Some observations before and after E1505 reformat

Introduction:

Since I got E1505 last month, I've been debating whether to reformat the computer or not. Then, I got Acronis TrueImage to make a complete image of my hard drive. [It works! Read below.] So I could go back to the factory spec if something goes wrong.

Following southerngirl's guide, I reformatted the computer, installed most recent drivers (downloaded from Dell), and updated the bios (to A04). There was no surprise. After the reformat (and repair of mediacenter), everything is back to operation including media center button. One thing I forgot was that the bios update can not be reversed with the hard drive image, even though you might still flash the bios back to the older version...

Observations before and after:

As Expected:

[1] After the reformat, I gained 5 gig more space, as expected, since I deleted the dell restore partition.
[2] Computer boots up faster (even compared with the cleaned-up (but not reformatted) E1505.
[3] Computer 'appears' to be operating faster.

Some Unexpected:
[1] Computer is running slightly warmer than before. The fan kicks in more frequently than before.
[2] I can run Half-Life 2 at full resolution: 1600*1050 with texture, shadow deatils set at 'high' level. BTW, I have x1400 video card. Before the reformat, I could only run at 1200*800.
[3] The TV image is somwhat different. Yes, I also got the tv tuner. It appears that interlacing algorithm has changed. I actually prefered the image before the reformat, even though the difference is minor. I may have to play with video card set up.

I really liked to the fact that I can run Half-Life 2 at full resolution. However, I didn't like the fact that the computer is running hotter. I made another image of hard drive. [Having a large external hard drive really helps here.]

Back to the original:

So I used the hard drive image I created and went back to the before-reformat state. It worked like a charm. Everything was restored to before reformat state. Then, I used the dell restore to bring the computer back to the original state as when I received the computer! (Except the bios...)


Observations after and before:
[1] The computer is running cooler. So the bios was not responsible for the computer running hotter after all. At this point, I have no clue to what is responsible for the temperature change.
[2] I cleaned up all the junks again. Then, installed and ran the Half-Life 2. I couldn't run at the full resolution. The computer would simply crash.
[3] TV image is better, but again, the difference is minor.

After seeing how beautiful half life 2 looks at full resolution, I had to run it at full resolution. So I loaded up the another image I created before to bring it back to the after-reformat state.

Conclusion:
Even though the fan comes in more frequently than before reformat (it is not bad at all actually), I am enjoying the clean computer that can run half-life 2 at full resolution. So, I definitely recommend the reformat for those who are still undecided. And get Acronis if you want to be sure. The trial version is free.

 

What video drivers are you using?

 

I am just using the video driver that I downloaded from Dell website.

 

Maybe you should try mobileforce 23.90 from tweaksrus

 

are you benchmarking to validate that it is running hotter?

what's hotter; cpu? gpu? ram? hd?

what are the temps before and after?

 

Well this would make sense as the "clean" installation means you would have to download the latest video card driver from Dell, hence the ability to run the game at a higher resolution. Maybe the OEM driver that shipped with the laptop was buggy and prevented you from running it at the higher res.

 

well after reformating my m140 I also noticed that it runs hotter(cpu), however i just undervolted mine and it brought it down. running at 38c with fan on low and with aim and firefox running.