Dell just released a new graphic driver for M5100 to fix the mouse cursor lagging problem on Win10, anyone who has the same issue may give it a try. It seems OK with my 4K M4800. Until now, everything is fine. Below is the link:

http://www.dell.com/support/Home/3517397953/us/en/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=VC9R7

I just wanted to follow up that this newer version of the driver so far seems to be working very well in windows 7.  Most of the "random" screen freezes seem to have gone away with this version. Performance in most applications seems to also have improved, or at least become more stable (GPU frequencies either stay in "boost" 775mhz, or stay at 725mhz "stock", where as before it would bounce rapidly between the two causing weird stutters and lag, especially while panning or rotating larger models).  It still will "lag" or miss a mouse click every now and then, but at least it does not totally halt the OS for 2-10 seconds like it was doing. 

Some of this could be BIOS related as well : I noticed significantly more of these freezing issues on A15 and A16 of the BIOS than i do back with A14 (which is where I am holding until A17 is released and might remedy the issues).  Under 15/16 when it would freeze, generally whiten a few seconds any audio would start to stutter, then the entire computer would lock up, blue screen or kernel panic, and reboot.  This has never happened back on version 14, and its not hardware related as nothing has changed in the configuration.

*The previous (October release) of the display driver had all sorts of issues when rendering specific textures that would generally turn them entirely to alpha.

*The AMD official  display Driver from their website (current version released in December) killed back light control.

Strongchai is correct,

Dell engineering released the below drivers in order to resolve the issue:

Windows 10: http://www.dell.com/support/Home/3517397953/us/en/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=VC9R7

Windows 7 and 8.1: http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=DHFNP&fileId=3518195415&osCode=W764&productCode=precision-m4800-workstation&languageCode=EN&categoryId=VI

Please get back with any feedback on these drivers.

Notes on the symptom:

-It appears the issue is only occurring on systems with AMD 5100 but only if one has QHD+ or UHD screens with that card
-The lock only happens on the built-in LCD screen. Owners may notice that video will continue to produce normally on external displays even while the built in is locked up
-The symptom can include both temporary locks ( 1-5 seconds ) and permanent locks ( requiring power cycle ). From what I've seen, the permanent locks happen a lot less frequently than temporary locks.
-Some owners could assume that it's just a touch pad problem but in some cases, it's actually the video locking up
-In some cases closing the built in LCD in order to let the unit go to sleep, then resuming; resolves the issue till the next occurrence

Justin:

This has been touted a few times, however its not entirely accurate, nor does it fix the problem.

I have the FHD (1920x1080) display.

I have been running this driver since its release on my Windows 7 System that has the FirePro m5100.

Though it has reduced the instances of lag, they are still prevalent on the system. It manifests as roughly a 2 second to 5 second interval where NOTHING responds (mouse, keyboard, Internal or external) then it will catch up and fill in your actions as it "unfreezes". UI has also frozen at this time including software demos, movies, audio often stutters or hangs entirely at this point.

THIS HAPPENS on the internal, and External Displays regardless of port type (DP or DVI on dock tested).

Often After sleeping the computer when attached via external display though the Enhanced USB3 Docking Station, the external will exhibit a "lag" or ghosting effect similar to that of using a 1996 era laptop screen. This Persists until either you reboot the machine, or the GPU driver crashes and then recovers. Tested on DVI to a Samsung Display, and over DP to a DELL display.

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On A potentially related note : IF running Autocad, Solidworks, or similar professional software that uses the GPU : Undocking or unplugging the machine when the FirePro is in use results in an instant Black screen and reboot to BIOS Splash screen. Its reproducible after 3 installs of windows, on 3 different hard drives(one OEM HDD, one mSata SSD, one Standard 2.5" SSD) , bios a14-a16, and any dell signed Driver for the GPU.
 It does not do this on the version of the driver from AMD that was released before December of 2015, which now seems to be un-availible from their site

 

**edited to correct Port used for Display out.

@Lionsroar,

Thank you for your response and feedback. After reviewing your technical notes and troubleshooting done so far, I would say that you have a different issue from what the driver and BIOS intended to fix. The issue the BIOS and driver intended to fix was one where you could have the cursor lag or a complete lockup on the builtin LCD while the external monitor would continue to function. My previous answer may have been posted outside of the scope of your concern but within the scope of other posters on this threat.

