The model you're looking at L521x has been replaced by the XPS 15 9530, which is likely why it's available only with limited options - that's not uncommon for an end of life model.
You'll probably be better served by the new model, which uses a much more power-efficient Haswell CPU, whether you go with Dell or another vendor. You'll have to decide whether the price savings on an older, refurbished model outweigh the performance advantages of the fourth-generation Haswell CPUs.
Given that you may have the system a while, I'd go with a Haswell-based 9530 system (or simlar from another vendor).
It sounds like you're looking for an economical gaming system - if so, a desktop is a better idea than any notebook. It'll not only handle the heat better, but it'll be upgradeable and you'll get far more for your money than you will with a notebook system.
If you need the power for video editing, this is not for you -- that requires more capable hardware. You will be stressing it more than it's designed for.
If you can't afford a true video editing notebook (i.e., Precision M6 series), then a desktop system is in order.
I can do my video editing quite comfortably on laptops with a much lower spec than this one, if this works ok it will be fine (this isn't professional work).
All I need to is, will it work ok ? Does Dell or anyone else have fixes for the overheating and wifi problems ?
You're looking for a guarantee no one can give you. You do have (in the US anyway) 14 days to return a refurbished system for any reason if you're not happy, minus two-way shipping and a restocking charge. Check the terms before you purchase in case you find the system causes trouble.
I own the US i7 verison with 8GB ram, 750HDD, 32GB SSD Cache and the Nvidia 640. It does get warm but it never gets hot hot. The machine runs very well doing day to day tasks and some mid range games. I did read about the throttle issues and the wifi problem. The BIOS updates fix the throttle issues as far as I know, and the WIFI issue was never a problem for me, but I got the Killer N card, not the Intel or Dell branded card (which I think were the problem cards).
0779mike
26 Posts
0
December 20th, 2013 09:00
Anyone got any thoughts on this, perhaps I should avoid them as no one is responding ? Mike
0779mike
26 Posts
0
December 21st, 2013 13:00
Helpppppppp
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
December 21st, 2013 14:00
The model you're looking at L521x has been replaced by the XPS 15 9530, which is likely why it's available only with limited options - that's not uncommon for an end of life model.
You'll probably be better served by the new model, which uses a much more power-efficient Haswell CPU, whether you go with Dell or another vendor. You'll have to decide whether the price savings on an older, refurbished model outweigh the performance advantages of the fourth-generation Haswell CPUs.
Given that you may have the system a while, I'd go with a Haswell-based 9530 system (or simlar from another vendor).
0779mike
26 Posts
0
December 22nd, 2013 01:00
I can't afford the new model.
I will be more than happy with a refurb L521X, my question is are fixes readily available for the overheating and wifi problems ?
Do Dell have an answer ?
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
December 22nd, 2013 04:00
It sounds like you're looking for an economical gaming system - if so, a desktop is a better idea than any notebook. It'll not only handle the heat better, but it'll be upgradeable and you'll get far more for your money than you will with a notebook system.
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
December 22nd, 2013 06:00
If you need the power for video editing, this is not for you -- that requires more capable hardware. You will be stressing it more than it's designed for.
If you can't afford a true video editing notebook (i.e., Precision M6 series), then a desktop system is in order.
0779mike
26 Posts
0
December 22nd, 2013 06:00
I don't do any gaming at the moment but I need the power for video editing. I also don't want a desktop because of the space they take up.
I am worried that there are design flaws on the L521X that Dell cannot fix.
Mike
0779mike
26 Posts
0
December 22nd, 2013 11:00
I can do my video editing quite comfortably on laptops with a much lower spec than this one, if this works ok it will be fine (this isn't professional work).
All I need to is, will it work ok ? Does Dell or anyone else have fixes for the overheating and wifi problems ?
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
December 22nd, 2013 11:00
You're looking for a guarantee no one can give you. You do have (in the US anyway) 14 days to return a refurbished system for any reason if you're not happy, minus two-way shipping and a restocking charge. Check the terms before you purchase in case you find the system causes trouble.
beamermt79
4 Operator
•
2.3K Posts
0
December 22nd, 2013 12:00
I own the US i7 verison with 8GB ram, 750HDD, 32GB SSD Cache and the Nvidia 640. It does get warm but it never gets hot hot. The machine runs very well doing day to day tasks and some mid range games. I did read about the throttle issues and the wifi problem. The BIOS updates fix the throttle issues as far as I know, and the WIFI issue was never a problem for me, but I got the Killer N card, not the Intel or Dell branded card (which I think were the problem cards).
0779mike
26 Posts
0
December 22nd, 2013 14:00
beamermt79 - That's good. What version of BIOS are you running ?