XPS 15 (L521X) Owner's Lounge

I agree it's got to be a driver issue but my win7 load was from scratch with the latest dell drivers and was exhibiting the same behavior as the other wifi issues, disconnects and horrible speeds. With this I'm thinking there may be hope yet in a software fix as the only driver difference between my broken win7 install and my working win8 is that I'm using the built in intel graphics driver rather than the dell one.

Lantest shows a sustained 65-70 Mbps to my gigabit wired desktop via 5Ghz N too, not the rated speeds but definitely acceptable.

 

Okay... got some tests done. I used files from support.dell.com. May be able to get some updated drivers tomorrow. I still need to try the A09 BIOS. After I installed the latest NVIDIA GT 640m driver, it checked on NVIDIA.com automatically, and said there was a later version of the GT 640m driver. I downloaded it but did not install it yet.

I updated the BIOS from A01 -> A06. I updated the Intel 6235N driver, then I updated the Intel HD4000 graphics driver, followed by the NVIDIA GT 640m. Will come back tomorrow and specify driver versions tomorrow

I ran speedtest at every interval... sitting in the study that's a good 30 - 40 feet from my Linksys EA 4500 router or so.

With the A01, was only able to get 2Mbps on speedtest. Updating to A06 got me into 4Mbps... The updated 6235N driver actually slowed things a bit. The updated Intel HD4000 driver caused sporadic performance. At some points, I got over 3Mbps.... would try a minute later and get throughput as slow as .30 Mbps or so. After installing the updated NVIDIA driver, performance was improved... fluctuating anywhere from 4 all the way up to 6.5 Mbps. Streamed Netflix for about 20 mins without problem. Wireless throughput fluctuated a bit, but usually stayed around 54Mbps, according to Win 7's network performance monitor.

 

My x521l is still in production so i guess it is being built. when i receive it, i will test its speed and etc, then test this x521l, then swap this x521l's hdd with the other one's and test etc to see if indeed the fix was hardware or software.

Also to note, i was able to get 120mbps write speed ,68 read ,on a 5gh N only wifi to my pc with gigabit nic (wired) linksys e4200 using lanspeed test.

 

I called Dell Support and he couldn't download either. It seems Dell web site has some problem connecting their own replicates inside its network.

I tried IE and Chrome. It's not a browser issue.

 

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If you have not noticed yet, the newest nVidia driver (which is from nVidia, not Dell) actually slows down the graphical performance as Windows Performance Index shows. Before update I have 7.1 for both graphics indexes but after it goes down to 6.5 or so. I forgot the exact figure as I reverted back to the Dell version. Whether it has anything to do with wifi, I didn't test.

 

Hey everyone. I just got my l521x today and noticed the wifi issue right away. i've read through the threads and see a lot of people saying their wifi is fine while others arent. first thing i did was look up the newest drivers. installed with no luck (yes i removed the old drivers first). so i started digging through here and decided i would try upgrading the bios to a06. well turns out mine came with a09...so...anyways, is everyone having wifi problems for both 2.4 and 5ghz? for 2.4ghz i have a network connection at 54mbp consistently (as it should be) but with 5ghz i have a hard time even connecting to the network. and when i finally can connect it jumps around from 3 to 54mbps. i have to be RIGHT next to the router to get 300mbps.

 

Oh damn, when did you order it? D:

 

Hi guys! For anyone looking for the A09 BIOS here's a link to the Dell FTP site: ftp://ftp.dell.com/pages/Drivers/Laptops/XPS/XPS 15 (L521x)/index.html

I am looking for a little help. Anyone know how I can roll back to the A04 bios? Cannot stand this minimal battery life, but if not I'll just continue to wait paitiently for the release of A11...

 

Does this mean that graphic drivers influence wireless performance

What kind of interference is this?

 

To be honest, I'm not sure... what I can say is that when I work with folks at Dell, BIOS, Wi-Fi and video drivers are all things that are being updated.

 

Don't have an actual ETA, but I'll keep folks informed about the A11 BIOS rev as soon as I know it's available.

 

I was reading the XPS 14 Ultrabook forum. Seems they have the same issues on that model. Probably a common theme on all of Dell's ultra thin computers. It's really a shame. I remember learning about the Ford Edsel in school and what it did to the company (miserable failure 1958-1960). I feel like we are going through something similar here. Could this be the beginning of the end of the XPS brand? It probably will be for many customers, whether or not it survives Dell's management.