Due to your extensive troubleshooting so far please send me a friend request with your contact information and service tag. Let's check into our support options.

***REMOVED DUE TO RE POSTING IT AFTER IT VANISHED FOR A DAY***

***SEE NEXT POSTING***

I tried to post this reply a little bit earlier, but it appears to be removed.

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This is the results of my Testing again on the issue of random lag, slow response, etc.

This is repeatable on all displays internal, or external, but for the sake of this test here one screen ( DELL U2715H (2560x1440@60Hz) ) was used.

The Same exact set up was used for each test, laptop docked, Display connected via USB 3.0 and to the Display Port.

Fraps Software was used to record what the computer is putting out, not a video from a camera that would not be able to rule out any one part in the display chain. This way anything from the Port to the display is ruled out. It leads me to think this is either a Driver related issue, or a GPU defect.

I have the Following Lag with the DELL Supplied Drivers (any of them)

this affects moving windows, typing, movies, software, and games. Even tasks that should never have lag like typing trail behind what you are doing.

Note that fraps indicates that 20FP is the max it ever hits. Though it did not show up in this clip, occasionally when this happens the GPU will ramp up to 50-70% utilized, but not actually affect performance. This happens even on a fresh install of windows before it has even connected to a network. It is not a software conflict, unless driver side.

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The issue is reduced, but still present with AMD Drivers for the Model (june 2015 release, December release breaks back light control forcing 100% brightness all the time).

In this there is some rubber band lag, but it only showed during the usage of FRAPS to capture the video. You can clearly see the max FPS is now higher, but there is still some lag behind the mouse. This is the driver i would like to use, but it does not operate properly with the newest versions of AutoCad for me.

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And here is the Control test : NO AMD software of any kind installed. No Drivers for the AMD card, only using the intel GPU.

This has ironically the best performance of the lot for daily computing tasks. Though i cannot accelerate my workflow with the GPU, the overall user experience is more fluid. Any lag that shows in this clip is a product of FRAPS and does not appear any of my displays.

***UPDATE AND FOLLOW UP***

Thanks to Justin monitoring this thread and following up with me, it appears that the issues have finally been resolved.

Due to my troubleshooting, I was shipped a Replacement FirePro m5100 (older Revision 00, as opposed to my Revision 01), an Nvidia Quadro k2100m, and as a last resort an additional main board.  As a bit of irony the replacement FirePro was a refurb item, and I would almost wager that it was returned for the very same issue.

Replacement AMD FirePro exhibited the same symptoms after installation and clean driver install. Needless to say this did not impress me much, however my bases were covered thanks to Justin.

Instead of replacing the main board, which seemed like an unlikely culprit for the issue, i just decided to install the Quadro Card.  After going out and sourcing drivers, i was up and running without a hitch.  Yes this card is slightly slower than the Original Firepro, And it gets worse battery life, however it remains far more stable.

Tested GPU though all the normal tasks that i was attempting on the Firepro that had issues or experienced the random "lag" and so far have not been able to replicate it on the Nvidia Card. Running autocad and Solid works it seems to be perfect other than slightly slower messing with some of my current files which are admittedly slightly larger than one might ought to run on a mobile workstation. This Card Despite never fully powering off (it just down clocks to like 135mhz) like the AMD Card, Runs SIGNIFICANTLY COOLER!

Full Load of the Quadro Card with FurMark Stress testing, Fan Profile set to "max performance" in the dell power manager utility resulted in only 53C temperatures. The AMD card with a light load just with auto cad open was routinely well into the high 60C range, forcing the fan to always be on the highest speed. The computer remained perfectly usable at this time and had no lag moving windows, opening word or excel documents etc. This would often induce the 2-5s lag with the ATI card.

TLDR : No more lag when typing passwords, No more lag and low FPS after the computer has slept. No BSOD when Professional Software is running and you pull the power plug, or Undock the laptop. No random 2-5 second total lock ups of the GUI in either Ubuntu LTS or Widows 7.

