Direct2Dell

I have a Inspiron 6000

I call the technical guy at Dell and he try to fix it's on the phone, but he can not fix it, then he said I need a new Motherboard...
So ..any one can give me the Website to order this Motherboard for my Laptop..!

The used or the new one is better? 

and How much it cost to replace this Motherboard?

or Do I need to download any drive to fix this?

Thanks inadvance.

Best Regard

BVN 

 Lionel,

 I am interested in the same question as Olaf below.  I bought the cheaper 800MHz XMS2 sticks, then the 6400C4D sticks and then I read that the current recommendation per URL:  http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/category/1014.aspx?p=2, with link heading Dell Electronics & Accessories, takes you to a Dell page that lists two options for the 720 mobo upgrade.  They are the Corsair Dominator 8500C5DF or the Corsair XMS2 Dominator Xtreme Performance model 8500C5D, both running at 1066 MHz.  Is this correct?  If not, could you give me the Corsair part number that is correct and will at least overclock to 1066 MHz.  Also, if there are multiple choices, please include them.  Thank you in advance for your assistance and I look forward to receiving my mobo upgrade kit.

Olaf Westheider said:

I bought a XPS 710 this week on-line auction and was in the process of learning more about it when I ran across the article on the XPS 710 upgrade to a 720.

I went to the web site to fill out the order form and submit(on 13th). I came to a complete stop. No where is there a Dell service number.serial number as discribed in the manual. I checked next to the floppy drive, on the back panel, opened inside and no where.  The computer is working fine with Vista ultra.  and is great machine so far. I just thought I might take advantage of a upgrade if it was available from Dell. I hope a extention of this promotion is offered again or if a customer changes their mind I could take theirs. I still am puzzeled about the no service number/labels anywhere. It doesn't matter anyway if it isn't under warranty. I did buy it as is.

I would like to hear from the Dell XPS team to help me understand more about the 710 I have and what upgrades I can expect to improve its performance and my enjoyment. I'm not a gamer(I'm 71) but enjoy its speed.

 Thanks,

Bill

Is this related to all XPS models or only specific numbers? We have a XPS that will not boot properly and when it does it takes for ever and even to access functions it seems to drag. This already has a new MB installed before the warranty expired now the warranty is out yet the issue has returned.

Any help or is it just best not to buy dell anymore? 

Lionel,

I have placed two seperate orders for upgraded mobo and discounted quad core only to have both cancelled without any notification to me.  Bonnie from DELL in Canada has been assigned to monitor me.  She says I can't even place an order because it will get cancelled.  This is the "smooth" role out we were promised ?????   She also stated that there are rumors of parts shortages ??????   LIONEL HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This is just like the XPS 700 ordering fiasco all over !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes that helps

Thanks Mohit

naveen i think there are a couple of reasons why no one has helped you

1. if u look at the top of the page, its says "XPS 700 Motherboard Exchange: Order Confirmations" which i dont think includes inspirons

2. its for motherboards not PC's, its something that dell is offering to xps 7xx owners

3. and i dont think lionel is in charge of the inspiron, i might be wrong on that, but basically he's been wit us from the beginning on the xps 7xx ordeal

hopefully that helps you naveen, maybe there is a blog wit other inspiron people who have had there computers delayed 

although my status for anyone who wants to know is that the dell rep called me and i told them i thought it over and decided to opt-out of the processor upgrade and just get the mobo. i ordered it on the 27th of sept and got it today oct. 8th, which is awesome, great work dell. and BTW the mouse pad they gave is really awesome, i thought it was gonna be a cheap cloth mouse pad but this thing is here to stay with a hard plastic front and rubber grip on the back.

Hi Lionel,

Every body else seems to be getting HELP and replies from you but not me.

Any comment !!!!!

Regards

Naveen

     Hi Lionel, I appreciate your help with the original XPS black color background. I got some off the Dell site but they were mostly for the XPS notebooks. I also tried the links Johny Webb provided, They're close, but not original. They are out of focus at 1920x1200.  
                          Thank in advance,

                                  Alex

Hi Alex F

and fellow xps owners

you can get some nice XPS wallpapers from these sites below

hope thay help you all

http://www.bay-wolf.com/wpview3.htm

http://www.wallpaper9.com/index.php?level=album&id=33

 Johny Webb

Hello  all,

            I'm looking for the original XPS walpapper that came with my 700. I lost it duiring upgrade. Please e-mail to me.

