Inspiron 1720 VS Studio 1747

After putting up with countless BSOD's and failed harddrives on the Inspiron 1720, they send me a refurbished Studio 1747. Bigger hard drive space, HD screen, and twice the ram are very enticing to keep this machine. But the Inspiron's GPU AND CPU processors are faster (compare Intel Core i7 720QM processor and ATI Mobility Radeon 4650 graphics to the dual 2.0GHz centrino duo nvidia geforce 8600m GT). And I also found it silly that they would include an HD screen but not a blue-ray disc reader. So since DELL told me over the warranty phone line that they would "match the specs of your [my] old computer," should I just keep this or run some benchmarks on some games and figure this out? I don't want to spend more time on this if I have to if it is common knowledge that I got a good\bad deal. >;\

edit: forgot to add that the studio runs windows 7 64bit and inspiron is running w7 32 bit

 

after seeing the benchmark results of one program called PerformanceTest 6.1 Evaluation version, I'm convinced the studio is a better pc. The CPU cache size is only 256KB versus the Inspiron's 4096KB (only thing that was better on the Inspiron). I also read somewhere that the studio has the inability to upgrade the DVD drive to blue-ray. oh well

STUDIO
Benchmark Results
Test Name This Computer
CPU - Integer Math 1202.3
CPU - Floating Point Math 1350.6
CPU - Find Prime Numbers 664.7
CPU - SSE 9211.9
CPU - Compression 11519.3
CPU - Encryption 70.0
CPU - Image Rotation 3619.7
CPU - String Sorting 5124.2
Graphics 2D - Lines 38.9
Graphics 2D - Rectangles 56.1
Graphics 2D - Shapes 23.0
Graphics 2D - Fonts and Text 233.9
Graphics 2D - GUI 102.9
Graphics 3D - Simple 1525.7
Graphics 3D - Medium 380.0
Graphics 3D - Complex 67.1
Memory - Allocate Small Block 3630.5
Memory - Read Cached 1644.3
Memory - Read Uncached 2030.6
Memory - Write 1207.2
Memory - Large RAM 1297.5
Disk - Sequential Read 54.6
Disk - Sequential Write 64.3
Disk - Random Seek + RW 3.8
CPU Mark 2926.0
2D Graphics Mark 308.9
Memory Mark 725.3
Disk Mark 443.9
3D Graphics Mark 631.4
PassMark Rating 1128.4

System information - This Computer
CPU Manufacturer:GenuineIntel
Number of CPU: 1 (8 Core(s)/CPU, 1 Logical(s)/Core)
CPU Type: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU Q 720 @ 1.60GHz
CPU Speed: 2793.0 MHz
Cache size: 256KB
O/S: Windows Vista (WIN64)
Total RAM:4084.5 MB.
Available RAM:2313.9 MB.
Video settings: 1600x900x32
Video driver
DESCRIPTION:
RDPDD Chained DD
MANUFACTURER:

BIOS:

DATE:
09/24/09
Drive Letter: C
Total Disk Space: 285.4 GBytes
Cluster Size: 4 KBytes
File system:NTFS


PassMark(TM) PerformanceTest 6.1 ( PassMark Software - PC Benchmark and Test Software)
Results generated on: Tuesday, May 25, 2010





INSPIRON
Benchmark Results
Test NameThis Computer
CPU - Integer Math158.6
CPU - Floating Point Math425.0
CPU - Find Prime Numbers449.9
CPU - SSE/3DNow!3560.1
CPU - Compression4024.0
CPU - Encryption24.9
CPU - Image Rotation829.6
CPU - String Sorting2406.7
Graphics 2D - Lines32.3
Graphics 2D - Rectangles36.5
Graphics 2D - Shapes12.8
Graphics 2D - Fonts and Text108.4
Graphics 2D - GUI64.7
Graphics 3D - Simple645.5
Graphics 3D - Medium168.4
Graphics 3D - Complex37.4
Memory - Allocate Small Block1682.2
Memory - Read Cached1502.4
Memory - Read Uncached1380.8
Memory - Write1332.5
Memory - Large RAM337.0
Disk - Sequential Read32.5
Disk - Sequential Write37.7
Disk - Random Seek + RW2.6
CPU Mark1024.5
2D Graphics Mark177.3
Memory Mark460.9
Disk Mark263.4
3D Graphics Mark272.5
PassMark Rating469.8

