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

I'm not too happy with the Dell 1520 N card, seems like the range is not that great. Am thinking of upgrading to the Intel 6200 but see that there are two versions, one with Vpro and one without? Can anyone recommend which to get?

 

BabyHemi is selling 6300's. Excellent card. see this thread


http://forum.notebookreview.com/com...-ultimate-n-6300-advanced-wireless-cards.html

 

I also have a 6200 that i havent posted yet because im just lazy too

 

Thanks guys. I believe the 6300 is 3x3 where 6200 is 2x2. My router only supports N 300Mbps so 6300 might be overkill until 450Mbps becomes more standard. Also, I am seeing Vpro vs. non-Vpro "Puma Peak" versions of the 6200. Are our 1647's Vpro enabled?

 

I have a question on throtling issue, I was gonna buy a 1640, 1645, or a 1647. Without knowing about the throttling problems. THANK GOD I got a 1647, it seems like that model is getting the least amount of issues.

This is the specs: Studio XPS 1647 : Core i5 540m | 4GB DDR3 | ATI Radeon HD 4670 1GB | 16" RGBLED | Slot Load DVD R/W | 320GB 7.2k | Intel 6250AGN + Bluetooth | 6 Cell |

The question is, with the latest bios, (A06 I believe) Will I need the 130 Watt PSU or can I use a 90 Watt PSU without any problems?

Are there any common problems I should be aware about? Thanks guys.

 

the 90W power supply is sufficient.

for problems, i believe there's this list: (its only MAYBE)
1. screen yellowing at vents
2. GPU throttling
3. speaker crackle (piano and skype mainly)
4. aluminium rim/palmrest sunken
5. FastAccess (facial recognition) using about 10% CPU power

i have none of the problems that the others posted. Hopefully you'll get a perfect one too!

 

lol i love absolute statements like that... the 90w power supply is insufficient for me, when playing even slightly old games (such as COD4) my cpu locks at 11-12 multiplier.

however I have none of the other problems listed in the previous post. i believe when i get my 130w adaptor i may be problem free (crossing fingers that the extra power wont bring me into gpu throttle territory!)

my 2 cents

 

1. screen yellowing at vents
2. GPU throttling
3. speaker crackle (piano and skype mainly)
4. aluminium rim/palmrest sunken

1. I'm guessing it's from the heat?
2. I have no idea why it would do that
3. Wasn't this because of SRS WOW? or some audio software ehancer?
4. oh god why would that happen lol

 

1. Yes, most likely due to heat from vent.
2. GPU throttling occurs when the GPU's temps reach 84C, then the GPU clocks down to cool off, thus causing slow downs in-game. I experience it in Bad Company 2.
3. Some have had success lessening the "crackle" by disabling SRS but that wasn't really a fix. Crackle is most likely caused by internal vibrations of a metal casing (or something along those lines) that's not tightened well. Some have fixed most crackle by tightening some screws inside their system.
4. The silver rim raises up from its position making it look like the palm rest has sunken. This is most likely due to the glue paste that holds the rim down losing its "gluey" properties. This loss of gluey properties is also hastened by the heat generated by the system, causing the rim to rise up.

I would just be happy if the GPU throttling was handled but sadly no word is to be expected anymore from Dell on this one ...contemplating getting a Zalman nc2000 (as, for some reason, the cryo lx is impossible to find)...

 

I would highly recommend an extended in-home warranty for the 1647's. I guarantee you will get your moneys worth out of it. Dell quality is not on par with Apple, Sony, Asus, but their customer service is tops. So far I've had the keyboard replaced twice, once for key non-function and a second for squeaky keys. Now I need my motherboard/GPU replaced because of bad GPU hardware. I am hoping once I get the initial kinks worked out it will last me a few years. I do love it though.

 

I don't have any of the 5 issues listed above either. The 90W may be sufficient if you don't play any games or otherwise work the GPU but why chance it? Is the system still eligible for warranty service? Dell will exchange or provide a 130W adapter free of charge if you call them. No shipping, no exchange fees, completely free, just a bit of your time for the phone call.

 

I have a small issue: sometimes when I hibernate and turn it back on, it often goes to sleep after resuming windows from hibernate. It's not a major issue, but it can be quite annoying when I want to log on right away.

Anyone else have this issue? What's the solution?

 

By the way, I've discovered that the speed limit of my Dell 1520 wireless card seems to max out at 65Mbps. Time for an upgrade.

 

mattXPS if you have nothing useful to say, don't say it. And keep your comment worth at 2 cents and no higher.

