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24497
October 3rd, 2015 01:00
L501X unexpected shutdowns, Video memory test failed
Hello, I have the following problems with my Dell XPS 15 L501X laptop:
- When watching live streams it unexpectedly shuts down (temperature is 70C / 158F max)
- When playing games in low settings (e.g. League of Legends) the display driver frequently stops working and recovers
- Shutdown while performing Dell diagnostics (again, temp doesn't reach 80C, unless its a sudden heat spike in which case i cant tell)
Things I've tried:
- Reformatting the OS
- System restore to a previous point
- Updating drivers
- Replaced thermal paste and cleaned the vents and fan
- Bought a cooling pad
- Battery is always removed and plugged to AC. I replaced the AC last year and I can guarantee its working correctly.
Bellow I'm adding the system specs and test results:
0 events found
ejn63
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October 3rd, 2015 04:00
The failure in the video memory means the mainboard needs to be replaced - the GPU and VRAM are part of the system board and not separately replaceable.
iniae
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October 4th, 2015 01:00
Could you provide a source to the error code from the memory test? (I couldn't find anything on the web). Also if replacing the motherboard is the only solution, could you link a site where i can get a new one?
Thanks for your assistance
ejn63
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October 4th, 2015 04:00
Dell diagnostic code chart:
< >
This system is old enough it may not make sense to spend upward of $300-500 to replace the mainboard, but parts-people.com should have the parts.
iniae
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October 4th, 2015 05:00
EDIT: After performing an Extended Windows Memory Diagnostic (since the short one wasn't giving any errors), I have found out that one of the RAM sticks was causing the shutdowns. After removing it, my laptop doesn't randomly shutdown anymore, and I was able to perform an Extended System Test which still returns an error. I read it might be due to overclocking but I don't recall tweaking it myself (although I have a refurbished model so it might have been handed to me like that). I'm adding a screen of the core clock speed as well.
Any ideas?