Looking into the Future: XPS2 Graphics Upgrades?

Does anyone forsee any graphics card upgrades for the Dell Inspiron XPS Gen 2? I know the card is great for now (and I know I probably shouldn't be worrying about this), but do you think Dell will incorporate any of the 7800 series into the laptop? Sometimes, all it takes is a year for a graphics card to go from the best, to moderate--or even low end. I'm just hoping $1500 will get me some "futureproofness".

Edit:

Well, It seems that there are already MXM compatible laptops being released. For instance, look here . This is only MXM-I (this laptop is overpriced and pretty shabby), but it's only a matter of time before MXM-III modules come out. Searching through some recent headlines led me to find out that many manufacturers, such as Uniwill, are already producing MXM-III compatible systems. I wouldn't be surprised if Dell's "Lexus Lineup" will be MXM compatible. Here is some additional and pretty recent info .

As much as it hurts to do this, it only seems logical for me to wait and return this notebook. With next generation games right around the corner--games that have been proven to even strike the desktop Geforce 6800 Ultra to its knees (The desktop Geforce 6800 Ultra is horribly faster than the Geforce 'Go' version)--I can only forsee $1500 depreciating right before my eyes. I doubt I will be able to get more than $1000 for the XPS Gen 2, in brand new condition, in the holiday season.

I've made up my mind to resist this terrible temptation to open the huge Dell box sitting on my table, and in turn write the accursed words "Return to Sender" on it. I'm so sad

 

I believe they update the Video cards pretty frequently. I heard you get a free card when they are updated. I'm not sure if that is true or not.

 

You most certainly will not get a free upgraded video card.

Most likely the next video card upgrade for the XPS gen2 will be this.....................the XPS GEN3

 

That would be pretty awesome...but I think it's too good to be true haha

 

Yeah probably. I've seen articles/threads on Dell about the XPS Gen series. If they release a new card, you can send your laptop back, and they will replace your card. Not sure about the exact details or the cost. I've just seen it be discussed several times on Dell.

 

dell has several models that they have offered upgraded video cards for...

they've done it before, no reason to be surprised if they do it again.

 

True. However, given the already high performance of the existing 6800 go ultra, for dell to introduce another video card that is actually an upgrade to the ultra in a near term would seem unlikely. Not to mention nvidia probably won't have mobility 7800 series ready to go so soon considering they are not even warmed up on the highend desktop 7800 gtx/gt cards.

Another reason probably an upgrade won't come so soon is due to the fact that they already have to beef up the 9300 into xps gen 2 just to support the 6800 go ultra. Would the design of the existing xps gen 2 be sufficient to support an even higher performing vid card?

Also, given that Dell is going to introduce their lexus line up of desktop/laptops, wouldn't it be better to introduce the next high end graphics card with the new lexus lineup instead?

Maybe it is more likely for Dell to introduce graphics upgrade in their other line of laptop, such as the 6000. An x700 would be a nice option to have on the 6000. It will certainly make it competitve like the 8600 that it replaced. There are plenty of laptops out there with x700.

just my speculations,

 

Hmmm, I'm thinking of canceling the order I have with the XPS Gen 2 and waiting for MXM. With games like Unreal 3 dominating future gaming, I don't think this card will be too powerful much longer. I know I've got a big discount with the 40% off coupon, but $1500 is still $1500.

 

It normally takes month's from announcement before any high end mobile gpu makes it to production. To my knowledge, there hasn't been even a product announcement yet for a faster mobile gpu that the 6800go ultra, let alone hints of when it will be available. If your willing to wait another year before buying, then I'd say hold off.

I don't see any reason why the 7800 go series couldn't be put into the xps2, whenver NV gets around to producing it.

But there is always something better just around the corner, at some point you just have to buy, and then get as much use out of it before being forced to upgrade as you can.

 

yea...dell could put the 7800 go when it comes out in the xps gen 2...but dell doesn't want to do that..they want u to buy a whole u laptop for that video card...and i think it's gonna be put into the xps gen 3 if it comes out

 

Yeah dell would do that

 

Well, It seems that there are already MXM compatible laptops being released. For instance, look here . This is only MXM-I (this laptop is overpriced and pretty shabby), but it's only a matter of time before MXM-III modules come out. Searching through some recent headlines led me to find out that many manufacturers, such as Uniwill, are already producing MXM-III compatible systems. I wouldn't be surprised if Dell's "Lexus Lineup" will be MXM compatible. Here is some additional and pretty recent info .

