XPS 15 (L521X)(2nd version) Owner's Lounge (Windows 8/Wifi 1901/ i7 3632QM)

Started a new thread. I should be getting mine in 2 weeks and will report back.

I will be getting the 8 gb ram, 750gb hard drive, 32 gig msata, and blu-ray drive, 1901 WIFI, i7-3632QM version, that comes stock with Windows 8

Curious on the experience of those that have this 2nd version already or one of the combinations of it. Not people that upgraded to W8 with the first version of the xps 15 521x i7 3612QM version, but people that have the new stock 2nd version.

The point is to figure out and discuss user experience with out the context of the 1st version. It's just too convoluted in that thread now in my opinion. New hardware, new OS.... ???

Interested in things like DVD noise? Battery Life? Nvidia W8 driver compatibility, 1901 Dell WIFI card performance, display, touchpad.. ?

Noticed that the Power box/cable for this is higher, 125 watts(might be mistaken) I think. Any comments on how this affects the system.

 

I have noticed the dvd noise for sure in the one i got. I am hoping it can be something that can be fixed. The strangest thing is when i hear it. Whenever i refocus on itunes the dvd noise is triggered. Hope someone can shed light on this. Otherwise it is a great laptop.

 

Do you have any other issues / most importantly any Wifi problems?

 

hope this is what you wanted, if not just describe what to relay here, just got the W8 Stock 521x, will report back after a while of use, so none of it is knee jerk..

 

great news so far, the wifi not only starts immedeately after sleep, cold boot, hibernate... but it comes stock with UEFI (not sure if that's why it boots so fast).. it boots fast!

I disabled the sd card slot(I don't use it) and it boots about 9 seconds faster... go figure.

Wifi for me so far in the house is great, real time browser is noticeably faster.

It comes with a Dell Power Management option (power options) that I didn't notice before in the windows 7 stock (1st) xps 521x I had.

I will report any issues that arise as time goes on.

I read some one mention that they can't find the webcam to use on this machine, mine pops up and works as it should. I'm not sure what issue they are having. It maybe due to the difference windows8 interacts and is setup... I don't know but the webcam works perfect for me.

 

I had a great experience with Terry B at Dell, they are swapping out my problematic L521X that I upgraded from Windows 7 to 8 and am going to be getting the new version of the XPS 15 with a new Win 8 model. I will be getting it in about two weeks, and will post my experiences with it.

 

anyone with the xps 521 v2 try it with an intel 6235, is the wifi better?

 

Potential buyer waiting for review before pulling the trigger.
Also any throttling issues? Kinda disheartened by the amount of issues the first one had, but it seems perfect for what I want (specs). Hope V2 fixes them!

 

Elvis, I'm waiting for mine as it is still provided with the 6235N in France. I'll post wifi testing results as soon as I can.

 

No wi fi issues. Besides the dvd click noise my only major annoyance is that it seems to increase the fan speed when i lock the computer. When i unlock it spins back down. I use this as a work machine so i am constantly stepping away and locking the computer. Could also be a windows 8 thing. Minor stuff mostly, overall pretty statisfied with it.

 

Throttling IS hardware related (pipes, fan, configuration) and hardware IS same as in v.1...

 

So the new cpu is not hardware? I'm confused.

 

bwa ha ha - yes - the cpu is updated hardware - the dell 1901 WLAN card is different hardware (I can't say whether it's updated or not as I don't have one to play with) - but what goodwill was referring to I think was the surrounding hardware.

I can't say for sure as there's no way for me to look at one of the new units, but if someone had both and could pull off the bottom cover they could see pretty quickly whether there was any other significant hardware differences.

Regarding wifi performance that would not necessarily show anything usefully different (other than the wifi card itself) unless it is obvious that they changed the routing of the wifi antenna leads. The most meaningful difference to the wifi performance I believe should come from the display/lid hardware, which is not easy to disassemble.

disclaimer: there are other factors contributing to wifi performance drag for sure, that are mainboard/lower-unit based, but again I doubt it easy to identify meaningful differences as a consumer looking at the system board.

 

I received mine yesterday and 1st thing I wanted to do is a Win8 fresh install.
But unfortunately this is nearly impossible for me: I get several bluescreens (well...in Win8 it is no longer a bluescreen but the OS does not boot).
It always happens after installing Intel Rapid Storage and/or the Bluetooth/Wireless driver for the Dell 1901 Card.

I have really no idea what the problem might be. Any thoughts?

 

Are you installing win8 on spinning hdd or msata sdd?

I've seen someone here post up (other l521x thread I think) about getting Rapid Storage working with Win8 but haven't bothered myself since my OS is on SSD now.

And to be clear, you're saying that if you do NOT install Rapid Storage but you install the bluetooth support for the 1901 you get the same problem?

 

I have the factory installed msata and an additional SSD installed. I am doing an clean install again and try to install the bluetooth driver before the RST to see if it works then.

 

If you've replaced your system drive with an SSD there is nearly-to-no use in using the Rapid Storage support to cache the big SSD with the small SSD. The only benefit I could see would be if the big SSD you put in is only SATA-2 ... but even then the theoretical use would be dramatically minimal.

