XPS 1640/1645/1647 heat vent issue

You know. I'm slightly confused with you here Electrosoft. A 920XM? That doesn't even come on any of the SXPS16 models. Not that I don't mind your input, but just to get it clear, you are giving the basis of your opinion from other models you currently/previously owned?

 

The 920XM was available very briefly for the 1645, and you could always upgrade to one although with the heating/power issues I won't do that.

 

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause any confusion. I put the 920XM in myself. I have a few on hand, so I had to try it out to see how the SXPS 16 handled it. This was with a Outlet 1645 received on Monday (3/22/2010).

Unlike the 1747, when i tried the 920XM that required basically removing the system board to gain access to the CPU socket, the SXPS is insanely straight forward. I was rather happy with the ~10 minute job versus the 30-40min+ "fun time" of the 1747 (FYI 920XM works in the 1747 too).

It handles WoW fine, but I'm running into my first throttling/heating issue with the 920XM running a custom client app for line transactions that is pretty CPU heavy. I'm looking more into it atm.

 

WoW I hardly doubt would be an issue in stressing the CPU & GPU. But, wow, I wish I had a few 920XM's "on hand". You know I didn't know they sold the 1645 on Dell Outlet either. (Actually they still don't on the Dell Outlet U.S.) But, its fine. I was just mainly curious.

 

I did have a few 920XMs, but now one is in the 1645 and the last is waiting for me to lock down a B+RG 1745 for my fellow WoW addict to replace his 1737. I had it listed on eBay, but he wanted one too and that was that.

They do sell them on the Dell US Outlet, but when they are out of stock/short supply, for some reason Dell removes the entire 1645 as an option under the search by model option. I know with the recent coupons, their supply of 1747's/1645's has been pretty lean for the better models (RGBLED / B+RG and/or 820qm models). Sometimes you have to search differently to find systems. I'll search for Studio 1747 or 1645 and it says they have none. I then search by i7 1600 or 1730 and BOOM they pop up. The opposite can also happen. I'll search by CPU type and nothing. Search for a specific system type and systems with that CPU pop up. I just happen to be doing a search of, "i7 1600" CPUs and this one popped up and the price I went, "Well, worst thing they will do is cancel/delay it." But next thing I knew it shipped the very next day and it arrived in immaculate physical condition (standard sloppy recert not withstanding. Read below).

As for the throttling issue, it was solved. I have one of those gel keyboard wrist supporter things, but I use it instead to stabilize and elevate the rear of my laptops. The rear legs usually sink in/mesh with the gel rest and the bottom of it is mildly sticky so it locks down the laptop into place a bit and gives it an additional ~1" of clearance. While cleaning, the woman accidentally moved the laptop itself backwards and the gel wrist rest then blocked the intake vent. I was going to notch it up to the custom apps I was testing, but then I went to go do some light farming in WoW and the fan was almost immediately in ultra high mode and temps were in the 80's for the CPU which wasn't right. I flipped on the light and took a looksy and noticed the gel wrist rest. With the 9-cell battery elevating it more than enough as is, I just went ahead and took it off for now.

Temps returned to sanity land and the custom app ran no problems with CPU temps in the high 70's.

In 5 mans even, WoW pegs my CPU to 65w and it stays there during gaming and temps stay right around 76ish. It's no Prime95 8 core max heat deathmatch though.

System passed Furmark. I left it running for 20 min. Max temp = 78. Fan was definitely busy.

So far, I am really pleased. Outside of the, "firehouse? Meet thermal compound," application, the loose screw on the GPU and the bulging underside cover due to whoever recertified the system not threading the cables properly causing them to not sit recessed and the inside flush and the back left side to bulge out (fixed it all myself), I really don't have any solid complaints that are anywhere near a dealbreaker (especially with the E-Sata/USB port on the right side ).

The left palmrest / lower keyboard can get a smidge toasty after gaming for a few hours.

Oh, and the DIMM slots. I tried to install a pair of Kingstom HyperX DDR3 SODIMMs, but the bottom slot is next to a capacitor(?) and the heatsink on the DIMM module couldn't clear and wouldn't sit flush (causing the left retention bracket to not fully lock) and actually made contact with the capacitor, so I didn't even bother trying and just moved back to the stock 1333 CL9 ram that shipped with it. Pity, as the pair run very cool and flawless. Ah well.

 

Or better.... Open up the top as the same as the below..... One can blow air upwards and the other can blow it outwards through the existing "5-vents"???

