Precision M4400 Owner's Lounge *Part 2*

When it comes to Win 10 on the M4400 I really can't help. My computer is basically stock. When I first got it I had a lot of trouble with the thing. Dell replaced basically the entire system twice. So mine current machine is actually the third one I had. However, it has been trouble free since perhaps summer 2010. I don't think I've ever reinstalled the OS in that entire time. The only big change I made was switching from a CCFL 1920x1200 to an RGBLED 1920x1200 screen. The CCFL screen had lost quite a bit of it's brightness. I was looking around on ebay and found an M4400 that happened to have the RGBLED screen so I bought it for something like $60 (no HDD) and swapped the lids. I miss the matte finish but the RGBLED screen is much brighter The colors are a bit over saturated but at this point it doesn't really mater, the system doesn't get used that much. My M3800 is now my go to system.
That said, if the opportunity to upgrade hadn't come along I would have put an SSD in the M4400 and kept on using it. It still works well.

 

*****



I hear ya... And I'd love to get a M3800 someday.
With the M4400 I picked up...
I think I got lucky to some degree.
All hardware appears upon my inspection, to be in immaculate condition.


I don't know it She(the previous owner)did a fresh re-paste job on the
CPU/GPU, shortly before I got it. I say this because the only concern I
have is getting no more BSOD events.


They take place at random times when system is running very cool...
Like 30 C' per core, cool. That's according to Cupid Hardware Monitor.
Which is odd.

When fan vent is cool, I can feel the heat rising under the keyboard area,
mid-right from center section. Directly over the CPU zone. Ambient temps
play a part, as well.

I'm a Night Owl.... The cooler temps help greatly compared to the hotter,
mid to late, afternoon temps.

I did read somewhere that the "DCP" is thought to be responsible for some
issues dealing with power management settings, and conflicting with
performance prefs., In the bios.

These "events" can definitely occur during heavier loads...

Like during HD video content is the task. I do play, back to back YouTube
content. A contender with a trigger point for a crash. Again, ambient temps
can play a part.



Other then that...
I think the previous owner did a "solid" with and clean install of
Win 7 Ultimate O.S. 32bit.


Using the latest drivers and bios ver. A29. The bios and setting preferences
suited my preference logic, from the very start. These preferences
generally match safe operation and performance.


A data back-up app was also in place. Insuring a recovery., if need be.


Without going in to too much detail...
She told me she's was an I.T. and did refurbishing on the side...
But this was her personal machine." And got extra the attention it needed.
I think I know what she meant, now that I've read all the comments here.

After getting it home and passing the "It's My fault" process, if you recall...
The M4400 began to take my interest. I think she pulled the better Ram
and CPU, prior to O.S. install.

And yet. I can tell she wasn't the "Tim Taylor type," either.
A good sign on the minimal extreme ware. Like the maxed out, over taxed
machine. like the typical extreme PC/Notebook enthusiast. Like me...

Oh the shame...


All said and done...

I managed to acquire the machine already doing a 6.1, in the Windows
Experience Index. When I drop in this T9900 CPU I just received.,
I suspect the Windows Index score will bump up a couple a 10ths in points
or so.


So now., With the eGPU approach, lingering in the back of my mind...
I know it will Take a chunk of heat out of the M4400.
Accomplished by disabling the 770m.


For example.
With internal graphics disabled...No more BSOD issues, related to the 770m.
Finding a appropriate external GPU, is a process but not areal problem, IMO.
Plus...I may find a GPU that has som desent, extra features.

Like HDMI, DPI, VGA, DVI, etc. Just the CPU and Ram are the main hitters
with any heat concerns. Now...
An upgrade that would normally be avoided, may not.


I realize the portability gets sidelined a bit... but it can always be
disconnected and returned to original settings, without too much effort.

With cases popping up for PCIe external, might find a solution for that.



Like the CPU I asked about in one of my posts...
I was able to track down the hotter.., 45 watt, quad core Q9200 CPU /
2.53Ghz x 4 / 12 MB L2
cache /... In the $140 range.




The M4400 is my first laptop with an array of bells and whistles.


A Workstation Notebook. And my first introduction to SSD's, not
to mention, in a combo Primary/Boot config. With an SSD "as the
boot drive."

In a swap-able optical bay.
I had to make sure the O.S. had a boot record of it's own... lol.
Of course, I discovered that the primary has the boot record, as well.

I know... Obvious to most and myself...
But crazier things have happened in "Craigslist world."
Also new to me... Is Win 7, 8, 8.1.
So when I say I was getting "Burnt" from my research...
I wasn't kidding.



