

Is the i5-540 still a decent processor?

Still the 4670 though. Wonder if I can pay them the extra $30 and get the 5650?

And it only has the 1520 Wireless N card, where my current one has the 5300. Is there much difference between them?

And no TV tuner...

And what's really funny is they are shipping with the 90W adapter...I HOPE that is enough and it doesn't throttle lol...

 

I'm really glad I checked here about the 1640s. I've had mine for a little over a year and I have a year left on the warranty. I was wondering why Dragon Age was slowing down so much even when I had nearly all the settings turned down. Also, this thing runs (as you already know) mega hot. 90w adapter. I imagine if anything they'll hook me up with the higher wattage adapter and then it won't work and I'll have to go through another dance to try for a replacement.

I have the 3670 gpu so I was hoping I wouldn't have the throttling & massive overheating problems.

 

My refurbished replacement 1645 came through with key marks and a scratched screen as well (and a bad dvd), they told me to buy a LCD cleaner and dvd cleaner kit, neither worked, so after going back and forth with tech they eventually replaced my screen, I've had several other issues as well tho, 3 tech visits multiple parts replacements, now its going back to the repair "depot".

I'd say the i5 is a good processor, and everything i've read here the 1647 overall seems to have less heat than the 1645, especially with a 256GB SSD. After you get it i'd have them send you a 130w adapter just in case.

 

M715,

They seriously told you to go out and buy a dvd cleaner kit? WOW, unbelievable.

 

UPDATE: Well the email to Micheal's team worked. Emailed them last night and just got off the phone; 1647 coming my way : )

This should do the trick!!!!!

 

Yep, first happened with my E1505, they told me to buy a dvd cleaner kit and then call them back. Didn't work then and didn't work with the replacement 1645. Same thing with the scratches on the 1645 screen when i received it, they wanted me to clean it off to remove the scratches...guess what they were scratches and didn't go away.

So now its off for 7 to 10 days to the "Depot" for repairs...we will see what happens

 

I would push for i5-540 ( if you can get the i7-620 go there )
8GB, 256SSD and Blueray- and RGB if you can still get them

for all your troubles - Congrats -

 

Thanks man. To be honest, the lady who called me didn't get into specs at all aside from saying it would be a 1647. As soon as I have some more info I will post back.

 

Update:

Well I got back to Dell asking about the 5300 wireless card and the 5650.

They have now offered me a 1645 (the 5300 isn't compatible with the 1647 apparently).

I have now accepted this:

1645
16" RGBLED (same)
i7-820 (up from C2D)
8GB RAM (up from 4GB)
256 SSD (up from 128 SSD)
ATI 5650 (up from 4670)
Blu-Ray drive (up from DVD/RW)

When I configure the system on the website, it's worth over $1000 more than my original one.

 

offered a replacement of my 1640.... still no call from them..

 

Wow that is a nice system! Congrats!

 

Hi,

After 3 repair attempts to correct throttling Dell has agreed to replace my xps1640. Can someone decipher the following as to what the replacement is?

