Dell 17r N7720 SE - user review

Very helpful pictures. It looks like the CPU and GPU are on the bottom of the motherboard -- it's too bad there's not a convenient door to access them from the bottom, as opposed to having to open up the keyboard, top bezel, etc

 

just the LCD, no need for new cable, its the same LSDV 40 pin cable

 

How difficult was the LCD switch from AUO159E to B173HW01 V.4? How significant is the difference in going to the 1080 display? Would you mind sharing some anecdotes/experiences of what you've noticed with the swap?

 

switching is not that difficult. I did not follow the manual on how to remove the LCD, you need to remove alot of parts of you will follow the manual on how to do it.

here's what I did

* remove all power sources ( battery and outlet)
* need 2 Phillips screws ( small and medium )

step 1: unlock the bezel, just use your fingers. Insert your finger in between the bezel and the lcd panel and gently pull out the locks ( try to view some videos on how to do this ) old inspirons has the same approach * note I did not completely remove the bezel, just enough space to remove the screws

step 2: remove 2 pieces top screw

step 3: remove screws on the side: 4 screws.

step 4. once the lcd panel is free make your way to remove the cable ( note that you need to slide it down towards the bottom and not pull it ) you need to be careful on this part.

step 5. before putting it back make sure to test it, insert the power cable and power it up. screen will be displaying 3 rows < dont worry about it. once it loads just shut it down and restart. Now if all is well proceed to step 6.

step6. install the LCD and back step on the process.

that's simple.


regarding the screen difference - its really night and day! I hate dell for providing AUO159E. its garbage you cant even look at it straight without noticing the viewing angle limitation of that panel. They should have at least provided a better Panel even it means adding extra cost. Im happy overall with the 7720 except for the LCD and wifi I cant seems to make it work.

 

Since I have something against 1080p resolutions in less than 20" screens, my first 7720 was one with a 900p screen. I packed it up and send it back in less than 15 minutes after I receive it - the screen being the culprit, probably the same crappy AUO159E.

 

Has anyone ever run into the problem where the fan kicks in immediately and keeps running non-stop when the screen is turned off and the laptop is NOT in sleep mode? This happens every time when I lock the pc (the screen will automatically turn off within 1 min) or simply turn off the display via the quick settings button. As soon as I hit the keyboard for the screen to turn on the fan stops right away. The only app I leave running is Skype, Internet download manager, or utorrent. I have reinstalled fresh windows with only core drivers / software. 240 GB SSD and 1TB secondary HDD, no mSATA drive.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

Requiring feedback from people with i7 7720 and a 130 W Power brick .

Does your power brick gets HOT while gaming with laptop plugged in ?

Mine gets HOT (not warm but hot ) . It is not comfortable to touch , but it is not burning hot . It is just uncomfortably hot .

Can someone confirm if their power brick also gets hot while gaming @ 1080 p ?

Plz reply ...

 

As far as I know, Windows Vista/7/8 have a lot of scheduled tasks set up to only run when they think the system is idle (disk defrag, antivirus scans, indexing, that sort of stuff). Read up on Windows Performance Monitor. It's pretty simple to set up monitoring of what is accessing the disk, using cpu cycles and so on, should tell you exactly what's going on when you lock the desktop.

 

Mine does not, measured max temp during long heavy load to be 39C at hottest spot. This is with 230V electricity and 130Watt lite-on made power brick.

 

Has anyone used Wifi Direct? Did it worked?

 

Thanks for your input. I'm a rookie here so I'm not sure how to set up a monitor for background apps during idling. Can you please elaborate more?

I found this How to get rid of the System Idle Process? - Microsoft Community The guy has the exact problem I do but no answer is available.

 

Yeah, I'd say mine is about the same. It is still comfortable to hold... I actually often use it during winter as a foot warmer

 

You don't want to get rid of the System Idle Process, it's an integral part of the OS. What I meant by my earlier post is that the chances are what you are seeing is normal, Windows tend to schedule some housekeeping tasks for when the system is idle. I consider it a feature, you don't have to worry about disk defrag and such, it's all taken care of by the system when it's not in use.

If you want to find out in detail what goes on when the system is idle, launch Windows Performance Monitor and have a look around, it's not that complicated, and there are tons of tutorials online on how to use it. Even just leaving it launched will show you a graph of disk usage, CPU usage, etc. so you can go back after waking the laptop from idle to check if some process was using a lot of resources during that time.

