Dell 17r N7720 SE - user review

BlueFlame and MadMonk3y, Thanks! I downloaded a new version of Windows 8 and via a bootable USB I succeeded installing Windows 8 on the mSATA. The system runs pretty fast now!! ;-)

 

Hi all,

I'm finding that Optimus works for some games better than others.

At the moment I'm having trouble with Dragon Age 2: even though I've changed the NVidia setting for the game's .exe, config and launcher so it should be using the GeForce card, but it still only recognises the integrated card at the config stage.

That said, it lets me play on DX11 and high detail settings, but it doesn't look as great as I think it should. It also freezes if I try to run it in full-screen mode.

Anyone have any tips?

 

Hey guys, what are you guys getting with with Windows WEI for your quad core CPU's and overclocked GPU?

Specify CPU quad core model and GPU overclocked core/memory ex. 3610QM/3630QM and 750/1000.

Thanks,

 

. Has anyone noticed that the 1099$ configuration of this laptop is gone from the dell US website?... Not good not good at all :O

 

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3820QM CPU @ 2.70GHz 7.7
Memory (RAM) 16.0 GB 7.8
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M 7.2
Gaming graphics 4095 MB Total available graphics memory 7.2
Primary hard disk 227GB Free (315GB Total) 7.9

 

Win8

7.8 / 7.8 / 5.9 / 6.8 / 8.1

Does anyone know how to make WEI use the GPU? It has used integrated graphics and got low scores.

 

Why what's the problem .?

Maybe it went out of stock ...

We can't expect a new 17r SE until later this year ..

 

No problem. I just had my mind set on that config and didnt really wanna spend the extra 200$ for 3d.

 

I just received my new 7720 yesterday and was really excited, but it arrives and the keyboard wasn't seated properly. It was connected and I was able to push it down, but it doesn't sit as flush as it should and this scares me a bit. The backlight also doesn't work, so Dell is sending my another keyboard to install and while it's nice, I worry. My question is.... Does everyone's laptop have a very hollow feeling/sounding palm rest area on the right front?

Now its a scratch and dent from the outlet so it was cheap, but I expect decent build quality from Dell. I was under the impression the chassis shouldn't have a lot of flex, but maybe I'm noticing it more than I should since the keyboard thing meant I didn't get off on the right foot with my new toy.

 

That's a nice score, are you on Windows 7 and that with the GPU overclocked?

I remember getting the same CPU score on Windows 8 with a 3630QM from the 17R SE that returned (really liked but couldn't afford), you'll score higher on the CPU and SSD in Windows 8.

NVDIA Control Panel > Manage 3D Setting > (Global) High Performance always use NVIDIA GPU.

Change it back once you get the better scores with WEI, that latest drivers from NVIDIA should do this automatically without users Control Panel settings change.

 

Hey guys,

I was looking for an answer but to no avail...perhaps someone here knows. Is the 17R SE with 3D screen coming with 3 wifi antenas (black,grey,white) making it compatible with Intel 6300 and Killer N 1103?

Thanks,

 

Hi guys. I received a 3D 7720 from the outlet. I'm very pleased with it - it's so much laptop for the price I paid. Anyway, it came with Windows 8 which I don't like very much. It came with 2x 750gb HDD's and I have a previous 750gb drive with Windows 7 Pro on it which just so happens to also be from a 7720 which I bought for my brother but he took both HDD's out and put in his own SSD, leaving me with this free HDD with W7Pro.

So, on my new 7720 with Windows 8, Dell Digital Delivery keeps popping up with a message to say I can download Adobe Premier & Photoshop elements 10 for free (initial buyer must have opted for it). I'd really, really like to have this and it's a great bonus. Can I swap the drives over so I've then got W7Pro and still be able to download the Adobe bundle as surely it checks the service tag and determines if it can be downloaded? I'd really appreciate an answer on this.

 

No, none of the 17R SE's come with 3 laptop antennas. It's very easy to add an additional one, though. I did it myself as well so I could use a 6300 WiFi adapter with my 450mbps wireless network. You can buy the antennas for a couple bucks on eBay, (you'll get two) and then simply hide them somewhere in the inside of the laptop screen case.

 

Nice score, how is it possible you have 650m with 7.2 points?

