Precision 7530 & Precision 7730 owner's thread

Since they are offering three new docks (WD19, WD19DC, WD19TB), I wonder if that new support is a blanket for the whole new generation of docks or if it is just referring to the WD19...

 

Today I got my motherboard replaced (I had those TB18DC connection troubles). This allowed me to see how much hassle it is to disassemble the beast.

Tech person didn't clean heatsink pads and added some more thermal paste. Dirty stuff. I didn't say anything. But feared for the worst...

...And I was right. Fans were then spinning much more frequently, even on low load.

So eventually I decided to do a (clean) repaste. Soooo many screws before being able to access the heatsinks...fortunately I've been rewarded: now my fans barely spin. Oh so quiet. Really nice.

TB18DC connexion issue: solved.
Noise and temps: solved.

2 minor things remain, though:
I have to find a way to update TB18DC firmware so that I can re-enable C-states in BIOS.
I wish there were a way for easy graphic switching in Linux.

Other than that I'm pretty happy.


I took a look to HP Zbook G5. Very nice machine indeed, but expensive. And released too late, obviously.

 

Found also the WD19 product video:

 

So, not sure if anyone else noticed this frame in the video, where the 7540 and 7740 are clearly mentioned:

 

Updated machine (7730, i9, 32GB GSkill 3200, no OC) to bios 1.8.2. Machine seems to work fine under normal workload. I tried some prime95 tests and they all failed after a couple of minutes. All temperatures are fine. I started bios diagnostic RAM test, which failed. Windows 10 memory test (standard settings) passed (?). I think there is some kind of memory issue. Then I checked the actual DELL system specification document. A new version was released and they updated the memory options chapter. Max supported memory speed was reduced from 3200MHz to 2933Mhz !? According to the 1.8.2 bios release notes DELL modified the 2933MHz RAM timing...hm...

I will now try to downgrade the bios and repeat the test. Any other hints ? Any other people with same effect ?

Update:
bios 1.8.2 + GSkill Ripjaws 32GB 3200MHz:
- memtest64 fails
- bios ram test fails
- Windows 10 ram test fails (during 4/5 run)
- prime95 fails (rounding error)

bios 1.8.2 + stock 8GB 2666MHz:
- all tests pass

downgrade to bios 1.7.0 + GSkill Ripjaws 32GB 3200MHz:
- all tests pass

Update:
Tried to contact technical support. But 1st level was lost. I shall wait for the next bios release

 

WD19DC is up for order in the US.
http://accessories.dell.com/sna/pro...aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=niso&cs=caniso1&sku=210-ARIL
$430 standalone; it was only $330 when paired with a Precision 3540. Both seem a bit extreme, I wonder what Dell can be talked down to...
Tech specs say that it can do a single 5K display at 60 Hz. I assume that also means dual 4K/60Hz will work. Would like to get confirmation before trying to talk my boss into ordering one...

[Edit]
Nevermind, that is a Canada link; makes sense that the CAD price would be a little higher. Here is the US link. $330
http://accessories.dell.com/sna/pro...=en&orig_s=niso&cs=caniso1&sku=210-ARIL&s=bsd

 

Hi. Take a look on my previous posts - non of 3200 ram will be working flawlessly. Sad but true. I still have useless 4 of that modules from hyperx on the shelf and only 2666 modules works perfectly in this precision. Dell support is kind of joke because in my case they claimed that 3200 is not supported by this machines, closed permanently my case and leave me alone with this matter.

 

Thats interesting. The GSkill worked rock stable since month. But I am also very disappointed with Dell. Downgrading a spec for a released product is a no go.

 

Do you have an old version of the spec document that shows 3200 supported? That would be something that they could be pressed on...

Anyway. Regarding @Cugu's issue. I don't think that it is tremendously unreasonable that they will not support an aftermarket memory upgrade that goes beyond the specs that they normally offer in this system. Their policy has always been, you are welcome to swap out whatever parts you want without affecting your warranty, but they aren't obligated to service your machine if they suspect that your parts appear to be the cause of the issue (return the machine to stock configuration for service). Not saying that I agree with the stance, but I wouldn't fight with them on it personally.

 

You can find a version of the 'old' spec here.

I totally agree for aftermarket components which are out of spec. But downgrading a spec after the product was released and then releasing bios updates which are incompatible to the previous spec (!) is an absolute no go.

Anyway:
I think I have to buy 2666MHz modules now...if I install new 2 * 32GB@2666 modules, can I combine them with the 2 * 32GB@3200MHz ? I was reading 'somewhere' that slowest RAM module defines the clock.