The last time I was on top of the latest PC tech was from 2002 thru 08.
Right when gaming took a few giant leaps forward and made for exiting
experiences.
My desktop in storage is an Nvidia SLI dual GPU BFG rig.
(which reminds me to pull it out for a spin)


The GPUs are still under lifetime replacement... If BFG is still around.
So, "in a sense," this catch up process was familiar and "new" at
the same time. AMD an Nvidia were doing great things back then...
And Now, Intel does well again with ATI, etc.




Longer story short...
Getting the M4400 in the state as described has been my refresher...
In the form of a, "still viable," mobile Workstation.



On another note...
I can't say how much you're attention has made this site's thread
seem... What's the word... Alive. And better for myself, Regnad.

As we both can see... ..........Cricket sounds..................
..........Cricket sounds.............................Ribbit........


Were the only one's that exchanging any M4400 comments....
That can change. Long as I keep interacting with 5 year-old posts. lol.
I will be holding on to the M4400 as long as it still surfs the web
and runs HDMI and HD files.


In closing....
I've be thinking it's a good time to get a back-up M4400, like your
$60 parts machine. I like the idea of a fully functional back-up
because It certainly makes more sense than the "part for part" deals...


In the long run, However short... That amount of time still remains
Practical.
A local area network might be a good way to "squeeze the parched prune"
just a bit more.


Needless to say, Regnad...
If you do decide to "move on," And let go of your beloved M4400...

Please let me know so I can consider my chance in giving it a good home.
And of course... Without fail... I will do the same for you.




Respectfully.

Steven

 

Hi, all.
As some may still be be curious...

Having BSODs the Dell M4400 Notebook with the final bios ver. A29...
I wonder if the the GPU is getting the best performance, compared with previous GPU drivers?

Posted pages back, and likely familiar to most readers of this thread...

Dell was using it's own set of drivers for Quadro (ver. A01 for the M4500's FX880m)
that accommodate and perform more like G-Force drivers on the FX770m.,
Accommodating the M4400.

( I haven't confirmed this with a "yay or nay." Maybe someone can?
I read it here on this thread from a seemingly sincere poster comment.

Before I install this driver... as I'm still looking for it so far...
Someone chime in if they had any use of that M4500 GPU driver post.

If true, that interchangeability can might prove worthy over the a tamer A29.
The M4400's final bios update. A29 bios,
Which can confirm a known improvement over the M4400's 770m Quadro drivers.

I guess the question here is...
Are the best drivers already present in the A29 Bios?
Or., Should be looking for a previous GPU driver set?
As outlined above, behaving like the Quadro 880m drivers on the M4500's bios from 2012.

That is ... If they haven't made further gains since 2012.
It's the gaming side of improved OpenGL attributes I'm looking for.

Why Nvidia is not the" go to" place for my request here is still in question.
Apparently, a possibly improved OpenGL experience for the M4400 just might be
in the Dell's M4500 A01 bios.
I will do a re-edit with the post in question, asap.
For any pertinent info or suggestions...
Thanks to everyone.

 

Please don't post the same question in multiple threads. It's rude/poor form.

 

Removed text for the sake of an avoidance in futility.

"rude/poor form"
What standards are you imposing.

Clearly, I will be mindful of violations. Just as I consider, every time I log in.
This grey area of a repetitive or similar opening statements are just that.
Grey area.
If were to assume your self-empowered reasoning on another member's
activity or processes being "less than., I would, at minimum...
Send them a private message out of shear respect.
And only if driven to that degree by some continued disregard for site rules,
left unchecked...

I would not bare the tone of "the badge" as If you held a Mod position.
This is, rude/poor form.

 

Hi there,

I’ve read the thread from page 1 to the end because I got a Dell Precision M4400 a week ago.

I’am a programmer and few weeks ago an new project arrived, an iOS project... I did not wanted to buy an Apple product and decided to go for the Hackintosh way.

I started to try the Hackintosh on a Lenovo T500 but get graphic acceleration problem. Then swap to a Lenovo X220. I like the X220 and the Hackintosh was very effective, but after a while I understood the low resolution (something like 1366x768) is impossible with XCODE, the equivalent of Visual Studio in the Apple universe. Another limitation was the fact the VGA output was not working with my OS X installation.

My best friend is Dell addict and buy often fresh second hand laptops from the brand, the more often with RAM extension because of specific apps dev. He proposed me to try the Hackintosh with an old M4400 laying under a pile of books and lab equipment. « I’ve two files to save from the hard drive » he said. "No problem, I do not need your hard drive". I took the SSD from the X220 and just plugged it in the M4400... What a surprise: the M4400 started with zero problem and show me the log on screen in the correct resolution, and then showed the desktop.