If I were you I'd either change the BIOS to use the mSATA SSD in AHCI mode and just use it as more storage, or remove it altogether.

 

Intel RST doesn't work if you have an SSD as your main drive, there wouldn't be a point anyway.

Also, you have to install Windows on the drive with the IDE controller set to the setting that you're planning on using in the future (RST/RAID, AHCI, IDE) because they use different drivers and Windows can fail to boot if you don't. You are meant to disable the accelerator drive in the RST software, then reinstall windows, then re-enable RST in the software. Not change the BIOS setting. Changing the IDE controller mode after installing Windows can make your system unbootable.

P.S. I don't think a 100Mhz CPU bump and different (and inferior) Wi-Fi card requires a separate thread, the hardware is basically the same as are apparently the problems with this model.

 

Quix, it'd be fine to me to have discrete threads ... but it sure seems like the only things different are the cpu/wifi/os ... would really be great if someone ended up with one of each that could do a bit of a tear-down comparison.

 

Ok guys, just received the l521x "2nd version" after sending back the "1st version". WiFi performance is THE SAME as the old one: 4/5 meters away from the router = no signal or unreliable connection.

 

What a disaster

 

Yeah, don't know what to do now.... I cannot believe Dell is keeping selling it....

 

If the first one didn't work for you for the wifi, then it seems like you need to return it and get your money back.

That sucks.

 

@Tom44 - How about throttling? Is that resolved? I ordered one several days ago before learning about the issues.

 

Hi mccoycmw, for my use (video editing, adobe lightroom and office/internet = no gaming...) I never noticed throttling in both machines. So I cannot help you about that, sorry. Anyway, keep in mind that I've always ordered the i5 + 630m version, not the i7 + 640m...

 

Thanks for the feedback. I ordered the i7 + 640m, 16GB ram, 512 SSD, Windows 8 with the Dell 1901. I should get it in December. I will try NFS Most Wanted at Medium Setting to see how it does. Also, I hope the Wifi works well.

Mc

 

I will c0derbear, as soon as the new one will be in my hands, it has been shipped today, so more few days to wait to make a true wifi comparison with the previous one and my wife's MacbookPro. My Dell rep normally planned the exchange in the way that I will have the v1 and the v2 in my hands at the same time for few days. Let's hope this will happen.

 

I'm in the same case, if my new one won't fix this, I think I will ask Dell to switch to a Latitude 14", not the same machine but still a pretty good one.

 

I receiced mine on thursday. Did a fresh Win8 install and now testing....
first - but what you all know - the build quality is impressive and the screen is really great!

The wifi is really not great indeed but for me needs it`s ok. I only use my laptop at home and I´ll get wifi in every room. So that`s fine.

I am about to install BF3 today to see what will happen regarding throtteling.

 

So no visible grid lines on the screen?

 

Ah ah! Awesome! Now it doesn't even boot! It's stuck at Dell logo..... I cannot tell you how angry I am. I waited months after the first unit return and now the new unit is even worst. On monday I'll call for a return. Can you give me some advice on notebook alternatives? A serious one....

 

Why Dell should stop to selling it, if even people that are aware of issues continue to buy it or buy it back...

The truth is that there isn't a second version of L521x, so this is a simple update of CPU and with a WI-Fi card replaced by a Dell product so no more WiDi, but Wi-Fi card swap is a solution (suggested by Dell support) already done by many users without any improving.

 

Yes, lesson learned!

PS: (non ricordo la tua "storia" ma alla fine con quale portatile hai sostituito l'xps 15?)

 

My story started with L521x but I gave up because known issues.(price 1500€)

I have pointed on Envy 17, unfortunately it seems that only 7 units were sold in Italy and now HP has discontinued Envy line. (price 1100€)

I have pointed Asus U500VZ/UX51VZ, but after that I have discovered that it's not upgradeable (just like rMBP) specially in storage, screen with low color space coverage (very near to orangegate), some throttling problem and considering that is tested and reviewed with temps more lower than the concurrents (this is not right), adding the very high price then I gave up (price 1700€).

I have considered Sony S15, but with new version with Windows 8, BIOS MOD is no more working (with this mod it was possible to have the performance of a GTX660m without overheating), also if you replace the standard HDD with a SSD, it will work with SATA2 speed, same screen of Asus (price 1300€).

So now I'm considering the Gigabyte P2542G, the only problem is that it isn't sold in Italy, but it's possible to buy it in Germany or UK (Amazon) (price 1370€)

 

Hmm, weird, I haven't had any issues yet, not able to test the throttling yet and interested in those that do have time to describe/document it so we can see with this new version. My wifi is great so far, not overheating(yet), no screen grid issue (that isn't the same in all laptops with similar screen variables....)

Loving it so far, not able to spend as much time as I'd like with it yet, admittedly. It seems this thread though is beginning to be inundated with people that do not actually own this new version while at the same time bashing it... kinda odd.

Looking forward to more seasoned users feedback with this machine as time goes on...