                               Thanks

Hi Lionel,

I had ordered Dell Inspiron on 5 sep 2007 although the delivery date was 24 Sep and state was production.It was suddenly cancelled.

It got reordered and now the revised date is 24-OCT-2007.

I think it is totally unfair to wait for a laptop for 2 months for which money has already been charged. 

There should be some sense of responsibility on Dell's part,They should not accept new orders if there is such a huge backlog.

Regards

Naveen

Hey,

My XPS700 motherboard got incenegrated in time and after talking to the XPS Tech. He told me to check this out before buying another motherboard. After I heard the price they wanted for the cpu upgrade, I had to say no way before my wife takes me down. It took 2 weeks to get it boxed and 17 hours to ship it. We can not wait for the tech to get it installed and running tomarrow.

Thanks Dell for the opportunity to upgrade and honestly hope it last longer than 5 years. My old dimension 4100 may be slow, but it will work 100% till the job is done. I want to upgrade the cpu/motherboard so bad, but my wife will not let me since it is so reliable.    

Hi Lionel & XPS team,

Firstly, thanks for offering the upgrade program. Things went quite smoothly for me actually... I had received my upgrade parts by first week of September and although I had opted for professional installation, I just couldn't resist installing it myself. Installation took about 2-3 hours but not at all difficult.

I didn't opt for QX6700 upgrade initially but I am thinking of venturing into that domain pretty soon (processor, RAM as well as graphics cards). I can't speak for everyone but I am still quite unclear about the capabilities of this mobo. Which brings me to my questions... can you please tell me the following:

- exact model# (i am sure it is cutomized to dell specs but good to know the base model#)

- 1066/1333 processor support?

- 1066/1333 RAM support? Will it support 4gb 1333mhz or only 2gb?

- Were the Mobo's shipped with SLI bridges or are we expected to buy our own?

Thanks in advance!

To the powers that be (Lionel?) at Dell: THANKS!

Shipped yesterday. Out for delivery today.  Thanks for the effort to shorten the 6 week timeframe!!!

Tom,

I asked this question awhile back and never got a reponse.  I ended up buying one from Dell parts dept. for ~$10.   They should be shipping these with the XPS7XX Systems/MB upgrades even if graphics SLI is ordered from the factory.  

 -Indrid Cold

Tom said:

Mohit, while I received a call around 5 weeks ago, I have not seen anything since. I have no order number or anything that would give me any peace of mind.  I did try to register my system tag again, and the system told me that I had already placed my order.  Thus, I have to assume at least this went OK.

I must say that I am very disappointed that I do not have anything in my hands.  Lionel has ignored my posts and I can only trust that all is OK.  My hope has been that Lionel would help as he seems to pick up a number of problems from others and helps figure out what is going on.  I certainly do not have a problem waiting, but would like to at least see that things are in order.  I think this is the least someone can ask for.

As I work for quite a large company, I may have to revert to our account team to help me figure out what is going on.  This is definitely not the way I would like to resolve this (and certainly not their job), but given that this exchange has an end date and my pleas are being ignored, I see little option to resolve the problem.

Dear Lionel

and XPS team

I have asked before the same questions Han C  asked

Im still getting no joy from xps tech support that say my xps 720 mb and

Corsair Dominator 8500C5DF Quad set 1066mhz ram,

will run at 1066mhz in pairs, but cant run 4gb quad at 1066mhz only  backwards to 800mhz

I got the 4gb 1066mhz Dominator  so i didnt have to overclock my ram

I dont know meny gamers that have 4gb for gaming on there flightsim I dont for that matter no meny gamers who have a XPS 7xx eather

but really its rediculas to say it will run 2gb at 1066 mhz, But not 4gb at 1066mhz

