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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:
Responses (4)
Solutions (0)
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?

ejn63
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Posted 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.