---> OFFICIAL: Dell STUDIO 14z Owner's Lounge <---

I'm sure it's been done before, but maybe not comprehensively, but I'm wondering about how battery life differs when you use different components. I'm not sure if it has to do with the 900p screen over the 720p screen, but I'm getting an hour less battery life. Does this normal or does that mean I have a faulty charger/port that people have been talking about?

 

Anyone know a place where i can order a replacement palm-rest? The paint on it is so easy to come off its ridiculous

 

Try running the diagnostics (reboot then f12 (I think) at the Dell logo. Decline the extended memory test and then let it boot the gui), mine reported that the fan speed was incorrect. Dell's swapping out the heat sink assembly and I think the motherboard... Forgot to save the chat transcript.

 

I've been having a most vexing problem with my studio 14z, and since said problem has stumped me I thought I might ask you guys if you have any ideas.

When I bought the computer (refurbished), every now and then the sound would go gravelly and stuttery and generally horrible sounding, but it didn't happen frequently enough to persuade me to seek help immediately, and it went away completely after a while. The computer has been working fine without a hint of this problem for months. But now, alas, the problem has returned, only worse this time.

It strikes without warning, generally while I am watching videos or playing games, and not only does the sound go gravelly but the graphics stutter and slow and often freeze. And it's happening altogether too frequently. Also, I think the computer is getting hotter than it used to, but I am unsure. That part could be my imagination.

I'm running vista 64 bit with all nvidia and dell drivers updated, and the few malicious software detection programs I've run have turned up nothing.

Anyhow, has anyone else experienced this problem? Is there anyone more savvy than I in the ways of the computer who might hazard a guess as to a solution? 'Twould be much appreciated.

 

I believe that has to do with the Hard Drive driver issues that a lot of us had. For me, it wasn't just when playing video/games that it happened, but also when browsing the web, etc. I fixed it by uninstalling the NVidia Controller Driver.

As I have quoted in a previous message: "So I went to the device manager (type "device manager" in your start menu), went to IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers, double clicked on the NVidia controller driver, went to the "Driver" tab and did a "Roll Back Driver," which put me back with just a Microsoft standard AHCI 1.0 serial ATA controller. Did a reboot, and not a single hiccup since! I hope this solves the problem for you all."

 

Thank you! However, my "Roll Back Driver" button is grayed out... I'm assuming this means I simply don't have the standard AHCI controller. Should I follow these instructions instead?

"Bios setting should be set on IDE mode before attempting this.

You can install the Miscrosoft standard AHCI driver from within Vista
throught Device Manager. In Device Manager select you IDE/Sata cotroller
and properties and selected updriver. The select browse my computer for
driver software. Select let me pict from list. In the screen untick the
box "show compatible hardward". Scroll dowwn under the Manufactuer
column and select the Standard AHCHI driver and select next. This should
the Microsoft AHCI driver. Reboot. Then go into the bios and change your
IDE configuration to AHCI. Once your reboot you can then install the
AHCI driver for your particular motherboard." ( AHCI-SATA-IDE - Vista Forums)

EDIT: I went ahead and downloaded the controller, and windows prompted me to reboot but not to mess around with the BIOS, so I rebooted and will now proceed to play games for a while to see if the problem has been fixed. I'll let you know how it goes.

EDIT: It works! Perfectly! Running smoothly, quietly, and coolly. This makes me extremely happy. Thank you, kind stranger.

EDIT: ... The problem has returned, no different than it was before. I am at a loss.

 

Hey guys, I have a 14z and was thinking about upgrading either the CPU, (a T6500) to a P8x00, or the hard drive (320GB 5400 rpm) to an 80GB Intel X-25M SSD. I was wondering which one would give me a bigger gain for the money?

Also, does the 14z support the P8800 or any of the P9X00 processors? I've only ever seen the P8700 on Dell's website.

