**The Official Studio XPS 1647 Intel Core i5/i7 "Owners' Lounge"**

The saga continues:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=466082&page=3

 

I haven't experienced any lock ups so far. It is a bit slow to start up, especially when going to the boot screen to the login screen and then to the desktop, even after a fresh install of Win7. It's bearable but a bit annoying since a similar speed desktop (C2D E7200) can go from boot screen to desktop in half the time.

 

Oh mine boots up fine. I just notice every now and then when powering on with the battery it sometimes hangs at the black screen before the Dell logo comes on. Its just weird because why crash? It shuts down fine and I didn't install anything new.

 

This is weird. I was playing Dirt 2 while monitoring my temps. After I was done playing I checked my temps to see how high they went. They where veeery low compared to other times so I thought something was wrong. I checked it out with my friend ThrottleStop and this is what I found:

The copy and paste on different time is for you to see that this wasnt a matter of seconds, the hole 40 minutes while I was playing I was getting a 12-13 multiplier.
Im running A04, any guess on why this is happening?

Edit: I restarted the PC and now it seems that I am not throttling anymore. The thing is that in order for the multiplier to get stucked at 12-13 is a sign that the PC did throttle sometime while playing Dirt 2 and then it couldnt keep it up.

 

Nice. Thanks for the feedback! Follow up question: How easy did you find redoing the thermal paste?
Can't consider the Sony - I have to get a Dell since it's being ordered through work and that's who we deal with. I've been holding off since late December due to all the issues. I'd like to stick with the better graphics anyway.

This is much better than the Inspiron 9400 I've been using the last 3.5 years. I'm happy if it gets past 2 hours, so it's usually plugged in.

We have a winner!! Over 4 hours is awesome

 

Well It took the longest to clean up the job dell did of applying there fail paste but not counting that it took about 5 minutes to take it apart to clean the chips and apply new paste and hook it back up and about 15 minutes to clean the crap up. very VERY easy!

 

Glad it was easy for you Texanman
I've built my own desktop, but opening up a laptop seems like a whole 'nother kettle of fish. Doesn't seem as daunting now

 

I can't thank you enough for putting so much thought into helping me with my decision. I hope things go well and you remain pleased that you decided to keep this beautiful piece of industrial "art!" On the other hand, if it is going to make you feel worried all the time - between the cumulative effects of the heat on the screen and the general dread of having to deal with Dell service on a future matter and not being as lucky - then give it back. Life is to short and there are too many other good products - none perfect, but most backed better than Dell consumer products are - to live with a constant headache. On the other hand, these machines are so sought after, and when you decide to pull the trigger and find you will have to wait weeks or months, the guy selling a mint condition one on eBay will get top dollar!

Best of luck, and thanks again.

 

Just to clarify, at the end I was referring to "the guy selling a mint condition one on eBay" as you! ie, you can always get most or all of your money out of it as long as you keep it looking well and it runs well at the time you decide to bail, if you ever do. Again, thanks and good luck.

 

Just wanted to let everyone know that there is a new catalyst 10.3a posted on strags.com if you decide to install it, remember to uninstall your previous catalyst and use driver sweeper to get rid of any remaining ati stuff.

Cheers .

edit (was in a hurry... haha)

 

Driver Sweeper you mean

 

I think i've figured out why Dell has not included switchable graphics on the SXPS, or anything with an ATI GPU built-in for that matter. And I dont think it has much to do with the HM55 chipset either. After reading this review, I realised that even if Intel had an IGP in its processor and a HM55 chipset, it still needs additional hardware built on the motherboard to switch from it and the discrete card (which costs more money to implement and isnt all that different to Core2Duo processors with their IGP built-in chipsets) and thats why it hasnt been seen on many laptops since it was first introduced years ago. The truth is, switchable graphics has been around for a long time now and all systems with a discrete GPU card have the potential to do it. They just need the small additional hardware (or software) to do it. But many companies choose not to include this hardware due to it being a non-profitable addition because they think that only around "1%" of consumers will actually make proper use of it. They argue the typical user wont even know how to use it, or use it at all keeping it on one setting. But until recently, the software side was never really developed enough to use this feature properly either.

