*XPS M1730 Problems/Dell Replacement Issues*

Super! We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

Just got the quote from Dell, Summary... Core i7 740QM, 17" RGBLED display, 8gb DDR1333 (2x4gb) , 2x 500gb 7200rpm, slot load blueray writer, Crossfire X dual 1gb HD 5870, Windows 7 Ultimate, Office 2010, think i will be accepting this offer

Original specs are
T9300, 4gb Ram, Dual 250gb hdd, 8800gtx, Vista ultimate, blueray rw

 

T510110NZ-Alienware M17X 0.00 0.00
Alienware M17x Cosmic Black Base (Direct) 1
Intel® Core? i7-740QM Processor (1.73GHz, 4Core/8Threads, turbo boost up to 2.93Ghz, 6M
cache)
1
ExpressCard Slot, (DOES NOT SUPPORT PC CARDS) 1
17.0" UltraSharp? WUXGA (1920x1200) RGBLED Display with TrueLife? 1
Alienware Generic Nameplate 1
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 Label 1
System Driver 1
System Resource Media Kit 1
Internal 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet 1
Document & Accessories for Alienware M17x 1
8GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM(2x4GB) 1
Dual HDD Bracket 1
RAID 0 (Striped Disk Array) 1
500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive 1
500GB 7200RPM 2nd SATA Hard Drive 1
Slot Load Fixed Blu-ray BD-ROM / DVD + /-RW Combo Drive 1
Cyberlink PowerDVD Kit 1
Cyberlink PowerDVD Software for Blu-ray 1
240W Primary AC Adapter 1
Power Cord (ANZ) 1
9-cell Primary Battery 1
Shipment Box 1
CrossFireX? Dual 1GB GDDR5 ATI Mobility Radeon? HD 5870 1
Integrated Stereo Sound 1
Dell(TM) Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal mini-card 1
Dell(TM) Wireless 1520 802.11n Half Mini-Card 1
AlienFX(R) Illuminated Keyboard (English) 1
Microsoft Patch for WIN7 1
Genuine Windows(R) 7 Ultimate 64bit (English) 1
Windows(R) 7 Ultimate COA Label(ANW) 1
Genuine Windows(R) 7 Ultimate 64bit DVD Media 1
Microsoft(R) office 2010 OEM Installation 1
Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2010 (English) 1
Avatar - Alienhead 3D 1
Automatic Updates Off 1
Wallpaper - Alienhead 3D 1
STEAM Gaming Portal Software 1
Nero Software 1
DataSafe Local Basic 1
EVE Online game (Trial) 1
AlienGUIse Theme Manager with Breed Theme 1
Directship Info Mod 1
Alienware Command Center Software 1
WinRE software 1
Dell Webcam Central Software 1
Dell Webcam Central Media Kit 1
AlienFX RED 1
McAfee(R) Security Center Media Kit 1
McAfee(R) Security Center - 36 Months Version 1

 

NICE! Congratulations to you, and mega-kudos to Dell for doing the right thing!

Looking at these specs, that is a very generous replacement for your m1730. Looks like you lost the BD burner, but doubled your RAM and have a number of other upgrades. I'm actually a bid surprised they gave you 8GB of memory and dual 500GB HDD's instead of 4GB and dual 320's. (Yes, I'm a bit jealous of that, since they did not do the same for me. )

You'll probably want to axe the CrapAfee Security Center if you're a power user, but everything else is sweet.

 

Thanks, Not worried about the blueray, i never watch bluerays let alone write them, considering the other upgrades i think i can live with out it .

 

Hi!

I just wanted to share my experience because this thread helped me deal with Dell. I have a 2.5 yr old XPS M1730. I have had 6 dispatches and 2 component replacements. They are in the process of sending me an Alienware M17x replacement.

Talk to someone.
Don't let them do anything without you knowing about it.
Escalate when needed.
Don't give up.

Current Specs XPS:
Intel Core(TM)2 Extreme CPU x9000 @2.80Ghz
4G Ram
DVD RW
Dual NVIDIA GeForce 8700M GT
AGEIA PhysX
Windows 7 Utlimate 64bit
400GB Raid 0

Replacement Alienware M17x
Intel Core i7 920XM 2.0GHz (3.2GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)
4G Ram
DVD RW
Dual 1024 MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 with ATI CrossFireX technology
Windows 7 64bit
640GB Raid 0 (2x 320GB 7,200RPM HDDs)

I still don't have my replacement, but it's on order. My latest issues began in December. Here's my story.

