M4700 Owners Thread

Cool, thanks for these tips! How hard is it to change the keyboard?

 

Hi there,

Changing the keyboard shouldn't be too difficult - it involves removing the battery, keyboard trim, 5 screws and the keyboard data cable then doing the steps in reverse with the new keyboard. The trickiest part might be connecting the keyboard data cable as it can be quite fiddly to do.

The steps are in the service manual here (pages 15 to 19) - ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-prod...bile/precision-m4700_Owner's Manual_en-us.pdf

 

... and it isn't. Takes about 5 minutes. The trickiest part is that keyboard data cable connects via a ZIF socket - so you have to open the black cover/latch before you insert the cable, then close it again. It's a good idea to use magnifying glasses (I have 2x lenses from eBay) to examine the socket and cable end and see exactly what you have to stick where.

ps: I love the support from Dell reps on this forum !

 

Hi folks, someone knows if We can plug a smaller power source?

The original is too big for my bag!!

 

Yes, but the system may operate at reduced performance.

(I personally have one at work and one at home so I don't have to carry one around unless I'm taking my machine somewhere I don't usually go.)

 

Received my M4700 today. Really impressed with its performance, but very disappointed with the display The viewing angles, contrast and color rendition seem just awful to me, especially compared to Dell U2410 monitor. The problem is that I can't always have U2410 nearby for color critical work. That was the whole point of going with the M4700.

Seems I've picked wrong display type while configuring the laptop on Dell US website. I chose 15.6" UltraSharp FHD (1920x1080) Wide View Anti-Glare, Premium Panel Guarantee which was the best available option. Turns out this is not IPS at all. And I really cannot figure out how to get the IPS to show up on the website during customization process. I tried doing it just now, played with different HD cameras, fingerprint readers, etc., but the IPS option never showed up.

So guys, can you please help me understand the following:
1. Have the IPS panels been discontinued? If not, what are the precise instructions to see it in the list of panel types on Dell US website?
2. I will be based out of the US for a long time, so return is not a viable option right now. Can I upgrade my panel by ordering if from somewhere and installing it by myself? Any links?
3. Can I calibrate the panel to get at least the colors right?

Thanks!

 

The IPS panels were pulled from the M4700 because all of the 15" IPS panels had a color tint issue. This was also the case with the M4600 and the 15" HP EliteBook (which used the same panel). There were seriously zero reports of a good panel here, so it's not like only some of them had the issue. They ended up pulling it because it seems that the panel manufacturer hasn't been able or willing to do anything about it.

While it may be possible to upgrade to the IPS panel if you are willing to put up with the tint issue, the M4700 had a different motherboard to use with the IPS so it won't be as simple as dropping in a new panel.

You can get an IPS panel in the M6700, those seem to work just great.

 

Hi, I've been lurking for a while, but now I have a new laptop, I wanted to get a bit more involved. Typically, my first post is a question.

I received my Dell Precision M4700 with Core i7 3840QM last week and after checking it booted and everything was working, I stripped the laptop to clean, polish and Artic Silver 5 the CPU and GPU heat pipes. Then I reinstalled. Everything is working okay, but I have a question about the CPU heat and the wild variance of temperatures across the cores.

If I am maxing the CPU (100% on all four cores and HT), the difference in core temperatures is vast. Core #1 will typically go to 105c which causes the CPU to throttle for 1/2 a second which drops the temperature, but cores #2 maxes at 95c, core #3 maxes at 75c and core #4 at 60c. The CPU seems to cycle between 2.9 and 3.3GHz.

I've been thinking about this and wondered if this was something to do with the physical distance of the core from the heat pipe, or have I applied the AS5 poorly?

Does anyone have a comparison of core temps for this CPU please?

EDIT: Oh and finally, I'm pretty sure that it isn't a thermal grease issue because the heat is removed instantly once the load is removed e.g. core #1 will drop from 105c to 41c within 1/2 a second.

 

That's what we're here for! Just trying to help where we can.

I wouldn't recommend it but if Aaron44126 says it works then, that's the best kind of confirmation.

According to our parts list, the Precision M4700 comes with a 180W AC adapter and there aren't any less powerful AC adapters for this model. You may come across AC adapters that are listed as being less powerful but say they are for the Precision M4700 - these are for the docking stations, not the systems themselves.

By the way, don't know if you saw my previous post, did you manage to resolve the crashing problems you had with your system, elzuma?

 

I saw the post, but yesterday i couldnt be in front of the laptop, i will try today. Thanks.