Please Please make it clear to all of us what this xps720mb  can and cant do,

will there be a new A04 BIOS to address this and the other 1333mhz questions poping up after the new relase of intels 1333mhz  CPU;s back in july

i really need this to run 4gb at 1066mhz ,Corsair say that my ram will run it at that speed, as it is a quad set

im in the middle of paying for a second xps710 upgrade and am haveing second thoughts becouse of these isues

for the same money i could get a new ASUS SLI 1333mhz that will give me the frame rates and benchmarks i should be getting for this kind of money

I do  know you guys can get this sorted thats why im with dell but need some clarety about this

kind regards and thank you for all your doing

Han FYI:

Here is the referenced Microsoft hotfix 

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=929777

Hi Lionel,

I know that I must sound like a broken record here as I have posted this twice already, but I still have not even received an e-mail confirmation on my order placed in the first week.  I was called ca. 4 weeks ago that they did not have any parts, and that they would call back 1 week later, and I am still waiting. 

I guess that your concentration initially is in the US, and Switzerland ranks a bit lower in priority, but I would hope you also manage these European customers with the same level of professionalism as in the US.

I would appreciate understanding when at least an e-mail confirmation can be expected, given program sign-up has an end date...

any help would be appreciated...thanks

Hi Lionel,

Got my XPS720 replacement MOBO installed today.  Everything seems to be working.  Couple of hiccups by the tech but otherwise got things going.

One minor problem though.  Was address by Deadites a while back, about upgrading to Vista Ultimate.  I followed his instructions and removed my RAM down to 2GB.  Vista Ultimate installed.  After that, I put back my additional 2GB of RAM, and Vista Ultimate refuses to boot up.  Everytime it does, the BSOD appears.  However, if I remove the RAM down to 2GB, it boots up OK.  Never heard of anything limiting Vista Ultimate to 2GB.

Was hoping may you or someone has some insight into this.

hi lionel, first of all i thank you very much for offering this exchange program. i bought the xps700 to be on the cutting edge. and it ended up not having everything, but after the mobo exchange i found out about a couple of days ago i was excited again.

1. i was wondering if i had decided to buy the qx6700 when placing my order but changed my mind before i got the call back would that be alright

2. i was wondering if we would be able to supply out own qx6700 and have the on-site dell tech install it into the new motherboard.

3. also if we decide to upgrade to the qx6700, we still get to keep the old processor chip right, just not the mobo.

thank you lionel, and i am sorry if one of my questions has already been answered, its a long list and didnt have the time to read it all the way through. 

To add to my above post.

I thought I would chance replying to the confirmation email with the same question as above.

I recieved a very prompt reply from UKISA Service Delivery advising that they are awaiting stock into the UK and should have them in the next two weeks. Once they have the stock they will be in touch at that time to arrange delivery.

Hope that helps some others, as it was great news to me.

Thanks again, and keep up the good work!

Daniel

Hello Lionel

I received an order confirmation email on 20/08/07 but have had no further confirmation or contact from anybody. (Other than for the new inspiron I purchased in the interim).

I am in Ireland and requested the engineer installation, should I just sit tight and wait, or should I have heard something else at this stage ?

Thanks

Daniel Stuart Kelly
 

Lionel,

 It gets worse...

I did receive the MOBO very quickly after you got involved.  I spent about 2 hours Sunday swapping it out and cleaning the various internal parts of my machine.  After booting-up, everything went fine *except* the NIC wasn't able to acquire a network address from my router.  I spent the next 2 hours with XPS support, exhausting an overly-cumbersome tech support tree, and was finnaly told that i would be overnighted a new kit.  The tech asked me if I wanted the free on-site installation, and I declined.  I don't like people touching my machine.  I get an e-mail yesterday saying that the parts had shipped to a technician who would be contacting me.  THIS STINKS!  I called XPS support again today, and was told that my warranty would be void if I did the install...does ANYONE at Dell communicate?  They suggested I have the technician wait while I installed the MOBO.  I am beyond livid-- and so very, very, very disappointed in Dell.  I would have had my machine up and running by now if they had not sent the replacement to some idiot with a tool kit.  I haven't gotten a call from anyone.  I already sent back my 700 MOBO, otherwise I'd probobly put it back in and end this debacle.  Lionel, Please have someone send me a new kit-- I don't want anyone touching my machine.  Please help.

