Dell Inspiron 15R Special edition (7520)

Update to my graphics problems with Windows 8...

Updated bios to latest.
Installed chipset drivers
Installed everything else
Installed quickset last (dunno what it is, but i think it relies on other stuff)

I now have ATI options in power menu and switchable graphics etc so looks marvelous. Haven't had time to try out a game yet though too tired need sleeep

 

Ordered. I'm officially in the club. I'll be back Monday when it is delivered with annoying questions that I will greatly appreciate you answering so I can make this computer perfect!!!

I got the top model with three years of support - i7, 8 GB, 1 TB + mSATA, etc.

 

Hi Folks,

My 15r SE will be here tomorrow and I plan on doing a fresh install.
Just wanted some feedback on using the latest Intel Graphics Driver (15.28.7.64.2867) and the latest AMD Graphics Driver (12.11).... not from Dell.
Has anyone tried using these drivers instead of Dell's?
Thank in advance

 

Nice!
Quickset installs Dell customization to Windows Mobility Center (on Control Panel). That handles the 3 hotkey buttons on the top right of the notebook, plus some other settings like the keyboard backlight.

@El Hondo: I tried and Catalyst said it was not compatible, and I should download from the manufacturer. My older laptop with an ATI Radeon gives me the same message, so I guess this is how AMD handles driver updates? I also have a XPS 15 (L502x) and I prefer the nvidia way, where I can download directly from them, even beta drivers.

 

Hmm keyboard backlight. Haven't managed to get that working yet.

Is it possible I don't have backlight? Or do all SE's have backlight

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

 

It's an option. One surefire way to check is by unsnapping the keyboard assembly from the case. The back-light function has a separate small ribbon cable, so you will see two ribbon cables.

 

Look for the FN hotkey. I don't recall exactly which one is the backlight one, I don't have it with me right now. But I believe it is F6. It should have an... orange? icon. If you don't have it, it is probable that you don't have it. Well, give it a try with FN+F6
Also, if you install Dell Quickset and go to Windows Mobility Center, there is an option to turn the backlight on and off. Move the slider, and if it does not turn on, then either you don't have it, or it is broken.

 

Just purchased this laptop yesterday )) Can't wait for it to be delivered haha. Kinda sad that the estimated
date is in 20 days, hope that it'll be brought forward. I hope it'll be worth the wait as it's definitely an major
upgrade for me.

 

Are you not in the United States or did you order the "cheapest" model? I ordered mine last last night and it has already been shipped.

 

@El Hondo: I'm using the 12.10 suite, and it works perfectly. the improvements in the enduro interface are wonderful, there is finally a list of every program detected on the system. By default the amd auto-detect software will refuse to install the new drivers, you'll have to find the download page manually.

 

hmm I didn't know that. Thanks for the info!

 

silvergator:
Nope I'm not from the US, I'm from Singapore haha. I purchased the most expensive one on the
Singapore Dell website 8gb RAM, 1TB 5400 RPM, etc, etc
I honestly don't know why it's taking so long. Just sent an email to them and I hope I'll hear
from them soon.

 

Oh OK. That may make some sense as to why it's taking longer...but 20 days is still a lot. Oh well, we'll both have new laptops soon.

 

Will be great if someone can post a small tutorial on who to get a non DELL CCC and AMD driver installed.
Currently I am using the DELL one which works without an issue.

Over the weekend I am planning to do the W8 install as from some posts it seems AMD driver works well in W8 and you have can mnually select programs just like W7,

Will appreciate W8 AMD GPU and gamin experiences before I also take the plunge..

 

go here:
OmegaDrivers.net | ATI/NVIDIA Omega Driver's Home, PC Gaming Drivers & News!

 

@ Musimaniac and omegasc, Thanks for your input; the re-install worked great

So, I received my quick ship, maxed out, 15R SE today and overall I'm happy. The screen IMO is not as great as it is made out to be but better than most TN panels. The build quality is good, the keyboard is nice and it cost me $1060 with tax through Dell EPP.... long story short I'm keeping it

I took out the 1TB spinner HD and replaced it with Samsung 830 256GB SSD. Installed Win 7 on it and re-formatted the mSATA to use as storage/swap drive. Loaded all the drivers from Dell to include their AMD Graphics driver then installed AMD Catalyst 12.11 Beta on top of the older Dell driver and voila everything is good to go. Playing Torchlight II as we speak with better frames

 

I just scored this laptop from the Dell outlet sale. Overall it's really nice, but I have a couple of questions.

