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Scream_And_Fly
2 Intern
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406 Posts
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44110
January 30th, 2006 20:00
900-series processors delayed
My XPS 600 has been on order for over a week now and Dell confirmed today that there is a delay with the 900-series processors. The person did not say what the delay was caused by though. You can't configure an XPS 600 with a 900-series CPU anymore, but it seems the XPS 400 can. Strange - maybe a motherboard compatibility issue?
There's been some reports of problems with the Pentium 9xx chips. According to this article Intel should have a bios update to fix it by 2nd quarter 2006. Then Dell has to test it and post it.
Dave
PenguinNest
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Posted January 31st, 2006 01:00
I knew of this problem when I ordered my XPS 400 with the 940 processor, but it appeared to be only a power management issue - halt states and SpeedStep lower the processor speed if it overheats, and I don't think a 940 will have overheating issues if it's not overclocked. Anyway, my XPS 400 was "shipped" on Friday, but it still hasn't left Dell premises while the monitor is almost here. Could it be held up for whatever is holding up the 9XX processors on the XPS 600?Message Edited by PenguinNest on 01-30-2006 09:45 PM
So that probably explains the vague answers I have been getting. I wonder what type of delay we should expect here? Months? Or do they ship then fix the bug. Course I don't want a non-functional system. That is why I am getting a new computer! :
I ordered a XPS 600 Pent D 930 processor. Sigh just my luck. I will give it another week or so.
Scream_And_Fly
2 Intern
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406 Posts
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Posted January 31st, 2006 03:00
I'm wondering if I should cancel my XPS 600 and just reorder it with the Pentium D 830.PenguinNest
62 Posts
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Posted January 31st, 2006 03:00
FYI, Intel is bringing out a new version of the 9XX processors in February to fix this, along with an inexpensive 805 D for lesser systems. I don't think it's a BIOS problem, I think the halt state and SpeedStep problems are features that are turned off in this iteration of the chips. So either Dell ships them out this way or waits for a whole new chip from Intel. I thought they would just ship it with those features disabled, but now I'm wondering.PenguinNest
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Posted January 31st, 2006 11:00
I wonder if I have the option of changing my order - my XPS 400 with a 940 "shipped" but it never left the factory! Meanwhile, my monitor will be here today. I don't think you can change a PC that's been "shipped", but on the other hand it was never shipped as in "put it on the truck and take it somewhere". It's been virtually shipped, so I've got to start enjoying my new virtual PC. I hope I can hook up my real monitor to my virtual PC!
Luckily my Dimension 4550 is still humming along, or I'd be up you-know-where without a paddle!
- I was wondering the same thing. Is the 930 that much better than the 830. I just wish we could get more official word on this. I guess I can be patient if the new revised chip is coming soon.Somtimes I get so impatient with these things. It drives me crazy. Just so use to ordering a system and getting is soon. Who knows perhaps it will ship on Friday as indicated, although I doubt it.Where did you get your information that the new chip it due in February? I read the links in the other post and it said Spring 2005. February is not Spring to me. :) Maybe it is in the IT world.
- I ordered a XPS 400 with a 3.0 Ghz Pentium D 930 on Jan 18th. It shipped on Jan 21st and it was delivered on Jan 24th. Looking at the XPS 400 configuration page it appears that this CPU is still available. I'm betting that the delays are due to lack of supply. Gateway is offering the 920 in their PC's and HP is currently offering the 920, 930 and 940.BTW - I used Everest Home to look at the PC configuration. Under the CPU it was shown that both speed-step and halt states were supported, but had been disabled.Do I really need to care that these two features have been disabled? Do they add anything important to the operation of the system? Does this mean that my CPU is defective? Should I press Dell for a new CPU when the revised ones come out (I know - good luck on that one!!!).So far the PC seems to be working fine and I am pleased. Sometimes reading this forum brings up issues you would never even think to question! Maybe sometimes "ignorance is bliss"!
Message Edited by eneisch on 01-31-2006 10:58 AM
Message Edited by eneisch on 01-31-2006 11:05 AM
PenguinNest
62 Posts
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Posted January 31st, 2006 15:00
The following article from The Inquirer gives the new Intel stepping changes due in February:According to this article, this will enable the halt state and SpeedStep features. But upon closer reading of the article, it's not clear whether these stepping changes will affect the 9XX series. Remember, a 9XX is only two 6XX cores on a single chip - do new 6XX versions autmatically mean new 9XX versions?Anyway, I'm glad to hear someone actually got a 930 and it works with those features disabled! I'll take it, and I hope mine actually ships soon. These features are simply not needed in desktops, at least not in mine because I always turn off my PC when it's not in use. If you leave your PC on all day, then this could affect you if the extra heat from an always-running processor causes your fans to run more often with more noise, etc. But I also agree with the last post that ignorance is bliss - if you didn't know about not having these features, would you care?Message Edited by PenguinNest on 01-31-2006 11:23 AM
opusx100
56 Posts
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Posted January 30th, 2006 22:00
Yeah, my order has been delayed another week too, 2/7. I have contacted them and still waiting for an answer.
I am hoping they are low on inventory....... Keeping my fingers crossed.