Now, the reason why some new laptops (e.g. Alienware m11x) have switchable graphics is because they have the new NVIDIA GPU cards built-in (e.g. GT 335M). NVIDIA actually got the upperhand on ATI in this area (only place where Nvidia have the upperhand now really) and recently produced a new technology called OPTIMUS, which basically does switchable graphics on-the-fly (without logging out, rebooting, etc). But more importantly, it is software based (a complex software/driver written by Nvidia) and it doesn't need the additional hardware to run it (...something of a bonus to laptop manufacturers and a REAL bonus to existing Nvidia customers). Its also something Nvidia have that ATI doesnt really have at the moment and thats keeping them in the market... but I suspect not for long! This software can run on the older Geforce series GT1xxm aswell, but not on any older than that (read the review to see why). ATI have released their fast 5-series cards, but i suspect they are also planning on catching up with Nvidia here by producing their own software for their cards as we type. So all in all, I dont think this switchable graphics is just down to Dell, because even with Studio 1558, it has ATI's 5470 GPU & still no switchable graphics. HP's Envy has a i5 processor, HM55 chipset, ATI 5-series card and still no switchable graphics. I say all this because im quietly hoping that ATI releases an equivalent update (Catalyst 10.4 maybe) with switchable graphics software thats compatible with the 4-series, cause i seriously cannot wait any longer to buy this laptop now. Its either that or be screwed when ATI releases a new series of cards with this software-based technology!

 

Just to clarify the, M11x uses traditional switchable graphics (i.e. w/ motherboard multiplexers), it does not use Optimus. Hopefully we will see Optimus in the second revision of the M11x, in addition to some low voltage Core iX CPU's.

But you are correct, I originally thought it was Dell's fault that switchable graphics was not included on the revised SXPS 16, but it is simply due to ATI not having software support to offer. They do have switchable graphics drivers that will function with the SXPS 16 and HD 4670 but only through the traditional method (i.e. requiring additional multiplexers on the MB).

If ATI can roll out software based graphics switching technology similar to Optimus in the next couple of months, it will be another reason notebook vendors will choose ATI over NVIDIA. NV are already 6 months behind ATI in relation to the release of their desktop DX11 GPU's. With no mention of NV releasing mobile DX11 GPU's anytime soon, ATI could run away it altogether if they were to release software similar to Optimus.

 

Thank you rpg-XPS for clarifying that. I really think Dell should have used their money more wisely, they probably should have saved the money spent on 9-Cell batteries and just spent it on 6-Cell batteries and Multiplexers ICs and extra routing on the motherboard. That way, it would be really "energy efficent" (none of this throttling in the first place!) and we wouldn't have that big uncomfortable bulk underneath the laptop when using it on our laps. I dont know, maybe Dell took the shortcut here... or maybe it just still worked out more expensive that way and because they receive 9-Cell batteries in really large quantities, its much cheaper to supply a 9-Cell with this laptop (& a 130watt adapter on request aswell). If anything though, they really need to upgrade to the 5-series as soon as possible. Regardless of speed, those cards use atleast 10Watts less than the 4-series and would produce less heat coming out (and maybe allow those LCDs to last that much longer).

Maybe I should just work for Dell, I'd give them so many ideas!

 

I know this is an "Owners Lounge" and that this thread is already filled with such useless information like delivery dates and the sort, but today my 1647 ships from Tennesee. It arrives tomorrow! I can't wait!

Now, my only problem is I gotta format this 1645, and shoot a quick video of SSD vs HDD.

Also I gotta find out if my drive supports TRIM.

 

Jono..just got mine yesterday w/620 processor and the rgb and ssd and so far it's awesome...I am impressed.... unbelievabe how quick this thing is compared to the old hdd...I can't go back now lol!!!! wait till you unpack a large rar file etc ...done in seconds!!!!...you will like!!!!

 

You guys need to check out this article. Page 5 especially.

@rgp-XPS, i think this long & hard ATi vs Nvidia battle is about to reveal a true winner very soon.

Owners of this laptop wanting to know about switchable graphics on this machine or their latest/future 10.x driver updates might wanna take a read. Furthermore, Anybody to do with ATI or Nvidia please read!

 

I'm actually not even sure how that article is relevant. Eyefinity has nothing to do with this laptop and only page 5 is about mobility for the most part.

As for switchable graphics, it's nothing new. Optimus is the best switchable platform in existence at the moment.