I tested few things and discovered that everything I need was ok : screen resolution is managed correctly and the 1920x1200 is a pleasure, external monitor is managed, and WIFI is ok (btw I never seen a so receptive WIFI card). The only component not working is the BT, but I can live with this or can add a BT dongle for 5$ ok for the Hackintosh.

The keyboard is great and I like the backlight very much, more than the led lightening the keyboard on the two Lenovo. The battery is still ok for at least two hours (in my usage), my friend use the unit only on his desktop.

So for now I think it's better use the M4400 coming with 8Gb where I installed my SSD than buy a low cost new computer.

The unit is 8Gb RAM and with the SSD it's comfortable, but the processor is only a P8700 with 2 cores. I am going to see if I can buy a Q9200 or Q9100 locally, I want to try 4 cores and more cache in the processor.

For the moment I am very happy with the unit. Fixing or adding some things is an easy job because there is plenty of components available on internet for few bucks, and also the unit was designed to be repaired : easy access to components is cool ! I am in China and there is a strong second market for laptops from big brands like Lenovo (of course) or Dell.

 

Hello, RenaudChine.
Thanks for sharing your story...
And welcome to the NBR site.

You can see and find, since the start on this tread in 2007-8... It covers the consumer's view on the Dell M400 Precision Notebook Workstation.,
Known to have 4 different configurations of features with the dedicated Nvidia Quadro 770m or 1700m GPU / 512 GB / GDDR3 at the top config.

Other Dell models do share compatibility in parts, etc as you may also be aware of.

This thread is kind of a legacy extension to Part 1. of same title...
A legacy thread...Mostly because for the age of model, of course but the completeness of the threads history in dealing with all known issues
and solutions is a qualifier, if any. While still relevant for newer users that still need a low $$$, net-worthy machine.., in this case.

It's proven to have squeaked by with the staying power in today's latest demands for minimum internet requirements. And able to run Win 10.
(if that's what you want)

After you've gotten all your needs met with stable operation... Like having a clean history of BSOD events caused by temp issues, system settings,
or an earlier Bios version... in the favorable category....

IMPORTANT
The time to consider the Higher TDP CPUs. is only when these issues are in check...

With M4400 cooling concerns having been established for even normal use...
Not to mention., For those who push the higher wattage CPUs on to the M4400's 35 TDP threshold rating.
Dell could have done better planning, by design., but that's "water under the bridge."

A freshly serviced cooling system however, is the best., And a key approach,m address from the very start, your new ownership.
You will need the removal of the heat pipe to access this area and so on.
With cleaned-out airflow passages and a re-paste of the GPU/ CPU etc. You'll have a starting point. Referenced for your region of climate.
A must...addressing safer operation.

I liked this site for certain facts:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/m4400-quadro-fx770m-bsod-latest-nvidia-drivers.658862/

If you do pursue the quad core possibilities above 35 TDP....
This is for those without cooling system issues, and able to add, or modify a cooling solution
for much higher heat extraction capabilities. Throw in overclocking...
Now cooling assistance is Mandatory at minimum.

With the Q9200 in mind, down the road. Which for my best efforts, I'll add copper.
since I plan on documenting the process, It will include the current CPU, a T9400, followed by a T9900, and then the Q9200... possessing the 12MB cache you suggested about.

Follow this project if you with here...
http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/644/Intel_Core_2_Duo_Mobile_T9900_(BGA)_vs_Intel_Core_2_Extreme_Mobile_X9100.html

Otherwise... Do you have any pressing questions?

 

Thanks Stringbuzzzzz.

First point: BSOD sounds strange to me because the M4400 seems ok. I use it with Mac OS so for the moment I do not know how to get information about the different temperatures. My 4400 use a 770m but I do not play games: maybe it helps to keep the unit cold enough.

Anyway if I change the CPU I will use "fresh" cooling paste and clean the cooling system. I have seen a shop yesterday and they can have the Q9100 and the QX9300 for 480RMB / 75$ and 820RMB/129$. This is the shop price and I think I can negotiate, at least for the Q9100 because I've seen it on internet for less.

I also will install Windows 10 on the M4400 with no fear: I get W10 early as a member of insider program and it's working fine even with old computer when I use an SSD.

In fact it's difficult for me to understand why we have to change for a new computer when I see that ones from 2008 or 2010 are ok (with 4 or 8 Gb RAM and SSD) for the different task except gaming. With years of distance we can found lot of components for very low cost like keyboards, bay, fan, etc...

