Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
35 Posts
0
5317
December 30th, 2008 10:00
XPS m1330 Refurb models - Are video problems fixed?
Hello all,
I just purchased 2 Studio 1535s for parents (Christmas) and one Studio 1735 (in November) for my wife, and am impressed with the quality of those machines. However, I was really lusting after an XPS laptop for myself, so I held off on buying another Studio.
Yesterday, I noticed that a bunch of PRODUCT RED m1330s showed up in the Dell Outlet. After reading all the great reviews at the major sites, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a refurb model (plus, I had a 15% off coupon code!).
After completing the order, I decided to do a little more looking around and found the issues with the nVidia chipset. Uh oh. If only I'd read the issues here before placing my order! :(
So, my question is this: does anyone know if the refurbed m1330s have had these issues fixed, or do these refurbs simply come with flashed BIOS and new mobos? Does anyone have experience with a refurbed m1330?
After reading all the complaints, I'm seriously considering canceling the order. However, I'm concerned about the 15% restocking fee (would be in excess of $100). Plus, I *really* wanted to like this machine!
I'd also be interested in hearing any "good news" stories about m1330s that have *not* had issues.
Thanks in advance,
Tom
AP Schwartz
1 Message
0
January 1st, 2009 08:00
I have 2 XPS M1330 laptops with the nvidia card. These were puchased during the past 8 months. Both were refurbs. I have been careful to update the bios and drivers as indicated by Dell.
The older one tried to install an update from Microsoft for Nvidia. Once I removed that driver, it has functioned fine. The newer one, which happens to be a "Product Red" had a motherboard problem after on 3 months of operation. It is under warranty, so Dell will be repalcing the motherboard.
Stingray6
35 Posts
0
January 5th, 2009 07:00
OK. Thanks for the reply!
londonleukocyte
3 Posts
0
March 3rd, 2009 16:00
Bought the same machine 4/08 as a refurbished model. Just experienced the verical line freeze this week. Tech coming to replace motherboard, heatsink, lcd monitor tomorrow. Customer Support told me that there is no new warranty for the refurbished parts that will be placed in my machine tomorrow. i have a request in for a quote on an extension of the my warranty, as many users have experienced the same nvidia gpu failure in the replacement parts.
problem began w/ intermitent vertical lines and system shutdown. updated bios/nvidia drivers, etc... problem continued to worsen until today when all video became frozen.
i asked about trying the copper/paste modification (to replace the poorly conducting 'pad' that sits b/w nvidia gpu and the heat dissipator, but was told that this would void my warranty. i suspect that the same problem will recur as the replacement parts are all the same. i was happy to hear, however, that after 2 mobo replacements, dell would replace the system entirely (presumably w/ upgraded system).
m900
22 Posts
0
May 18th, 2009 15:00
Sorry to add this, but after Dell replaced the motherboard in my M1330 last August (machine was new in January '08) they are coming to replace it again in May '09. I have coverage until January 2011. Looks like I will be having lots of company from service people before the extended period is through. Why don't they just admit the problem and redesign the stupid board??? Tiresome!! I always bought Dells but this is the last one for me.
ejn63
11 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
•
321.3K Points
0
May 18th, 2009 16:00
Because the problem has nothing to do with the board itself. The problem is with faulty nVidia chips, which are not unique to Dell. ALL vendors who shipped the 8400 and 8600 mobile chips have problems. You'd see nothing different with an HP, Apple or Sony system.
m900
22 Posts
0
May 27th, 2009 18:00
The defectively sinked and mounted GPU and motherboard should be redesigned, not refurbished. The second attempt of the in-home service technician's motherboard replacement failed also (printed "refurbished" on the box). The machine has been out of service for almost two weeks, sent in to Dell depot after delivery of a box. I didn't buy an HP, Sony or Apple, I bought a Dell with a three-year next-day service contract. This is unacceptable!