I got OC 650m to 970MHZ (P0 state max OC) and still have only 6.8

 

And the 6300 is working perfectly? Great news Thanks!

 

My WEI scores:
CPU 7.6 / RAM 7.6 / GPU 7.2 / HDD 7.9

I had 6.8 gpu score as well, and then made the jump to 7.2 with updated drivers (the 306.97 I think, it's been a while). Have had that score since. That's with the GT650m at stock speeds.

 

Didn't work for me. I still get 5.2 on WEI Graphics (Aero). 7.6 - 7.6 - 5.2 - 7.1 - 7.9. I also have 310.90 nVidia drivers which I believe are the latest.
I wonder if I set WinSAT.exe to use nVidia will help?

 

No only two antennas

Use the 310.90 drivers and force nvidia control panel to use the gt650m

 

looks pretty crappy...call DELL

 

Photoshop CS6, Lightroom 4 and Elements 11 are compatible with Windows 8.

also.......If you still have problems with the latest drivers, try setting the Advanced Settings for OpenGL Drawing/Graphic Card Processing in the Photoshop’s Preferences>Performance.........dialog so that Drawing Mode is set to “Basic.”

 

Didn't work for me either (using 310.90 drivers and set to use 650m in control panel). My scores are:
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3630QM CPU @ 2.40GHz - 7.8
Memory (RAM) 8.00 GB - 7.8
Graphics Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000 - 6.8
Gaming graphics 1664 MB Total available graphics memory - 6.8
Primary hard disk 64GB Free (107GB Total) 8.1

It does not appear to be using the 650m at all. Just uses the intel graphics for the score.

 

Are you running Windows 7 or 8? Your graphics score seems high for Intel HD 4000.
6.8 ain't too shabby for Intel HD 4000, considering we get just over 7.0 with nVidia!

 

It is Windows 8.

Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD

 

Hi ,

What is the latest status of 650m throttling with the new BIOS and forceware drivers ?

Is the throttling issue still there ?

Plz reply ..

 

Just ordered a 17R SE to which I intend to add a 128GB SSD (using the mSata as a normal drive for apps). Just hope the BIOS is no later than A08, as I hear there are problems after A10?
Not sure I will stick with W8, but will give it a try. Nice spec at the price, just a shame Dell stopped making the 17" XPS.

 

I think 7.2 / should be highest with 650m, but it really doesnt matter, because it´s not very accurate benchmark. normally 650m has 6.8 points and intel HD 4000 below 5.

Yes, throttling issue is still there and DELL is ignoring our complains.... Iam really disappointed by dell support.

 

Yes, after hibernation or after disconnecting powercord (running on battery - doesn't matter how long), there will be no GPU boost.

You have to turn it off and on again with power connected to get GPU boost back, but then it usually works okay until computer goes into hibernation or power is disconnected. It very rarely stops boosting as long as you're working on your computer after a "fresh start".

 

The "throttling issue" is quite a non-issue for me.
1) Since i use a SSD i never hibernate. Normal stop/start cycles are usually faster than hibernating 8gb of ram
2) I usually don't do gaming on battery. And if I do - the regular 745MHz are enough. It is not like you are losing power but not gaining those extra 10% when running on batteries.
3) If I really need that little extra juice I just resort to an overclocking utility and up the freqs to 840-850MHz or even more if needed. Nvidia Inspector can do o/c in batch mode which is quite convenient.

 

After looking high and low for a 9-cell battery for the 7720/7520, I found this one. The battery contacts are in the right place for this model, so it seems to be correct for this model.

It's expensive, and the picture makes it look like it's original Dell OEM, but I sense it's an overpriced compatible.
I really like batteries with extra cells that raise the back of the laptop up (like this one). It a triple-bonus--longer battery life, raises the laptop up for better cooling, and the battery acts like a handle to better grip the laptop.

What do you think? If it's a Chinese clone, it should be half the price (or less). If it's something Dell has just released, seems like a winner.

Update: I think this is a 12-cell battery. The watt-hours are twice the 48wh 6-cell battery.
I also found this one, which says 9 cell, but then says 12-cell in specs.

