Dell L702x RAM Slots issue !!!

Those would be maximum numbers - not necessarily the way the chip is implemented on this system.

Sure, I understand this and expected that this was the primary reason, but with the GT 555M chipsets, aren't they designed (via Optimius tech) to be lower power consumption and cooler in the first place? 

I was under the impression that the GT set aren't as fast or run as hot as the GTX series of notebook GPUs, specifically so they can balance the power/hear requirements that some notebooks have.  And the XPS 17 (L702x) is designed specifically for this range of GPUs, so why throttle them?

Maybe it is as much a marketing/cost dance as it is a real hardware issue, but I would think that it would be less advantageous to spend the time throttling back the GPU than just taking it as it is and building your system around it's capabilities.

I suppose we'll never know.

If Terry pops back in here, maybe he can answer the question about whether the 555m is actually throttled back in the L702x.

(NOTE:  I see I am getting way off topic, maybe I should take this to another thread)

Because with a notebook, it's always necessary to balance performance with power/heat requirements - and in most cases, the latter takes precedence.

Those would be maximum numbers - not necessarily the way the chip is implemented on this system.

I don't understand, why would Dell (or anyone) purposefully throttle the chipset?

Yeah, it clears it up, however when I ordered my non-3D XPS17 system on April 10th I specifically asked, "when I'm ready to upgrade my systems RAM will I be able to upgrade to 16GB"..................... I asked that 2 times, 2 different people and both times I was told " let me check, YES, you will be able to upgrade to 16GB".  This is the reason I bought the Dell, It was between the XPS17, the Toshibe Qosimo X505-8104X and the Asus G73SW-A1. The Asus and the Toshiba was a little more pricy however there is no tax and free shipping so the price differance was minor. All three systems has there pros and cons I chose the Dell because I was able to upgrade to the i7-2720QM processor  vs the 2630 plus I like the aluminum case. The other two has a better vid card. I havent recieved my XPS yet, it is in "delivery preparation" and should recieve it on the 11th. I am excited and dissapointed but I will probably be returning it and replacing it with the Asus since it is the only one upgradeable to 16GB RAM. It wouldn't of been bad if I would of known it from the start, but but both times I was assured that it was upgradeable to 16GB.

Ref RAM slots, when I pulled a Belarc Report on mine, here is what it said...

Now I have the 1GB 550 graphics card. 

As I was trying to follow the thread, I should only have 2 slots.  Belarc seems to have recognized my slots as being there, so I should be able to plug in a couple additional 4GB sticks for 16GB.

I don't know if this helps or not.

Terry, 

Just ordered a 3D 1080p, i7-2630QM, GT 555M 3GB. It's in production at the moment. The description shows, 

1 225-0587 XPS 17 $1064.99

1 317-6210 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor 2.00 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz $0.00

1 317-6202 4GB,DDR3,2 DIMM $0.00

1 331-1415 Standard Internal Keyboard - English $0.00

1 320-1986 17.3in FHD WLED TL (1920x1080) 3D $0.00

1 421-3642 Basic Stage $0.00

1 421-3874 Camera Software 2.X, Factory Install $0.00

1 320-1981 NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M 3GB graphics $0.00

1 342-2251 1.0TB 500GB 7.2k HDD x 2

2 DIMM here means 2x2 GB DDR3??? or 2 DIMM slots?

Which number I should call to make sure a 4 slots system board?

Thanks,

2-DIMM means you'll get two, 2G soDIMMs.  There's no guarantee you'll get the 4-slot board. 

It seems the only way to ensure you get the 4-socket board is to order the system with four modules.

Hi Terry B,

I have purchased an XPS L702X with the 3GB Video card about 2 weeks ago specifically because it could be upgraded to 16Gb RAM and it too does not have 4 slots. I purchased 2 additional 4Gb memory modules only to find they could not be installed.

I have the GT 555M graphics card?

Please advise how this problem can be rectified?

Regards

David

Within 21 days, return the system for replacement.

David

I am sorry, but having the GT 555M graphics card doens't mean the system will have 4  dimm sockets.  The only way the system will ship out with four dimm sockets is if you order the 3D system.  

The Dell XPS L702X has 2 DIMM sockets and 4 DIMM sockets.

◦Systems shipped with only 1GB Video RAM will have 2 DIMM sockets.

◦Systems shipped with 3GB video RAM (Nvidia GT 450M) will only have 2 DIMM as it has a non 3D video solution.

◦Systems shipped with 3D 3GB Video RAM have 4 DIMM sockets.

It is dependent on the video solution that you chose with the system as to what system board will ship and if it will have two or four DIMM slots.

If you must have the 4 DIMM socket system board your only recourse is to return the notebook if you are in your 21 day return period. Please be aware that if you do order the 3D system, the notebook will not support WIDI nor Optimus as the video card will be a discreet solution.

TB

Hello Terry B,

I have *just* chatted with *two* different agents and spoke over the phone with a third one. They all told me that "all the XPS 17 bring 4 ram slots". They said to get this info from the technical spec sheet. I can provide you with the chat logs if needed.

I want to buy an XPS 17 notebook, and want 4 ram slots. However, there seems to be a *lot* of confusion about this particular point.

How can I know who is right?

Regards

Maxicombina

I am sorry for the confusion in all this. The following information I received directly from engineering.

The L702X has only one configuration that will ship with four dimms, and that is if you order a system with 3D 3GB Video RAM.  No non 3D XPS L702X systems will ship with more than two dimms slots.

If you choose to order a non 3D XPS L702x with the idea that it will come with four dimm sockets, please check the system out immediately upon receiving it.  If you find that the system did not ship with more than two dimm sockets, you will only have 21 days to return the system, and will have to wait until Dell receives the system back from you to receive your refund.

Again I apologize for the confusion in all of this.

TB

PS: this is in Spain.

Don't worry. As en engineer myself, I've learnt to trust engineers more than salesmen. However, I am *really* disappointed with the chat assistants.

On the engineering side, I don't understand why I need to buy a 3D system (which I am not interested in) to be able to add more RAM (which I need). But hey, we are not going to clear this doubts here :)

Thanks