XPS 15 9560 Third Motherboard Replacement!

Question

I have had my XPS 15 9560 for three years, and over those three years I have had my motherboard replaced twice for the exact same issue. The laptop randomly one day while charging displays a BIOS message that it cannot determine the wattage of the AC adapters power source, and that it may not charge. It then becomes impossible for me to charge the device until the motherboard is replaced. Now like clockwork just about exactly one year after my last replacement, it has happened again. Does anyone else have this issue with the XPS 15? I bought this laptop because it was supposed to be and extremely solid and reliable system for me to complete my undergraduate computer science degree, but it has proven to be one of the worst purchases I have ever made, and has cost me thousands on top of my rising tuition fees. There must be a better better solution than replacing the motherboard once a year...

abragagn · Answer

I'm about to replace my motherboard too after the last bos update. I don't know how Dell's laptops got the fame of very solid machines, my personal experience was pretty terrible.

RuskinF · Answer

I believe the fault lies in the Battery charger.

It may be supplying the wrong metric of energy to the Laptop.

Have you tried replacing the faulty laptop charger or the battery to prevent the motherboard from getting damaged?

JaG31 · Answer

Yes I have tried multiple different chargers as well as a second battery. I have even tried replacing the port to no avail unfortunately

JaG31 · Answer

Update:The normal charging port still will not charge the battery, however it seems that the device is capable of being charged through USB - C! I will return with another update later but hopefully by just using a USB c charger from now on I will be able to continue to use my machine.

bmllr1777 · Answer

I am just now running into this exact same issue. I have replaced the dc port and can run the laptop only while it is plugged into ac and the battery is unplugged. As soon as the battery is plugged in the laptop turns off. The laptop will not charge I left it for more than 12 hours and still had 0%. I was hoping that could be something other than the motherboard as this laptop is only 3 years old.
So you’re saying that the USB-C is charging the battery without you having to change the motherboard or did you also change the motherboard? Just trying to figure out what my next step will be.

Dubistmein · Answer

I got my XPS 15 7590 for half year, and the motherboard got replaced as well.

Also I encountered the bitlocker recovery key issue. So after replacing the board, I even cannot use the computer. Then the service request was closed as the problem was thought fixed.

May I ask whether anyone else encountered the similar issue?

Many thanks.

dmenin · Answer

Basically the same problem here. Wont ever buy dell again. Terrible laptops

Cestes05 · Answer

Same exact problem here. It’s so frustrating on a 3 year old computer that was not exactly inexpensive. We bought the new battery, had the port fixed, and now have spent enough and would rather put our cash into a new computer than into a motherboard. Needless to say it won’t be a Dell.

MisterKoolCat · Answer

Hi...did you get a fix for this error? If so what? I have the same issue. Thanks v much Phil Moss

Tsquared2763 · Answer

Same with my 2 yr old xps 15.  Dell, you REALLY have to fix this and make existing owners whole.  I love the Dell XPS format and it's the only machine that has kept me from the Apple dark side, but now that I have my second $2500 paperweight because of a very solveable power management problem I have to choose between the borg of Apple or a bland Lenovo..  I feel like I'm in a commercial from 1984.

xpsNeverAgain · Answer

Dell lied to me and said it was a physical damage issue not covered under the warranty.

xpsNeverAgain · Answer

Same exact thing happened to me, and Dell would not cover it under the warranty--they blamed it on physical damage in the charging port when it was the motherboard.  Incredible.  It's like the motherboards are timed to fail.

Alexandros010 · Answer

I had the same probelm... Its so annoying. I have the laptop for 3 years and now this. I changed battery, charger, dc adapter.. The same message. Wondering if I should change motherboard or jus go for a new laptop..

Never ever ever Dell again. Its a pitty, because I m using Dell for lots of years.. My previous one was Dell too.

But this is unacceptable....

MisterKoolCat · Answer

Hey Alexandros..........It's apparently a Dell known XPS problem & it's the motherboard at fault. This is according to the sub-contracted (by Dell) on-site techie that came to me 3 days ago & replaced the MB which of course instantly rectified the alert saying 'the AC power adapter cannot be determined'. I extended my lapsed (by 5 months) 3 year warranty for £80 via Support assist message, for approx 7 months warranty cover, taking it to the end of year 4 of my XPS 15 9560's life. This was obviously much cheaper as the MB is bloody expensive because it has the CPU & Graphics Card built onto it. It's a pity because when the XPS is running as it should it's a great laptop.......but I've had too many issues with the failure of hardware components & if I hadn't had the premium support warranty I would be bankrupt!! All the best

AnthonyMom · Answer

Mine just quite - replaced the powercord - but it was the motherboard that went bad.  If I had not seen these reviews I would have gotten another XPS - they are supposed to be better than the Inspirion.   Looks like I am getting  a Lenox.

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XPS 15 9560 Third Motherboard Replacement!

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