Dell XPS1330 Problems STILL! Despite Service Call...

Hi,

I've been using a Dell XPS 1330 with 2.0Ghz Merom processor and 8400GS...Using latest A09 bios, latest drivers, etc, etc...

I had the following probs which I called XPS tech support for:

1. CPU whine --> Mostly when on battery power, I found the "Turn off Bluetooth Radio" trick to work at getting rid of most of it when on AC power.

2. Garbled Graphics --> Occasionally my screen would go garbled, one quarter of screen, just left of center, extending vertically the entire length. This was intermittent in nature.

3. Wireless Internet --> Extreme difficulty getting connections at places where everybody else around me was able to get logged on... VERY VERY annoying...

4. USB ports started not working well --> I had to play with the contacts of my USB key/mouse to eventually get them to work...



So, today, a tech came to my workplace to upgrade the motherboard, LED display and display connector (according to Support, this is what I needed...)

Well, after about 40 minutes of taking everything apart and putting it all back together, here is my updated list of probs...

1. CPU whine --> If anything, slightly worse than before...

2. The "+/=" and the right "SHIFT" buttons don't work very well anymore.

3. My CPU Fan is on quite a lot now! I usually leave IKFANGUI on all the time, so I'm used to my system's temperatures....

Before, it used to hover around 50C going up to 65C on load...
Now, it hovers around 60C going up to 95C on load!!!!
This explains why the fan is on more often (any time I load a program, I hear the fan switch to high fan mode, and the freakin temperature climbs to 80+)

So, not sure what the guy did, but don't think he re-seated that CPU or CPU fan properly...

On the other hand, the graphics seem fine, the new LED display looks like it has a bluish tint (definately TOO blue, but I guess it is something I could calibrate), no dead pixels, no garbled graphics as of yet...

Also, the wireless internet is working fine, as are my USB ports...


BTW, the new motherboard revision is C0 (according to CPUID). I used to have an A2 revision (but I can't be sure)

So... given the above problem with the persistent whine, and the new hotter temperatures, what do you think I should do? Another support call? I really don't want them to feel that I'm nit-picking here....

Thanks for any input....

 

If I were you, I would call again. I know how you feel, but if that's a problem, it's their responsibility.

 

Ya, I agree with pexelot, call again. See if you can get repaired the certain number of times, if needed, to be called a lemon. I heard of a case of a guy calling like 3 or 4 times, the last time Dell said enough and would not help. Sued and won...Thus they are weary, so try to talk to a sup and getting a replacement, you should not have that many issues.

 

Your motherboard has been changed and you think that your CPU is untouched... How could it be possible?? The tech guy put the CPU/CPU heatsink wrongly and thats why your cpu is much more hotter... I would defintly suggest you to conntect Dell and do it with specified problem.. (Like CPU is too hot.. This is the main problem of your laptop right now)

 

After they try to repair it 3 times they usually give you a new one

 

Blueish tint sounds like you have the Samsung Screen (congrats I hear it's the best after being calibrated)

 

Yeah, i think I will call them later today, its just a little annoying having to call them back... arranging the time to meet and wait for tech, etc...

Any suggestions on where to calibrate an LCD panel within Vista such as this? I've never done it before...

 

Do you have the Nvidia graphics card? If so it's right in your display settings.

Dunno what to use if you have the integrated card. Sure there's something out there.

 

Oh I've had all 3 and love the Toshiba!!

 

He has the 8400, so yes NVID. Try right clicking on the desktop and going to NVID Control Panel. If not go to properties, then display settings, then NVID Control Panel. If you do not see it, you driver is corrupted. I say try downloading driver cleaner off GURU3D, making a quick restore point and running it. Then go to laptopvideo2go.com or dell.com for a new/same driver and install. This should allow you that option and probably cut down on temps for gpu,etc..

 

Dur... didn't even see the 8400... lol

 

Yeah, I figured out how to lower the bluish tint using the nVidia display controls, but its not too easy to get the colors right... I think its time I purchase a color calibration kit (i have so many LCDs anyways)

 

I am surprised you have having issues. I found mine perfect out of box on just default Asus viewing program. I mess with it and it seems to mess it up, sorry to hear about your issues. Post up what kit you get and how it works, always a good investment for future calls.

 

The accurate way to check motherboard revision is to pull off the CPU/Memory cover and look on the DIMM slots. You'll see a white sticker and you can see what revision you are at. The C0 is not accurate as we're only up to A04 at this point.