As much as it hurts to do this, it only seems logical for me to wait and return this notebook. With next generation games right around the corner--games that have been proven to even strike the desktop Geforce 6800 Ultra to its knees (The desktop Geforce 6800 Ultra is horribly faster than the Geforce 'Go' version)--I can only forsee $1500 depreciating right before my eyes. I doubt I will be able to get more than $1000 for the XPS Gen 2, in brand new condition, in the holiday season.

I've made up my mind to resist this terrible temptation to open the huge Dell box sitting on my table, and in turn write the accursed words "Return to Sender" on it. I'm so sad

 

Wow, Dell has no restocking fees? I thought I was going to lose out on atleast some money.

 

Well, I took the XPS Gen 2 for a few runs through Half-Life 2's most GPU intensive levels and, although they all ran well, I'd really have to say that I'm not all that impressed. Yes, my FPS stayed in the 80 to 110 range most of the time, but there were a lot of times where it would crawl to the 30's and 40's--even at a 1024 resolution with Mid-High settings, no V-sync, and no AA or AF. I'm not saying that it's crappy because of this. I would just expect more from a $2300 machine (worth). There was also much stuttering, and reformatting (thus getting rid of Dell's bloatware) and upgrading drivers didn't seem to cure that. I wasn't really a fan of the appearance with the LED lights and all. Although I turned them off, I would still probably be embarassed to take the thing out of the house. Haha

Doom 3 and Far Cry performed decent at a 1024 resolution, but it seems that my previous conjectures are correct. If this system is struggling even the least bit in games like Doom 3 and Far Cry, then I fear for what "next generation" games will run like. I believe I made a hasty and un-thought out move (mainly, as a result of the 40% off coupon) with buying this. I will stick to returning this laptop and I will wait and buy something that is more of an investment.

 

After calling Dell to figure out how to return the Dell system, my feelings about Dell and their support have changed. I made a post previously saying that I was a "big Dell advocate" as a result of my online support experience with them, but it seems this was clearly a direct result of the great coupons they gave me. My Phoning in experience left me very surprised.

I was first a bit agrivated when I found out that I couldn't complete a return simpily online like most businesses allow you to. But, afterwards, I figured that "this was Dell" and they would make their phone service simple and stress free like it should be, so I called the Dell returns number on the website. After going through several dial-in selections, I was redirected to a representative who took my order number. He then, to my surprise, wanted a detailed description on why I wanted to return the order. I found this odd because I had read that many others were able to complete the return process simpily, and commented on how they weren't even questioned about it one bit.

After telling him why I wanted to return it, I figured he would give me some simple instructions on how to shortly after. Instead, he gave me another number and an extension to a different department. So this department's purpose was simply to question me on several things, and then redirect me to another department? After I called the new number, I had to go through yet another barrage of dial-in selections. None of the selections were even remotely reminiscent of a "Returns request". ""Did I have the right number?", I thought. It turns out I had to go through several "If you have any other Questions, press 6" selections until a voice message came on saying that a representative would be with me shortly. Again, I went through roughly six different dial-in selections, all of which were not specified as "Returns" or anything relating to that. I have a feeling that Dell expects many people who are trying to return a system to get frustrated by this point and confused on what to do.

So I waited 10 minutes until another representative came on. Again, I was asked for my order number AND, for a second time, questioned for a detailed description on why I wanted to return the product. So I recited what I had told the previous person. I got pretty frustrated when the rep said "Uhh, Hold on while I transfer you to another department"....

Five minutes later, a woman picked up, asked me what my name and order number was, and asked me why I wanted to return the XPS Gen 2. She had a big attitude and incessantly questioned me over and over again on why I wanted to return it in detail--as if she didn't believe me. Finally she gave up her squabble and recited me the instructions on how to return the system--but not without throwing one last log on the fire ("You realize that shipping will cost anywhere between $50 to $100, right?" Little did she know that I still have three $100 coupons). Apparently, I have to use a "CTS" number she gave me at a UPS Store to ship out the item. Unfortunately, the closest UPS store in my area is about 70 miles away.

ATLEAST there's no restocking fees.

Now I know where that anti-Dell bias comes from...

 

what laptop will play games without any of the flaws you mentioned?

i know for a fact that you dont have to use ups. in july i mailed one of my 9300s back usps (insured for $1,600 for $30 something).

 

you're expectations are unrealistic. i played HL2 on my 6000 with the 128mb x300 on the game's recommended settings (medium all around, no AA). w/out overclocking (i have since done so but didn't notice any difference) the game ran fine without any noticable choppiness or slowdown.