 

Does any one know why isn't there no Webcam software on 7720 ? How to access the webcam ?

 

I have dell webcam central on mine...

 

After searching hi and low, the culprit of my own question is Logitech Setpoint software. Exit the software before turning the screen off and the fan is as quite as ever.
Thanks to hamud and this forum in this thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...top-fan-goes-crazy-when-screen-turns-off.html

 

yes......a refurbish part can be a part taken from a laptop who has been sent back from a customer.........STILL...it never becomes brand new. (thats why its called refurbish).......or they fix a "broken" part so its works 100% and send it further to us customer.

motherboards & screens are mostly the parts they "repair" and then use them as refurbish.

STILL...during my 7 years as a DELL user i have got 2 refurbish parts who was dead/bad from start.
(and if DELL say to you that their refurbish parts are brand new........they lying.....no question about it)

 

How can you repair a motherboard if the graphic card is bad on it .It'll again be giving problems very soon .

I guess they need to use new motherboard for replacements ..

 

you might think so...............my last 3 motherboards replacements had the RED sticker; REFURBISH.
(the thing is that DELL can say ten millions times its like a new part...but the truth is that (sometimes) it isn't..........

exactly as you said a video card who been used for 1 year have been put under stress and strain...sometimes it doesn't matter one bit...sometimes it does.

its not hard to fix a broken motherboard if your name is DELL (or HP, or Apple....and so on)......thats how it works.

 

Hello Nigel8600,

I am from Dell Social Media and Community.

I am sorry for the delayed response. We have noted this and by doing a complete Windows Update this issue should be resolved.

If this has not helped you or if you need any further assistance, feel free to message me on Twitter(@NiranjanatDell). I will be happy to assist.

Dell-Niranjan

 

Does the N7720 SE support Intel Wireless Display? I swear, I've never seen a technology so vaguely defined. System requirements say you need a certain Intel CPU, Intel Wireless, My Wifi Software, and a compatible OS.
I have all that, and bought a Netgear Push2TV (PTV3000), and something is missing. I think there is some hardware component for Intel WiDi to work. Yet, elsewhere, I've read that with the right CPU and Intel HD 4000 Graphics and Intel Wifi, that's all you need.

Anyone gotten this working? If so, can you please post some simple steps on what is needed?

Thanks!

 

lancorp do you have a 3d model?

 

No. Just the standard N7720.

 

Thi sis how I got mine to work....

Uninstall Dells Video and Wifi Driver

reboot

Install INtels Video and Wifi Drivers

Install INtells Widi Driver

Update ptv3000 with beta firmware from here
Google Groups


STill kinda buggy and ive detwemined the ptv2000 works better.

 

Thank you! I will search out the proper drivers and try it out.

Sounds like, though, that Apple's got it right with Airplay Mirroring.
It took me about 5 minutes and an Apple TV device to get my Macbook Pro screen on my big screen and it just works.

 

almost forgot...

right click on widi install and select run with intel grafics when you install it.

 

Played around with another Inspiron 17R SE.

Observations:
Power supply (130Watt) on this one in made by Delta electronics and gets a lot hotter than the Lite-On PSU on mine, still nothing to worry about though.
Screen is the same CMN1720 Chi Mei and performs same, very good. very minor backlight bleeding.
Memory is from Samsung, mine is from Hynix. For some reason it scores 8.1 for memory in WEI, while mine scores 7.8. Most likely just due to driver differences etc as timings were the same.
This one has a slight high frequenzy sound coming from left side, no idea why.
Different fan that is slightly more noisy than on mine, but hardly noticeable.

 

Is the 3D display better than the CMN1720 Chi Mei? I won't watch much 3D content - but just wondering if there are many benefits for typical usage - I suppose the main argument is glossy vs matte? When the price is right tempted to get one with backlit keypad + 3D screen.

3D Pro:
Brighter - 400 nit vs 280 nit if I recall correctly?
Higher brightness makes up for more reflective coating?
More vibrant due to coating
Better black

3D Con
Less battery?
More reflection
Not sure if Optimus is supported?
Easier to smuge & more difficult to clean

 

You got it mostly right. The 3D model has slightly better blacks giving better contrast. But you loose optimus and get a very reflective screen.

The 3d is not harder to clean, the glossy surface is actuallty easier to clean - but also easier to get smudges on

Personally I prefer the matte models.