I have been trying to have a working computer for 2 months. I've migrated to my back-up latptop, then to the L521x, back to the back-up, back to the "fixed" L521x and back to the back-up computer. It certainly has affected the work I need to accomplish on my computer. One thing I've learned: I care more about a functioning computer than any fancy case, sleek design, or ultra-thinness. Why should I spend a premium fee for this? I can get a functioning computer for much less. And do I want to risk trying Dell again? I don't know. This has been a complete fiasco. Whatever the reason management decided to release a defective product, how can I be sure they won't do it again?

 

To follow up on Lionel's comment, we're also looking to implement the updated A11 BIOS for the L521x systems at the factory.

 

Hi, just to understand, the A11 BIOS will solve all the wifi issues???? So, you've found the problem?

 

Now We have 2 dell reps keeping us informed. I feel special:thumbsup:

 

The xps line ended with the xps 502... I had the first xps m1530.. it looked amazing, came with so many awesome features and extras(finger print reader, touch keys,media direct,loads of software and a nice laptop case/sleeve)..

Then i had the studio xps 1645. It wasnt as good looking as the m1530 but it was still nice and had a few features (fast access facial recognition,touch keys,mobile card/gps slots and an ok laptop sleeve that can be used to clean the screen)

then i had the xps x521l... No extras with it, look like the macbook pro, no touch keys or free slots, no security hardware or software,smallest keyboard ever...

in my opinion, the xps line no longer stands out, the only thing it still has in common with its origins is the power it packs but with throttling, it doesnt matter..

 

I would really appreciate knowing what issues the A11 Bios addresses so I can make an informed decision as to download or not.

Of interest to me is:

1) The common wifi issue
2) The dvd drive ejecting noise, random and when inserting or removing a usb drive.

Thanks

 

For #2, you can insert a disc into the slot drive and you won't hear it anymore (just a temporary workaround, hopefully). I hear this noise too and it drives me crazy.

 

FYI : MSATA Deal

256GB Crucial M4 mSATA SATA III MLC Solid State Drive (CT256M4SSD3) $170 + Free shipping
256GB Crucial M4 mSATA SATA III MLC Solid State Drive (CT256M4SSD3) $170 + Free shipping - Newegg Deals, Coupons and Promos
Laptop & Desktop Memory: 8GB (2x4GB) G.Skill Ripjaws DDR3 1600 $35, 16GB (2x8GB) G.Skill Ares DDR3 1600 $60, 16GB (2x8GB) G.Skill DDR3 1600 $65 & More + Free Shipping - Newegg Deals, Coupons and Promos


Thoughts:
1599 Model with 32GB of Msata, 750GB HD 7K, 8 GB of RAM
$180 256 Msata + 75 16 GB Ram= $255
1599+255=1854
or
1999 Model
128Msata, 1tb HD 5K, 16 GB of RAM.


Thoughts?

 

Condorll,

I'm not sure of all the issues the update will address but I do not know it will address the wifi issue. I will post more info as I receive it.

Thanks for your patience,
Mourin

 

@Mourin
Thanks for the A11 notice! Looking forward to it! But I sure hope there was a typo in your last message, and that the update WILL indeed address the Wifi issue. Fingers X'd

 

Aside from the Wifi issue, the other main issue that needs to be addressed is the CPU/GPU throttling. The DVD drive is something that can wait IMO.

 

Will you tell me, why Mr DELL keeps selling faulty premium laptops? As far as I see 4 of 5 laptops are faulty and Dell is aware of this issue but still does business with them pretty good. It is so desperate of making money?
I have second replacement, it’s been a month now since received and a "Dell Rep. director" from India refused me the entire refund, he said just a part of it. I will keep it to see when dell will fix at least the Wi-Fi issue.

 

Much like others I have purchased this system with the hopes that all problems were fixed, needless to say...

Unfortunely, my headaches have come from Dell Support and Cares and less Wifi.

So Mourin - before I go on my next round of conversations with Support are you saying that the new Bios has ben confirmed by Dell to at least address the WiFi issue. If this is NOT the case - please clarify. Basically, why should we believe you? Respectifully - It just sets up more undelivered promises.

Thank you for your attention

 

Did they refund part of your purchase price for the trouble?

 

I dunno, but I'm pretty sure Mourin didn't claim to know if it fixed anything, nor implied that it addressed the wifi at all.

Maybe I'm dense though, it's been a long day.

 

As most companies out there, the bottomline is what matters at the end of the day. However, it's preposterous to continue selling faulty PREMIUM machines like Dell has (I could maybe expect this from Acer or something of that sort ), but further alienating their own customers by refusing to acknowledge or fail to provide working solutions (i.e. numerous BIOS updates A04, 06, 09!) simply angers the "mob" further...and they're growing in size (because sales continue...)

