Laptops General - Read Only

[ormandj]

I was hoping this wouldn't be an issue with the newer generation models, as it was my understanding this was fixed towards the end of the previous generation. Unfortunately, I have audible coil whine on my new XPS 15 9550 when plugged in to the power adapter. When disconnected from the adapter, the whine is much less noticeable. It is most noticeable for me when scrolling in Chrome, as an example. KB backlight makes no difference. It does get slightly better when the battery is fully charged, but is still quite audible to me.

Is anybody else experiencing this with the Skylake models? I am extremely disappointed at this point, I like everything else about this laptop other than the coil whine and the webcam being at the bottom of the display (which I can live with, unlike the coil whine).

[cdode03]

I don't think mine has this issue. Is it easy to hear or do I have to try to listen for it?

[ormandj]

For me, it's easy to hear, but it's certainly one of those sounds that some people might not be sensitive to. I can hear it from a few feet away.

[ormandj]

Here is a video. Make sure to watch in HD so you can hear it.

[zs91]

Having same noise issue--isn't too bothersome but is definitely noticeable

[d3msd8le]

Running a 9550 i7/16/1TB/4k for a few days now and haven't heard any of that whine.  Plenty of fan noise tho.

[Akeevo]

I have the coil whine as well.

[Anonymous]

same here, is this something that can be resolved with a software update? or is the only option a replacement?

just got my xps 7 days ago and dont really fancy waiting another month for a replacement.

Anyone from Dell have something to say about this?

[DELL-Terry B]

I thank all of you for posting here. The XPS 15 may not be completely silent, and may have some electronic sounds but any noise should be fairly quiet, is the noise so loud that it can be easily heard in normal conditions or something that is only noticed close to the system in a silent room? I know that ormandj mentioned that the whine was worse with the AC adapter connected, have any of you others noticed this about the ac adapter?  It is unlikely that any of the hardware is defective but I do suggest running diagnostics just to be safe.  Please reply back if it does seem like the Ac adapter is the problem for most of you or not, and if there was anything found by diagnostics.

TB

[ryanjdesalvo]

I also have this problem on my new Dell XPS 15 9550 MS Signature Edition. I have ran diagnostics, nothing came up. I also have tried multiple outlets and even some of the XPS 15 9550 Dell power adapters from the store. I do believe that only some can hear this as it is an extremely high frequency and those over age 30 or 40 may not be able to hear the higher frequencies. The sound always comes from the inside of the laptop, assumingly the motherboard, around the area where the power adapter plugs in. Also, the sound only emits when the laptop is charged to 100%. The power adapter is not making any noise. As a young guy at age 21, I can hear it especially when the room is quiet and when the system is being taxed in some way. It is most noticeable when scrolling or moving the cursor via trackpad or microsoft designer bluetooth mouse. Quite annoying. I am replacing mine and will see what comes of that. Honestly, I have not had this problem with other manufacturers. Seems to be a problem Dell cannot solve coming from what I have heard about other XPS models. Really detracts from the otherwise wonderful construction and experience!