1. Video errors in Decemeber- video driver failed. Talked via online, no resolution by uninstalling video drivers, etc. Dispatch sent to replace parts.
2. Replaced both video cards and something else. Did not fix problem, Dell asked if I wanted a replacement machine. They said they needed to talk to me in person with a phone message but also sent an email. I responded to the email to say I wanted to talk about replacement. Tech mentioned replacement with new Alienware.
3. No phone call, but I received an email from Dell regarding a product replacement sent. This was a refurbished XPS? What happened to Alienware?
4. Emailed - no response. Online Chat - no solution. I was upset that I was being sent a refurbished XPS. Sent email to unresolved issues department.
5. Computer arrived. It was BROKEN! And the processor was FAR inferior to the one I have. Tech said I could send this replacement back or have tech out to replace processor and motherboard. I sent it back, per Dell's suggestion.
4. Received phone call 2 days later, after I sent machine back. They said that I was NOT approved for another replacement, and they were sending a tech to fix the refurbished. Um, I sent it back per Dell.
5. Finally get response from unresolved. They agreed with me and said I was not given what I was promised. They took over the request.
6. Unresolved built the spec above. BUT they sent it to my ex-employer. The one that laid me off a year ago. *sigh* I told them immediately. 1.5 weeks into production, they finally canceled that one and re-issued another to my home address.
7. 2 months into this problem, I am still waiting. BUT, the machine is in production.

I have hope that everything will be OK once I receive my machine. How could anything else go wrong?

 

They sent me my AW M17x R2 without a BD-RW drive, but I insisted on having that. My m1730 had one, so they were happy to dispatch a BD burner to me to replace the DVD-BD combo drive. I like having a BD-RW drive and actually use it often. A BD-R dual layer disc will do a heck of a backup or a nice drive image for disaster recovery. I also use it to recode HD video content to my hard drive in HD MP4 to facilitate my heavy business travel schedule. It's nice to be able to leave the optical discs safely on the shelf at home. At $1.50 for a BD movie, Redbox also beats the snot out of paying $13+ for an in-room movie on demand.

Wow, that's so awesome that this thread helped you. That's one reason many of us are here... to help others and seek help when we need it. While there are a few people on this forum that have been unjustly stonewalled by Dell, there have been many that have been treated right by Dell, albeit over the long run. Unfortunately, it is frequently quite a battle to get past the foreign outsourced tech support people to a real Dell employee... one that cares enough about customer retention and brand reputation to help. The Unresolved Issues Department is usually the right place to go.

+1 rep for sharing your story. Also, welcome to the forum. What a great first-time post for an NBR newbie!

So, are you really a tephrageologist... i.e., volcanic science? If so, that's way too cool and I'd venture to guess you spend some time in the most beautiful part of the planet... PAC-NW and Alaska!

 

Hi all

Thanks for your help on this, Dell are going to replace various parts of my XPS M1730, including the graphics card [sic] (I assume that they will bring two). I have the 8700 at the moment, does anyone know what they might replace it with; I thought that the 8700 was no longer available?

Thanks.

 

Could be anything really, chances are though you will get an upgrade.

In saying that im sure they have plenty of refurbished 8700 and 8800gtx's

 

I guess anything other than another 8700 would be an improvement!

 

Hi guys,

Just thought I'd pop in and ask for a bit of advice....

I love my m1730, and I am the very definition of a Dell fanboy (the amount of Dell equipment I own would put Michael Dell to shame) however I have found that my m1730 has a nasty habit of blasting full volume static through the speakers, or even worse, down my very loud headphones while gaming.

It's safe to assume this is a heating issue, however no matter how well I ventilate the laptop, the issue still occurs.

Long story short, I have logged a call, and have been notified that a technician will be sent, blah blah blah, but I'm worried that this close to my warranty expiration that I'm going to be given a refurb part which I might be worse off with, how should I proceed?

 

1. Extend your warranty with Dell Complete Care
   
2. Extend your warranty with Dell Complete Care (repeated for emphasis )
   
3. Express your concerns about the refurbished unit because they are so prone to failure and catastrophic problems. Ask them to replace your machine with an Alienware M17x if they say they are going to replace it. If they say no, ask them to fix your laptop instead of replacing it since you know what you have and the risk is less than a refurbished model. If they leave you with no other choice, don't let your m1730 out of your site until you have the replacement machine in hand, confirm it works correctly and has specs equal to or greater than what they expect you to return to them.

