New Dell Vostro V131

I got a V131 recently, and it's okay except it tends to crash when playing 3D games.

I opened up the machine and replaced the OEM thermal paste with a better, thinner layer. The machine crashes less often now but crashes still happen.

Any one else have this problem?

Also, what does the new A03 BIOS do?

 

Interesting.

I have not tried updating the BIOS.

Haven't tried gaming on the wife's unit yet, though I suppose we are overdue to try her favorite WoW on it.

 

just adding this one to my shortlist, mainly due to the available Matte [anti-glare] screen. I read a few reviews - i wish the whole body of consensus were more positive. If any of you have the Celeron model, can you comment on its effectiveness?

thinkpad x220e is on the list, and Probook..

 

Using for 2 months now. More or less happy but not 100%.
The questions that I was not able to find the answers to:

1. How do I actually turn off the bluetooth? I can shut down WIFI but BT is always on - and I don't ever use it
2. In the battery compartment there is a slot for SIM card - which standard? GSM or something else? What will happen when I insert the SIM card in?
3. How do I actually enable the power sharing via USB 3.0 ports on the right? BIOS setting is ENABLE but I am still not able to charge my phone or Kindle with laptop off
4. Once a week I have a problem with the battery controller. It tells me that "AC power is plugged in, battery not charging". Need to uninstall ACPI and remove the battery, and so on. What the hell? Is there a solution to it once and for good?
5. What use can I make of the middle button on the right near the screen - the one with a wrench on it?

Small issues but still suck. My previous Acer travelmate never gave me any problem at all. I would keep on using it but had to "donate" to a younger brother...

I am running Win 7 64 bit

 

1: If I'm right you can turn it off individually in the BIOS. But fore sure you can shut it down in the Windows Mobility Center (the cog button, left to the wrench one) only if you installed Quickset.
2: I am not sure but you van only use it if your model has a 3G modem built in.
3: I will try it (tho I have 3350).
4: Have you tried flashing to the newest BIOS, and installing the newest Intel drivers (mainly chipset)?
5: It's some kind Dell Support stuff if you install the software for it.

 

if the other poster is right, in BIOS is the way to turn it off permanently or at least until the next reboot. If not, you can turn it off so that it does not automatically come on at startup. you do this by changing the properties of its service. there are several ways to do this depending on your comfort and experience level. one way is to download "autoruns" from a reputable site like filehippo.com. install it, run it [autoruns.exe is preferable to autorunsc.exe]. check first the "Logon" tab and see if you see a Bluetooth related service in that tab - I think probably not. Then look at the 'services" tab and its likely to be there. if it does not show on the default scan, click off the checkmark that hides Microsoft services and then rescan. it will be there somewhere. click it off. when you need it, reverse, but these changes via autoruns take effect on next boot or login [actually].

the other way is described here, under "Here's How", and its good to heed the advice to create a restore point ahead of such changes.
Services - Start or Disable - Windows 7 Forums

 

1. Looked at Mobility Center (have it installed) - there BT is not responding to clicking on it or trying to change the settings. I was not able to find in the BIOS too.
3. If you have a solution - let me know
4. No the bios is the the one that was installed initially. I know there is a new version available but I am not sure if I can handle the installation procedure.
5. So, other than for Dell software this button is useless...

Thanks to all.

 

1: Interesting. Works like a charm for me. Try updating Bluetooth drivers. (I couldn't find it in my BIOS either, strange because I recalled seeing it.)
3: According to this page (Documentation), only USB ports marked with a small "+" can be used for powershare. In my case it is the eSata/USB combo connector (not the two USB3!!!), tried it, works perfectly with my phone both in sleep and in turned off states.
4: BIOS update is kinda easy. You just need to run an exe program.
5: I think so, but possibly you can get bind anything to it with special software. Not worth the hassle for me.

 

adrianu: I see you have both v131 and Vostro 3350?? I'm interested in the comparison: why is one better than the other. both are on my shortlist [very short] as matte screen is my high priority - i've sworn the oath against mirror screens.

 

Some of us just settle for swearing AT the glossy screens.