New M6500 Discussion Thread

So I'm updating a website for client on my M6500 thinking this is good, fast, no crashes, woot.

Fizzle, Pop!

Display blown. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

And i can't contact Dell until flipping Monday morning.

Love my machine.........

 

Hi,

I've tried searching for the answer to this, with no luck. What is the most powerful CPU that can be retro-fitted to the M6500, and how hard is it to swap out the CPU on this machine?

Many thanks,
Paul

 

It depends on the motherboard. AFAIK, there are two motherboards: one for the dual-core and one for the quad-core CPUs.

Mine has an i7-840QM. Next up is i7-940XM. The pin type is not "soldered." I suspect the second-generation quad-core CPUs are pin-compatible.

 

Hrm I don't recall that being a feature of the RGBLED screen...I'll have to let Dell know about that.

Did you have onsite service?

 

Another 2 years of onsite remaining.

I'm about to call Dell now.

 

As I didn't get any answer regarding the external VGA rate issue with the M7820 on any forum. I decided to call Dell. That was a pleasant surprise. They seemed knowledgeable and dedicated to find an answer to this probably unusual problem.

For anybody else who might ever wonder about this: The Dell driver is limited to 60Hz external VGA in order to protect external screens. They suggested to try the latest driver directly from ATI. As it is not a limitation of the hardware it should work with some 3rd party driver that is not limited.

 

What? Dell has a specific driver from ATI, ATI's official driver isn't a 3rd party driver, but I am going to tell you a good portion of official ATI drivers do fail on install.

 

Confused. Do i need to buy a e port docking station If I want to attach 30 inch monitor at 25 x16?

 

What I meant by "3rd party" was a modded ATI driver from another manufacturer, for example from HP for their 8740w. But these drivers might have a similar limitation (have not tested any other driver yet).

 

Actually, I consider upgrading to a 2560x1600/1440 screen as my old hi end CRTs don't get high enough refresh rates from the Dell driver.

When I discussed the refresh rate issue with Dell, I asked if they could confirm that the M6500/M7820 combo is capable of 2560x1600/1440 via the laptop's DP (without dock) in addition to the internal screen. They said that it should work!