The screen seems really "cool" color-wise - are there recommended settings to use? It's very bluish in color.

Also - I know this is a midrange GPU, but I tried to play Alan Wake (an older game), and can only play it at low-medium settings. I tried "forcing" the 7730m to be utilized during the game, and no improvement. Is this just a low end GPU and I shouldn't expect to play any recent game at high settings? Should I trust that the card will be utilized to play games and not worry about having to force it to be utilized?

 

I keep trying that, but once I try to download the drivers, it says my graphics card in incompatible and to contact the manufacturer. Dell does not have the most recent drivers posted. ?

Also - I can't find anywhere what those 3 buttons at the top of the keyboard are for. I press the middle one and it does nothing. Anyone know?

 

Install Dell Quickset driver, it should add a "Customized by Dell" part to Windows Mobility Center (in Control Panel) and add functionality for the buttons.

 

Noob question... I have a display port monitor, and the 15R has HDMI

From the description of adapters I'm looking at, they seem to only work if the laptop is display port and the screen is hdmi

Am I getting confused? Or do the adapters work both ways? Can anyone give me a link to an example of what I need?

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

 

I have that. So what's the middle button for? It doesn't seem to do anything.

 

Switches audio modes I think. Try installing Dell audio drivers

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

 

I have read people found this GPU to be worse than the nvidea in the XPS 15 (L521x). Otherwise, the two systems are basically the same (if you ignore all the design and functionality issues with the 521 right now). I don't think you should need to use low settings though. What happens above low-med settings? What framerates? Did you get the model with the mSATA? If not, I think all the hard drives offered are at 5400 RPM, but I'm not sure that should be a factor or not. Have you modified the OS after you bought it? Also, it may depend on the game. Older games may run better on one of the Win7 compatibility modes. It would be helpful to check how other games do too.

As far as the bluishness, I don't really notice. I don't prefer the non-glossy finish this screen has though.

 

Just order the Dell 15R SD
3rd generation Intel Core i5-3210M processor (3M cache, up to 3.1GHz)
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-Bit, English
6GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz
750GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Radeon™ HD 7730M 2GB
15.6" High Definition (720p) LED Display with Truelife
Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet card
Waves MaxxAudio 4 + Skullcandy Speakers
Intel Centrino® Wireless 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth
48 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Battery
Dell Backlit Keyboard with Multi-touch Touchpad, English-Int'l
Comes to a total of $724
I am not looking to do any upgrades to do it. Mostly just surfing the Interent, Office and some games and movies. I try searching online for reviews about it but there isn't much to say. Just wondering how's the battery life? I read the average is about 3.5hours which isn't bad at all. Anyone who used it can you tell me how is the laptop so far>/

 

With i5 you should be able to get close to 3.5 hours which will decrease to 3 hours so within a year or so.
With i7 I think it starts close to 3 hrs battery life.

 

GPU on paper is supposed to be close to GT640m which is highly rated but many have had issues getting similar performance in real life.
I have run SC 2 in mid setting @ 720p and get between 60-80 frames which I think is very good
When I run with full 1080p with mid/high settings I got between 18-25 frames.
Btw, I have the i5 and no ssd drive.

 

Computer just arrived. About to unbox and test it out. Anything in particular I should look for or do? Wondering if I should do the Windows 8 refresh right away?

 

I wouldn't put Windows 8 on it yet. I would however pay for the upgrade since is only $40 for the upgrade for now. The reason is that Windows 8 is sitll new and there are lot's of bugs that need to work out. Also, there is going to be driver issues and a lot of current software might not work with Win8. You can always install Win8 in a year's time and by then mos tof the major stuff should be fix.

 

Computer came with Windows 8 already on it.

Is the VGA / external monitor port supposed to stick out a bit?

