E6520 Owner's Thread

Here's a link to A06 for you guys having problems with A07.

 

I'm using a Latitude E6520 installed all drivers and applications including DFEP (but no ControlPoint System Manager) as it described in the "Re-Image Howto..." guide, but...

The on screen display(?? - icons about changing brightness, volume level, etc) only works with the admin user, which I've created first while installing windows 7. Can I get it to work with all users? Or is it an impossible mission?

 

If you go to properties for the application you can pick to allow users,etc. I have done that to all the ones I can.

 

Yes, the microcode is updated in the CPU, but it is copied in a RAM not flash, so when the PC is powered off, the new microcode is lost. Indeed, under linux, the microcode is updated at each reboot. Usually is the BIOS that updates the microcode, unless it founds a newer one on the ROM of the CPU. This must be the case for Scott's CPU, which must be newer enough to have the 1B code written permanently inside.

 

Thanks, but actually it doesn't help me.
The application that need to this feature (DFEPApplication.exe) is runnable by any users.

But I found an interesting thing: I reinstalled the windows and before installing any Dell specific software, I've created a new user without admin privileges, installed Dell softwares, then created another user. The admin user and the first non-admin are working now, but the second user isn't.

 

I feel a (not too) light vibration on the palmrest while the HDD spins. (actually always)
Is it normal on E6520? I had many laptops in the last years, but never experienced this on the other machines (HPs and Thinkpad)

 

I have the same feeling and it may be the fan since it always on (quad core).

I am thinking of getting a 128GB SSD, would one is the right size 2.5 or 1.8 inch?
The best one spec wise is (power consumption / read write speed) the SAMSUNG 830 Series MZ-7PC128D/AM 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC or the Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC128MAG-1G1 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC, they are both SATA III (future proof), any suggestions?

 

Hi chris,

2.5" is the right size. Sata 3 is supported by the E6520 so always take a Sata 3 drive.

The realSSD C300 is an old model. The Crucial M4 is it's follower: Crucial Solid-State Drives - Hard Drive replacement for notebook and netbook

Both drives are great in performance. The Samsung 830 is newer and less information about durability etc. but the first reviews are very good. The crucial M4 (128gb) is the best price/performance in my opinion. (have one myself too) don't forget to use the latest firmware. Increases performance very much.

Check: Newegg.com - Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

 

No, it was really the HDD... An hour ago I got a new (the 4th) disk, and... the vibration stopped. (What a magic, wow! )

So, you can try this if you have a Seagate disk too: download SeaTools for DOS software, write it on a CD, boot it, and use the acoustic(?) test! It swiches off the drive, and then stop the vibration and the noise which you think may be the fan... (AFAIK)

 

Just tried and you were right!
Will ask to replace the HD.
Thanks for the advice.