 

Yes danevin, but Optimus is basically software based, and doesnt need any hardware modifications to run it. With ATI's new mobility driver program out (they're releasing new driver updates every month from now on to provide better support on ATI Mobility HD2000 series and upwards) Im pretty sure it wont be long before ATI challenges Nvidia's Optimus and muster up some software thats equivalent or better. That could mean this laptop could potentially have switchable graphics in the near future.

 

Not really as the pm55 chipset doesn't support the igp of the i5... dell would have to make the o soo minor change of switching to the HM55 chipset

 

Very True, but Ive been doing alil homework and considering the PM55 was built around the quad i7s and at a time where Intel had no IGP on any of its processors, the PM55 has an IGP on the chipset itself by default just like the Core2Duos & GM45 chipset did. So infact we could be using a 2-chip solution here with an IGP on the chipset but also with a i5 processor meaning we have 2 IGPs in total on this setup; one we're not able to take advantage off, and another being disabled (also hidden by the BIOS) by default when you have a discrete GPU built-in. Another thing im wondering is if you can switch the IGP completely off on the i5 if its not used. God forbid if its still on and drawing power and adding to heat.

 

I don't really know what Dell were doing shipping the Arrandales with the PM55. They clearly state on the tech specs section of the SXPS 16 that the i5 Arrandales will ship with the HM55, and it's been like that since the release date back in January.



So if I had received a PM55 with my Arrandale SXPS 16 (incl. i7-620M), I'd be close to demanding one with a HM55, even more so if ATI release graphics switching software similar to Optimus.

The PM55 doesn't actually have an IGP, see here. If the laptop is running off discrete graphics the GPU on the CPU die will be automatically disabled, so no extra power consumption or heat output.

You may be aware of this (I thought I'd add it for information's sake) but the problem with the PM55 is that it doesn't actually support the passthrough of two independant displays (i.e. discrete and IGP on the CPU die), where the HM55 does. Considering Dell said they'd ship the i5's with the HM55, I'd be a pretty disappointed customer if I received the PM55 instead.

 

Funny thing i did demand one kind of and all I got was sales and tech support going its not compatible with the i5? I had the supervisor say this...the best we can do is a refund...

 

That's pretty poor customer service to be honest. Not only is the information clearly listed on their own website, it's clearly listed on Intel's website also. See here, just scroll down the bottom to see the supported CPU's.

The reason why Dell haven't shipped the SXPS 16 with the HM55, despite claiming they would, is beyond me. I think I'll send Bill @ Dell a PM and see if he can offer us some information on this.

 

If anyone wants to know The i5 520m on the xps is not embedded, I noticed this when I was redoing the paste so I am pretty sure that it could be changed out in the future if one wanted to!

sent a pm to bill, let me see what he says on the false advertising

 

Woo, great news. Getting a 1647 replacement for my throttlin 1640. I have some questions for 1647 users.

I requested a 130w adapter be sent with the laptop. Will they do this?

Also I was "upgraded" to 5gigs of ram. I politely declined and asked to stay at 4gig and I explained because I would rather have the true dual-channel 2gig+2gig dimms than a 3gig+2gig for 5gigs. He then said he understood and said he'd give me 6gigs. I laughed and was ok with that and just accepted it. I was under the impression that the 6 gig configs were a 4+2 dimm configuration. If he offered me 5gigs that must mean a 3gig stick exists..and he understood why I didn't want the 5..so do you think its possible I will be getting a 3+3 dimm config? I hope so...

Also is there anything I need to know about the 1647?

 

But you also need to understand that Optimus ONLY runs in 3xx series nvidia cards and Optimus configured laptops. They don't just "work." If you have a laptop with a nvidia card and hm55 chipset, you don't just download the Optimus software and it will start working; if they didn't change it since I last checked.

 

I just got my 1647 from FEDEX today. Absolutely lovely so far since i've done a clean install, but I have some gripes.

 

and them gripes are??!?

 

4=2+2
5=4+1
6=4+2
8=4+4
Good options are bolded.

 

Been reading the forums for hours today, head is spinning with information. Currently trying to determine if there is anything different between i5-540m and i7-620m apart from speed and cache. Shouldn't be hard to find ... any help?

Also, another question that's been lingering in my head:
If I get a 1647 with i7-620m (or i5-540m) and the HD4670 dies or is misbehaving, can I disable it in the BIOS or something like that and run off the integrated graphics?