Update2: Given some of the "other" sites selling a 9-cell battery, they also listed some compatible Dell Latitude models.
I found, on Dell.com, a 9-cell for the Latitude series that is the same as the other online sites say works on the 7720.
Looking at the pictures, it looks like it fits. I'm going to be the "guinea pig" and try ordering one and trying it out.
I cannot tell by the picture, though, if the extra cells in the battery extend out the back, or down so that it raises the back of the unit.
There is also a 87wH long life battery here. It definitely looks like it raises the rear of the laptop.

 

I got the chance to play around with another inspiron 17R SE, and I did of course look for differences to my 17R SE....

Screen is the same CMN1720, but this one has terrible backlight bleeding along both sides, don't think I've seen as much backlight bleeding from any other monitor. So there is indeed big difference when it comes to screens, even from same manufacturer.

Sound is distorted if playing certain frequenzies on this one too, so that seems to be a general problem. Or to better describe it; playing certian frequenzies causes resonannce making they keys on the keyboard rattle --> distorted sound. I tested this by loosening the keyboard and holding it up above the computer -->issue gone.

Rest seems to be the same, same intel wifi etc etc.

 

Returned mine due to bleed issues with 3 replacements.
And don't get me started about the wifi.

 

Hi, I just recently order this laptop and been reading the last day about all the issues. sad. i wish i read about these before i ordered. But lesson learn. i haven't read through all the 179 pages of this thread. But for the GPU BOOST issue, has anyone tired a modified bios such as listed on this site Dell Inspiron 7720 650m GDDR5 modded vBIOS

Sorry if this has been already posted and also sorry if im not supposed to post links.

Thanks

p.s if anyone tried this can you give me your opinion on how well it works, i wont get mine until next week (hopefully).


EDIT: Also the laptop i order doesnt have the 3d screen, if choose to do so later down the road can i upgrade my screen with this http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1080p-17-3-L...Laptop-Display-3D-/390424560493#ht_1894wt_964 ? and have 3d work fine? or is there some different connector or anything else i'm missing?

 

Keep in mind that you generally only see complaints on forums. The users who are happy and without any issues just carry on using the laptop, and I'm sure there are plenty. I think the reason this thread has grown to this size is to do with the 7720 being a pretty decent bargain for the specs you get (and DELL being one of the more trusted brands), so lots of interest and users discussing it. I'm certain you'll find a thread full of complaints for every other laptop on the market.

As far as outstanding issues go, I think the only one left is the gpu boost issue. Don't get me wrong, it's annoying that this has not been fixed yet, but I wouldn't call it a deal breaker. There were early issues with the subwoofer hissing for a few minutes when powered on, but that seemed to be a bad batch of motherboards, and DELL fixed the issue on my laptop the next day after I called them. My only other complaint would be the 100Mb network card. I would much rather pay a few more quid if there was a gigabit option.

Some people complain about the screen quality, but IMO that's more to do with unrealistic expectations. I've never read of anyone suggest a better alternative to the 7720. Going by UK prices, comparable laptops from HP / LENOVO / MSI / ACER / ASUS were roughly 30% more expensive for the same spec, and more often than not had glossy LCD's to boot. And none of them offered a 1 year next-day on-site support warranty, at least not with a substantial price premium.

Anyway, let us know how you get on with the laptop once you have it!

 

I have to agree with realG. The "issues" are minor. I, too, with there were Gigabit ethernet and it is surprising that it's only 100, but I'm mostly on Wifi (which works great for me, no issues). When I need faster, I bought a USB 3.0-to-Gigabit adapter for cheap and it works fine.
My screen (and the few others I have seen) is beautiful. I love it. There are many, many GOOD features about the 7720 that far outweigh the couple of niggles that exist. It's fast, expandable, relatively quiet, (did I say fast?), and an overall great deal for anyone looking to spend
less and get more.

If you're reading this, and on the fence about whether or not to buy, i'd suggest you pull the trigger. There is always Dell Return policy for your safety net should you have a problem, and you can also shop the Outlet and get a great deal. I got mine with a coupon code for $650 and it was like new.

Like realG said, no notebook is without problems. For the price and long list of good features this unit has, you can't go wrong.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

Driver Details | Dell United States

Has anybody tried this new A12 BIOS? I'm going to guess the whole GPU boost won't be fixed either way.

 

Tried and no change to GPU boost issue.