Fix : Replaced FirePro m5100 Revision 01, with Quadro K2100m

Retained Original Motherboard as there was no need to replace it. Conclusion is either a defect in the card, or a defect in the AMD drivers.  I assume it may have something to do with the ULPS that totally powers down the card when it thinks it is not active.

@Community,

Please note that unlike swaps of hardware for this lockup concern is not a standard solution for Dell and is outside of Dell policy. Unlike card swaps should not be expected on other cases. Dell makes exceptions on a case by case basis. 

***New Update***

Bios Has been Updated to A19 for roughly 1 week- Not sure if this matters

Despite keeping the replacement GPU/CPU fans clean, the CPU fan spins about 600-1000 RPM less than its supposed to when the Dell Diagnostics check it.

GPU fan Failed today refusing to spin more often than not both in real usage, and in the on board diagnostic utility. Noticed this when running AutoCad, System became really un-responsive.

Checking the Temperatures and clock speeds of the GPU shows that the fan is not spinning, when the GPU hits 80C it throttles back to bare minimum and refuses to raise up again until reboot. GPU fan is silent during this time.

 

These fans lasted roughly 14 months. I seem to have terrible luck with the longevity of parts on this laptop, despite it almost never moving off the docking station. I baby my  workstation systems, And don't even move them without putting them in a sleeve or bag. There is no damage to the system, no scuff marks, no scratches, no shiny spots on the keyboard or palm rest, yet internal components keep failing?

My E6230 (which was purchased used to use on the go to preserve the M4800) is abused to *** and back, tossed around in bags, used outside or on the go, has had no issues at all - ever. It works first time, every time, nothings ever failed or been replaced on it. It gets used every day, opened and closed many times and the hinges are fine. My m4800 Display is opened at most 2-3 times per week! and its had the hinges replaced 2x now, and is already creeky and wobbly again about 14 months later.

I really don't understand it as I have a Dell Inspiron 8500 from about 2001 here that is all original with nothing ever replaced, it works fine as the day it was purchased.

I have to commend the service I have received with this M4800 laptop, however I wish I did not have to use the services as often as I do.

 

Here is a link to an Imgur Posting Highlighting the condition of my computers, and to show that they are neither neglected nor misused.

http://imgur.com/a/3bUkI

 

**edited to post link

WARNING!!!

DO NOT UPDATE TO BIOS A19

 

Downgrading back to A16-A18 will NOT reverse the changes made.

Dell Tech has come out and replaced the following:

• CPU Fan
• GPU Fan
• Main Board (Bios A16)
• Bezel around keyboard
• Hinge/back cover assembly.

He then booted the system to verify operational status.

We then Rebooted to dell PSA and ran the GPU fan test and CPU fan test where it reported without anomaly reading both target RPM's on both fans first try.

I then proceeded to re-image the OS (windows 7) and install all the driver updates in the dell approved order (Bios>chipset>gpu's>audio>networking>other applications)

With the Laptop set to "ultra Performance" in Dell Command | Power Manager and the Windows 7 Profile set to "max performance" GPU fan does not function until GPU hits 85*C, and only runs at what sounds like half speed.  Before last week (When i first updated to A19) , if you ran anything at all on the GPU it ramped up the fans almost instantly, keeping the temperatures below 70*C even at 100% load. Now under light loading its constantly rteaching 70C, with spikes up to 85C.

Dell ePSA shows that the GPU fan does not spin to 4900 anymore and just reports detected speed of 0 over and over for a whole page before it catches and MIGHT report up to 3300.

Currently not a happy camper as this Bios update is pushed on the Driver page for the M4800 to fix a critical security flaw in the Ethernet controller, and it pops up in the Dell Command | Update utility.

The frustration of this laptop continues.

I will Update if/when i have a resolution.

***UPDATE***

Main Board and GPU fan Replaced (3rd board, BIOS A16) *this was an end user replacement*

I entered in my service tag, and set ME to Disabled (3) per the sticker under the battery.

Clean Install of Windows 7 in Raid0 across two SSD's. No Windows updates, Just dell drivers and Firefox and a few utilities to test/monitor the GPU.