 

for the last time people...Dells site is a lie!!!!! the laptop comes with the PM55 chipset which has no support for switchable graphics.....

 

yeah, my bad - I was thinking I was asking about something different to just switchable graphics. Like I said, brain overloaded.

So there's no way possible to use the Integrated graphics that I'd pay for with the i7-620m or i5-540m. That sucks.

 

Currently on the Dell site I don't see the 540/620 listed infact I don't see any other processor listed other than the i5 520m and the i7 720m, and only the i5 has the option for the RGB display yet the system that is currently being shipped to me has the i5 540m with integrated graphics (though useless). Dell's site is horrible

 

been reading some more - apparently 620m and 520m are "embedded" but that just doesn't make sense to me. I've read some of Intel's stuff about it, but i don't see what makes these processors embedded but not, say, the 540m?

 

An embedded CPU does not mean it's soldered to the system board. Common misconception.

See my post in this thread.

 

^^^
awesome! Great explanation

 

With CPU-Z (64) for my 1647 (i5-520m), Package reports:

Socket 1156 LGA​

It can with a socket or soldered - perhaps CPU-Z is having issues getting the complete info with this 1647 (reporting PGA-989 or BGA-1288).

 

Hey guys,

I'm having a dilemma here between two different specs of the studio xps 16. And I would like a help from you experts .

1. i5 Processor 430 M with 320GB and 9 cell battery
2. i5 Processor 520 m with 500gb and 6 cell battery

I've already ordered option #1, three weeks ago but now on dell.ca they're offering option #2 for 50$ more. I'm wondering if its worth canceling my order for option #2.

Is there a big difference between the 2 processors, knowing that most of my usage is internet and sometimes video editing + games ?

Thanks guys !

 

If you want to go though the hell of canceling and reordering, getting the upgrades could be worth it

 

Hey, 6gigs is a great option. It means he got 1 4gig dimm The 4gig option may only be 2 2gig dimms, and that'd suck!

Yea even if you want to use matched dimms, at least he can sell that 4gb for a pretty penny

 

Thanks for your advice texaman!

But from what you're saying, I think that sticking to my first option is the best thing, cause I don't wanna start hating on Dell customer service from day 1 !!

Are you satisfied with your laptop regardless all the problems I'm reading in this forum ?

 

I'd probably do the swap. Will you use it on battery much? Will you be annoyed at getting less than 2 hours? (my estimate - not sure of exact figures on 6 cell)

The 520 is a significant enough jump, and the extra 180GB will become useful down the track (or maybe soon if you've got a big media library!)

Can you wait that long to go through the whole process again?

 

Honestly this is the nice-est laptop I have ever owned. Even though I game on it the vent doesn't get hot on the lcd but just warm which I can live with. The laptop looks sexy and the screen is tons nicer then my 24in monitor. And with the 130w ac adapter for some reason I do not get throttling as bad as others say. I am very satisfied (except for the false advertising but thats a whole different issue)

 

Yeah I think I'll be ordering the 130 watt adapter for myself as soon as I get. Thanks for your help man !

 

Hahah, In that case does anyone wanna sell a 4gig/buy a 2gig?

 

Ah, you're right, CPU-Z is misreporting. LGA1156 is a socket for desktop Core iX CPU's.

Intel's Processor Identification Utility also displays the CPU package type on the data tab. It should report it correctly. It can be downloaded here.

 

Intel's Processor Identification Utility v4.22.20100224 reports (under the CPUID Data tab):

Packaging: uPGA/BGA

Chipset ID: 3B03

 

LOL, not much help is it? OK, it seems that you cannot determine the specific socket type of a CPU through software. So my apologies, I assumed you could.

Anyway I would say it's PGA for two reasons. The first is that Dell have not changed the method for processor removal in the service manual. If any of the new Core iX CPU's were soldered in, I'm sure they would have added information to show this in the service manual.

The second is that the quad-core i7s (720QM/820QM) only come in PGA988 form so the SXPS 16 has to offer a pin accepting socket. Considering all the new Arrandales are available in PGA988 form also, it's highly unlikely that they'd change the arrangement of the system board just to allow BGA CPU's.

 

That would be great if it is PGA.. I think there was a SXPS 16 Owner who successfully upgraded his CPU but I can find the posts...