High Pitch Constant Screeching Sound XPS M170

Hi Everyone!

Before making my final decision, I wanted to come here and ask for advice. I recently purchased an XPS M170 and I am having a very annoying problem with it.

M760 2.0/ 7800GTX/ 60gig HDD 7200rpm/ 1gig ram/ 17" WUXGA

Here are the symptoms:

- It is a low volume but very high pitch constant screeching sound. It changes with the tasks I do. I also have an additional noise when I scroll down and up while surfing the internet.
- I'm not sure what is creating this noise but it doesn't sound like the hard disk. It feels like the sound is generated on the right corner of the laptop, but again I'm not 100% sure about it.
- I don't have this sound while playing a game (I only play Dark age of camelot and EverQuest2), which I think is weird.
- I don't have this sound while booting up. As soon as I login windows, it starts to kick in.


Here are the steps that I have taken to solve the problem (read from different forums): (well I tried .....)

- Used Notebook Hardware Controller software to keep the cpu on full power.
- Updated the 7800GTX video card with one of those third party (tony) drivers. (I started having a very loud fan noise while playing EQ2 and the annoying high pitch sound was still there. I had to restore to old drivers)
- Tried both plugged and unplugged. I still have the sound
- Disabled USB Root Hubs to see if any of them is generating this noise but it is still there (this solved many people's problems with this noise)
- I haven't changed the SpeedStep option from Bios assuming the NHC software would force it to max power with that setting. At least it was showing at max.
- I read that modifying bluetooth setting might solve this problem (I think again related to USB root hubs), but I don't have bluetooth

I don't really want to return this back to Dell for a fix. It has been only a week and this sound is already annoying me. I read and heard many horror stories related to dell customer service (even upgraded xps version). I know a friend who had to return his computer 4 times to have it fixed. I don't want to wait that much time cause I know that even though you have an open ticket, they count those days towards your 21 days return policy. I either will solve this problem or return it for a refund

I really like the machine alot and I don't mind a moderate fan noise but this high pitch screeching noise will drive me crazy and/or attract my neighbour's dog

I'm going to try the following steps to see if it will make a difference:

-Reinstall windows
-Update Bios

I would REALLY appreciate any help you guys can give me.

 

anyone? :/

 

Could it maybe be a dieing fan?

 

ask for a replacement. they gave me a whole new computer for 1 dead pixel and 1 stuck pixel.

 

What happens to your 21 days return warranty if you ask for a replacement? I want to be able to return it if the new computer has the same defects.

It is not the fan by the way. I read more about it and 90% it is the power regulation coils near the CPU. Dell uses cheap electronic material. These coils do not have epoxy in them and it causes vibration correlated with the load of the system :/

I had to learn stuff that I didn't even need to know heh.

 

i'm not sure what happens to the 21 days thing, but what would keep you from taking advantage of it. you can't live with a screeching notebook, can you? tell them you want a new one.

 

Well, finally. Someone is actually posting about the same thing I have going on with my E1705.

Dell has replaced my motherboard, both fans, LCD and now wants to replace the bottom portion of the case... LOL! - The tech support supervisor insisted that the case is causing a vibration. Alloy causing the noise... Hahaha. Right.

Keskin - where did you find the info re: the regulation coils??

As soon as they replace the case on my E1705 and the noise occurs, I'm demanding a replacement. They better be able to put a 7800 Go in the replacement or I'm taking mine out before sending it bac

 

Sounds like youre switching power supply on youre video card will increase in high pitch sounds when more graphics are demanded , usually by a high graphics game or in short bursts when scrolling on the net.Seems to happen on top of the line video cards ,and I have checked this out (desktop only) by actually removing the cover and getting as close as possible(watch out for the fans) to locate this strang occurance, seems like its the nature of the card.

TheRealist

 

Well that sounds plausible except the noise is evident when the unit is turned off, plugged into AC and the battery is being charged.

 

I think I will just return this I have a good desktop but I also wanted to have a good desktop replacement while I'm away for business. I guess that's not going to happen with this XPS (especially after reading BatBoy's experience). I also have light leakage on the bottom of my screen but I could live with that if this annoying sound wasn't there. Thanks to everyone who tried to help.

 

Will Dell charge me the re-stocking fee if I return the laptop for these reasons in this 21-day warranty period?

 

I can't answer your restocking fee question, but I will add my name to the list of people who have the high pitched sound. It's comming from the left side of my e1705.

 

Well, just to update - the tech visited my sick lappie today at my office.

He replaced the bottom housing while we joked about the Tech Support phone crew. He mentioned he has just as bad of time when he has to contact them for followup.

After replacing the bottom housing and using the new AC Adapter he brought along, the noise was still present. He said he would update his notes that he believed the lappie should be replaced.

What a horrible experience. Well, I look at it this way - there is no way they can deny the replacement now. If they tell me the E1705 cant be shipped out with a GF 7800 Go (identical to mine) due to lack of availability, then they can just send me out the new XPS with the 7900. They put themselves in this position - not me.

I highly suggest anyone with the noise issue contact DHell and get it replaced.

What I really don't understand is why only certain lappies are exhibiting this issue.

Update:

Well after a hour call and a supervisor later, they want me to send it back AGAIN to the repair depot. LOL So much for a 4 year warranty. The supervisor indicated the 4 year coverage doesn't include full system replacement. Hmmmm... I need to confirm that.

In any case, she said my only alternative was to call and speak with Customer Care. Yawn... yet another phone call.