 

Hello guys i just upgraded to the latest version of BIOS and i noticed that i can't put my laptop in sleep mode.Has anyone the same problem or know what's wrong?

 

Hi all. I've read most of this thread. Loads of good info here, thanks to everyone! :thumbsup:

I just purchased a refurb 7720 with 3D TL screen from Dell outlet and I cant figure out if the 3D glasses are included or not. I hope I don't have to wrestle with customer support, like someone else did, but I'll try that before dropping another $90 for these.

Anyone willing to wager that the glasses will be included?

 

Not included. You should check the inventory list before "wrestling".

 

You're probably right, of course, but I wonder why they would stiff outlet customers on the glasses when new 3D 17R SE customers get them. And since they come with new laptops, it seems to me when a customer returns one, they would just send the glasses out to the refurb customer. Otherwise, they would be left with a pile of 3d glasses and less-satisfied customers.

Inventory list? Do you mean this?

Item Description:
-- Dell Outlet Inspiron 17R Special Edition Laptop Windows 8
-- 32GB SSDR mSATA Card
-- Certified Refurbished
-- Service Software
-- Nvidia GeForce GT 650M 2GB 130W
-- Label
-- Information
-- Processor: Intel Core 3rd Generation i7-3630QM Processor (6MB cache, up to 3.4Ghz)
-- Software
-- Shipping Material
-- Service Software
-- 1 TB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
-- Documentation
-- Software
-- Intel Centrino Wireless 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth
-- 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1600MHz
-- 17.3Inch 3D Full High Definition (1080p) LED Display with Truelife
-- Aluminium
-- Software
-- Windows 64 Bit
-- Information
-- Label
-- Software
-- Windows 64 Bit
-- 125V Power Cord
-- 130W A/C Adapter, 3P
-- Label
-- 1.0 MP HD Camera with MIC
-- 6X Blu-ray Disc Combo (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM)
-- Processor Label
-- Label
-- Cyberlink Media Suite Essentials DVD
-- Windows 8
-- Information
-- English Backlit Keyboard with Multi-touch Touchpad
-- 6 Cell Lithium-Ion Primary Battery

 

Quick question for you folks... I'm just about to get one of these, I've been skimming through the thread and I've noticed a few complaints about the graphics, so,

Is there still a bug regarding the GPU throttling (having to restart to fix it)?
If so, how do I do the '99% CPU trick' that I heard about?

Also, what are the best GPU drivers to get: directly from Nvidia's site, or from Dell?

thanks!

 

The bug: if you unplug the PSU while running the laptop, the gpu disables turbo.
The fix: shut down, remove battery, replace battery, plug in, power on, fixed

The bug: occasionally, when running both gpu and cpu on turbo, the gpu downclocks to 745MHz and disables turbo.
Fix: when gaming, run Windows with the CPU set to max 99% (you can set this in power settings). this effectively prevents the CPU from overclocking and should prevent the lock-up.

.... did I get this right? I use my laptop as a desktop replacement, so I have only triggered the throttling issue once or twice in the past year. If you plan on doing a lot of gaming on the move, it might turn out to be a major issue for you...depends on how you intend to use the laptop, I guess.

There are hacked BIOS versions floating around that supposedly completely fix the gpu throttling issue, but from what I read, it seems they lock the gpu to a clock of your choosing, but it stays locked permanently (no dynamic overclocking based on when extra power is needed), which is not an ideal solution.

For drivers, just grab the latest stable from nvidia's website, they work great for me.

 

the 3D glasses comes for " free"...

just because they not are on the purchase order doesn't mean it not coming......all i know who bought the 120Hz 7720 (including myself) got the glasses for free.

<iframe width='560' height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/E6QHhgl7Ui8?list=UUQfMY88lXjG_NbUtYc6EqCw" frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe>

...............................................
ps...cant understand why people speaks about GPU throttling..............i have never had any issues with gaming on this PC..............i have extremely stable ~55 Fps (1080p) in BF3 (multi-player) every single day

which means this PC works great.......(i never unplug cable and all that nonsense........I just start the PC and enjoy gaming (the only the thing i do is to have the CPU on 99%...i dont need +3Ghz in games...2.3Ghz is very enough (especially with the powerful i7 cache)....and also the temp goes down on the CPU which always is good.

 

I think I found the original quote on the 99% question, but if I missed an earlier one, my apologies to the OP.

