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XPS 2720 - NO THUNDERBOLT
Contrary to what the Dell website says for the specifications on these machines, I thought I would post this message to advise potential buyers out there, that not all versions of the new Dell XPS 2720's come with Thunderbolt ports.
I ordered 2 base Dell XPS 2720's and was a bit surprised when there was no Thunderbolt port. I ended up spending about an hour on the phone with XPS Dell support and various other departments who swore that those ports should be there (as advertised on the site), but they were not. Dell ended up sending two more replacement units out which also came WITHOUT the ports. Another hour on the phone and FINALLY someone at technical support found out that ONLY the models that come with the discrete video card option will come with the Thunderbolt port.
I wasn't very happy to be honest, I felt like I was being mis-informed based on the specifications for this computer. I really wanted the Thunderbolt port for future use, but was able to secure a decent discount on the two machines I ordered originally so I kept them.
This is a BUYER beware message, I advised that they should change the information on their site to show that the Thunderbolt port was an optional port that only comes with certain configurations, but no one seemed to care at all.
Now I have to lug the two original machines back to shipping company to send back :(
speedstep
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June 22nd, 2015 09:00
The answer is no its not working not now not ever. Audio interfaces are very picky about windows drivers.
Going from windows 7 to windows 8 breaks most firewire audio interfaces.
Unless you have a PCI-E slot that takes a Texas Instruments chipset firewire interface with Legacy windows 7 firewire drivers you are out of luck. Furthermore Apple too has abandoned firewire.
The thunderbolt to firewire is fine for data but DOES NOT PROVIDE 6 pin power and requires an adapter to go back to firewire 400 6 pin.
Since there are no windows thunderbolt texas instruments chipset adapters its not working now or ever.
matjm
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June 22nd, 2015 18:00
Thanks. most interesting.
i have been told that in fact power is a problem. that is, if you use the adapter do not expect the device to be able to draw bus power. so you are right there. i am thinking of a device that has its own power supply so that particular issue wont be a problem.
as for drivers, the interface manufacturers all seem to claim they have windows ddrivers for firewire devices, not sure about windows 8.1 though.
i will put this to them and see what they come back with but i think i might need to abandon the idea of a firewire device.
but... forgetting the apple adapter for a moment... what about a thunderbolt audio interface. do you think a thunderbolt audio interface will work with the dell xps?
thunderbolt audio interfaces are starting to arrive ...
speedstep
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June 23rd, 2015 06:00
I have no reason to buy $1000's of dollars in hardware and software when my Firewire audio interfaces are working fine. AFAIKT audio for thunderbolt is Apple Exclusive for now. The reason for abaondonment of the interface is due to Greedy Texas Instruments demanding royalty's due to holding the firewire patent. Microsoft and Apple's response to this was to drop the interface altogether for ALL new systems. PCMCIA/Cardbus/ExpressCard is also gone.
http://www.sweetwater.com/c1089--Thunderbolt_Audio_Interfaces
edgardabadia
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September 14th, 2015 23:00
Sorry to hear that. I will build again my next PC soon. No more Dells.
Would you know, or anyone, whether the Dell XP 8700 PC model will accept a Thunderbolt card (interface) to be able to have a Thunderbolt port so I can use my audio interface that won't run through its useless Firewire port of these Dell systems?
Thanks, Edgard A.
speedstep
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September 15th, 2015 05:00
There is no such thing as a thunderbolt PCI-E Add in Card. That interface comes from the motherboard and chipset. Asus fakes everyone out with a PCI-E card that DOES NOT WORK without a cable going from the motherboard to the "card" which is the thunderbolt interface. IT also only works with ASUS motherboards that have a (Thunderbolt header on the motherboard) The card is simply using the slot for power and a way to get the connector out the back. Asus also only has this for VIDEO not Audio.