 

I'm not saying that I dont like the laptop (except for its looks). If playing games in the next few months and the present were my only concern, I'd keep this thing without thinking twice about it. But I have to accept the fact that new and greater technology is imminent--technology that will save me from having to buy ANOTHER $1500 laptop in a half of a year. I do infact realize that this new laptop will probably be around $2000, but it will be upgradeable--and therefore it may last me more like three or four years. So even if the XPS Gen 2 lasts (by lasts, I mean stays powerful enough to run latest games at high detail) me one year for $1500, I can only speculate that a laptop with an upgradeable GPU slot will last me atleast twice as long. I'm just doing what is most logical. If money wasn't a concern of mine, sure--I'd keep it.

doobie: To my knowledge, there's currently not any other laptop thats more powerful than the XPS Gen 2. What I've been trying to stress is that I'm going to wait for a certain technology to come out that will give me better performance, save me a lot of money, and make my system more futureproof.

So Dell gave you a CTS number too? Can any carrier utilize this number?

 

yes, basically the return authorization number has to be on the outside of the box so the dell people can see it. this is the address they sent me in an email:

Braker K
11550 Stonehollow Drive
Door 21
Austin, TX 78700 (for DHL) 78758 (for all other carriers)

 

Wow, Dell yet again has given me a hard time. I was given no shipping address at ALL--JUST a CTS number. I was simply told to give the CTS number to the carrier at the UPS Store and THATS IT. I wasted a few hours today driving around to different carriers to see if they could recognize what a CTS number was, and they all looked at me like I was crazy.

Thanks Dell.

 

I doubt that the 7800 will be an upgrade option for the xps2 - even though it is pin compatible. The main reason is that the 7800 will not be released until November - not long before the napa platform arrives in Q1. Also dell would gain more $ if it realesed a brand new lappy. I belive there will be an xps3 q1/q2 (maybe may) and that may well include the 7800go ultra with (apparantly) 512mb - i hope it has h264 hardware decoding but that would be wishful thinking. Napa (centrino 3, successor to sonoma) has the following:

Yonah: (successor to dothan)
dual core, 667 fsb, 65nm, x50(2.13ghz), possibly 64bit

Calistoga chipset:
ddr2-667mhz memory and support for 4gb
Pci express graphics
4x sata-300 ports
Golan wireless chipset abg wpa2

 

Thats one of the reasons why I think it would be most wise to return this and wait.

By the way, after being forced to keep my laptop for several more days as a result of missing return shipping information received from Dell, I played Half-Life 2 a little bit more. I just want to say that the stuttering in it is horrible (I was really being easy on the system before, as I figured you couldn't expect much more from a laptop). I thought it was just because of Dell's bloatware, but it seems that each and every sound that the game-engine has to load will lag the game for a second. When in contact with the enemy, the game is literally unplayable. I couldn't figure out how to fix the issue myself (reformat, update drivers, no background apps whatsoever, etc etc), so I tried searching online. I've found several people with the XPS 2 that have the same problem, but none of them have been able to fix the problem as of yet. It will do this in Doom 3 too.

 

7800go ultra with 512mb! wow!

i have a 9300 now and did not expect to update it, but when this comes out i will definately get a new laptop. i read somewhere that the first Yonahs will not be 64bit, though. ill look for a link.

 

Yeah, at first, the Yonah's will not be 64 bit

I think they are supposed to be 64 bit around Q3 '06, if I am not mistaken.

But, if you are sick of waiting for intel - get a Turion 64 like I did A shame dell doesnt offer AMD's!!

 

Well considering the 9300 gets decent, but not very good, FPS in old games like Half-Life 2, and even worse in older games like Doom 3, I think you'll have to update it. Especially with games like Unreal 3 coming out before the end of the year, whose LOWEST end requirements will be a DESKTOP Geforce 6800 Ultra.

Thats why I am waiting. I doubt the XPS Gen 2 will be able to run next generation games like Unreal 3 above the 20FPS range on the lowest settings.

 

I just have to say, what is the problem with Doom 3?? I run it with my resolution maxed out, on high, and it runs FLAWLESSLY. I will be trying Half-life 2 in a few days, so I can't say much about that, but you keep saying the XPS doesn't run these games well, and that's not what I've heard, nor is it my experience. Just wanted to point that out!!

 

I didn't say it doesn't run well on Doom 3 (notice I was talking about the Inspiron 9300 on the last post). I got a fine FPS in it when I had the XPS Gen 2 for most of the time. But it would crawl in the more detailed areas of the game, and if it crawls at all in old games, then it will be quite outdated soon enough.

The XPS Gen 2 I had ran pretty well in Half-Life 2, but not amazingly. Although, if you count the stuttering problem I had, it was unplayable.