 

Mine sticks out a touch on the bottom, but is flush at the top.

 

Thanks. That's what I was wondering. Having major problems establishing a WiFi connecting and keeping it up and running. Getting a lot of default gateway issues and stuff. Very frustrating considering everything needs the internet.

 

Man my Laptop saids it will ship with Win7. I hope it does..... not liking Win 8

 

I ordered from the home site and therefore got W8. I'll be honest, just used it for three hours...I think I'm going to downgrade to 7. I have a retail DVD in my possession from when I upgraded from Vista.

 

I have 6GB installed but when I checked it shows 6GB but say only 4GB is usable. What gives?
I read it could be a BIOS or perhaps worse some pins bent.
Can someone check system info to see what you see or have any idea to make all 6GB usable?

 

It's recognising you have 6gb installed, that's fine. Operating System etc will be using the 2gb ram that's not available

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

 

I might be buying the Dell Inspiron 15R Special Edition with the i7 cpu with the 1080p screen. This laptop will be replacing my early 2011 13" base model Apple MacBook Pro. I have a couple questions on the Dell:
1. I have a full version of Windows 7, can I downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7?
2. How easy is it to create recovery disc? Can I use a USB flash drive or dvds?
3. I have a Samsung 830 series 256GB SSD, how easy is it to install the SSD in the Dell?
4. Do games run good at 1080p at medium to high settings?
5. Do the fans get loud and does the laptop get hot?
6. How good is the 1080p screen?

 

1. If it is a full stand-alone intall disc, then it should be no problem. I have an older Win 7 Dell-provided install disc and it installs fine. I can't comment on upgrade/downgrade processes. I always do a complete reinstall with fresh partitions whenever I do an install.

2. Never did this as I always do a complete reinstall if necessary. Routine backups make a back-up disc unnecessary.

3. If it is that standard 2.5" drive, then it should be no problem. From what I saw online it appears to be. Very easy on this unit.

4. Haven't tried games on this unit yet. I played a couple of older games on my previous XPS L501x and they worked great on high with worse specs, but I did have an SSD. I think this is quite variable on the game itself. If I was to speculate you should be able to play many games at med-high settings. The only x-factor is the video processor, which I'm not that familiar with yet.

5. I haven't noticed any issues. The fan kicks up sometimes, but mainly when I'm using an application that I've designated to use the AMD video card. Most of the time it is quiet and not hot. Much much cooler than the new XPS 15 (L521x), which I returned for this model.

6. IMO, it's not perfect. It has that matte finish that allows better visibility in brighter ambient light and less reflections, but I think it takes away from the perceived quality. I personally prefer the glossy screens. Other than that, if should be fine.

 

Here is my take
1. I do not see why not but I have not upgraded to W8 so not sure.
2. not sure in W8
3.If you are replacing the HDD than pretty simple. If you have W7 loaded on it already than just pop it in and load all the W7 drivers from Dell.
4. Probably not the newer games. I can run SC 2 in 1080p at mid/high setting and get around 15-25 fps. In 720p in medium setting I get 60-80 fps.
5. You can notice the fan but it is not too loud. Heat management is pretty good as I compare to the Studio 15. 15R SE GPU max out 65c and CPU 72C playing a couple of hours of SC2. Studio 15 GPU would go over 90C and was hot at the touch pad as well. 15R SE stays quite cool.
6. Quite nice but I think XPS 1080p screens are a tad nicer with more brightness. I personally like it because it is matte.

 

This 1080p screen takes some getting used to. Font on websites is excruciatingly small. Obviously I've just zoomed in, but it does not give you a "true" resolution or look when you do that. Just not used to having this kind of real estate on a screen.

Liking the computer very much so far. I overreacted on W8, too. The desktop feature on it is great and it is perfectly fine - similar to using W7.

Bought an external Logitech touchpad to use with it and it is great. Also going to buy a mouse to use as i like the precision.

Lid and palm rests get fingerprints and marks very easily, but of course you can just wipe them off. Power button seems a little weird.

Have not really tested everything out yet as I'm still loading information and programs.