 

I've owned the 14z for a very long time now. I've tried everything to fix this problem. Generally I was having massive heating problems with my laptop as well. So I added Arctic Silver 5 to everything. I even replaced the RAM. etc etc. I've literally tried everything to get this laptop to act normally. I've concluded that the 14z is the biggest POS I have ever owned. I've gotten close to taking an axe to it and also throwing it out the window. No joke, I was seconds away from doing these things.

14z = absolute POS

 

I have the same exact problem. Tried updating/change video driver, complete format and re-install of windows. Nothing has worked. I looked at the temperatures and the temperatures are high, but not dangerous. I am out of warranty and thinking of extending my warranty to send the laptop back to Dell for repair. What do you guys think?

 

The only thing I could conclude was that the T6500 runs pretty hot. I wasn't having too big of a problem with heat other than videos would skip or the music would skip. But eventually the system became so unstable that if I watched videos and did something else at the same time without a cooling, my laptop would shut off and wouldn't turn back on until about 5 minutes later, when things cooled down.

Personally, I wouldn't up the warranty for this thing. I think there must be some design flaw in the heat sinks and/or fan. Unless they start exchanging that out, I don't think things will get any better. So I'm just waiting for this laptop to take it's final breath before I smother it and replace it with something better.

 

Either is a good upgrade, I personally would go with the CPU upgrade, I'd want more than 80gb of drive space to work with but in the end it's what's more important to you

For the record the P8800 and Px00 CPU's will definitely work, my P9700 has been running just fine for quite a while.

 

comments on this config:

This is what i configured:
Black Chainlink
Software & Services
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
NEW 2010 Intel® Core™ i5-450M 2.4GHz (Turbo boost up to 2.66GHz, 4 Threads, 3M Cache)
6GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz
512MB ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 540v
Dell 1501 Wireless-N
14.0” High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife™ and Camera
8X Slot Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Back-lit Keyboard
Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled
Personalize
3 Year Basic Service Plan
Microsoft® Office Starter 2010
McAfee SecurityCenter, 15-Months
Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 yea

hows is the build quality?
would this machine last 4 years?
thanks

 

Are the Dell Studio 14 series shiny? The cover and screen?

 

Anyone else have fan or overheating problems? I've had the 14Z since Jan and in the last couple months the fan runs non stop.

I don't play games and usually have just one window open with minimal use and yet the fan is always running on high or low setting. On top of this I now feel the palm rest to get uncomfortably warm and the bottom of the laptop is hot.

What should I do? I've tried compressed air cleaner but the fan still runs non stop. I'm still under warranty but I don't want to send in the laptop and be told that every thing is fine.

 

I am having overheating problems as well. Just typing this email in Internet Explorer, with only Outlook open in the background, I am looking at 69 degrees celcius. The max it reached today is 86. It shuts down even when streaming standard def. live video.

Anyone have a solution to this? What is Dell saying about this?

 

Run the fan diagnostics. If it's like mine, it'll report "The fan speed is incorrect."
Reboot, f12, select diagnostics. Stick around until it asks if you can see the color bars, then go get a coffee or something. Eventually it'll ask if you want to run the extended memory test, decline that and it'll boot the full diagnostics. In the full diagnostics, find and double click on the fan section in the custom diagnostics so you don't have to sit through everything else.

Mine is doing it again... fan stays on all the time, and games run fine for half an hour or so and then drop to 3 fps or so. First time, they replaced the motherboard and the heat sink/fan.

 

The fan assembly was replaced a couple months ago... this time, I removed the keyboard and blew the fan with some canned air, and the problem went away. There was no dust or anything before, so I don't have a clue what the air did, but eh... that's another option if you want to try that.

If you do this, and break something, don't blame me. While there's no warranty seal, any damage you cause opening it will almost certainly not be covered. Don't shake canned air, and if the can feels cold wait for it to warm first.

To remove the keyboard, turn the computer off, remove the battery, carefully remove the trim around the keyboard (easiest to start to either side of the battery, near the hinges). Remove two screws (I think they're phillips #0 or maybe #00) and lift the keyboard from the side closest to the screen. Careful, it's still connected with a ribbon cable... you should be able to move the keyboard out of the way without disconnecting it. Reassembly is the reverse.