Extending your warranty would be wise because it's not a matter of if, but when, your m1730 has a major hardware failure if it still has the 8XXX series NVIDIA GPU modules. The warranty would be less than new video modules. Your AC adapter will also likely fail. Mine were good for a max of around 6 months, replaced 3 times in less than 2 years.

 

Hi guys, I'm curious why Dell is selling "scratch & Dent" M1730 systems with 8700M and 8800GTX SLI graphics on their website when these are obviously defective.

I was thinking of picking one up for about $500 but it looks like a nightmare.


I guess if they are replacing defective units with M17x systems I cant go wrong.

 

Well, why the heck wouldn't they sell defective used m1730's for $500? After all, they sold me a defective m1730 for $4,000 brand new.:laugh:

 

Just got the pricing to extend the warranty, $334 for 1 Year, i guess this is how they get that money back

 

2 words: Square Trade

 

It's a lot of money... still about half the cost of a one-time replacement of an SLI module, and similar to the cost of two AC adapters. My M1730 AC adapters usually lasted 6 months and Dell usually replaced the mobo at the same time. If you get an M17x R2 in return, then it would be a great use of the $334.

If you have no problems and don't use the warranty, you'd be a very lucky M1730 owner and $334 poorer. But, that's always the chance a customer takes buying an extended warranty, right?

 

*delete*me*please*

 

$334 is for the Alienware warranty, the M1730 pricing was close to this aswell i heard, i think around $320ish, figured if im getting a brand new one i better get a good warranty

 

Amen to that! Somehow I missed that you no longer owned the XPS M1730. Did they put you into an AW replacement under warranty like they did for me?

I got the 4-year Dell Complete Care Next Day On Site warranty with accidental damage coverage with my new XPS M1730. I am so glad I did. I still had about 2 years of that left and it transferred over to my M17x R2. So did the 4 years of Lojack theft coverage.

 

Lol you commented on my replacement (last page)

 

Wow, I sure did. Man, that's embarrassing. (I'm slapping myself right now. Ouch.)

I'm still just as happy for you as I was when I commented, though.

 

sup guys

m1730 been having a lot of issues.
after many repairs, they are doing a replacement.

http://i.imgur.com/QFN5V.jpg


what does it look like im getting?? where it says parts pertaining to this service call, the adapter and the mobo is what the tech came to replace. but im not sure if that means im getting another m1730? or an alienware.

 

looks to me like you are getting a refurb M1730 and power adaptor

 

Yep, I agree with shrapz_nz. That's exactly what the image shows. EXG means exchange and the model listed in the parts section is another M1730 and power adapter. Hopefully, it's one with the 9800M GT or 9800M GTX video cards and not the 8XXX series. Otherwise, it probably won't be long before they are replacing it as well.

How much warranty do you have left? If you're getting close to expiration you'll probably want to extend it again. If you're as "lucky" as most M1730 owners, (and former M1730 owners,) you're going to need it.

 

hey guys i kinda have a dilemma someone please help...

ok so i sent my m1730 in for a repair and they said they are going to replace it.
now they want to send me a new xps with an i5 with an nvidia 435...

my original xps was a 3000 dollar gaming machine!!
and the replacement is not of equal status. you can get the new non gamer model of the xps for like 800...

i cant accept this! ha
can someone please give me the number or email to someone hi up so i can get an upgrade to an actual equal status of a gaming system like an alienware or something?

i mean this thing used to be a beast...
the new whimpy xps is not the proper replacement...
its not right

 

Anyone have a comment on the above post?

 

That's simply not acceptable. I don't blame you for not being happy about that. Dell should be giving you equal or better, not a downgrade. Dell has typically given their XPS M1730 customers an Alienware M17x as a direct replacement. I am one of those customers. I would call them back and insist they provide you with a system that is in every way equal or better than your XPS M1730 and politely ask them to treat you with the same degree of fairness as they have other XPS M1730 owners.

If you do not get anywhere on the phone, contact Dell's Unresolved Issues Department > LINK<. The Dell Unresolved Issues Department has been very effective for me and other members of this forum.

