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    XPS M1330: Mobo Revisions and differences?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by traveller, Jul 9, 2008.

  1. traveller

    traveller Notebook Deity

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    Hi2all :)

    As the title suggests, I'm trying to figure out how many revisions of the 1330's mobo are circulating out there and what the differences between them are ( educated guesstimations welcomed ;))

    I personally started off with an A01 which, thanks to a fried GPU, was replaced with an A04.

    Some thought the A04 was released to remedy the "Vertical Lines" Graphics problem but what is now common belief is that the Vert lines problem is associated with a poor cooling system (Heatsink & Fan, "HSF").

    Others have assumed that the A04 tackles either the cpu whine and / or minimize crosstalk in the audio chain via extra shielding (for example noise on the headphone output lines).

    Since these theories are spread out in (at least) three distinct areas and who knows how many threads per area, I thought I'd ask for the facts / results here... .

    Finally, I also heard of much rarer "A02" revision, so again, this might be the place to gather info on which mobo and what problems are associated with them.

    In honor of our good colleague Sinstoic, I've also included a poll, so feel free to participate with either a vote, a post or both :D

    Last but not least, the best way to figure out which Motherboard revision you have is by looking at your Memory Bank(s)*.

    *Simply flip over your 1330, loosen (not remove) the four screws holding the larger of the two access covers, Gently pry & lift the cover from the front (audio-jack side), minding the plastic tabs holding the cover in the rear and sides.

    ----------------------


    As for my own experiences:

    A01 with high GPU temps - but I never noticed any CPU whine. Fwiw, BIOS A05
    A04 with high GPU temps & loud CPU whine (I like it better when the fan's running... :() BIOS A06 & A09
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    traveller, Jul 9, 2008
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  2. Polarix

    Polarix Notebook Evangelist

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    Aren't those just BIOS updates?
     
    Polarix, Jul 9, 2008
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  3. traveller

    traveller Notebook Deity

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    I'm referring to motherboard updates.

    I'm of course aware that there are many BIOS revisions associated with the 1330 that tackle problems like disc ejection, temperature-triggered fan speed, etc. but that's a matter for another post/poll (although feel free to post your BIOS revision too)...
     
    traveller, Jul 9, 2008
    #3