[SXPS 16] Do you have an i7-720/820/920 with a 5730?

Hello!

I got a new motherboard from Dell with a 5730 with BIOS version A11 for my Studio XPS 1645. One of my USB ports and PowerShare aren't working and I'm curious if it's a BIOS issue.

So, I want to update to A13 but my service tag presumably is tagged with the BIOS that works with the 4670.

Does anyone with an i7-720QM/820QM/920XM with a ATI 5730 have a link to their latest BIOS (newer than A11)? Or will the SXPS 1645 BIOS work with both the 5730 and 4670? The A13 BIOS I have is R301261.exe.

Thank you in advance,

~Ibrahim~

 

I believe the 1645 bios will work for both video cards. (Note: I dont have a studio xps 1645).

But for the XPS 15 (L501x), the bios contains files for the two different kinds of video cards that the laptop can come with (435m and 420m), so I'm guessing that the xps 1645 bios will be compatible with your new motherboard.

ALso, I think the bios installation does a good job on making sure your system is compatible so there shouldnt be alot of harm in trying out the new bios file..

 

Yes, there is only 1x 1645 BIOS, which works for both the 4670 and 5730. The version you have is the newest (official) version. Or you could try one of my modded BIOSes.

 

Thanks, conscriptvirus and seeker_moc.

OK; that makes sense. And, you're right, conscriptvirus, it does have that internal compatibility check! Good call.

@seeker_moc

Haha, I am very tempted, especially the one that enables those extra settings! However, I don't have a particular need for any of those features (maybe besides WOL) and I have a few more months left of my warranty, so just to be safe, I'd like to keep it stock. But after the warranty expires, I'm sure to give them a whirl...I don't game, so maybe undervolting/underclocking the 5730 will help in temps/battery life...

Thanks for confirming that it's just one BIOS; if anyone would be certain, it'd be you.

"Official latest version": well, I think I'm one behind. I have A11 and the newest is A13 for the SXPS 1645, IIRC.

~Ibrahim~

 

Yes, A13 is the newest. I was referencing your OP that said you had R301261 (A13), which is the newest.

 

Just out of curiosity, do you mind me asking why (and maybe even how) you got a new motherboard with the 5730? Had problems? We pretty much have...well had the exact same set-up and I'm also still under warranty for a few months. Just curious...

 

Oh, right! Sorry, seeker_moc.

@ E.D.U.

Right! It was a bit of a long ordeal, but basically my 4670 motherboard #1 went bad (couldn't access BIOS, couldn't access boot options: it'd just freeze and the fans would go crazy). So, went on chat and then to a call: diagnosed it as needing a new mobo. I asked if it would have the 5730 and they said, "yes, it has the new graphics chip. We don't have any of the old one left." *happy little dance*

Then they sent a motherboard with a 4670 (4670 motherboard #2). So...here is where the "gray morality" starts (and ends, lol). I called them up and said that I was promised a 5730. Had to wrangle a bit, but they finally said "yes" and sent the 5730 mobo. I've noticed on Dell chat that they're a little more friendly to "upgrades."

Whew.

--

However, I don't know if the technician guy who works on my systems is that great. I updated the BIOS and still one USB port is completely non-functional and USB PowerShare (though enabled) doesn't work.

Karma? ...maybe, lol. Off to call them again before November 6th, hehe.

==

I will say that accessing the BIOS and boot options weren't crucial things I needed to have done, but 1) I knew there were 5730 motherboards floating about (and it was more or less luck the guy on chat thought, maybe rightly or wrongly, that there were no 4670's left) and 2) I'd probably need to access the BIOS or boot options sometime down the line. But, my 3-year warranty/accidental is running out, so before that ends, I want to makes sure this machine is in tip-top shape (which is why I thought I should fix this BIOS/booting option issue; it's been happening for months, but I don't really have to go in there a lot).

 

Thanks for satiating my curiosity. . Maybe it's possible those components on the motherboard they sent you are just defective. Call away while you still can sans the $ and make sure you get it fixed completely. I hope this customer service session goes smoother for you and they can sort it out promptly and to your satisfaction.

My system has been good to me since I got it as a replacement some 2 years ago...Been good through the throttle gate issue, adapter issues and everything. I've stuck to BIOS A09 and it still performs smoothly and respectably runs the games I play on them to my satisfaction, so I'm a blessed cookie . Now I'll just dump an SSD in this bad boy and let it fly, lol. Good luck man.

 

No worries.

That's true; it probably is the motherboard...thanks for the well-wishes. While I've had a fair few issues with this laptop (as you can surely empathize, haha), Dell support has always been top-notch.

Yeah, these machines are little troopers. Oh, it'll scream with an SSD. And, just wait until Windows 8. I've been using it for months, and let me tell you, it's like having a brand-new laptop (speed-wise, even considering the "new" install feel).

Thanks.