Please post the full specs for your M1730 and the full specs for the system they want you to accept in trade. I, and probably others, will provide our comments and opinions about the equity of their proposed system exchange. If you find no cooperation, you can use that information in whatever way benefits your case and provide them with a link to specific pages on this thread if you think that would be helpful.

 

Hey thank you very much for the tips.
I called back with more confidence after your advice and got my case escalated. The guy I talked to even agreed that I deserved a m17x.

So I think it'll work out good. I'm excited now...
I'll let y'all know what happens next.

Thanks

 

I've just had two sets of GPUs replaced amonst other things. The screen went white (but the machine was running still) the other day while gaming. It showed a driver error but seemed ok after a re-start.

Would this this be a driver or GPU issue?

Dell have pretty much admitted that if it goes wrong again they'll look at a replacement.

 

hey im in the same situation. i have a m1730 and they want to trade it with a xps l701 x, the specs arent bad, but i thought i would get an alienware... where should i go from here, they already processed the dispatch even though i was disagreeing with them.

i mean its an upgrade in almost every sense, its just that the screen is lower res, and i feel like its not a gaming machine even tho i think its more powerful than what i ahve now.



8700 sli vs 435m
core 2 duo vs i5
120 gb hd vs 500 gb
2 gb ram vs 8 gb,

they are giving me upgrades, but i dunno what do you guys thiink.


edit: i should mention how i got to be here. i originally had in inspiron 9300 in 2005 paid $2200 with 4 year warranty, replaced with a m1730 and extended the warranty for 4 years for almost $500.

So my total cost is 2700, and i dont want to seem greedy this system is def better than what i got in 2005, but i got used to the m1730! haha. just want to see what you guys thought.

 

Well, bigee, your humility and reasonableness is commendable in a day and age where greed and something-for-nothingness reigns supreme. From what you have described, Dell has treated you very fairly and you've had a nice upgrade path for little cost. If you do not end up with an M17x R2, you are still in pretty decent shape based on what they have done for you more than once.

Most of the specs you identified are upgrades. I would recommend using the following approach. Send a message to Dell using the Unresolved Issues link I provided in the previous post. Provide all of your information (Service Tag, Customer Number, and Express Service Code) so they know who you are and can identify your system. Provide a daytime phone number where you can be reached, and what time zone you are in. Be polite and professional. Mention being grateful for the good service Dell has given you thus far, and state your case in a nice way to outline the following concerns:

1. You had a laptop with a higher definition 17" screen, and should receive the equivalent.
2. You had a laptop with SLi and should receive SLi or CrossFireX as an equivalent.
3. You had a laptop with an alloy chassis base, not plastic, and should receive the equivalent.
4. Point out that Dell has been providing Alienware M17x R2 systems as direct replacements for the M1730.
5. Ask them to please extend the same courtesy to you as a valued Dell customer.
6. You had a gaming laptop, which the proposed replacement is not. Based on Dell's web site, their current offering in gaming laptops is the Alienware brand. Point out their "performance line" below the Alienware product tier is inferior to the XPS M1730 and the Alienware M17x product line that displaced the XPS M1730.

I have used the Unresolved Issues Department before and found them very helpful, and so have other members of NBR forum. It sometimes takes a few days to get a response, but they always do respond.

Good luck to you. Let us know how it goes.

 

The link provided by you is valid for global case.
I live in india can i send a message on that link and expect any reply.

If not what link should i use for india unresolved issues

 

Parthg, I have no idea my friend. I am not in India and don't know what to tell you. I wish I could help, but maybe someone else that knows what to do will see your post and offer their advice. Sorry I cannot offer you any wisdom.

Have you looked for a similar link for Dell's India Support web site? (I am making the assumption Dell has one. They may not.)

 

I tried to look for that link on dell india site but i cant find one.

I have got my replacement case pending for about 6 months now (yes was approved a system replacement on 25th Aug 2010).

And i have got RGBLED screen and the are offering me a B+RGLED screen on xps 15 which to me is a downgrade. I dont know what to do. I dont like the looks of xps 15 aswell.

P.S and thanks for the quick reply

 

The XPS 15 is definitely a downgrade. It might be more reliable than the M1730, but not equivalent in build quality or performance.

I don't blame you for being less than thrilled about it. Has anyone told you why you have not received the replacement system after all this time?

