Precision 5530, BSOD, driver power state failure

Question

I've owned this Precision 5530 for about 3 or 4 years now, and I'm reaching my wits end about this issue. A $3000+ machine should not have these issues; it's pretty ridiculous.

Whenever I put this machine under high load (or sometimes no load at all), my computer will hang for a minute or so before BSOD-ing with the code "DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILIURE". Originally, this issue was in concert with not being able to wake up from sleep mode. This issue has persisted throughout the lifespan of the laptop, and needless to say I've been in contact with several (very well intentioned) Dell support agents to absolutely no permanent avail. I've tried getting new SSDs (twice), resetting the laptop completely (at least three times), and even sending in the laptop for repairs to one of Dell's "advanced repair centers". When one Dell tech had the knowhow to look at my .dmp files, they pointed out that my graphics card drivers were at fault--downgrading them to older drivers fixed the issue for a while, but now the BSOD is back in an even more vicious way. I can seldom boot my machine up normally, and it will hang up on a black screen if I leave it in sleep mode for too long.

I've read on previous forums (Dell Precision 5760 issues - I can't take this anymore! - Page 2 - Dell Community ) that this is a persistent issue with contemporary Dell machines that have Microsoft Modern Standby. Could this be the case with my machine? Should I give disabling Microsoft Modern Standby a try?

I'm happy to supply whatever files are needed @DELL-Cares. I'm really debating just saving up for a new one at this point and not investing in Dell machines anymore unless this issue can be permanently fixed. As a student, I can't afford the time and energy this costs me.

HaleDynamics · Answer

I have similar issues, and we are definitely not alone. I don't have any solutions that have fixed things long-term. Changing various power settings to prevent modern standby and some low power modes etc have helped for extended periods though.

After the latest Windows update I'm now back to regular BSODs.

DELL-Cares · Answer

Thank you! We have received the required details. We will work towards a resolution. In the meantime, you may also receive assistance or suggestions from the community members.

sarranix · Answer

That's really quite awful... Shame on Dell for not fixing these software side issues ASAP when they're so prevalent in their new high-end laptops. I've found some success backdating the graphics card, but now it seems my laptop has found new ways to crash.

How did you go about disabling modern standby? I can't use low power modes due to the nature of the programs I use (Rhino, Photoshop, etc. ...)

Victor Tudor · Answer

I am ICT support staff, we have an entire fleet of 5530, one of the most common issues is the BSOD 'Driver Power State Failure' error. It is ridiculous that this may actually be caused by the latest drivers and updates from DELL.

sarranix · Answer

It's good to know that this isn't just an issue exclusive to my instance of a 5530 machine. It must've been a whole line of duds. Shame on Dell for not recalling these machines upon noticing this widespread issue... I'd highly recommend checking out the thread I referenced earlier.

As an update, I have talked with Dell Cares for a day or so and they are sending out a new motherboard and SSD to attempt to fix the issue. I will update this thread once this occurs with the result of replacing pretty much all of the hardware in my machine. Fingers crossed.

HaleDynamics · Answer

I wouldn't hold your breath for the motherboard fixing anything... I have had a complete motherboard swap already thanks to a dodgy HDMI port. I've also had a battery change thanks to my last one swelling up. They do not seem to be very reliable machines.

Let us know how you get on though. I need a new SSD for additional storage space anyway, so would be great if that helped. But seems like this will be your 4th(?) so unlikely!

I think I had my longest uninterrupted period by disabling "Modern Standby", and it seems the latest indows update cleared that mod and it's back again. I'll re-disable and see what happend.

DELL-Chris M · Answer

Update = A Dell agent setup service. Awaiting results from the user.

briannthai · Answer

So a response from Dell is directed to machine still under warranty.So the other 60% we must sort ourselves out...

DELL-Cares · Answer

Hello, I see you are looking for technical assistance. If you need our help, you can start a private message with us and we will be happy to assist you.

sarranix · Answer

UPDATE:
@HaleDynamics

Did disabling modern standby help you?

As a general update: Just prior to my repair on Thursday, October 27th, the laptop's startup issues became so bad that I started to not be able to boot up my laptop reliably--shortly thereafter the BIOS itself corrupted. 'Twas a bummer.

As of 11/13/22 the motherboard and SSD replacement seem to have fixed things. I no longer get blue screens under extensive graphic load and the laptop can fall asleep and wake up without issue. Since I didn't want to grapple with any potential sleep issues, I've made it so my machine goes straight to hibernation whenever the lid shuts. The longer boot times (by a few seconds at worst) are well worth it for not overheating in my bag.

Granted, I'm treating this thing like an absolute baby and not installing some of the things I used to install/that work on my other PC. I work off of an external hard drive now. Used to be my "everything" laptop, now it's more of an "exclusively schoolwork" laptop that I keep a nervous eye on. I will update if anything starts to go awry.

For what it's worth, the Dell service team I was paired with was very responsive throughout this and has continued to check in to make sure my machine doesn't continue to trouble me. Here's to hoping their intentions come to fruition and that I can complete this semester without another corruption!

youhannasorial · Answer

I have similar issues, and we are definitely not alone. I don't have any solutions that have fixed things long-term. Changing various power settings to prevent modern standby and some low power modes etc have helped for extended periods though.

After the latest Windows update I'm now back to regular BSODs.

mojammil · Answer

dell precision 5530 blue screen error for video Dxgnrl fatal error and second blue screen error for driver power state failure please fix isuue my laptop

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Precision 5530, BSOD, driver power state failure

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