GPU fan Still Randomly fails to spin in Dell ePSA, or indicates its over spinning. The reality is it did not spin at all during the test, even when it indicated almost 8000RPM (which would damage the fan as its only designed to spin a max of 4900. (see in attached images)

GPU throttles to 405core/810shader on battery power : rendering it SLOWER than the INTEL HD4600 on the same tasks. It did not do this before June. Even while doing this the temps are awfully high considering how the performance is. (see image)

GPU fan Randomly works or does not work in the OS. Loading the CPU cores 100% often will help "kick on" the GPU fan, but its not guaranteed.  Still Pushes right up to the high 80*C before the fan may or may not kick on (usually around 88C it will either cut the fan on low, or the GPU will loose its normal clock speed and revert to 405/810) (see image)

I am at whits end here.

Everything other than the CPU has been replaced at this point, multiple times.

I seemingly fight this M4800 all the time.

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June 17th 2017 Edit Starts here.

NEW DEVELOPMENT:

Nvidia Graphics card Not Found by Dell Ubuntu 12.04 Rescue Disk, failure to proceed to loading any further .This is not installed, its just the Rescue Disk failing to even start. (same USB stick Starts up on my E6230)

GPU can still be seen and used by windows. Something here is screwy, and might explain why the card is so slow on battery, why the fans not working right, and so forth.

 And here is Back in Windows a few minutes later.

No Fan this time till 93*C.

Unplugging the Power Adapter causes the card to error out and pull too much power?

 

Here is it off-mains

**Note: I am no longer testing or installing AutoCad 2016, SolidWorks, Or any games at this point. Its Too time consuming to install 40-80GB of items over and over, then do their updates just to test. FurMark is the most I am going to do right now since it has a lot of utilities included to check power limits, temps, etc.

NEW UPDATES

• I have the 3rd motherboard in the computer still as in the post above.
• I have Updated BIOS to v18. I am not Updating to v19
  
  • I am not sure if Bios v19 is safe, but as the Nvidia card and Fan Control decided to give up the ghost in the same week, after installing it, Id rather be a bit safe and just leave it where its working.
  
  

• AMD FirePro M5100 was shipped out as a last ditch effort to avoid sending the laptop into a diagnostic center. (the firepro returning the laptop to the stock configuration it shipped with)
• RADEON PRO Drivers from 17.Q1 direct from AMD were used, there are no stutters or random lock ups that i have encountered yet with this new driver package like i had with drivers CCC14 and CCC15. Display and input lag fixes are specifically listed as fixes for the new Crimson based Radeon Pro mobile driver packages.
  
• 
  
  
  
• GPU fan now works again both in the diagnostic ePSA, and in operating systems
  
• Open HardWare Monitor, Speccy, and most everything can read and output card temps. Furmark with the Radeon Pro Driver package is unable to see temps for some reason thus was not used here.
• This is running the SolidWorks 2014 Benchmark which pretty much just stresses the card at 100%
• 

New Follow Up after about 3 months :

Tried Bios A19 again since the little Dell Command | Update nags about it every time it runs. Bios Update Screen said everything went okay, then the PC rebooted but no logo displayed. It power cycled 3x on its own before booting to windows : No Dell logo was seen before the RAID controller Display. Windows display functions more or less.

DISPLAY PANEL HAS FAILED with odd errors including the Display panel being detected in Windows as a mouse (if the internal panel is active, my trackpad gets disabled)

NO Dell Logo at boot, Pressing F2 will show the bios loading text in the upper Right Hand Corner and a small progress bar about 2 pixels tall and maybe 2" long on the left hand upper quadrant. After this blanks there is nothing (black screen) Cannot access BIOS settings.

Pressing f12 to access Boot menu does work.

Panel works in windows 7 and ubuntu, but cannot change brightness settings- its stuck at 100% all the time.

Dell EPSA says that the EDID EEPROM has an error, I assume this is something with the Display or the Display Controller, but I cannot tell, its hard to read and the Dell ePSA refuses to copy the log to a thumb drive.

Im getting fed up with this system in general, its just been one headache after another.