System information - This Computer
CPU Manufacturer:GenuineIntel
Number of CPU: 1 (2 Core(s)/CPU, 1 Logical(s)/Core)
CPU Type: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T7300 @ 2.00GHz
CPU Speed: 1197.4 MHz
Cache size: 4096KB
O/S: Windows Vista (WIN32)
Total RAM:2046.0 MB.
Available RAM:914.5 MB.
Video settings: 1440x900x32
Video driver
DESCRIPTION:
RDPDD Chained DD
MANUFACTURER:

BIOS:

DATE:
05/07/07
Drive Letter: C
Total Disk Space: 215.3 GBytes
Cluster Size: 4 KBytes
File system:NTFS


PassMark(TM) PerformanceTest 6.1 ( PassMark Software - PC Benchmark and Test Software)
Results generated on: Tuesday, May 25, 2010

 

You do know that it is a quad-core Core i7? Regardless of what the Inspiron's CPU was, you got one heck of an upgrade. I'd definately keep it.

BTW, the structure of the processor is different, you can't compare Core i7 L2 cache with Core 2 Duo L2 cache. The Core i7 has a L3 cache that isn't present on the Core 2 Duo.

 

i see, well, one other thing was that i was reading that the studio doesn't have the capability to upgrade GFX cards. but it sounds better than what i had so i will probably keep it.

 

Generally speaking, laptop graphics cards cannot be upgraded. There are a couple exceptions, but even then, the options are limited. The graphics card in the Studio is pretty decent though.

 

good information! thanks!!!

 

Hey Guys,

Been scouring these boards here and they have been really helpful -- you guys are experts when it comes to this stuff. I was just wondering how long it took everyone to get their replacement and thought I could also help establish a time line for others.

- Called on 5/17 (spilled soda on my laptop )
- Received box and sent out on 5/18
- Depot received it on 5/21
- Called on 5/24 and was told it was "beyond economical repair" ... looked on Dell Support History and saw a new Service Call Number had been generated for "Complete Care Exchange" and the Call Status was "Authorized"

Here are the specs from my laptop (maybe someone can give me an idea of what I should be expecting) ... it's almost 4 years old so I know it's dated but paid out over 2k when it was brand new in July 2006:

1 W9666 Processor, 80539, YONAH, T2500 2.0, C0
1 DF263 Assembly, Adapter, Alternating Current, 65W, Mobile 2007 Liteon, World Wide
1 DF771 CORD..., Power, 125, 1M, C7, 2P Dual, United States
1 NC929 Keyboard, 87, United States ENG, SINGLE POINTING..., D Plus Series
2 W5966 Dual In-line Memory Module 1GB, 533, 128X64, 8K, 200
1 RJ421 Card, Wireless, Lead Free, Internal, Bluetooth, 355
1 HF272 Kit, Adapter, Alternating Current, Automobile-Airplane, V3United States
1 NJ449 Card, Wireless, Minicard, DW1500 Multiple Output
1 RC449 Hard Drive, 100G, 9.5, 7.2, SerialAta, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Moraga Plus
1 CF264 Liquid Crystal Display 15.4WSXGA+, Video Elec. Stds. Assoc., GLARE WIDE VIEWING ANGLE..., SAMSUNG...
1 UJ368 Assembly, DVD+/-RW..., 8X, TOSHIBA SAMSUNG STORAGE TECHNOLOGY..., SULLIVAN/TOBAGO...
1 RD850 Battery, Primary, 11.1V, 9C Lithium, SIMPLO
1 WF148 Card, Graphics, 256MB, M54 I6400

 

Lol, funny you should ask. Had the same exact machine, got a complete care exchange as noted in the sig. Wrote out a post a week or two ago that detailed the process I went through. I'm kind of pushy when it comes to demanding expedited service, so YMMV, but you should get something similar. I had a lower end processor, more RAM, slightly smaller HD, but discrete graphics (key difference). With integrated (I think that's what I6400 means?), you might end up with an Inspiron.