Quantity Item Number Description Unit Price

1 TMJ06 BASE,NOTEBOOK,XPS,1645,CLARKSFIELD,CONFIGURE TO ORDER $87.83
1 3JT7X MODULE,LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY,15.6,FULL HIGH DEFINITION,BLACK,1645/1647 $151.79
1 5FJ8M Module,Label,Intel,Notebook,CI7 $0.00
1 8J1GH Module,Dvd+/-rw,Hitachi Lg Data Storage,Extreme Performance System,1640 $30.10
1 CP1VF Module,Software,W7HP64 Consumer Desktop,English Dao/bcc $0.00
1 D113N Module,Hard Drive,500GB,Free Fall Sensor,7.2K,SGT-HOLL $120.00
1 D8W1K MODULE,MEDIA,DIGITAL VIDEO DISK DRIVE,RESOURCE DVD,1645 $0.43
1 D9KVP Module,Software,Quick Fix Engineering,W7HB32,Consumer Notebook $0.00
1 H2D7M SERVICE INSTALL MODULE,SOFTWARE,NOTEBOOK,1645 $0.25
1 J019D Module,Software,DELL-DOCK Consumer $0.10
1 J206C Module,Software,Dell Connect 2.1,Dell Americas OrganizationEMEA,Brazil Customer Center $0.00
1 J6XND Module,Software,W7HP64,Digital Video Disk Drive,Multiple User Interface,NO-E $0.39
1 K478H Module,Information,Liquid Crystal Display,Cover,Leather Black,1640 $0.00
1 K9G29 Module,KIT,Software,Creative PANZER,1.2 $0.26
1 M017R Module,Software,Powerdvd,8.3,Digital Video Disk Drive,True Theatre High Definition,Factory Install $3.94
1 M239M Module,Software,LTG DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG $0.43
1 M97DR Module,Software,Creative PANZER,1.2,Factory Install $5.60
1 MJF4V Module,Card,Network,370,Foxconn,Dell Americas Organization $3.94
1 N533M Module,Software,Mcafee SAPPHIRE,30DAY,Multiple User Interface $0.00
1 NC53Y MODULE,PROCESSOR,CLARKSFIELD,XXXX,1.73,8MB,1645 $510.02
1 P369D Module,Software,Roxio,10 PREM-SD,Upsell,Factory Install $67.15
1 P420X Module,Shipping Material System,PALTROW,Dell Americas Organization $4.28
1 P881M Module,Software,Compact Diskette,Sensible Vision Facial Recognition,2.3-00 $0.65
1 PPY3H Module,Card,Network,5300,Inspiron $25.29
1 R609C MOD,CORD,PWR,125V,1M,C5,US $0.96
1 RK893 Module,Adapter,Alternating Current,Delta - Ac Adapt,130W 3P,World Wide $14.98
1 T013C Module,Software,Works,9 English $9.95
1 T22TT Module,Software,Creative Camera,Consumer,1.4,Factory Install $0.37
1 T703D Module,Keyboard,86,US-ENG,DellAmericas Organization,1640 $20.52
1 VR08H Module,Software,Certificate Of Authenticity,W7HP32/64 $73.82
1 W3HMK Module,Label,Microsoft,Notebook,Windows7 $0.00
1 W795M Module,Dual In-line Memory Module,8GB,1333MHZ,DDR3,2X4G $960.00
1 W871N Module,Software,WINDOWS-LIVE Consumer $0.00
1 WU658 Ship Group,Notebook,North 1640,England,Dell Americas Organization $5.28
1 X445C MODULE,BATTERY,PRIMARY,85WHR,9C,SAMSUNG POWER DIVISION $46.80
1 XM544 Module,Software,PC-RESTORE Transactional Line Of Business $0.00
1 Y515R MODULE,ASSEMBLY,BASE,NOTEBOOK,M96,1645 $225.58
1 Y720M Module,Software,DSPRT-CTR 64BIT,2.0 $0.00

I think that its a 1645 with windows 7 (version?) with a 500gb hard drive and 8gb of ram. I am wondering about screen (res) lower is better for me, video card and is there a blu-ray player?

Anyone?
thanks
Joseph

 

1 CP1VF Module,Software,W7HP64 Consumer Desktop,English Dao/bcc $0.00

Windows Home Premium 64 bit, yes its a 1645

 

1 8J1GH Module,Dvd+/-rw,Hitachi Lg Data Storage,Extreme Performance System,1640 $30.10

Looks like just a dvd burner. not sure about the video card

 

Thanks, Im not seeing the bluray either will they contact me before shipping this out or do I need to contact them about matching my current blu-ray? everything else is at least the same or in most cases much better than what the are replacing.

 

I would def. contact them. Jump on xps chat and tell them you'd like the matching bluray

 

Advice? I am getting a 1647 sent to me to replace my 1645 due to throttling and whatnot, should I be upset about the downgrade to the i5-540 from the i7 720? here are my specs of the new machine.....

