E6520 Owner's Thread

Thing is, I've done similar upgrade on E6500's and E6510's from 32-bit to 64-bit which had just 4gig installed (as this E6520 has) and they've all shown similar scores to what they had on 32-bit..

I'm actually in the process of going back to 32-bit on a fresh build, using the drivers from the website, rather than the original image, to try and get to the bottom of this.

 

I think I've found the answer.

What is the Windows Experience Index?

Look at the note..

If your computer has a 64-bit central processing unit (CPU) and 4 gigabytes (GB) or less random access memory (RAM), then the Memory (RAM) subscore for your computer will have a maximum of 5.9.

But that doesn't explain why a E6510 64-bit with only 4gig is showing higher than 5.9...

But at least I'm seeing an official reason from Microsoft.. and i'm not going crazy.... Must have spent 5 hrs on this damn problem. I hate being a bit of a perfectionist at times..

 

Once you imaged the faster HDD, did you make sure to clear the WEI history under the advanced tab and run a fresh test? That is also a common score when the chipset and/or memory management drivers are not installed or running properly. Even if all you did was change the HDD, you should at least reinstall the core Intel drivers to insure proper operation.

I do have a fresh 64bit factory Win7 Pro image for the E6520, but it is an 11GB file and may take a while to upload, but will look into it if needed.

Scott-

 

Also make sure in your BIOS, the SATA mode is set to ACHI.

Scott

 

Thanks, sata mode is set to ACHI, i never changed it.. It does seem to be because as microsoft says if you have a 64 bit CPU and 4 gig, then the max it'll show is only 5.9.

However I do not think this is always the case, because my home gaming tower which has a 64-bit cpu (Q6600), with only 4 gig, is higher than 5.9 and as I said before, I have an i7 E6510 64-bit with only 4 gig and that's 7.4 ??? So who knows.. It's clear to me though that Microsoft have seen this and know about it enough to put a note on their page about it.

 

When I have tested only 4G in both 32 and 64bit W7, I get anywhere between 6.5 and 7.0; never 7.4. The score is party generated by what processor (type/speed) you are using too so maybe your CPU, or the way it is being throttled in your fresh installs, is affecting it somewhat. Did you load the speed step/turbo boost driver?

Scott

 

The E6520 on 32-bit is actually showing 7.5 on memory.

There is obviously a limitation in the WEI on the newest type of CPU's and 64-bit O/S's for it to report it so slow.. Dell didn't even know about it. But as I said, Microsoft are aware and they've even put a clear note on their website.

Something that'll probably be fixed in an update.

I guess I should really bench it using memtest in both 64-bit and 32-bit to get a true definate answer, if performance is really affected in any way whatsoever. But for now Im happy.

 

Well, well. I got the answer from a Dell rep.

The eSata port doesn't support port multiplier.

Also, the usb 3.0 media module can be ordered through the Dell rep with the code P5MKF. I couldn't even locate this anywhere else online other than from a member of NBR who owns a 6420. They charge $39.99 + tax + shipping for this product. And it's an outlet product. Sighsigh sigh.

 

Anyone else use a E/Port docking station with the E6520 and NOT have the audio popping problem as I described earlier? My external speakers connect to the docking station audio jack. When I plug them into the laptop's jack, I don't have the problem. My E6510 doesn't have the problem and the E6520 has the problem on two different docking stations (ruling out everything but the laptop's docking station port/motherboard).

---EDIT---
I just had a coworker in another city try it and his E6520 has the same problem. So, this is undeniably a design flaw or driver issue. Different laptop, different power, different building, different docking station, different speakers...same problem.

 

Does anyone know the part number for the FHD video cable for the E6520?

My 6520 currently has the HD display (1366x768) and I want to swap in the 1900x1080 FHD. I was able to find the screen but it didn't come with the cable.

The HD is a 40 pin connector and the new FHD is a 30 pin. Dell Parts has no clue what I'm talking about and told me to google for a third party supplier.

Can anyone with the FHD get a part number for me so I can at least get Dell to try and find this cable?

Thanks!