I game and sometimes run 2 games at once with no throttling issues. Rest assured all A06 1647 users.

 

i would think the person who asked whether the 90w adaptor was sufficient would want to know that it is not the case for everyone, and if he just took on board that for one user it was sufficient, he might be suprised if his machine throttled under use. was just offering a different opinion

 

On the power supply issue... heres the universal answer....If you plan to play any games at all!!!!!! or running serious rendering such as autocad stuff, 3ds, etc... Opt to get the 130w adapter.....period

 

People, People...... Why spend time asking if you SHOULD or WILL need it... IT IS FREE!

Get one and use it; When you spend good money for a good computer, might as well give it the power it wants..... Just because it is 130watts doesn't mean it somehow forces all of that in the system making it unstable in any way or whatever doubts you may have..

So, here is my 2: GET IT and USE IT, there is not downside doing so.

 

Do you need to send in your current 90W in exchange, or do they send you one free without an exchange?

 

It should be free, I and many others did not send ours back.

 

i'll accept that. But as far as i know, this has already been solved for the 1647 A06. Therefore,

130W Adapter:
1. Hassle to get it replaced
2. False assurance, but assurance nonetheless
3. Extra weight
4. Possible cable misfit
5. Less heat given out

90W Adapter:
1. No need to call Dell, no need to wait for courier etc.
2. Assurance (from those who have no problems with it, e.g. me)
3. Less weight
4. No cable misfit problems.
5. More heat (adapter can get blazing hot, possibly near 90 C)

 

Or, if you're smart, you put up with the hassle, get the 130W, don't return your 90W, and then you have all the power you want at your desk and a nice light adapter while traveling. Best of both worlds.

 

1.not a hassle to get it replaced...just bring up dell chat and tell them that 90w is bad and ask for the 130w...they say sure and its done
2. False assurance? It fixes any power throtleing issues
3. It doesn't weight that much more then the 90w
4. The cable ties up the same way the 90w does...


They are sending them out to fix an issue...I do not know why people do not get them.... the machine is crippled without it when your trying to play games or heavily using the gpu and cpu

 

Yeah, I don't see how anyone can hop on here and argue this really....

 

I've also seen quite a few people say they had to return their 90W or they would be charged. Are there any tips so that they will let you keep both and not get charged?
I haven't tried getting a 130W yet since I haven't had any issues with my 90W, but I wouldn't mind having two.

 

If you take your card off of your account it would be wrong of them to charge you for it... When I had gotten the 130w they wanted me to return the 90w... I honestly do not think it is as big of a deal as others are making it with the size.... You should see the size of my envy's 120w adapter.... its nearly 2.4x as heavy as the 90w adapter from dell and much chunkier then dells 130w slim

 

If my presumption is correct, they will contact you before charging you in the event they REALLY want it back.

I say this because one department thought I did not send back my old when I got my new, when I did. I had confirmed so before they called me about this with a rep I had been working with.

SO....... in the event they want it back or to charge you, I'd be you would get a call first. I wouldn't necc. bet on it, all I can do is guess....

 

Unfortunately I have to send my XPS 16 back because of assemble issues:
-right hinge gap and the two screws, one of them loose, battery too loose, keyboard layout not done well, the aluminium bezel, both corners, front side, is a bit off…I presume the bezel is glued, I do not know… hardware point of view very pleased.
They are going to send me a new one. I decided to pay for Premium Next Business Day Warranty and Accidental Damage Cover for 2 Years, 160€ (just in case) and upgraded Wireless Card Intel Wireless 6300 instead of Intel 6200 (25€ more). ….and the same spec. I still keep the laptop two more weeks till the new one will be ready. I still want XPS 16, I like it.

 

I don't have any tips but I'm one of those who had to return theirs, got a reminder phone call and a letter in the mail both stating i would be charged if i kept the 90w adapter.

Here is some info i posted a while back on my thread about the 1645 i have...
http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...eplacement-sxps-1645-what-do.html#post6151489
NOTE all weights and dimensions are approximate, with the longer cord the 130w is close to 2x heavier than the 90w.