 

I honestly think that if you are this concerned about gaming performance from a laptop, then a laptop probably isn't for you. A desktop would be much better suited for your purposes and at a much more affordable price. The power of a laptop will always lag behind the power of a desktop, although that gap is closing. But laptops will always have drawbacks that limits performance, like the onboard audio, or hard drive speed. Have you attempted to remove bloatware or tweak settings?

Let's face it, by the time the next generation laptop comes along, it will play current games at that time like a champ, but will struggle on future demanding games. That is the cycle of computer hardware. And at that time, you will complain about that as well.

Seeing as how the prices are fantastic now, buying when the prices are good on a high end laptop only makes sense. Especially if your argument will be that you don't want a desktop, only a laptop.

 

I realize that hardware will always become outdated. I've stated that several times. It just seems more logical to me to wait a couple of months for something that will last me 2 to 3 years, rather than giving into that crave of instant gratification for something that will last me maybe another year at most. The new laptop will cost more, but will last a lot longer--thus saving me money in the long run. This laptop will cost less, but won't last anywhere near as long as the newer. If you can't wait a couple of months without a laptop for something that will both give you better performance and save you $1000+, well thats where we are different.

 

Do you realize the argument you are presenting is the same scenario each and everytime a product is reaching it's peak and the next version is coming along? (ie. See i8600 or original XPS) People said the same thing when the XPS Gen 2 was about to be released, "If I wait for that, then I'll be all set for the next 2-3 years."

Honestly, paying a premium for a laptop that just comes out is what is considered a waste of money. If you wait the 6 months, the prices come down dramatically. You do realize that the XPS Gen2 has only been out since March, right? You're basically paying half now of what it use to cost. To me, that's a great deal on still excellent technology and why it is the perfect time to buy.

I guarantee you that my XPS Gen 2 will last just as long as the next generation laptop you plan to buy. Sure, you may be able to get more FPS or a few more months of longevity, but if it all looks smooth in the long run, I'd say I got the better bargain.

Plus, who's to say you can't recoup some of your initial costs by selling the old laptop, right?

 

If it wasn't for MXM, I would say it would be the same scenario. I understand that you can practically wait forever when it comes to trying to find the right time purchase a longlasting computer. But the nature of the technology changes the whole situation. There has never been a standard set for notebook graphics modules. So in a year or so from now, when someone who has the XPS Gen 2 is still stuck with the Geforce Go 6800, an MXM compatible notebook will have been able to upgrade many times over, into the Geforce 7 and 8 series (and along with ATI's lineup), and thus will last much longer.

To me, buying an XPS Gen 2 when MXM is right around the corner is like buying an AGP compatible motherboard when PCI-Express and PCI-Express Cards are right around the corner. Sure, you might be able to upgrade one more time on the old hardware, but after that you've got to buy a whole new motherboard. But instead of a $100 motherboard, it's a new $1500-$2000+ notebook which will put a huge hole in your pocket, while the other guy with MXM still has the same notebook he had 2+ years ago and is getting about equivalent performance.

 

You forget that they have been saying the route of upgradable video cards since the days of the i8600.

Bottom line is, the XPS Gen 2 video card IS upgradable. Also, by the time you are ready to upgrade your MXM compatible notebook to a new video card, there will be a new and different connection in a next generation notebook.

The point I am making is that all notebook enthusiasts will always have to purchase a new notebook after a few years. While I will be selling my old one and purchasing a new laptop at a significant total price difference each time (after the old laptop sale and buying at the right time), you will be paying the premium of about $3000-$3500 (give or take some). I also don't have to keep waiting, I already have an excellent notebook in use each time. As an example, I bought an i8600 2 years ago for $2200. A year and a half later, I sold it for $900 and bought a XPS Gen 2 for $2100. After applying some Dell Credit (for problematic account issues) and buying some RAM, the final laptop price was about $2000. Thus I only spent about $1000 on a brand new powerful laptop. Now I am assuming of course that you are a working professional and have an income coming in and understand how to budget for enthusiast purchases. If you are a student or have tighter finances, forgive me.

You also cannot base your comparison to a $100 motherboard. A new video card for a notebook is certain to go for $400-$500, not to mention there will be no availability. If you haven't noticed, laptop video cards are not sold by retail. You can pick them up as refurbs or spare parts. And guess what, by the time you find one you can buy at a reasonable price, the next gen laptop is on its way.

 

I also understand this debate is pointless if you have already returned your laptop, in which case I hope you enjoy your future purchase.

