Precision M4500 Owner's Lounge

Can you get ahold of some different ram to try?

 

Some things you could try:

- did you try both modules of 4GB seperately?

- did you try to switch slots?

- what happens when installing Windows on 4GB, and afterwards add the second module?

 

I grabbed an m4500 off the outlet back in December, from day 1 I had problems with the system hanging up in windows and not getting past the dell splash screen. It was totally intermittent. After running some diags Dell decided that it was the motherboard and replaced it.

After that service, even when the tech restarted the system, it would come up with a blank screen and have to be rebooted. The tech told me it was because of the MB replacement and it would start fine (which it did for him 2x in a row) I called Dell who, again, replaced the motherboard.

Shortly after that replacement the system started hanging on the splash screen. Again, an intermittent problem. Although it seems to be fairly consistent when the system is cold. Also, the fan at a much higher level that it used to ( The tech didn't replace the TIM on the last go-around, dumb )

Dell gave me a couple of options -

1. Replace the MB, Heat Sink & Fan

- isn't one symptom of insanity doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?

2. Send it to their depot service for a 'guaranteed fix' (15 day process)

-I have deadlines, I can't give up my system for 2 weeks plus shipping time back and forth to Germany where I'm working for the short term.

3. Replace the system (21 day process)

-why does it take longer to replace the system than repair it?


I've asked the to leave the freakin MB alone and to replace the LED unit along with the CPU, HS & Fan. That would give me a new system, right?

Any other ideas?


System specs

M4500
QM820
FX 880m
8 gb RAM
64 GB SSD
500 GB Hardrive
1920x1080 LED

 

I would really choose option 3. This will get you a brand new system, without a single screw from the old one. As far as I know Dell, they would send you the new system while you still hold on to the old one (if it works at all), as long as you put up a guarantee with a credit card.

Solutions 1 & 2 may or may not solve your problem, nothing would be gained, IMHO. Times between 2 & 3 are not comparable, since we are talking two completely different processes here.

 

I would get that replaced. Sounds like a lemon if you did go get it fixed. Deal with not having a computer for 21 days vs perhaps months of lost productivity in the future.

 

Ah, good idea. THANKS!

 

I vote get the replacement. Never had one that bad.

 

So i put in two identical drives to see if raid setup appears.

It SEEMS like only RAID 1 is an option for hardware raid......

BUT ANYONE KNOW IF HARDWARE RAID 0 IS POSSIBLE WITH M4500??!!!!

 

Dell workstation support rocks. They are sending me a new system in advance and giving me about 8 weeks to make the exchange.

 

*EDITED as to not violate TOS*