M6600 Owners Thread

With msata ssd a shutdown takes only a few seconds in my case.

 

A07 BIOS update available.

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Fixes/Enhancements ------------------ 1. Fixed issue where TDM PBA SSO doesn't work when both FP and TDM PBA SSO are set for single user. 2. Addressed some keyboard with USB Hub not accessible during POST. 3. Updated to the MOB_P_13 version of the Intel microcode patch. 4. Intel Trusted Execution Technology updates 5. Updated to the 1.05 version of Dell GPE. 6. Added new key for Signed Firmware Updates.

 

I have seen this a few times with Windows 7 on the M6500 and M6600. Every time it has been OS related. Usually when I have external drives attached through the dock.

Download the Windows Performance Analysis Tools at Windows Performance Analysis Tools and see if you can trace the events happening at shutdown. You might save yourself from having to do a fresh install of Windows.

 

Can you tell me what msata card you are using please. I started off with a 256SSD in port Sata_1 but was having problems with a 1TB data backup 5400 spin in Sata_0. Are you using an SSD in the msata port and if so what size and model and what other drives have. I would be interested to know. I understand that the msata port is only Sata 2 so what is you bootup speed? (assuming you are running Windows 7)

 

Tanks for that I will give it a whirl. I am wondering if changing to AHCI without a reinstall might have caused this.

 

Any thoughts on this one and does anyone know what sticks come with the 32g ram from dell assuming 4 x 8g so it must be out there somewhere right

Plus anyone know what 512ssd comes from dell

 

Think I found my answer

Thе two 2.5-inch solid state drives аrе manufactured bу Micron (C400 series) аnd саn bе setup іn еіthеr a RAID 1 οr RAID 0 mode, whіlе opting fοr thе third mini-PCIe SSD аlѕο enables thе υѕе οf a special RAID 5 mode.Tο рlасе equipment іn perspective, thе 512GB translation οf thе Crucial M4 retails fοr roughly $770, bυt уου wіll hаνе tο dο thе upgrade οn уουr οwn.

So how hard will this be as I have read others are having probs with aftermarket drives not being recognized plus reinstalling os and any thoughts on Crucial track record and compatibility would be great

And I am still searching for insight on 4 8g ram sticks that will fit and work

 

Can anyone who uses an M6600 with standard 512 7200 HDD with win7 Pro tell me how long it takes to shutdown. Mine takes 45 secs. All my other machines on Sata HDD take max of 30 secs. II think I have got paranoid because I have changed the Bios and registry keys to AHCI without reinstalling the OS. Dell technician told me I would have to reinstall but I thought that sounded a bit drastic.
Eveything else seems fine.

 

I have tested the M6600 with the Intel 500 series, Crrucial M4 series, and the Corsair Force GT series. All have worked well with no issues. The Force GT is the fastest on paper, but the M4 "feels" almost as fast regardless of the published specs. The Intel is by far the best supported and considered the most reliable by many. Likewise, it is very snappy as well.

In regards to memory, make sure you are aware of your processor and chipset limitations. Most of the current 2nd Gen Sandy Bridge QUAD CORE i7 processors will support UP TO 1600MHz, but not the 1866MHz memory. At best, the 1866 sticks will be run at 1600MHz with a slightly faster CL rating. Additionally, the Intel QM67 chipset will only see up to 16GB of 1600MHz memory and up to 32GB of 1333MHz memory. Keep this in mind when shopping for memory sticks.

Scott-

 

15-20 seconds is normal for a fresh OS with common office software installed on a mechanical HDD (Western Digital Black 500GB 7.2K). This is reduced to 5-8 seconds with an SSD.

Registry errors are the most common issue when it comes to system slow-downs. I would bite the bullet and perform a cleam install after confirming the latest BIOS update is installed. Then I would load the most recent and stable Dell drivers only; bypassing any third party bloatware. You will then be very happy with the performance difference having a lean and mean system (and registry) will give you.

Obviously, keep the SATA operation set to AHCI.

Scott