I just think $1700 - $2000 for the highest end laptop which normally ran $3200 - $3500 is a steal. Don't restrict yourself from enjoyment when you can have the laptop's power now, know what I mean?

 

The XPS Gen 2's video is upgradeable only if Dell releases an upgrade for it, which is unlikely because they would rather you pay for a whole new system. And based on Dell's $350+ price for a wimpy Radeon 9800, I doubt you'll be paying no less than $500 for it.

MXM laptop video cards are going to be available for retail. Infact, Prolink has already announced they will be with the 6200, 6600, and 6800 Ultra.

I still completely disagree with you, but I can see that our speculations on future pricing, availability, and performance are very contrasting on this topic, so there is really no reason to continue to further this when there is not much information set in stone, and plenty of room for contorting and distorting it. We will just have to wait until MXM is actually released. In the meantime, I will still have $1500 and you will have the XPS Gen 2.

 

Wish I would have got involved in this a bit more before now, but for those considering the XPS2 now, here are some counters to many of woah's points. Just going to go backwards through the posts and point out the difference of opinion.

You sure your power and thermal requirements will be covered? Saying that jsut because you have the compatible slot means you can upgrade multiple generations of cards with no knowledge about the specifics of those cards is pure speculation.

Show me a processor/motherboar/memory system form two years ago that can get you equivelent performance against a current gen processor when runnign the same video card. There is more to gaming performance than the GPU.

It doesn't crawl at all. I can get perfectly fine FPS in any modern game on my XPS2. Either your system had a problem, bloatware, old drivers, or your bs'ing.

Again, runs fine at 1920x1200 here. As above, something was off on your system, either hardware problem, drivers, bloatware, or bs.

and

Funny, according to Epic vice president Mark Rein a 6600GT will be able to handle the engine "easily". Obviously thats probably not maxed detail, but a pretty far cry from a 6800 Ultra being the min spec, or not being able to break 20FPS on the lowest detail.

Hmm, funny the official XPS2 forums don't have anyone with this problem. Couldn't find it wiht a quick search on google either.

Perhaps you could show us some benchmarks of these next gen games that are right around the corner bringing the 6800 Ultra to it's knees? And no, the desktop version isn't "horribly" faster than the go version, unless horrbly means someting around 5% or so to you. The go ultra actually scores higher than the desktop ultra in some benchmarks.

No, most businesses don't. You normally need to call or e-mail asking for an RMA. Those that do often charge you the wonderful restocking fee for the privaledge of not having to actually call a toll free number and arrange the return.

Your whole ordeal with getting the system returned runs counter to my experience returning somewhere in the range of 12 to 15 systems for various clients over the past 3 years. I never needed more than one phone call to get it done.

I think I'll quit here. If you don't wan't an XPS2, don't buy it, and keep waiting on the bigger and better thing around the corner. But after reading all your posts you come accross more as someone working for a competor posting fud than you do a serious past for perspective xps2 owner.

 

I can see that our speculations on future pricing, availability, and performance are very contrasting on this topic, so there is really no reason to continue to further this when there is not much information set in stone, and plenty of room for contorting and distorting it. We will just have to wait until MXM is actually released.

 

Sorry, my replies weren't really directed at you, as I didn't expect you to clarify or correct the statements you made. They were directed at anyone else who might come along, read what you posted, and take it as advice when deciding on wheter to get an XPS2 or wait for the next bigger/better thing.

 

Yes there is no reason to continue this.

The main difference between myself and the poster is that he is limited to one budget and thus must stick with one system for a lengthy period of time. So his decision to wait is fine for him.

I, on the other hand, can afford to be an enthusiast and purchase more frequently. So while I may spend a little more in the long run, I will always have top notch equipment.

My main point was that you don't have to spend top dollar to get a top notch laptop. If you wait a little bit, you'll get a great deal and upgrading in the future will be a lot less than when you dump twice the amount for the same laptop just because you want to be the first on the block to have it.

For any prosective buyers reading this, buy now with those 35% or 40% coupons out there. You'll be glad you did!

 

By the way, does anyone know where I could get a good deal on the PCMCIA SB Audigy 2 ZS?

 

Yes go here to buy:

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10385268&loc=101&hdwt=0&sp=1&adid=17662

Apply this coupon at checkout for 10% off:

http://www.buy.com/retail/coupon.asp?prid=81865717&adid=17662

Send in this rebate for $20:

http://ak.buy.com/buy_assets/retail/pdfs/05Q3/0811-0829ta_20creativem.pdf

Final cost should be $56.49 before tax.

 

Ah, nice. Thanks