There is a significant difference between the 90w and 130w adapters, the 130w is much larger, heavier and has a longer cord, i've attached a few comparison shots of the two. Now I just need to try some gaming on my laptop this weekend and see how the 130w performs…

90w AC Adapter
PA-3E Family
Model: DA90PE1-00
P/N: WK890
INPUT: 100-240v 1.5A
OUTPUT: 19.5v 4.62A
DP/N 0WK890
146 x 70 x 17 (mm)
8.2 oz
AC adapter plug in portion 3’ long

130w AC Adapter
PA-4E Family
Model: FA130PE1-00
P/N: CM161
INPUT: 100-240v 2.3A
OUTPUT: 19.5v 6.7A
DP/N CM161
154 x 75 x 25.5 (mm)
14.4 oz
AC adapter plug in portion 6’3” long

 

New BIOS released yesterday.

A07 the only info i can find is: Fix S4 long run failed on DC mode with BSOD 9F

 

yeah same info here on the A07 BIOS. I had hoped for performance increases.

 

Hi All,

I am planning to purchase an XPS 1647 soon. I have until the beginning of September before I need to purchase the laptop.

Configuration
i7 720QM
Windows 7 HP 64-Bit
4-6GB DDR3 RAM 1333Mhz
500GB HD 7200RPM
Radeon 4670 1GB

Just wondering if anyone could let me know if it is better to buy it now or just wait another 3 months?

Is there hardware upgrades or a new model coming out? Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

 

I am sure everyone will agree that if you don't really NEED it for another 3 months, might as well wait... Even if the new revision doesn't come, I wouldn't be surprised if you get a better price.. given the rate of how fast tech prices fall today...

 

Does this model have a backlit keyboard?

 

Yes /10char

 

I emailed asking for the 130W power supply replacement and was denied. Here's the response:

Thank you for contacting Dell Warranty Support.

I understand that you would like to have your power adapter replaced with a 130W one since you are experiencing throttling when playing games.

I apologize but is not possible for us to replace the current power adapter with a 130Watt one since the system was designed to run only using a 90W adapter, the 130W adadpter is specifically for the Studio XPS 1645. Also we can only replace parts that are originally shipped with the system.


Also I've tried going to chat, but it says my system (xps 1647) is not eligible for chat support. What?! Anyone else have these problems??

 

Chat is somehow not possible in some countries I think. So ALWAYS call them on phone when you got problems. Then you can get the best result.
Have a look at this: Dell Addresses Throttling for Studio XPS 1647 Customers - Direct2Dell - Blogs - Dell Community
Thats what you can tell the hotline if you got throttling.

 

If you just bought the laptop and have had it less then 4 days Usually the tag number is not in there system yet. call them up instead

 

Hey guys I'm looking at a dell where I can get the i5 430 4gb of ram, 1600x900 display, 1gb 4570, 500gb (7200) for 714.

good deal for this model?

 

I see that both Best Buy & the Microsoft Store are advertising deals on this model. It probably means a refresh is on its way. I wonder if I should jump on the good bargains or wait for the newer models?

 

Yes.. its a good deal for this... I just got one.

 

Got one too!

I have some questions: will this model run cooler than my actual XPS 1640 (P7450,4GB,320GB,ATI 3670,6Cell...) ?
Mine gets pretty hot even when just surfing the web

Also will the battery life be longer (both using 6cell)?

 

man, been waiting for a nice config under a grand. I need to give this some good consideration, too. Seems like a heck of a deal.

I found the MS store discount. Where's the BB sale, in store?

 

Just ordered this XPS 1647 (i5-430M, 4GB, HD4670, 500GB 7200rpm) as well. Too bad it doesn't support switchable graphics, but for this price I'm certainly not gonna be picky.

Anybody could give me some insight about autonomy on this model ? All sites give at least 3 hours, is that correct for surfing use ?

 

I got 2 hours (almost exact) surfing with the 6 cell battery

 

3-4 hrs with the 9 cell battery and also when your doing heavy graphic work make sure you tilt down the screen as half of the vent hits it

 

Thanks for the feedback, the model on sale has a 6-cell battery so I'll tab on 2 hours.

 

I've yet to see this laptop go on sale in store (at least in the system)

Also Matt I think the Microsoft store is selling the 9 cell.

I'm thinking of pulling the trigger. I would prefer to buy from dell for accidental coverage but w/e

 

Can someone with the 9 cell battery tell me how much it actually weighs?

 

I just received my 1647 today. I haven't tested much yet but I already love the build - looks good, strong, solid !

For disambiguation for those who are ordering from the nebulous Microsoft's deal : it's a 6-cell laptop, 64 bit-os (with recovery DVD), Dell Wireless 1520-N, DDR3 graphics memory and provided with the 90W power block.

 

and no leather, if that sort of thing really matters to you. I kind of was hoping for it, but its not a deal breaker. But the smaller battery is. I might just flip it on craigslist. We'll see