Precision 7560 & 7760 Owners' Thread

There was just one minidump in the .zip file that you provided, but I believe all of them would look about the same so that is fine.

What we already knew from the basic information shown on the BSOD —
The issue occurred in storport.sys. This is a Windows file and its purpose is to deal with high-performance storage buses and RAID adapters. It will make calls to the underlying storage driver. BSOD or latency issues from storport.sys are almost always the fault of the underlying driver.

From the minidump —
The faulting piece of code is storport!RaidpAdapterDpcRoutine+0xe4. I was unable to definitively link this fault to the Intel Rapid Storage driver. However, I don't think that there is any other driver on this system that storport.sys would be talking to.

Recommendation —
1. As suggested before, switch to AHCI/NVMe. This will take the Intel Rapid Storage driver out of the picture. With less third-party code there is less chance for issues. This system doesn't actually have an AHCI adapter (for SATA drives). NVMe drives will use stornvme.sys.
2. If you don't want to switch to AHCI/NVMe, take steps to make sure that the Dell-provided Rapid Storage driver is used and that the driver is not updated through Windows Update.
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-disable-automatic-driver-updates-windows-10

 

Thanks SO much. This is so much appreciated.

Is there any downside to switching to AHCI/NVMe?

 

The intel driver on the dell site looks to be the same version as Windows Upate 18.4.2.1002.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/e...de=wt64a&productcode=precision-17-7760-laptop

 

From what I read, I do not think there is a downside. I went from RAID to AHCI and back to RAID figuring I would run it how Dell had it for a while. Right now, my only reason to switch to AHCI is if I get a retail Samsung Drive and want to use Samsung Magician. On the 7710 I had to switch not only for Magician but at the time to use the Samsung driver which is not needed now. With that said, @Aaron44126 has a valid point on switching to AHCI in that it is one less layer to get in the way or cause an issue so I will probably eventually switch to AHCI.

You may find out that is not your issue and it is something else. It looks like windows update driver is the same as the dell driver so maybe there is something else causing your issue. I am curios to see if you get the BSOD in AHCI mode.

 

Not aware of any — other than the obvious (can't use Intel RAID arrays). I suspect RAID is enabled by default basically because if it was not, people who do have RAID arrays set up would be in a tough spot if their BIOS settings got reset.

I'm using AHCI/NVMe mode on my Precision 7560, happily. (I do have the PCIe4-drive-disappearing issue, so I have my PCIe4 drive in a PCIe3 slot to avoid it ..... but that happened in both AHCI/NVMe mode and RAID mode.)

 

Somehow, Windows Update decided to apply some other version over the one from Dell.

Just because the version number is the same doesn't mean that the drivers are identical. If you go to Intel's web site to get the upstream driver, they have notes recommending that you get it from your OEM instead, because sometimes they apply customizations specific to the PC that it is to be installed on.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...ptane-memory-10th-and-11th-gen-platforms.html
"Note: Intel recommends that end users utilize driver updates provided by their system manufacturer/provider or via Windows* Update to eliminate the potential impact caused by loading non-customized drivers. System manufacturers regularly customize Intel generic drivers to meet the needs of their specific system design. In such cases, use of the Intel generic driver update is not recommended."
(Well, it does suggest that Windows Update is supposed to be OK...)

 

Hello everybody, very informative thread here.

I'm looking at the 7760 but the prices from Dell are a bit jaw dropping for their SSDs. It's difficult to stomach 3-4X the price of what I could purchase my own NVME drives for. On the other hand, I don't fancy opening up the computer and breaking tabs to install my own drives.

So are the prices on Dell legit, or do we have to play that game of finding coupon codes and 'deals' to get things in line?

 

1. The 7760 bottom cover is not really difficult to remove. As long as you don't rush it, you shouldn't be in any danger of breaking anything. You have to have a small philips-head screwdriver and undo about 8 screws, and then pry the lid off with some plastic impelement, and then all drive bays are exposed.
2. I buy the minimum size drive available on the configurator as a boot drive, and then install my own in the other slots provided. If you take your time, it's all of ten minutes of work.
3. Call Dell directly and talk to a representative, and send them the specs of the machine you want and get a quote. Ask them for the best price they have available, and go from there. Note that whatever discounts they give can sometimes be overshadowed by really good, time-limited deals, so be aware.

 

Thank you. How about RAM, is that better to DIY as well or does that require more surgery like removing the keyboard?

 

RAM is not too bad. You do have to remove the keyboard to access two slots, but that is basically just removing the bezel and taking out a few screws. Some users have replaced the RAM without disconnecting the keyboard cables. Though, while some Precision systems are more particular when it comes to the type of modules used... With the 7X60 I don't think that I've heard anyone report on a particular module not working. As long as you get quality RAM that is comparable in speed/specs to what Dell is shipping then you should be fine.

Go find the service manual (dell.com/support) and you will find directions for removing/replacing all parts with pictures.