XPS 15 (L521x) Round Up: Issue Status, Tips & Tricks, Resources

L521X W7 Roundup

Commonly Found Issues: (User Reported)
Wifi Fidelity: Speed & Range Wifi-LAN

Good for internet browsing: Primarily issue for Wifi LAN transfer
Further testing is needed
Current Solution:
Reach out to Dell Social to get a Wifi Dongle (possibly US Only)
Software: Bios & Driver Updates
General thoughts: Most people do not do large LAN Transfers over wifi thus may have no issues.​

Screen Grid Issue: Lines on the Screen

Not all screens affected
Subjective
Current Solution: None ?
Known good Screens: (possibly)
6985X1 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY. –AseaWright​

Random DVD Click: some users affected

When I boot the computer the DVD player makes an unpleasant noise -moeone​

Solution Unknown

Tips & FYI:
Downgrading Bios Firmware: Unable to downgrade firmware once updated.

Backup your data
A06 can only downgrade to A04​

Disable Bluetooth “turn off” -remove the bluetooth driver and support application.

The bluetooth control via the Mobility Center doesn't actually give you control of that radio vs the wif- C0debear​

UEFI Info: USB Drive Legacy Boot USB drive will not work under UEFI. –Krayziehustler
SSD Upgrade: SRT with mSata + SSD is generally considered useless.

Install the OS on the SSD and use the mSata for Data/Storage​

128mSata: If you have 128 + 1TB 5K HD

I recommend installing the OS on the 128 mSata and use the 1tb for Data
Select AHCI for mSATA​

Upgrading Ram: You will have to completely disable the notebook because there are 2 RAM slots, one is behind the motherboard. FYI Max Ram is 16 GB.

Use Teardown guide/user guide​

Windows 8: Upgrading to windows 8 Requires UEFI Boot
Screen washed out Colors Mobility Center (windows-x) and turn the Default display color from "splendid" to "generic" -c0debear

Resources
User Guide: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsL521x/en/om/en_om.pdf

Includes Tear Down​

Intel Responsiveness Tech: PDF Guide
Hardware Checker: hw64_402.rar -Codred2

Bios:
Bios A11: A11
Bios A12: A12]

Win8 VS Win7 Version: Known Differences
Windows 7 ---> Windows 8
i7-3612QM ---> i7-3632QM
Intel Advanced-N 6235 ---> Dell Wireless 1901

No WIDI​

Drivers:
Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States]
ftp://ftp.dell.com/pages/Drivers/Laptops/XPS/XPS 15 (L521x)/index.html

Accessories bought by Owners:
Neoprene Sleeve for 15" MacBook Pro by Incase

 

Wifi Issue Deep Dive

Wireless issues Notes:

Poor performance on 2.5ghz Networks​

Solutions:

Use a Dualband AP with 5Ghz N​

 

Throttling Issue Deep Dive

 

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