 

Well, I can tell you the same: maybe YOU are one of those who not actually own the "new" version! Personally I've sent back the 1st version, waited almost 2 months for the 2nd version, talked with Dell people on their community forum and, by their answer, ordered a 2nd version. The situation is the same, speaking of wifi reception/performance. Could you please try the wifi 10 meters away from the access point with some walls in between? Try connecting and if successfull, try running speedtest.net. Write back also the router model....

 

Yup, if there was a new revision it would be the L522x. I recommend everyone who has one return it, and if you're looking to buy one, don't. That's the only way to send a message to Dell. Truth be told this no longer affects me, I have a properly working laptop. I just feel bad for you guys.

 

At home I get full speed, 18 mb down on wifi at 10 meters... router is Actiontech V2000H

 

flys to honey, I feel bad for those still experiencing problems. I'm done posting here unless I run into problems, so if I don't continue to post it's because my machine is still perfect compared to the w7 version with the weaker cpu/different wifi card and who know's what else internal rearranging they did on this w8 stock version for my experience to be good thus far.

 

Hi, as it has been already written, a good testing should not be done with your internet connection but on your local network, for instance, by downloading a big file between 2 computers, your nas, etc.

I'm still getting 13 Mb/s in internet download with my v1 L521x, but on my local network, I'm still getting 13 Mb/s where another computer downloads at 54 Mb/s because it can't do more (G mode only).

 

I received my new L521X three days ago, I previously owned a L502X which I had for just over a year and thought was a great machine with everything I needed in a laptop, great speakers/subwooffer, WiDi, screen, touch pad etc. Unfortunately after a year I kept getting BSOD issues. 5 very frustrating months later which involved sending the L502X away to be repaired, support calls and software changes it was decided the only option left was to upgrade to this new machine.

Pros: I love the new design, thin, strong feel. Great screen with no lines, cool temps, fast and quite unlike my old system.

Cons: Sound not as good as the L502X but still better than most other notebooks Ive heard

No WiDi as ive the new wifi 1901 installed, Is there any way I can add a second card that is WiDi capable?

ISP speeds are not as good as old system http://www.speedtest.net/result/2332427086.png. Distance from router approx 6m in another room.

Accidental activations of the touchpad while typing, no keyboard shortcut to turn off the touchpad

Not time to test the throttling issue yet

 

re: 2nd wifi WiDi support

I doubt it, but it may be coming...had to say

intel msg about usb widi device

anandtech on intel widi 3.5

 

What a shame seeing as it was incorporated in my old L502X. I now have a £80 push to TV box doing nothing

 

You could try getting one of the various intel parts to replace your 1901 wifi with ... it is an easy swap.

I seriously doubt it would meaningfully change the wifi performance of your machine ... but fair warning that I obviously could be wrong there!

 

As it has been said on the other thread, if the L521x v2 doesn't indeed exist, shouldn't we close this thread?

 

I just got a message from Terry B of Dell who is working on this issue and based on that I think you should keep the thread going. Here's what he said:

"I do have some information regarding the XPS L521X. Current systems shipping out of the factory for North American customers are shipping with Windows 8 and the DW 1901 wireless card.Engineering has informed me that there are a number of hardware fixes other than the wireless card designed to reduce signal noise forWIFI reception. They are still working on tweaks to increasingly improve wireless performance.

I certainly suggest continuing to look at the forums where we start receiving reports from users with the Windows 8 system and see if they are getting better WIFI performance."

 

I returned my L521X due to terrible screen quality (grid lines, gamut, temperature). I did try a Macbook Pro Retina for a few hours, but for a Windows user I felt it was not well suited to my preferences, even though the screen was glorious.

I have since ordered a Dell Precision M6700 with IPS RGB screen from the Dell Outlet. it's bigger, heavier and more money, but more powerful and with greater expansion potential and hopefully will be better suited to my needs, especially where the screen is concerned. From my research I think it is the only option out there which will fully satisfy me. The size and weight are a disappointment, the cost less so, but nothing i choose will be without compromise so it's a question of identifying the least unpalatable compromises. I am expecting delivery tomorrow.

 

Is it possible to install Windows 7 on this laptop?

 

Surely.

You just need installation media.

Dell has all the drivers needed for that online.

You'll need to do a clean install though, there's no "upgrade install" for Win7 that is going to consume a Win8 machine.

 

Had mine for about a month now (maxed out config) and I've been really happy with it except for the wifi issues. Performance is solid, not 100% sure what the throttling issue you guys are talking about is but it plays demanding games well on both AC and battery.

But yeah, rooms on the other side of the building from the router in both my office and home have very slow speeds.
What I find odd is that at my office it works great for about 2 hours before dropping down to unusable speeds.

I guess I'll keep an eye out for these dell tweaks? But if anyone knows of someone who has replaced their wifi card, I'd love to get some firsthand knowledge about what card they put in and what kind of performance difference they saw. I have a pretty good understanding of computers and I know sometimes you can only upgrade wifi cards in laptops to certain models, or not at all, but I really have no idea how this particular laptop is restricted. I'd love to get a Bigfoot card, something like this but if it's not going to work, or really improve anything.. well.