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18805
January 2nd, 2015 09:00
Dell XPS l502x Screen problem
the last year I've had problems with my laptop screen. It flickers now and then and sometimes it stays black for a longer time. When I run graphics tests my nvidia driver also fails and crashes.
Now it has windows 10 preview installed(but also had the same problem with windows 7) it's the version with the Nvidia 740M GPU. All the latest drivers and BIOS are installed. Also notice that I don't have any flickering when working on an external screen via HDMI (haven't tested displayport).
when the screens stays black for a longer period of time the left pixel row shows red dots (no idea what this is). but usally when I hit my laptop close to the escape key the screen is back normal(that's close to where the screen connector is on the main board). I already took my laptop apart and refitted the connection but it didn't improve.
I think it isn't necessarily related to heat as it can happen in the dell logo screen when the laptop is booting (and was shut down for a couple of hours).
one last remark: I also cleaned the cooler but when I boot my laptop and do nothing (it is just idle on the login screen) it already warms the laptop quite well. could it be that the heatsink is broken or is this near to impossible?
Does anyone have an Idea what could cause this, or are there more tests that I could do?
Thanks, Tijs
Mary G
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20.1K Posts
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January 2nd, 2015 12:00
Probably time to buy a new computer. That is a 3-4 year old model that sounds like it is failing. Laptops don't last much beyond 3-5 years, depending on use and cannot be fixed. A new laptop is the best option.
gtirloni
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February 14th, 2015 22:00
The exact same thing started to happen to my L502X about 2 weeks ago. I tested it with Win 8 and different versions of Linux. It's not software related at all.
It looks like the LCD panel is dying. I will probably buy an external monitor anyway so I'm not bothered too much. But if the GPU is dying, then I will have to replace it (and will be very disappointed -- the hardware is not that old, plus it stays indoors all the time on the same table, zero risk of physical damage).
I might try to clean it but I'm not too confident it'll help.
gtirloni
6 Posts
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February 20th, 2015 19:00
I disassembled the laptop completely, all parts, then cleaned everything (especially the heatsink and fan, which were clogged) and assembled it again. Luckily it booted and I have not seen the screen issue anymore (after a day of using it).
So my recommendation is to take it to a Dell shop and get it cleaned (or do it yourself if you feel confident).