 

And yes I have to agree with the others, there are no real deal-breaking issue with this computer.

I've tried asus N series and it has really horrible touchpad (dealbreaker to some) and when GPU was heavily used it turned off CPU turbo boost. Also had some other minor flaws (popping sounds in speakers, rattling fan etc).
I also owned samsung chronos 17" 700Z7C, and the wifi on this model is just broken (serious dealbreaker). Also keyboard got pretty hot during load.
Several clevo models plainly turn off CPU turbo boost when the dedicated GPU is in use.

And the list goes on, there is something "wrong" with every computer, you just have to decide which flaws you can live with, and the flaws on the inspiron 17R SE are very small. And not to mention it is very competitively priced.

 

I have to agree even i have many complains regarding DELL, this laptop is actually pretty well build. GPU boost issue is something not many people notice, because performance drop is about 15%, still it has lot of power to handle most of games.
Otherwise this is probably one of the best configurations you can get for money with matte display.

 

Heyy, so I guess I joined this thread now too. I was, and still am a happy M18 owner but I found it a bit too heavy to use as a web surfer when in bed while the wife watched tv beside me. I do have a inspiron E1705 but man this thing is sooooo slow now I just knew I had to upgrade my 17" I read through this forum and I was debating between an Asus N76VZ-DH71 and the 17R 7720.

............ edit............. no one cares.................... lol

Plus they gave me 6 month interest free on dell finance.


So now the question is keep the 17R or still get the Asus N76VZ?

 

Thanks for the reassurance , I am looking forward to getting it, i been wanting a "gaming" laptop for a while now. Seems like it wont get here fast enough,
Think the first thing im doing is trying out the modded video bios that seems to fix the GPU boost issue, at least as far as i can tell from reading on the other forum, but don't know if it will work with the A12 bios which i'm guessing my laptop will come with.

Another quick question , I'm planning on replacing the main hdd with a 500 Gig western digital black 7200rpm hdd. How hard will it be to set it up with Intel rapid technology 32G Msata? and does it actually offer noticeable difference?
Thanks


EDIT: Has anyone tried the third party 9 cell batteries ?

 

GPU boost can be "fixed" by disabling it completely and overclock GPU (i think P5 state) to highest possible level with MODDED BIOS, but this tweak overall raise the temperature and power demands, because frequency is stayed as it is all the time. You have to create profiles and manually switch between them.
I like my laptop to stay as cold as possible in most cases, gaming is different story.

A12 didn´t solve the gpu issue for me. Also, according to many users, it brought many other problems with BIOS unavailability, and so on...

 

Did you order a third party 9-cell battery for your 7720 ?

Can you please report back your expirience ?

 

......dont flash to A12, never heard any good about that BIOS.... (i still use A03.....works flawless)

..........replace with high end thermal paste and you have way better performance in games when you OC

use latest DELL/nvidia driver (307.07)...i tried every single latest nvidia drivers....nothing compete with 307.07 in terms of stability i think.

then you have a super nice gaming laptop

oohhh, and if you buy the Msata (PM830 SSD card).....set it to Maximum Cache performance

 

Others may confirm this, but I believe the 3d model also has the infrared transmitter to the right of the webcam. If yours has it then yes you may be able to, if not the glasses will not work.

 

Hi,

I would like you guys to post some hd benchmark, because mine looks crappy, lots of slowdowns on the games. Screenshot below.


Is it doing bad?

 

So Are you ordering one ? :hi2:

 

As far as I know, the 1TB disks supplied by DELL are 5400rpm. So yes, they are slow, and will be pretty much the first bottleneck you will notice when using the laptop. There is a reason why many of us are using the second hd slot and putting in an ssd, or at least using the msata caching option. You will notice a MASSIVE performance gain if you run the OS/software from a dedicated solid state disk.

Just eyeballing the stats from the benchmark you posted, it seems like your typical slow laptop hard drive, nothing surprising about the speed you're getting.

 

dell released a few new drivers (audio, video, chipset....).

 

Yes, like the one I mentioned back in my original post, I did find on ebay ORIGINAL DELL long-life extended 9-cells for much less and ordered one.
It's supposedly on it's way.

As soon as I receive it, I will report back.

Anything in particular anyone wants to know?