 

I just finished reapplying as5 on my cpu and gpu. Before I had done this the cpu temp was pretty high. It would idle around 53c-60c and under some gaming it would get to excess of 85c. This is even with a cheap laptop cooler underneath it. I am now very happy. The compound they put on there was everywhere. Alot of excess around the side. Cleaned it off put on as5 and much better. Now it idles around 44c-52c and gaming I have seen it spike to about 65c. With no cheap laptop cooler. This is even before the breaking in period. I recommend everyone to get this done. Its a breeze to do.

 

I just spent an hour online with Dell on our heat/throttle issue and they are sending me out a replacement "with like or better specs" than my 1645 720qm 4670 Wled....

Will let you guys know what they replace it with in case others with heat issues(everyone) wants a better machine.

 

Please do.... If they are putting in the 5730 then i have no reason to wait.... I m calling DELL the next second after your confirmation post that is.......

 

I would but, (1) I don't want to void the warranty for tinkering with the machine, (2) I don't want to have to pay for something that should have been done right the first time, (3) I would want this fix to be provided by DELL if they can be counted responsible.

 

Bill from Dell had mentioned in another thread that it wouldn't void your warranty, but I *completely* agree with you that we should not have to do this in the first place. Even with AS5, temps are better, but it's not a full fix.

 

Totally agree...but honestly, at this rate, I don't think this problem will ever be solved. I don't even think our friends from Dell even visit this thread any more...

 

I'd recommend MX-3 over AS5. No conductivity, No curing time, easier application and equal if not better temps.

And while I agree you shouldn't have to fix their slop work in the first place, sometimes it is just easier to fix it yourself and get it right.

 

Couldn't find it at the egg, which sucks. Where did you get yours, if you don't mind me asking?

 

Do you know where he said that? I would just like to keep that as proof in case something happens and dell tells me that my warranty is voided due to my changing the thermal paste

 

peste,

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=462021&page=6

Piece o' cake to change it out.

 

so could you get a dell tech to come reapply the thermal paste for you if you're a bit wary, and would prefer them be in charge of fixing things rather than having to do it yourself?

 

Fleabay of course....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Arctic-Cooling-...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3efe3568c9

 

Ok well i did all that and at first it was all good. Now im back to the thing getting hot. I talked to dell through Tech chat. They are sending a dell xps tech to me to replace the mother board, heatsinks and fan. More than likely i have a feeling that because of the bad design they have done for cooling. (They need to take some notes. They should have left out the vga and picked either mini display port or hdmi. And placed a nice vent there.) Anyway i will let you guys know what happens once i get it done in the next 3 days.

BTW i am just sitting here with this thing on my lap just browsing the web listening to some music. The temp it at like 66-71. About to play some games and see if i can't blow this thing up. wish for a fire.

 

First things first.....get it off your lap and onto a flat, even surface.

 

He's kind of right there. That obstructs air-flow typically and doesn't provide for an entirely valid reading.

 

First off i have it on my lap with a cooling fan underneath it. Second off the point of a damn laptop is for it to be portable and usable anywhere. I don't want to have to sit at a table or use a damn laptop fan just to use the thing. Not the reason i got a laptop.

 

I should have never gotten rid of my lenovo. I could put that on top of a pillow and it would have no problems. Side vents help alot.

 

We go through this every couple of weeks it seems. Someone complains and people point out that this machine isn't really designed well for use on your lap. There's some back and forth hand-wringing and then ... quiet.

A month or so ago we had a Dell representative (Dell-Bill) actually flat out state that the term 'laptop' is a holdover and no longer valid for any systems of this caliber. Frankly it's a shame they even use the term on the Dell website. Realistically the 1645 ought to be called at worst a notebook and at best a "desktop replacement."

 

I couldn't agree more n3verm0re...

 

Might ask for a return if this fix they have coming doesn't do anything.Its ashame. Other wise this is prob my favorite laptop i have ever owned. And man does it move.

 

My complaints about the heat vent and heating in general (1645):

The laptop's temperature is comfortable to use on the lap only if doing simple activities like listening to music and web browsing. However the 9-cell battery is uncomfortable, and is the only battery sold with the computer.

The fan is usually on when the computer is IDLE with the screen open. Not necessarily Dell's fault, but it was expected that the advanced technology in the i7 could act more like "power when you need it."

Screen gets crud blown on to it from the heat vent.