 

OK, will try this and see if it helps... Thanks.

 

Can the touchpad be turned off on the fly? Sorry if this was mentioned; there's lots of posts to search through.

 

Amazing how a little bit of dust in the fan could make a huge difference in the CPU temperature and performance.

Studio 14z (1440)

CPU Temperature before:
Idle = 50 degrees Celsius
Peak = 70 degrees Celsius

CPU Temperature after cleaning out fan with compressed air:
Idle = 38 degrees Celsius
Peak = 48 degrees Celsius


38 degrees is what I had when I first bought the laptop

I cleaned out the fan by taking off the keyboard & palm rest, then blowing out the fan and side/bottom vents with compressed air. There wasn't too much dust, but it's amazing how big of a difference it can make. Go to Dell support for manuals on how to remove the keyboard and palm rest (a bit tricky).

 

I see people are finally having the same overheating problems that I had with my 14z. But I am SO HAPPY to say that I got so fed up with the 14z that I got rid of it and got myself a good old ideapad Y460. A little heavier but far better

 

Hey guys...is there a tut on how to upgrade the CPu or do you just have to kinda know what you're doing?

 

I used the service manual to make sure I performed the steps in the correct order, just make sure you are comfortable taking apart the entire machine, you have to pull out the motherboard. Also don't forget to plug in the fan when you put it back together!

Studio 14z Service Manual

 

For those who have overheating problems, and are lazy like me, here is how I fixed it:

Take your vacuum cleaner, put on the crevice head, or in some way restrict the suction head to a small area, then vacuum out the dust from all the vent holes, especially around the fan. You could probably do this with a can of air, but you would then be packing the dust in, which may not be a good idea...

My temps went from 60's to 30's...

 

Just upgraded to BIOS A04.

Backlit keyboard stopped working.

Anyone else have this problem?

Thanks

N/m I'm an idiot. Just had to turn it back on via the F6 key which was reset during the BIOS update.

A04 is awesome. BIOS runs through so fast now and the computer boots much quicker now.

 

Just did the A04 BIOS update too and I love the faster boot and resume from hibernate times.

I was holding off on updating to A04 BIOS because of the problems that I heard people were having after updating, but seeing your post made me take a leap of faith and do the update.

Before the update, Windows 7 on some boots would just sit there with a flashing underscore character for more than a minute before entering Windows, now that annoying wait is gone.

I think they also added a feature to the BIOS update. I noticed that I can set the delay before the display brightness automatically dims after no activity.

Dell's driver & downloads is so misleading for downloading the BIOS update. When you specify that you are running Win7 64-bit it offers the 32-bit BIOS update as the default download link. You have to find the link for the Dell Studio 1440 System BIOS page where you find the proper executable 1440A04_64.exe. I can see how people can get confused and try to run the 32-bit BIOS update and brick their computer.

 

After about 14 months of ownership I'm also experiencing overheating problems. Symptoms: staggering when streaming video after awhile, going from fluid FPS in games to a few fps, 100% cpu usage when the processes don't add up (downclocking causing this maybe).

Touchpad: the worst I've had, had Dell replace it but once or twice a day it'll freeze for about 1-2min and when moving left, it'll go right. So annoying, enough so I may dump this laptop even with 2 years left on the warranty.

CoreTemp is 10C lower than CPUIDHWMonitor which is a bit weird. However, both programs hit 88C (98C for CPUID) when I ran Orthos. It's really sad because I left Dell after the Inspiron 5150 fiasco and finally returned to a laptop I like minus the overheating problem/touchpad.

Think when Dell installs a new heatsink/fan I could get the tech to put on Shin-Etsu thermal grease or he'd let me do it myself?

 

Update, for those who care, if any.

The Dell local tech replaced the fan/heatsink assembly in 12-13 minutes start/stop and ready to boot. Unbelievable, considering the mobo had to come out. Anyway, idle temps 39/40C and after 10min of Prime95 69/70C. Much better. Airflow improved just by feeling it.

Refurb Toshiba 250gb 7200rpm hdd installed with an image of Vista courtesy of Dell, and no more clicking from the garbage 7200.3 Seagate Momentus.