1 224-7380 Studio XPS 16 Notebook
1 310-0173 Airborne Documentation, System Exchanges,Factory Install
1 312-0950 9-cell Battery
1 313-7054 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive for XPS1640
1 317-2364 4GB, DDR3, 1333MHz 2 Dimm
1 317-2825 Intel CoreTM i5 540M processor (2C/4T, 2.53-3.06 GHz, 3M L3)
1 320-1208 ATI Mobility RADEON HD 4670 1GB
1 320-8334 15.6 inch Wide Screen 16:9 900p HD+ WLED LCD, W/2.0 MP, XPS 1645
1 320-8352 Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish with Leather XPS 1645
1 330-0171 S and P Drop-in-Box Marcom forDHS Notebooks
1 330-6222 Windows 7 Label
1 330-6468 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP,XPS 1647
1 341-8989 500GB 7200RPM Free Fall SensorSeagate Hard Drive
1 410-0487 Microsoft Office Starter 2010
1 410-1883 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
1 410-2087 McAfee Sapphire MUI, 36-Month
1 412-0148 No ISP requested
1 412-0360 Soft Contracts - Banctec
1 420-6436 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 420-6576 DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
1 420-7938 Dell Connect 2.1
1 420-9100 Dell Dock Consumer
1 420-9691 DataSafe Local BackUp 2.0 Basic
1 421-0092 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 421-0187 Dell Support Center Software 64 Bit 2.0
1 421-0188 Facial Recognition
1 421-0323 Windows Live Search,Multiple User Interface
1 421-0757 Skype VOIP Application
1 421-1010 Dell Webcam Central v1.4
1 421-1361 MOD,SW,RXO,EZCD,10.3,DE,FI
1 421-1695 MOD,SW,PDVD,8.3,DVD,TT,FI
1 421-1737 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
1 421-2000 Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio Software Enabled
1 421-2086 eBay Webslice
1 430-0700 Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1+EDR)
1 430-0762 MOD,CRD,NTWK,6200,CNB
1 430-3605 Integrated 10/100 Network Card

UPDATE: Wrote an email back to the rep from Micheal's team and she called me asap and told me a person with more knowledge on components would be calling me in the next 24. Wish me luck gents.

 

.....um, yes.

Equal specs or better.

How do you think that I am typing this on an AW M17X-R2?

 

Haha, I like the way you put that! So how DID you get to that AW?

 

Dell deleted my post from their community board.

I was replying to posts questioning the availability of RGBLED option ".... it was there two days ago, and now it is gone...."

My post read:

I purchased the SXPS 1640 with 16" RGBLED screen in June 2009. It was a most awesome system! In December, the wireless failed. The wireless is located in the screen. Dell sent a tech to replace the screen. When he did this, I immediately noticed the lower quality display. The tech convinced me the motherboard was failing and arrangements were made to send the system to Dell Depot for repair.

To make a long story short, it is now June 1st 2010 and I still do not have the proper RGBLED replacement screen. In fact even Dell sales reps cannot find any size RGBLED screen as the option is no longer available. Dell tech reps report they do not have and will not have any inventory of RGBLED screen replacements. I find this unbelievable!

Not only is the SXPS 16 16" RGBLED screen still advertised on Dell's website, but now I can only conclude that anyone who purchased a Dell system with the RGBLED screen option will be SOL if the screen fails. Dell cannot properly honor their warranties.

Worse yet, Dell's compensation for this problem is to offer me a replacement system with a 15.6" screen (1920x1080p but not RGBLED), same processor, same everything except an upgrade from 320G drive to 500G drive. Oops, not exactly correct - I quote Dell "... AND you will be receiving the replacement system with Windows 7, not Vista..." This is so pathetic it is nearly laughable.

Also noted is the ready availability of the RGBLED option in countries outside the US. Previously, I would recommend anyone to wait for the RGBLED screen. A couple, four, even six months would be well worth it. Now potential owners can only depend on one fact regarding the RGBLED screen - the fact is they will never get a straight answer from anyone at Dell.

End post.

Appreciate all the info in this thread. Have utilized many 'plans of attack.' Thank you for the ideas. A Dell rep will be calling me June 7 with who knows what info. Will update this post.

 

It seems bizarre to me that the RGB LED is available pretty much everywhere outside of North America...maybe they still have stock and will stop offering it once its gone? For one of the best laptop screens ever made though you wouldnt think any country would have lots of stock. I whish I could have gotten mine with the RGB LED option, I was on the phone for over an hour trying to get an explanation as to why it was on the website yet I couldn't buy it.

 

so, dell is gonna offer me a replacement system, what system specs should i look for? do they still give us the RGBLED screen?

My current system is : -

i7 720
6GB DDR3
ATI 4670
15.6 inch RGBLED
9 cell battery
500 GB Hard-disk
Bluetooth
Wifi

any chance i can get the 5650 GFX card? or perhaps an alienware?