And now question: is there any great difference between P8400, Q9100 and QX9300 (I do not play games, but I use many apps in the same time)?

 

I'm running Win10 x64 on the computer without issues.

If you look back a few pages, I posted some info on dealing with the BT 2.4 card and the fingerprint scanner in Win10.

All devices are functioning 100% and I'm also running the NVIDIA 341.81 drivers.

P.S. There is no need to use the custom .inf file, but do make sure to completely uninstall the previous driver. No mix and match allowed.

 

Hi, Renaud.
Point 1.
Living in Nor-Cal, U.S... There is some warmer, to hot, days during late spring, summer, and early fall seasons...
And can be more of an issue with BSOD when those warmer to hot days are present. I say this just in case there's reason to be aware.

First... Get this installed. It's a good hardware monitor for your temp confirmations.
My version. is for Windows so do the right selection for version, if needed.

Cupid Hardware Monitor / I am using ver. 1.28.0 on my M4400.
http://www.cpuid.com/

It sounds like your friend gave you a maintained machine that's healthy.
Although... One factor is the P8400 CPU is a low 25 watt TDP... 10 watts lower than the T-9900 and up to 20 watts lower for QX9300.
Your current preferences in consideration... Remember the M4400 is designed under a 35 watt CPU TDP. Warrant condition.
Warranty or not...
That means your on shallower ground, the higher TDP you go.
In conjunction with demanding apps...Head will rise profoundly.
This is not limited to only gaming, etc.

By a simply a click away... streaming HD, YouTube type content, streamed online,
or using I/O's, D Port running HD files, HDMI, or other similar tasks or to be monitored prior to trusting, all is well.

It's not the CPU or Ram being strain... It's the TDP idling temps and normal potential getting the overall system board hotter and beyond... Left to it's own capacity, much higher than what's recommended for the M4400.

For my self...
Making a T-9900 dual core at 3.06 x 2 a perfect balance for the 35watt TDP zone.
Making a still comparable performance to the X9100 single core 3.06 Ghz that's unlocked for
O.C., getting an advantage for higher Ghz thresholds with overclocking..
Minus one core, of course.

There are compatible details with that may weigh in... Like in any every comparison.
Usually for the person that wants it all in every case.
Where as... the Core Duo and Core 2 Intel CPU's have grey areas, confirming a reason to
look in on, before you commit. With over 2 dozens variations from P, T, Q. QX, and X, all apply
to the M4400's compatibility. Or course, The upper range narrows it down some.

CPU's having this spectrum of optional specs was overwhelming at first. But proves best choice if patient.

If your apps demand this 42-45 watt application to run at desired levels, then it's a reasonable consideration employ heat extractions methods and copper modding, as well.
Depending on your climate.

Using many apps at the same time puts the compromise in the mix. as a Quad Core is best suited for that purpose.
I have a T9400 in right now and it does fine from multi-tasking basic system apps, along with an external process like browsing the web while playing vid files. I should see some improvemnt when a T9900 gets installed in a day or two.

But the Quad core is by nature, the way for multi-tasking.
If your doing heavier apps in the multiple numbers, get the quad is needed for the load and taking in the knowledge to address heat issues is absolute.

My link in the last post has solutions in mind.

Here's a good one for example:
http://www.amazon.com/Patekfly-Inte...=1444680967&sr=1-2&keywords=laptop+fan+vacuum

So be prepared higher temps, accordingly.
This goes without saying... But I will anyway., You will definitely need to look into better cooling with a QX9300.

Point 2.This is a good place to get more insight to CPU questions.
I made the comparisons you asked for and all you need to do to make more comparisons is to enter the CPU brand and model ID into the field of description.

Note their are other tab sources of info if you explore this links, site tabs, etc.
CPU World.com
http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/819/Intel_Core_2_Duo_Mobile_P8400_(Socket_P)_vs_Intel_Core_2_Quad_Mobile_Q9100.html
http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/302/Intel_Core_2_Duo_Mobile_T9900_(BGA)_vs_Intel_Core_2_Quad_Mobile_Q9100.html
http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/727/Intel_Core_2_Duo_Mobile_T9900_(BGA)_vs_Intel_Core_2_Extreme_Mobile_QX9300.html

This link is simply a reference for some descriptions to the consumer reviews, market back when first released.
This is a U.S. link:
http://www.ebay.com/urw/product-reviews/74100668?_itm=261921434901


Good luck in your selections.