Conclusion: overall I believe the overheating was due to a caked up heatsink and possibly the throttle modulation issue the Latitude 6400 guys have been seeing.

Kudos to Dell their prompt shipments and install.

 

Question for everyone:

I switched to the A04 BIOS today and have been having some weird problems since doing so. Whenever I move the laptop at all (or shortly after switching off a game) all of a sudden a strong whirring kicks in. It isn't the fan (in fact, it feels like air isn't being pushed out through the vents when this happens) but something else. Could it be the HD or the GPU? I've tried dusting the machine to no avail. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, how do I fix it?

 

My idle CPU temps are around 38 degrees and my idle gpu temps are around 70 degrees (under load the gpu can get up to 90). I replaced the cpu a few months ago with a p8700 and put arctic silver 5 on both the cpu and gpu.

Anyone else have similar temperature differences b/t their cpu and gpu? I read a few posts back that some other guy did the same thing and ended up bending the heatsink so it comes into better contact with the gpu. I am reluctant to take it apart again so I was wondering if this would help.

 

I have a 3 GB Studio 14z, running Windows 7 x64, A03 bios. I purchased a 4GB PNY Optima 204 PIN DDR3 / PC3 8500 SODIMM for the unit. After installation, the laptop doesn't finish posting. The BIOS/startup "temperature gauge" stops at around 75%. I can press <esc>, and the BIOS reports the proper amount of RAM. Pressing F2 to access the bios reports that the bios config is loading, but it never does.

I updated the BIOS to version A04, and tried again. I also reset the BIOS, neither was successful.

This is a CAS 7 SODIMM. Does the 14z require a CAS 9 one instead, or do I have a bad SODIMM? Is there a recommended mfg for memory?

Thanks

 

You can test if you have a bad memory stick by downloading Memtest86+. There is a usb key version you can use to boot and it will automatically test your memory.

I think the Dell utilities has something similar as well.

 

Whoops, mistaken post.

 

I just bought new ram. and I am having the exact same problem. I have not upgraded the bios yet. Did you ever get it to work?

 

I've got a T6600 processor. Using RMC, I've got all the voltages set to 0.9250V (100% stable so far). Just updated to A04 bios. Very clean copy of Windows 7 x64 (just installed an Intel 120GB SSD).

Using CPUID Hardware Monitor, I get normal temps of about 55 degrees C. Core 1 is always slightly warmer than core 2. Right now with only Hardware Monitor and this browser open, I'm at 58 and 54 and the fan's whirring away (not super loud, but annoying since I don't have anything open...).

I already tried the "blow the dust" out trick...didn't help at all.

Is this normal for a setup like mine?

Could I lower the temps (and fan noise) with a different CPU? What CPU would be ideal for power consumption and heat?

 

Hi there, anyone know if the 900p screen upgrade is a drop in upgrade? My 720p screen recently gave out (the backlight is dead) and I am looking at the 900p for a replacement.

Would I need to buy anything else to upgrade to the 900p screen or is it just plug and play? Thanks.

 

I just picked up a 14z from the outlet to replace my 11z. Trying to decide which one i want to keep and then i'll sell one of them. How good of a deal do you guys think i got?

P8600 cpu
900p screen
3GB ram -will throw in a 4gb stick right away
backlit keyboard
6 cell battery

Came out to $322

The day before i ordered an 11z dual core to replace my 11z celeron for $249 but then when i saw this 14z i had to order it. Can't decide which one im going to want to keep.

 

I just got a 4 GB stick (G-Skill, very good ratings on Newegg FWIW). PC3-10600, CL9-9-9-24. PN F3-10600CL9S-4GBSQ. Put it in and same thing...gets to around 75-80% and stops. Same exact situation across the board.

The Samsung memory (2GB) it came with works fine and dandy. Also works okay with no stick installed (only using the 1GB soldered onto the MB).

I had the IT guy let me try a stick of his memory. 4GB, Crucial CT51264BC1067. Worked just fine...booted right up no problem. Windows saw 5 GB of memory just like it should have.