 

Well Actually I have a xps 1645(specs in sig). I know i am posting on the wrong forum. But i saw a Link you posted some time ago of unresolved issues and thats the reason why i posted on this forum.

"Has anyone told you why you have not received the replacement system after all this time?"

Simple answer is NO.


Well at this point i would accept anything that dell gives me but still,
In my case do you think moving form 16" RGBLED screen to 15.6" B+RG LED screen is a downgrade ??.

 

Sorry, I did not even look at your signature and bigee was talking about his M1730. The assumption and lack of observation on my part makes me look pretty silly.

That sucks that nobody is talking to you. Are you not getting through to ask, or are they just ignoring your inquiries?

Yes, I would say the display difference is a downgrade. How do the rest of the specs on the proposed replacement compare to your 1645? If everything else is equal or better, I would personally be more concerned about the amount of time which has passed without your replacement arriving. That makes me a little worried for you.

 

The downgrades are

RGBLED screen -> B+RG LED screen
16" screen -> 15.6" screen
ATI 5730 -> NVIDEA 435
Slot load drive -> tray load drive

Also among the two 1645 is better looking with the hinge light and all.

Everything else seems to be equal or an upgrade.

Anyway my main concern is getting the replacement.

I have had 2 order cancelled and 3rd is stuck in production.

When i mail them they dont give me a reply. and when i call them they keep on transferring me from one dept to other or keep on hold for a long time.

 

Man, that really does SUCK. But, I have good news. I found the Dell India Unresolved Issues link for you!! Hurray!

Dell - Support

 

Thanks for your help.

I guess its a link to technical support anyway lets see if it helps.

Thanks for the help again.

 

Happy to help. The link is for resolving problems left unresolved by Dell Technical Support. Think of it as a way to escalate your need for assistance over the heads of the losers that are ignoring you.

 

Guys I am desperately in need of help!

Dell took my SXPS 1645 for replacement on the 9th of Feb. Its been 20 days now and they are offering me SXPS 1640 with a P8700 processor as a replacement! The reason they are giving me is that SXPS 1645 is not in production anymore and XPS 15 is not in stock and even if it is the value of my exact config in XPS 15 form exceeds the invoice value or my original system and hence they cannot offer that as a replacement!!

So in conclusion they are asking me to trade in my SXPS 1645 for a SXPS 1640 with lower config in every single component and they expect me to be ok with it. I have spoken to so many idiots from Dell and they are so rude that they actually tell me I can either take it or leave it and they can't do anything more about this problem.

I paid a lot of my hard earned money as a student to get this laptop and I think I deserve a replacement which is equal in spec. Dell is refusing to do the same and they have my laptop!! I am furious as to how corporates in India take customers for granted. I want to voice out my opinion and I need to contact someone higher up the corporate ladder.

I request any one of you here to give me some names and mail id's of officials in Dell India and Dell USA who can help sort out this issue. Those not wanting to give mail ids in the forum can PM me.

The Config I was offered as a replacement for my i7 720+6GB+500GB+BD RE -

Studio XPS 16 Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53GHz/ 1066 FSB/ 3MB Cache) 1
Discount is only valid if the corresponding upgraded item is selected above. 1
Limited time promotional offer only. No further discounts apply. 1
ExpressCard Slot, (DOES NOT SUPPORT PC CARDS) 1
Integrated 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet 1
Obsidian Black 15.6 " 1080p WUXGA (1920x1080) WLED Full HD Display w/ 2MP cam 1
Sensible Vision FastAccess Facial Recognition Software 1
Sensible Vision FastAccess Facial Recognition Software Kit 1
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Label 1
System Driver Mod 1
APCC Ship Mod 1
4GB (2 X 2GB) Dual Channel 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM 1
320GB SATA 7200RPM Performance Hard Drive 1
Slot Load 8X DVD + /-RW Drive with double layer write capability 1
Cyberlink PowerDVD Software 1
Roxio Easy CD&DVD Burning software 1
Cyberlink PowerDVD Software media kit 1
Roxio Easy CD&DVD Burning media Kit 1
Power Cord (IND) 1
90W AC Adapter 1
6-Cell (56WHr) Li-Ion Primary Battery 1
Shipment Box Without Carrying Case 1
No Case 1
512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3670 1
No Integrated TV Tuner 1
Integrated Stereo Sound with Subwoofer 1
Intel(R) WiFi Link 5300 (802.11a/g/n) Half Mini-card 1
Dell(TM) Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module 1
Dell(TM) Backlit Keyboard with Touchpad (English) 1
System Resource DVD 1
Windows(R) 7 Label 1
Microsoft Patch for WIN7 1
Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit (English) 1
Windows(R) 7 Home Premium COA Label (INDIA) 1
Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit (English) DVD Media 1
Ergonomic noise isolation in-ear earbud - Creative EP-630 1
Camera Software 1
Camera Software Media Kit 1
Dell Support Centre 64 Bit 1
Dell Welcome Note Included 1
WinRE software 1
DataSafe Local Basic 1
Skype Software 1
Dell Connect 2.1 1
Dell(TM) Dock Software 1
McAfee(TM) Security Center (Multi-Language) - 30-Day Trial Version 1
1-year XPS Premier Service with 1-year CompleteCover 1
For Info Only:1-year XPS Premier Service with 1-year CompleteCover 1
Regional Support Within Asia Pacific Countries For Laptops 1
24x7 Telephone Technical Support Hotline: 1-800-425-2066 1
1 Year 24x7 Priority User PC Phone Support (Round-The-Clock Access) 1
# 1 Year Complete Cover Accidental Damage Protection 1
# Yr 1 Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis

 

flipsyde, try this link Dell India - Unresolved Issues to get your situation escalated. What they are attempting to do to you is unethical.

 

@Fox - And I shall make sure they pay the price for it. In full. I just need the support of fellow members of the community.

 

My roomie was having some issues with the overheating issues with his 87MSLI.
Today, they called and initiated a replacement.
Its T9500 2.5 ghz, 87M SLI and other basic stuff.
I was wondering what they are replaceing M1730 with nowadays?
Is it the same M1730 or something else?

 

Just wanted to report the issue got resolved, after much procrastination.

I renewed the warranty, they sent out a guy a few days later that replaced the mobo and the graphics card. However it wouldn't boot, kept going to blue screen, and he said for whatever reason the onsite techs aren't allowed to deal with software issues. He told me to call in, they would have me boot from the OS disk, then run a recovery to fix it. Fine.

I called in, the guy ran me through the usual dumb stuff, then he said there's nothing he can do over the phone and i should send it to the depot for repairs. I didn't buy that, so i got off the phone with him.

Did some googleing, put in the disk and did the OS recovery thing myself, works fine now. Moral of the story, don't listen to tech support...

 

So, did they really install another 8700M graphic system, or does your signature need to be updated? I am wondering if your BSOD was being caused by a graphics upgrade. Are you sure you did not get the 9800M GT or GTX instead? I would sort of be surprised to learn they had any of the defective 8XXX modules left. That would fit the definition of insanity... continuing to do the same thing and expecting a different result, wouldn't it?

 

Hi all

I'm having ongoing issues with my 1730 and 8700 cards, white screen or freeze a minute or so into a game. I've got as far as an offer of £500 off a system for my (still in warranty) 1730, but how soon to I go for the "unresolved issues" route? I want to get this sorted!

Thanks in advance.

 

The Unresolved Issues Department is an escalation path for problems you cannot resolve through normal Tech Support channels.

Based on your other posts, you should try to use the Unresolved Issues Department now, rather than trying to fiddle with your system to make it behave. Ask for 9800M GTX SLi replacement cards or a replacement with an M17x R2. Dell has done one or the other for many XPS M1730 owners and they should do the same for you. There is a good chance they will if you present a case to the Unresolved Issues Department in a diplomatic manner. Be sure to clearly explain all the problems you have endured, and provide your Service Tag, Express Service Code, Dell Customer ID and a daytime contact number and times they can contact you by phone.

The 8700M GT SLi modules are a hopeless cause that will end in failure, as the cards are defective. I believe the 8700/8800 cards used in the M1730 are part of the NVIDIA Class Action Settlement. Anyone (US customers only) that is out of warranty needs to make a claim prior to March 14, at www.nvidiasettlement.com. More information is also available on this thread: LINK

If your system is still under warranty, you probably should still file a claim and pursue resolution through the Unresolved Issues Department if you are a US citizen. You should also consider extending your warranty a year if the end of the warranty is approaching. Dell sometimes moves slowly, so you can chew up a lot of time and run out of warranty before this is resolved. I would suggest acting swiftly.