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Article Number: 000194422

Dell XPS 8950 Usage and Troubleshooting Guide

Summary: Learn how to use and troubleshoot issues that are related to drivers, Windows, display, input devices, networking, webcam, and more on your XPS 8950 Desktop.

This article may have been automatically translated. If you have any feedback regarding its quality, please let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

Article Content

Instructions

XPS 8950

Quick Links

Getting Started with your XPS 8950 XPS 8950 Setup, Specifications and Service Manual Dell Drivers & Downloads Warranty and Support Services Frequently asked questions
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Specifications

Description Values
Dimension
  • Height - Night Sky: 372.90 mm (14.68 in.)/Platinum Silver: 391 mm (15.39 in.)
  • Width - 173 mm (6.81 in.)
  • Depth - 426.70 mm (16.80 in.)
  • Weight - Night Sky: 12.61 kg (27.81 lb)/Platinum Silver: 12.80 kg (28.22 lb)
Chipset
  • Z690
Processor
  • 12th Generation Intel Core i3-12100
  • 12th Generation Intel Core i5-12400
  • 12th Generation Intel Core i5-12600K
  • 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700
  • 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700F
  • 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700K
  • 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700KF
  • 12th Generation Intel Core i9-12900
  • 12th Generation Intel Core i9-12900K
  • 12th Generation Intel Core i9-12900KF
PCIe bus
  • Up to Gen4.0
Memory (RAM)
  • Slots - 4 UDIMM slots
  • Type - Dual-channel DDR5
  • Speed - 3600 MHz, 4000 MHz, 4400 MHz
  • Maximum memory - 128 GB
  • Minimum memory - 8 GB
  • Memory per slot - 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB
Operating system
  • Windows 10 Home, 64-bit
  • Windows 10 Professional, 64-bit
  • Windows 11 Home Advanced, 64-bit
  • Windows 11 Pro Advanced, 64-bit
 


Ports

Description Values
Audio
  • One Universal a 7.1 audio 6-connector stack of retaskable audio ports
Video
  • One Dual-Mode DisplayPort 1.4
    Note: Depending on the graphics cards installed on the computer, the video ports on the computer may vary.
Network
  • One RJ45 port
USB
  • Four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
  • Two USB 2.0 ports with SmartPower
  • One USB 3.2 Gen 1 port with PowerShare
  • One USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) port with PowerShare
  • One USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (Type-C) port
PCIe expansion card slots (internal)
  • One PCIe x16 expansion card slot
  • Two PCIe x4 expansion card slots
SATA
  • Three SATA 3.0 slots for 3.5-inch hard drives
  • One SATA 3.0 slot for optical drive or 3.5-inch hard drive
mSATA
  • Not supported
M.2
  • One M.2 2230 slot for WiFi and Bluetooth combo card
  • Two M.2 2230 or 2280 slots for solid state drives

  1. Connect the keyboard and mouse to the computer.
  2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the computer, or connect to a wireless network (if applicable).
  3. Connect the monitor using the VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort cable provided with the monitor.
  4. Connect the power cable to the computer.
  5. Press the power button and turn on the computer.
  6. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup procedure.
Back of Computer
Figure 1: Back of Computer

Dell desktops come with preboot or integrated diagnostics which can help diagnose hardware issues and capture error codes. Integrated or preboot diagnostics are run outside the operating system. Running an integrated or preboot diagnostics does not require the computer to be connected to the Internet.


How to run preboot or integrated diagnostic test

Dell SupportAssist Preboot (also called ePSA or PSA) diagnostics are available on Dell laptops, desktops, servers, and Windows-based tablets.

  1. Restart the Dell computer.
  2. When the Dell logo appears, press F12 key to enter One-time Boot Menu.
  3. Select Diagnostics and press Enter key on the keyboard.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts and respond appropriately to complete the diagnostics.
    If the test fails, make a note of the error code and validation code.
NOTE: Some diagnostic tests are interactive and require the user to respond. If no response is provided, the test results may be inaccurate.


Use the Dell Interactive Support Agent (English only) to get information about ePSA or PSA diagnostic error codes.
Alternatively, see the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check page to get more information about preboot diagnostic error codes.

To learn more about Dell preboot diagnostics, see the Dell knowledge-base article Resolve Hardware Issues With integrated and Online Diagnostics (ePSA or PSA Error Codes).

ePSA Preboot System Assessment (Official Dell Tech Support) (English only) - 02:00

SupportAssist proactively checks the health of the computer hardware and software. When an issue is detected, SupportAssist notifies you. SupportAssist is preinstalled on all new Dell computers and tablets.

NOTE: If SupportAssist is not installed, download and install SupportAssist for PCs and Tablets.


How to run SupportAssist default test

  1. Click Start.
  2. Open Dell SupportAssist.
  3. Click Start Now.
  4. The default Scan Hardware test should run.


How to run SupportAssist thorough test

  1. Click Start.
  2. Open Dell SupportAssist.
  3. Click Troubleshooting.
  4. Click I want to scan my entire PC.
  5. Click Start.

To learn more about SupportAssist, see SupportAssist for PCs and Tablets page.

Scan the computer and automatically download the latest drivers.

  1. Browse to the Dell Drivers and downloads page.
  2. Identify your Dell product:
    • Click Detect PC.
    • Or, Enter the Service Tag, Express Service Code, or Serial number for your Dell product and click Submit.
    • Or, Click Browse all products to select the Dell product manually.
  3. Click Detect Drivers to allow Dell to automatically scan your computer and identify compatible drivers.
  4. After your computer has been analyzed, click Download and Install.
  5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process.
NOTE: Certain drivers may require you to download and install manually.