Come through Dell, award winning CS, let's see what you're made of!

 

Not dense and I agree with your comment - I have had a long one also. My comment was not meant to be mean - just very simply - it seems that many people have been putting their trust in the Bills, and now Lionel and Mourin - and taking a leap of faith to buy the machine with hopes that it works as it should. For the most part, that has not been the case - myself included.

At this point now matter how honest and well intended - much of the responses from Dell reps. in this post have been like a mirage - you can see it and when you reach for it - it is gone.

 

Lionel and Mourin:

First, thanks for getting involved with the forum. Anyway, some people have heard from various Dell reps over the phone that the wifi fix was implemented at the factory on September 12th. There's a bit of evidence that this could be true, as a few people who ordered non pre-built systems after the 12th have reported perfect wifi. To be clear: is this true, false, or are you not sure? Or was there an improvement on the 12th, but it's still being worked on?

Thanks.

 

ok so im getting a prebuilt system and not a new one with the fix? any way of actually knowing?


XPS L521X (BTX)
Status: Shipped

Estimated Delivery Date: Order Shipped
Tracking Number: Information not available
Shipped On: 03/10/2012
Shipping Method: Canada Standard
Order Date: 01/10/2012

 

Hi guys, A11 is up on Dell's site but when I tried to download I got an error message

 

You should be able to get a refund through the social media support team. You can reach them on Facebook, Dell Forums via PM, or Twitter (@DellCares). I'm pretty sure they'll just give you a full refund, restocking fee waived with not many questions asked. Worth a shot. There's a little "Support" link on the Dell Facebook timeline up at the top.

Dolemite65, FKA Dell-Bill_B

 

Bill your back (in non-dell form!) Have dell offered you your job back with a 200% pay rise yet?

 

Ha! No. I think they're going to try to go it alone. I can certainly empathize with Lionel right about now.

 

Sorry everyone, I had a pretty big typo. Too much typing today and not enough proofreading...what I meant to say "what I DO know is that it will address the wifi issues and that I am not entirely sure about the others. Again, I'll keep the updates coming as i get them.

HEY BILL!

 

if it does truly address the wifi issue your my hero and I will shed a tear for the months of pain finally gone...Aside from the wifi Mourin have you heard anything about the grid lines on LCD from engineering I recall Bill said Dell was going to look into it...thanks again for your help...

 

The Legend Returns

 

now it would be nice if we could download this mystical A11 bios as well as the new nvidia drivers. Just keeps saying driver not found. Was able to get the new intel 4000 ones but don't know if it made any difference.

Also I am still on bios A04 as i found this has the best battery life as I don't game. Will be interesting to see he A11 goes.

 

OHHHH BIOS A11 is out!!! Once you guys are available to download it (this seems to happen with every new driver), please report if it fixes the wi-fi. If it does i will finally be able to press the buy button after months of waiting

 

It's visible on the web site, but no way to download it for me. Tried with 2 computers from my company network. It may work on the FTP probably but I don't know the FTP path.

 

Tried via ftp and ftp1 as well without success. It doesn't look like the file has posted yet.

 

All the urgent drivers under "Video" and the new A11 BIOS have broken download links.... Please Dell, fix it....

 

YAY! A11!! Well, almost... still can't download it, but the fact that it is on the website is a good thing. I'm looking for it to fix the wifi and my poor battery life! I will download it as soon as I can and let you know how well it performs, stay tuned..

 

Anyone going to this?

Dell World 2012

Those Freakonomics guys are guest speakers. I wish they would talk about some statistics of the failing XPS line. I'm a little surprised this issue hasn't been picked up by some online news publication yet (that I know of).

 

> failing

?

I'd love to hear numbers sold vs returned

I haven't been keeping count either, but how many individuals have reported issues with the machine here + dell forums - 30? - 40?

I'm betting the latter number is a small fraction of the overall.

My impression is that most people in the world having time being motivated enough to brush their teeth, much less get on and report problems with their PC.

 

A11 file download now works: Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States]

 

Works for me as well.

Fixed my nVidia problem, improved my Windows Experience Score. Will post later when I have a chance to eval wifi and battery life.

 

I have it downloaded, but will install in the next hour. I like the report so far though! I must say, even though I'm sure all of us agree that these problems should never have happened, however, I am impressed with Dell's motivation and persistence to fix the problem.

 

I would say this is thanks to you, US lucky guys, who can sue Dell with a class action. I think this is a great motivation !

 

That is probably part of it, but they are very lucky no one has yet!
Off to install A11!