 

I think over-all laptops are pretty portable and can be used thus having portability. This of course doesn't remove common sense in having the vents covered in anyway, or jiggling the entire machine around, or expecting it to face extreme conditions. That it is after-all a median, not an extreme, as it should be. We have to then conform to the idea that this machine (and laptops alike) are designed to sit on a flat surface, but not do away with the idea it can't be otherwise. *yawn*

 

I recently received new xps 1647, to my dismay it came with i7 620m rather than with i7 720m and new 130 power adapter. I am surprised because I originally ordered i7 720m not i7 620m. I thought by now every new 16 XPS would be shipped with 130w power adapter not 90 power adapter.

I only wonder how there two compare performance wise 2 cores vs 4 cores.

I guess my battery will last longer with i7 620m but then I paid for something else why would DELL decided to switch cpus..

.... I don't even see an option on DELL US website which would enable me to select i7 620m so why would DELL went ahead put in one in first place


RGB screen is great!

found some interesting information posted by IntelUser2000

"i7 720QM is a quad, but the clock speed with Turbo Mode goes like following.

1.60GHz Base
1.73GHz Quad Core Turbo
2.40GHz Dual Core Turbo
2.80GHz Single Core Turbo

i7 620M is like this:

2.66GHz Base
3.06GHz Dual Core Turbo
3.33GHz Single Core Turbo

See the clock speed differences? Even in heavily multi-threaded apps it'll be a wash because of the massive clock speed gap.

I'd go for the 620M, it'll be faster in most cases and competitive in the worst, and with better battery life and lower heat. "


If what he saying is true I7 620m is pretty close performance wise to i7 720m producing less heat and with pretty non-existent throttling issue.

 

I would stick with the i7-620, but that depends entirely on you and on the tasks you run.

 

I wanted to ecco these comments as well. I feel the same way and face the same issues

 

HOPE someone can answer me quickly - with out me trying to read through all these posts --- and technical stuff I don't understand!

I have an XPS M1710 (3 yrs old) and have been very happy with it. Just replaced it with a Studio 17 and I hate it! It was crashing - but even without the tech issues, I don't like the screen - it is washed out color-wise.

I was going to be charged a restocking fee.. unless I placed another order.. so, now after a couple hours on the phone with Dell, I ordered and XPS 16!

It has the following:

Hard Drive - 500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Memory - 8GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
Processor - Intel® Core™ i7-720QM Quad Core Processor 1.6GHz (2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
Optical Drive - Slot Load Blu-ray Disc (BD) Combo
Monitor - Full HD Widescreen 16.0 inch RGBLED LCD (1920x1080) W/2.0 MP


If I understand from what I'm reading - the i7 makes the machine run hot? Should I have ordered it with an i5 processor?

 

The reason the i7-720qm is hotter than the newer i5s & i7s is that it is made in a larger process (45nm vs 32nm). Also, the i5s (and i7-620m) are dual and not quad, so that helps tremendously.

 

That's a fairly easy explanation (for a gal who has just enough knowledge to order..) - thank you! Do you (and others) think I should change the processor that I have coming in the new machine?

 

Also.. I don't care about battery life... but I am concerned about the heat issue.

 

That's a fairly easy explanation - thank you! Do you (and others) think I should change the processor that I have coming in the new machine?

 

I have the i7-720 and no issues for me - but if I could I would probably got with the i7-620, just for the extra battery life, decreased heat and actually increased speed in some programs.

 

Can anyone confirm this?

 

Unlike the 5XX and 4XX chips, the 620M is reportedly hitting 65W under load which is the same as the 920XM/820QM/820QM, so there is really not much of a savings there.

On the other hand, benchmark wise, in single and dual threaded applications it beats the 720QM and even in multi threaded (>2) apps, it is pretty close. If I had to pick between the 620M and the 720QM, I'd take the 620M

I'd take the 820QM and 920XM over the 620M.

The 5XX and 4XX chips are hitting 50w and less.

If Battery life and heat are the ultimate criteria, I'd go with a 540/520/430 over a 620,720,820 or 920.

 

I completely agree.

My 430 doesnt go above 35W, even in full load.

 

I have a dell tech coming to replace my mother board, processor and heatsink on Tuesday.

 

What's the problem with your laptop????