Manually download and install drivers

  1. Browse to the Dell Drivers and downloads page.
  2. Identify your Dell product:
    • Click Detect PC.
    • Or, enter the Service Tag, Express Service Code, or Serial number for your Dell product and click Submit.
    • Or, click Browse all products to select the Dell product manually.
  3. Select the Operating System.
  4. Locate the drivers using the driver list or keyword search box. (Enter a keyword of the device driver that you are looking for, example - BIOS, Chipset, Audio, Video, and so forth)
    NOTE: Certain drivers may require you to download and install manually.
    NOTE: To view drivers for a specific Dell product, click the "Show drivers for Service Tag."
  • Click the Download next to the device driver of your choice and save the file.
  • Using File Explorer (also known as Windows Explorer), browse to the location where the downloaded file was saved.
  • Double-click the .exe device driver installation file and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process.
  • Restart the computer when required.

The Dell Download Center provides information about software you may have bought and software that is already installed on your computer. Such as Dell Backup Solutions and Dell SupportAssist for PCs and tablets.

Some of the software that is sold at the time of purchase has to be downloaded once you receive your computer. You can download and install those programs by using Dell Digital Delivery, for more information see the following links:

A free PDF reader (Acrobat Reader DC) is available for free from Adobe. You must have this program to view any PDF files such as the Quick Start Guides or Owner's Manuals. This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies

This article provides help with Microsoft Office programs, A Guide to the various Microsoft Office programs available on your Dell PC.

  • The Skype software can be downloaded from the Skype website. This website also offers instructional videos on how to use the Skype program.
  • To uninstall Skype, perform the following steps:
    1. Close Skype and ensure it is not running in the background.
    2. In the Search bar type appwiz.cpl
    3. Touch or click appwiz.cpl (Control panel item) to open the Programs and Features window.
    4. Touch and hold or right-click Skype from the list and select either Remove or Uninstall.
    5. Reboot your computer and check to ensure that the application has been uninstalled.

To access the Dell Security and Virus Support Page click on the following link:

Your computer comes preinstalled with an anti-virus program. For more information, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Useful Information about the third-party anti-virus programs that ship with a Dell PC.

More information about Viruses, Spyware, and Malware can be found at the following links:

When your computer is unable to boot to the operating system even after repeated attempts, it automatically starts Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery.

Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery is a stand-alone tool that is preinstalled in all Dell computers that are installed with the Windows 10 operating system. It consists of tools to diagnose and troubleshoot issues that may occur before your computer boots to the operating system. It enables you to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to its factory state.

CAUTION:
  • Dell Technologies recommends backing up your data before you begin the system recovery process.
  • Manually formatting or deleting the partitions on the hard drive of the computer deletes the SupportAssist OS Recovery environment.


Manually start SupportAssist OS Recovery

  1. Turn on or restart the computer.
  2. When the Dell logo is displayed, press F12 to access the one-time boot menu.
    NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo is displayed, wait until you see the Windows desktop, restart the computer, and try again.
  3. Select SupportAssist OS Recovery, and then press Enter.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to scan, repair, backup files and reset the computer.

To learn more about, see the Dell Knowledge Base article: Restore your system using Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery Local Restore.
 

To learn more about how to view or download the User Guide or Manual for a Dell product. See the Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product.

Frequently asked questions

The following article provides information about the proper use and handling of a Dell Desktop:

Warning: Dell Technologies recommends disconnecting any external devices like external hard disk drives, printers, or scanners before updating the BIOS.
 
NOTE: To learn more about updating the BIOS on a Dell desktop or laptop, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Dell BIOS Updates.
  1. Browse to the Dell Drivers and downloads page.
  2. Select the Operating System.
  3. Under Category, select BIOS.
  4. Locate the latest System BIOS.
  5. Click Download and save the file to your computer.
  6. Open File Explorer and browse to the location where the downloaded file is saved.
  7. Double-click the BIOS setup file and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the BIOS update.

  1. Browse to the Dell Drivers and downloads page.
  2. Select the Operating System.
  3. Under Category, select BIOS.
  4. Locate the latest System BIOS.
  5. Click Download and save the file to your computer.
  6. Create a bootable USB drive. To learn more, see the Dell Knowledge Base article How to Create a Bootable USB Flash Drive using Dell Diagnostic Deployment Package (DDDP).
  7. Copy the BIOS setup to the bootable USB drive.
  8. Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that needs the BIOS update.
  9. Restart the computer and press F12 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen.
  10. Boot to the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
  11. Type the BIOS setup program filename and press Enter.
  12. The BIOS Update Utility appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the BIOS update.

Hardware diagnostic tests can identify any potential hardware issues with the components such as the hard disk drive, memory (RAM), chipset, audio or sound card, graphics or video card, and so on.

The Diagnostics section of this Dell Knowledge Base article provides instructions on how to run preboot or SupportAssist diagnostic tests on the Dell XPS 8950 desktop.

The Troubleshooting section of this Dell Knowledge Base article provides self-help resources on troubleshooting common issues on the Dell XPS 8950 desktop.

Performing a hard reset usually fixes many problems and also drains any residual power that maybe causing the problem.

  1. Turn off the computer.
  2. Disconnect the power cable.
  3. Disconnect all external devices like USB drives, printer cables, and media cards (SD/xD).
  4. Press and hold the power button for 15-20 seconds to drain residual power.
  5. Connect the power cable and turn on the computer.

This section covers the latest new features and utilities that are installed on your computer; read the following article to find more information.

Article Properties

Affected Product

XPS 8950

Last Published Date

23 Jan 2024

Version

4

Article Type

How To

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