I think my Dell 1330 XPS is b0rked :(

DezUk · 22 Jun 2009 at 23:58

Well the past couple of days it has started showing artifacts on the screens and when this happens the graphics driver will crash. It sometimes manages to sort itself out but then other times it just blue screens and reboots. On bootup it will show the odd bit of green breakup on the screen and it struggles to output via the HDMI to my plasma.

I am running Windows 7 and have tried installing the latest drivers but this hasnt helped much

I fear the gfx chip is fried and on its last legs, I could send it to Dell for repair but i imagine it will cost a fair bit. This makes me think i would be better just buying a replacement.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this?

TheVoice · 23 Jun 2009 at 00:07

Has it got the GeForce 8400m by any chance?

DezUk · 23 Jun 2009 at 00:12

Yeah its the Nvidia 8400M GS

Drake22 · 23 Jun 2009 at 02:46

i ve got the same 8400m gs
its idle @ 81 C, and ~110 C under load/playing games

and its been like that for 2 years, seems working, warranty expired anyway :/
and i paid fortune for this crappy laptop (with T7300)

it was £1000 deal with bag, memory drive and some other stuff
but i was very stupid and took it under 4 year credit, so im still paying for it and will pay total of £1497 !

i jsut built i7 rig and it cost 300 pounds less than that including the monitor lol
worrst mistake in my life, im so damn ****ed and i can never forget it

TheVoice · 23 Jun 2009 at 10:00

Last year there were a lot of reports of problems with the 8400 and 8600 chipsets, largely related to overheating.

Try updating the BIOS to the latest one available on the Dell support website, as that is supposed to help. Also try a program called i8kfangui, it's not the easiest app to use but it does allow you to force fan speeds. Worth seeing if that sorts it.

DezUk · 23 Jun 2009 at 10:29

Ok I'll give that app a shot, thanks

I am sure i updated the bios not long ago so its probably the latest but i'll check. I am running a diagnostics on it just now then i am going to call Dell. I fear i will need to invest in something else, most likely a HTPC.

DezUk · 23 Jun 2009 at 13:39

Just called Dell and to cut a long story short they are sending an engineer to my work tomorrow. They are going to replace the motherboard on site, they sadi this fault is a known issue and is covered by an extended warranty.

Not bad