That said, I've had nothing but trouble with the Studio 1558 I got as a replacement. Daily lockups and BSODs, so you might be better off with a different model...

Link to the short log I wrote:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-shipping-order-status-customer-service-issues/481996-dell-completecare-system-exchange-experience-e1505-studio-1558-a.html

 

two more results from other i7-720 systems(HP DV7:i7-720,6G RAM,Nvidia 230M, x-25m 160G G2 win 7 64bit and Asus N61JQ-A1:i7-720, 6G RAM, ATI 5730, x-25m 160 G2 win 7 64bit) vs above dell studio(vista, 4G RAM):

Benchmark Results
STUDIO | HP DV7 | Asus N61JQ-A1

CPU - Integer Math 1202.3 | 1250.8 | 1167.6
CPU - Floating Point Math 1350.6 | 1530.0 | 1532.0
CPU - Find Prime Numbers 664.7 | 667.6 | 646.0
CPU - SSE 9211.9 | 12921.7 | 12673.3
CPU - Compression 11519.3 | 12106.3 | 11611.9
CPU - Encryption 70.0 | 75.5 | 70.7
CPU - Image Rotation 3619.7 | 4456.7 | 4285.1
CPU - String Sorting 5124.2 | 7193.5 | 6846.4
Graphics 2D - Lines 38.9 | 36.9 | 36.7
Graphics 2D - Rectangles 56.1 | 58.3 | 70.5
Graphics 2D - Shapes 23.0 | 11.5 | 11.7
Graphics 2D - Fonts and Text 233.9 | 172.0 | 168.9
Graphics 2D - GUI 102.9 | 59.8 | 52.4
Graphics 3D - Simple 1525.7 | 1260.6 | 1967.7
Graphics 3D - Medium 380.0 | 319.7 | 330.0
Graphics 3D - Complex 67.1 | 70.0 | 67.3
Memory - Allocate Small Block 3630.5 | 1780.4 | 1819.8
Memory - Read Cached 1644.3 | 1922.6 | 2029.7
Memory - Read Uncached 2030.6 | 1915.6 | 1993.7
Memory - Write 1207.2 | 1099.3 | 1172.7
Memory - Large RAM 1297.5 | 2428.1 | 2488.1
Disk - Sequential Read 54.6 | 231.4 | 231.4
Disk - Sequential Write 64.3 | 98.0 | 97.2
Disk - Random Seek + RW 3.8 | 118.7 | 119.8
CPU Mark 2926.0 | 3744.6 | 3629.7
2D Graphics Mark 308.9 | 243.4 | 251.9
Memory Mark 725.3 | 676.2 | 702.2
Disk Mark 443.9 | 1620.4 | 1621.9
3D Graphics Mark 631.4 | 528.1 | 756.9
PassMark Rating 1128.4 | 1554.3 | 1557.0

 

I think that the I6400 means Inspiron 6400.

 

Actually read your thread and thought you made out pretty well on the exchange -- minus the resolution on the monitor .. that would make me feel claustrophobic too.

Sorry to hear about the BSODs, thats terrible! Have you called and complained? Seems like a lot of others have done that and had their system swapped out for another.

We have the same GPU (256MB ATI X1400 (M54) for with Hypermemory) so hopefully I get bumped to a new Core i processor ... I'll post anything as soon as I see it online.

Everytime I call (daily) I end up being put on hold and get told a different story, always ending with "Don't worry sir, we will take care of you. There should be an update in 7-10 business days."

 

You'll end up with at least a Studio 15, since the Inspiron don't have discrete graphics. The model they send is typically a refurb of a currently shipping model, not a Dell Outlet model, so (at least for me) it was similar to what was available on the website's customizer.