Seems like this laptop is kind of finicky about what memory you put in it. Disappointing.

 

I had the same problem. Except that I had the T6500 (I believe). I think the biggest problem with the 14z is the overheating (without the need to undervolt) and it starts to break away at the comp. My wife uses my 14z now, and shes not big into laptop power and such but she wants to throw this laptop out the window. So my guess is that it's a design flaw and there's really nothing that can be done. I've tried AS5 to increase heat transfer but it didn't work. Ultimately, just be prepared to chuck the laptop and to never get a dell again.

 

I have the exact same CPU as you and I am also using RMC to lower the core voltage to 0.925V. With nothing open at the lowest speedstep multiplier, CPUID Hardware Monitor is reading 54C and 55C on cores. The fan occasionally comes on at low speed for a couple minutes at a time. I think this is pretty much normal for this notebook.

When plugged in it seems this notebook is more aggressive with the fan than when running off the battery. You can try to change the "System cooling policy" under the advanced power options from active to passive, though for me it doesn't seem to make a difference.

 

I recently bought a studio 14z and I was curious if the gpu can be upgraded. I know that it is a stand alone card, not integrated into the mother board, but I hear it can't be upgraded. Is this true? And if not, what would would be the best compatible card I should buy? Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

Seems like the 14z has the GS45 chipset and only has 4500MHD Intel integrated GPU. There is no upgrading the GPU. Since there is no available DGPU motherboard, and no Expresscard, there literally is no GPU upgrade available, you would be better off buying a new laptop. If you want slim still and discreet graphics, you could take a look at the Acer TimelineX series, but be prepared to pay 700+.

 

Has anyone experienced temperature difference in their gpu by reapplying the paste?
I spent about 10 minutes vacuuming all the vents and it dropped the core and HDD temperatures over 20 degrees but only a couple degrees lower on the gpu.

 

Anyone know the thickness of the thermal pad I would need for my 14z? 9400m?

I upgraded the cpu today and tossed the thermal pad away unknowingly and the thermal paste I put on was not making contact with the gpu at all. This caused the gpu to hit 85c and throttle.

 

Never took a close look at the thermal pad used even though I've dismantled these at least a dozen times. I can check for you but I'm guessing 1/2mm.

 

Can anyone recommend a place to buy replacement batteries for this (8cell, 74WHr)? I know there are a bunch of ebay and Amazon sellers, but I would be more confidant buying if some of you have had a positive experience with some particular seller. Thanks!

 

Hi, I have 3 of the 8 cell batteries for our 14z laptops, 2 came from eBay, one was direct from Dell. If you order it direct from Dell you will have to call them, the part is not listed on the website anymore. Be warned it costs $136.99. The batteries are brand new though and capacity exceeded the rated value. Zero wear, seemed made to order. (I had to wait 10 days for the battery). Here is the Dell part info:

"312-0883 74 WHR 8-CELL LION PRIM BATT CUST"

If you buy on eBay, make sure it's a US seller, and make sure it has a warranty. I try to buy only genuine batteries, i.e. batteries originally from Dell, Lenovo, etc. I wouldn't suggest OEM batteries, just in case. This looks promising:

New Original Dell Studio 14z 1440 1440Z 14 8V 74WH 8Cell Laptop Battery M916K | eBay

If you need any further assistance with your 14z please let me know!

 

Thanks. Ended up buying this at eBay link. I will update this thread on how well that battery performs. The laptop itself still works fine. My only wish is that the fan would not turn up so loud and often.

 

I seem to have hit on a cludgy solution that finally silences this laptops. If anyone is still using this laptop and is interested in finding out more, do respond to this thread. It might be cool to find a nicer way to implement the idea with the help of collaborators.

 

Might be time for a repasting!

Curious what you've come up with. We do still use these, ours are pretty good in the noise department, I perform regular maintenance on them. It's funny, I have this, and the XPS 14 Ultrabook, and unless I need the graphics power, I use this one, it's still the best screen I've ever seen on a 14" notebook.