Thanks for the videos KSMB, I already watched them a few days ago, while I was waiting for my unit to arrive. I just got the refurb unit today, no 3D glasses.

Nice laptop though. I'm really liking the screen on this bad boy...

 

EDIT..................ok, i didn't know you bought a refurbish laptop.

they do not send the glasses if its refurbish items (why i don't know).......only brand new 7720 they send it with.

 

Of course you don't. The GPU throttling only happens under battery power.

 

well............do you know how many laptops with high-end hardware (i7 CPU, current eating GPUs...etc) have weak performance running on Battery during high shader games ??

the answer is SEVERAL !

its not that hard to understand.........this laptops (as 7720) needs a secure/steady flow of current during hardcore games and a simple battery does not fix that on several high end laptops.

 

Hi gents

I'm currently planning on selling my Alienware m18 r2 and buying one of these.

I don't expect it to play anything like my m18 but I'm a casual pc gamer and was wondering what to expect.

I have watched a few bf3 videos on the 7720 but its hard to tell how we'll it plays and what fps to expect at 1080p medium settings?

Is it playable

Thanks in advance

Z

 

Yes, 7720 SE with geforce 650@660 can handle BF3 even on medium-high settings Full hd. 35FPS+

 

Thanks alot for the reply, it's much appreciated

Z

 

Hey all - just got my 7720 - love it...quick question about the Optimus...how do you know when the GT650M card is on? I did a windows index and it was only 6.8 so i am guessing it didn't turn on for that - then i played a game and it could of been better. Do you guys do something to make sure its on when you want it? How do you manage that?
I am always plugged in should i just run on the GT650M the whole time?

If someone knows how that works and whats the best way to operate i would appreciate it. Thanks

 

How to enable one hand scrolling on the alps touchpad on 7720 ?

That stupid two hand scroll does not seem to work at all ....

Plz advice . Tried all settings in touchpad properties but in vein .

Also , circular scrolling is possible to be enabled on 7720 ?

 

To those that've attempted the 1080p upgrade, what is the difference between the LGD02DA LP173WF1(TL)(B3) and B173HW01 V4/v5?

My preference is for something more matte but still bright

 

Hi! I hope that you guys can help.

I have finally got the 17r SE today. I immediate replace the 1TB hard drive with 120GB SSD after I made recovery media on both DVD and USB. But Dell Backup and Recovery will not restore the factory image into the new SSD. It gives this message: "Your hard drive size is not supported for this process. Please use a hard drive at least 931 GB in size".

I have just contacted Dell UK Support and the CS agents kept saying that it is impossible to do factory image on hard drive size less than 931 GB. And they cannot send out recovery discs just like the discs created by customers through Dell Backup and Recovery. Are these true?

I have been reading your thread for a while. How can you upgrade to SSD?

 

You can install win 8 from scratch. I'm sure there are win 8 iso files to find, and it should grab the serial key from bios automatically. Then just install the dell programs from the driver disc (mine came with a driver/utility disc at least).

Yes the recovery discs won't work since they refuse to work on harddrives below 1Tb.

 

I've another couple of questions for you chaps, if ya don't mind

So after a bit of delivery mixups I've finally receieved my 7720, and all's pretty swell, though there's a few things I'm wondering about:
1. The boot time seems a bit slower than the 7520 I had.. after the Dell logo the screen is blank for about a minute before booting into Windows 8. Is there something I can change to improve this?
2. The subwoofer seems pretty cool so far, though is there a way I can turn it off when I'm running off battery power, to preserve battery? (or does it barely affect battery life?)
3. Screen brightness doesn't go as low as the 7520 I had (which could go REALLY dim, which was useful for me sometimes). Is there a way I can change that, through drivers or something?
4. I have the 130w charger... and on a couple occasions I've noticed it flicker off and on in a millisecond, making a small 'clicking' noise... anyone else have that? :O

Well that's all I can think of for now, thanks fo' reading

edit: I managed to solve a couple things,
1. the boot time is quicker now, maybe because of some driver updates I did, or I dunno. But that seems okay now!
3. for screen brightness, I found a program called Pangobright which can dim my screen further

 

How to enable one hand scrolling on the alps touchpad on 7720 ?

That stupid two hand scroll does not seem to work at all ....

Plz advice . Tried all settings in touchpad properties but in vein .

Also , circular scrolling is possible to be enabled on 7720 ?