 

Judging by some of the stock idle temps people are reporting mine seems a bit high
(I just had a tech replace my dvd drive and they had to redo the cpu/gpu heat sink, i don't remember the CPU going that high before, and the GPU seems to hit its limit quick now ...might just be me though as i have only had the laptop 20 days now)

browsing NBR CPU 52-55C / GPU 52-55C in a 60F (15.6C) room
browsing NBR CPU 54-57C / GPU 54-57C in a 70F (21C) room
- there seems to be a 5-10C variation between the 4 cores
(1645, no cooler, on a hard surface, 130w AC, A08 BIOS, LED LCD)
Playing Left 4 Dead (1) GPU hits 80+C in less than five minutes
30-45 mins playing GPU is bouncing off 84C limiter and CPU will hit 77-80C on all four cores (this was at 60F ambient room temp)

Now for the heat vent...some crude measurements
(I have a thermometer leaning as close as i can without blocking anything)
~95F (35C) exhaust on left hand screen side (browsing NBR)
- need to get a better reading while gaming, had one at ~125F+ (51.7C), but i don't think it was there long enough to get an accurate reading...

Also any suggestions on laptop coolers? I've been debating between the Zalman NC-2000 and NZGT Cryo LX coolers...both seem good, discussion here is pushing slightly to the NZGT
Zalman - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834998686
NZGT - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834997340

 

Is this problem still being looked at by Dell?

 

Nope..... They are long gone dude..... Long time since Bill or anyone else from DELL looked into the issue. The engineers might have told them to leave it as the crowd complaining about the issue is far lesser than the CPU throttling and hence the issue.

 

Which is very wrong, if it is what Dell is doing. Please Bill (if you're still on here), at least tell them to up the thermal limit form 84C to ~88C (or a little higher).

 

It is more like we are supposed to beg them to do the changes..... Man i am pissed off now..... Why in the world are we begging them???? They are a company that makes laptops and should have done proper testing for all parts of the laptop rather than throttling the processor to reduce the heat produced and when that was found out and a lot of them provided documents and screenshots to prove it, and they started silencing people by removing posts but they could not do that here on NBR and this became pretty powerful which rendered them to do solve the issue and once that was cleared the idle temps rose from 40s to 55-60 @ idle..... And when gaming the GPU started hitting the limit. And Bill went for a meeting to discuss about this issue and he has gone silent as well.... I think they must have told him that the issue is not that big of a deal and let the guys who bought this laptop buy thermal paste and notebook coolers and lets see how it works out and if it reduces the overall temps by 10 degrees then that is enough and we dont have to do anything about it..... And that is exactly what most of 'em did and now they are just sitting and having a party with the money they were planning on putting into resolving this issue..... LMFAO.....

Dell, i was happy to see ya guys were diffferent from the others in terms of CUSTOMER RELATIONS..... But now i am certain that you are also in the same boat as the others.....

 

Studio XPS 16 is still throttling and at the same time there still not enough power to support RGB panel. So DELL pulls the trigger and is in no longer selling RGB panels all together

It seems to me DELL has nothing to quickly substitute Studio XPS 16 line
so they will continue sell this defected laptop(vent issue+throttling+not enough power) until successor is ready for it's release.

 

I have noticed the heat hitting the screen. Also my system was replaced two times due to different issues. Originally I bough 1640, but since there was no heat sink on the south bridge the touch pad was getting extremely hot. When I got the second replacement it was 1645 and besides the throttling that doesnt bother me much as I am not a extreme gamer... there is this heat going on the screen...

I noticed that 1645 has 5 rows in the heat exhaust (the first laptop that I got had 4...) it seems that dell redesign the left rear cap and added extra row of holes at the bottom, so I decide to try taping the top 3 rows with black electric tape. However it wasn't really good solution but not because the laptop was getting hotter or something. I think the temps were just fine. Somehow the tape get my leather out... I had to remove the cap and the battery in order to pry the leather back in. Also because of the heat the residue from the tape was all around and hard to clean. Now I am thinking to try the same but tape the top 3 hole from the inside the cap.

Another thing to try is maybe to drill a line of holes on the top of the cap... this will allow hot air to escape directly upward not hitting the screen. It will be ugly!

Also when I taped the holes, I had to keep the back of the laptop elevated to allow better exhaust from the bottom two rows.

As I see it... the main issue around xps 16xx is the heat... the rest is fixable.

 

hmm after going thru all the forums regarding heat issues on this laptop, is there some replacement for the fan on board. Like a really really powerful fan that can blow out strong gusts of wind.

I mean is it that hard to make powerful fan? I wouldnt mind the noise at all!