Two QUESTIONS

1) I don't see the mSATA SSD on "My Computer" and it just shows the 1TB HDD. Is that normal? Seems very fast opening up from a closed lid and/or being asleep.

2) Is there a setting so that, when plugged in, the laptop does not charge the battery to 100 percent? I heard if you leave it plugged in and charged at 100 percent it can shorten the life of the battery but if you have it max out at, say, 80 percent, it can help lengthen it...

 

I just ordered the 15R SE. I noticed that it will be shipped with a Dell Resource DVD. Does this DVD come with the OS, drivers, and applications?

 

no it is the DVD with drivers and camera software. You will have to call and ask for it.

 

the mSATA drive is not configured as a drive you can use or open in explorer. It works behind the scenes with Intel SRT and RST. At least that is how Dell ships it to you.

 

1 - That's normal. the msata in srt mode is supposed to be invisible to the user, as the software chooses what to put on the ssd on its own.

2- I don't think that can be done, as the charging is not handled by the operating system, and there is no option in the bios to shorten the recharge cycle. As for me, I usually remove the battery when I know I'll remain plugged in for an extended period of time.

 

I use Win 7, but there are some battery options. Click Windows Start, search for battery. Click on "Change battery settings". On left side bar click "Dell Extended Battery Life options". Another window appears. Click on the "Desktop mode" tab. Enable will only charge the battery when the battery drops below 50%. This is designed to extended battery life.

Under the "Status" tab are a few other options you may find useful. I was a little confused on how to work these settings because upon checking "Enable Dell Extended Battery Life" the settings button grayed out.

 

Thank you very much. That is exactly what I was looking for. Enabled exactly what you did.

I'm really liking this system so far. Thanks to all of you for your help in helping me decide on buying this unit. It reminds me of the old XPS models a bit. Seems to be running very fast. I may jump on tomorrow and list some of the installed bloatware and find out what I need and don't. I'm also trying to decide whether or not to uninstall McAfee, which I normally do. The difference is that Microsoft Security Essentials does not exist for Windows 8 as it is built in to the Windows Defender, which is disabled so I can run McAfee. But I liked MSE a lot better on Windows 7.

 

I ordered the Dell Inspiron 15R SE with Windows 8 and I'm going to use my Samsung 256GB SSD to install Windows 7 on it. What is the correct order of drivers installation? Also I would like to know if I decide to install Windows 8 on the SSD by using the recovery dvds that I make from Windows 8, do I have a choice of clean install or will it install Windows 8 with the bloatware or am I better off buying Windows 8?

 

If you install Dell image it will be bloatware but if you do an install with the DELL OS DVD or another Win8 DVD it should be a clean install without bloatware.
Check the driver section on the dell site for Win8 if they have it but this is what I found
http://support.dell.com/support/top...A0C0937D62A8739E0401E0A55174744&isLegacy=true

 

Ya, others would know better with Win 8. I can tell you that "image" is like a photo of the drive. It doesn't really install anything. It is copying an image of something to the disc.

As far as order goes, I've not problems for years involving order. That said, I usually stick to chipset drivers first. Then video, then anything that seems important in order.

I never use the McAfee or Norton anymore. It slows the system down so much. I've used the top free programs for years with good results. The only times I ever got actual computer virus infections with when I wasn't using a hardware router or when a family member clicked on something bad. And I was using the big-name programs, and ended up doing a complete reinstall anyway. So now I stick with the free programs that keep my computer running fast. Used Avira for a while. Trying out AVG now.

 

Got my 15R SE yesterday. Its a great Value for money machine considering the specs.

Pros:-
1. Super quiet and cool even while gaming. Even running Prime95 pushes the processor to around 70'C only.
2. Enduro for GPU switching is a lot better with the 12.11 beta catalyst driver. Gives a good boost to performance and increased my 3Dmark11 scores from 1700 to 2000! That puts it above a 640M and near 650M territory.
3. Beautiful 1080p screen with good colors and nice blacks. Definately should get 1080p if you looking at this laptop.

Cons:-
1. Heavy and bulky

 

This CyberLink Media Suite that came pre-installed...is that any good / worth keeping? Looks to be the only bloatware I have left from DELL aside from their support app.