Regardless of what they say, they will not get in touch with you as much as you'd like. The only reliable callbacks I got were from the second case manager assigned to me. If you get one on the phone, ask for an extension to contact him/her directly. Every time I call Dell, I basically demand an extension to avoid the phone tree. More likely, you'll just get another 1-800 number that has it's own stupid phone tree, but do what you can. The 7-10 business day time frame is roughly accurate in the beginning, mostly because it's just a best guess as to when they'll find a system that meets your minimum specs.

At the moment, they're shipping me a new hard drive and memory even though both passed memtest86 and SeaTools long tests with flying colors. Dell Tech Support is incompetent at best (didn't understand what IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL 0xa meant and had to go consult co-workers 10 minutes at a time 4 times - this is a basic blue screen system crash that's existed since the 90's), so I called up last night, ranted and raved for a good hour and a half, and have a tech support specialist scheduled to call me on Thursday night once the parts come in (there's some benefit to being a geeky jerk when you're demanding tech support).

 

Just got an e-mail with this update:

JM8TR BASE (ASSEMBLY OR GROUP)..., NOTEBOOK..., STUDIO, 1558, CTO, APPROVED REPLICATOR... 00001
1YNXH MODULE..., ASSEMBLY..., BASE (ASSEMBLY OR GROUP)..., DISPLAY..., 1G, PARK, 1558 00001

Service Call Status updated to "Parts Ordered". Looks like I'll be in the same ballpark as you woofer

 

While the card in the 1720 is "upgradeable" the best available card in that form factor was the 8600m gt. You wouldn't be going past that.

 

Got the specs on my replacement laptop, it's coming tomorrow so this ended up being an 11 day process total, which I think is super fast.

Studio 1558
- Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
- I7-720QM, 1.6 GHz processor
- 500 GB hard drive
- 4 GB RAM
- ATI 1 GB graphics card

HUGE upgrade from me e1505!

 

The Inspiron 1720 has its moment in time, it was one of the coolest 17" machines and also what stunned people was the cooling system it employed and best of all, the upgradeable graphics option was amazing at the time when everybody thought the cards were soldered but they were not.

3 years has passed and the Inspiron 1720 should be retired, it's a great machine to be remembered by. Oh and mine is still working under the influence of maxed out specs.

Just get the Studio 1747, it's today's technology. Everybody has already mentioned its great features in the previous posts can account its features; Core i7, decent mid ranged 4650 graphics, if you could get a HD5650 would be a plus.

 

The 4650 is actually better than the 8600M GT. The 4570 is pretty much equal, but 4650 is a step up (if not a humungous one). The i7 720 is also going to be a step up in almost all cases. There probably are a couple programs out there that would prefer the larger L2 cache of the T7300 (even considering the L3 cache in the i7 720), but in the big picture the 720 will be better most of the time.

And you can't expect Blu-Ray unless you had it on your 1720. That's a considerable extra cost, and if you didn't pay for it on the 1720, Dell can't be expected to provide it in a replacement. You're already making out pretty well with the other upgrades.

Interesting thread, woofer. I've been having BSODs off and on for the past several months, with a high correlation between running certain games and getting them, and Dell keeps claiming it's the software vendor's fault. Seems pretty unlikely, but I have let the software vendor know about the problems as well (and it could conceivably be an nVIDIA driver problem - I don't trust nVIDIA quality control after Bumpgate). But the screen is also one thing I really like about my laptop - crisp, non-screen-door'ed matté of the sort you can't find in consumer laptops these days, and is better than even what ThinkPads have today. If I were to get this one replaced, I'm pretty sure the screen would be a downgrade for me, too - and I'm not sure BSOD-less gaming would be worth the inferior screen.

 

Agreed with SomeFormOfHuman, Inspiron 1720 was great, and still very capable, but the Studio does use the new tech and is an upgrade to the Inspiron 1720. I've never had any hardware issues with my 1720, and to this day it's my most used laptop. Giving it to my brother when he starts school since I know everything about it and can be his repair man I don't see my 1720 dying anytime soon barring a phyisical accident.