My compliments to Dell for the new M/B and free install.  I received the M/B during the first week of September and had installed on the 14th.  Service technician was friendly and very knowledgeable.  Though my order was delayed for reasons unknown, I was treated well by the program.

Technical note: I found that the cable that came with the new M/B that links the front I/O panel headphone jack to the soundcard was faulty.  When I used headphones I could hear hissing when I scrolled menus, windows, or web pages.  I requested a new cable from XPS tech supportl which arrived in two days.  If you have yet to do the install, you may want to ensure the headphone jack works properly with the new cable. 

I just wanted to say thank you, to Dell, to Lionel and to all that help to make this exchange happen. After a few rough areas, my system has successfully made the jump from 700 to 720 and I couldn't be more pleased. Those of you still waiting for the kit, it's well worth the wait, you won't be disappointed.

WAY TO GO DELL! THANK YOU!

Stuck 

Your are right Troy, Decided to go with my original OS CD since the replacement was delayed & follow it through to the end. It worked as it should. System is up & running with new MoBo & all seems well. Spent many hours over weekend w/support. Ready to get back to fraging playing BF2 & CS! Thanks Dell for your efforts & great products, especialy XPS support! You've got my my continued businesss & I continue to recommend Dell products to family & friends.

                    Patience pays off!

I got the new MB installed, then I installed XP clean in order to install my Vista upgrade clean.  Everything worked nicely (thanks), however Vista seems to think that another computer is using my activation key.  I am using the same CPU.  What do I do?  Do I pay Microsoft $59 for support and hope they reactivate Vista for my new setup?
 

        OK, So I got a call from a different technician & he informed me that he would be out in 2 days with parts to repair & replace broken parts by first tech-If thats truly what he was. By the way, if Ali Mohamed calls to install your MB in the Ventura County Ca. area tell him forget it!! He's not qualified IMHO. (See prior blog) The new tech showed up today & corrected the problems & finished job professionally & courteously. Thanks Dell for quick service. One small problem however. When reinstalling OS with disc labeled Media Center Version w/update rollup up 2 it came up as XP Professional. XPS support doesn't understand why this & are sending out replacement OS CD. Anyone else with this problem?? Anyway I feel much better with having my machine put back to together at least. Will post results with new disc later.

                                    Patience required,

                                          Alex

I received my upgrade kit today, and upon initial inspection it looks to be complete and in good shape!  I must admit that, once placed on the right track, this happened very quickly...Any response to my previous post about individual accountability?  I think it's a great idea.

Chris

Well I own two XPS 700. I ordered one board for one system and for the other the board and QX6700 processor. So far I only got the board and processor for one system and the other never arrived. I also ordered dell installation. I opted out of self install for both. We it has been three weeks since I got the first shipment no call and the parts just sitting. I will be calling tomorrow but I am very unhappy. Also why is the qx6700 more expensive then more modern processors like John wrote about? I may end up returning the board because it is quickly becoming obsolete while I wait for someone from dell to install it.

Sal

Yeager, that's the in home installation. A tech will call you set that up. It's the service Tech order.

Stuck

To: Lionel Menchaca, Digital Media Manager

Thank you very much!!!!!!

Got the motherboard, and recivied a phone from DELL call about the wrong color and that it would be taken care of.

WOW recivied the new switch (i/o on/off) in RED the very next day.

Thank you very much,

Taron

p.s, in reguards to the cable the runs from the (i/o on/off swich ) to the motherboard around and behinde the hard drives and power box. I hooked the loops from old cable to the new cable and carefully pulled it through, it took a little playing with but worked out just fine. just a FYI  

can anyone who's received theirs tell me what the following line is for on the order?

"987-9797        In Home XPS 700 MB upgrade install, BSC"

it's not the motherboard.  is it the service tech or is there another item that comes in another box besides the motherboard? 

Lionel, I have not even received an e-mail confirmation for my order placed within the first week.  While I was called by Dell 2 weeks ago with a promise to call back during the following week, I am still waiting for news.  I was under the impression that confirmations should be received within 2 weeks from the order date.

 All I would really like is some e-mail confirmation and an approximate service date...

 Anything you can do to help me get this basic information would be appreciated.

Congratulations to Dell and tech.

XPS700 upgrade to XPS720.

Verry smooth!

Dual boot vista and XP and works like a charm. (no new install!)

 100% positive here.

 Greetz from Belgium.

Lionel et. all,

        Update: My new board is DOA. The issue i was having with SLI expanded into random power drops. Finally last night power dropped and now it won't start up again. Fans spin but board doesn't initialize.

        XPS support doesn't want to help me as this is an UPGRADE issue.

        I simply need another board sent out asap. If i have to start gaming at work my job would be in jeopardy and therefore I would be unable to buy anymore fine Dell products!

                                Thank You 

Going to add more to it...the key points of my frustration:

 1.  The site clearly shows my service tag is posted, but I've recieved no email confirmation.  I still get emails from the person that sold it to me, so clearly you should still have my email address ;)

 2. I have no site or number that I can call/view to even see that my order has been submitted or processed.  This is REALLY frustrating to me, I don't even know who to call to bring it up and GET a status here, since this seems to be a very ad-hoc project.

3. Warranty support has spam-called my phone a dozen times over the last week, and hasn't left message a single time.  I only know this because I finally caught their call yesterday and recognized the number.  Then the guy was rude and wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise...in fact the dude said "I was busy listening to my manager" when I told him this.  Apparently his manager >>> customers, and he's too rude to ask me to hold a moment and tuned me out.  Niiiice.

 4. Banktec was at least polite and nice, but couldn't even tell me who to call about this...even the guy I talked to, while trying to put a positive spin on things, seemed unsettled by the lack of support information he had.  And my happy warm fuzzies with Dell reduce more...

Why does this have to be such a hassle to your customers??

Requested this the day it opened...no email confirmation, no tracking number on the shipment...meanwhile I'm getting harassed by Banktec and Dell Warranty to let them know when it shows up...and nobody can tell me who/where to call to find out status...VERY frustrating!

I received my new motherboard at the end of August. Thank you Dell for the free upgrade .. :o)

Said id fit it myself ............. Its still in its box.... LOL !

I'll get to it at some stage  ;o)

MB arived and tech installed it. Tech was very friendly. He told me that this was the second one of these that he had done. It took a little bit of time (3 hours) but in the end it was finished and everything appears to work. I hit a snag when I enabled SLI with the graphics cards. I kept getting failures and crashes. I had the latest drivers installed from the Dell website which had no effect. I downloaded the most recent driver directly from nvidia and the crashes have seem to have stopped.

 Thanks Dell, This went 100% better then my initial XPS 710 H2C order. That was utter hell. (3 orders placed before Dell got it right, and 3 machines  sent before a working machine arrived.)

 Thanks -

Mike

Thank you Dell for the upgrade.  For the rest of you, be patient - you will get your boards.  Complaining/threats do nothing except make you look bad. 

Heads up - Just installed the new board and CPU yesterday.  Very, very easy to complete.  MB was in factory mode, so let it boot all the way through the bios, then go back in to the bios and make/save your changes.  I did not do a fresh install of XP.  XP found everything, and I just installed drivers from the resource cd...Nvidia chipset, NIC, and the Dell app for changing the lights.  Un-installed Nvidia drivers, Ntune - re-booted and installed the latest directly from Nvidia.  This would be the same for Ati cards.  I used the same ram from my 700, will order faster ram soon.  Make sure you choose epp/sli mode in bios for ram settings for faster settings.  The QX6700 is quite the overclocker.  IMO - ntune takes the trial and error out of squeezing more performance out of your system.  You should flash to the latest Bios from Dell.

The new power switch is a huge improvement over the original.

Hopes this info helps you. 

Lionel,

 Thank you for your assistance!  My order is in production and all looks well at this juncture.  I have a question and a thought:

Question:  How many upgrades are happening?  1,000?  10,000?  100,000?

I ask this because of my thought:  My personal experience is that it took you to get my order on track.  E-mail links, customer support, and XPS support did not function as they were intended to.  You metion "team' a lot in your dialouge, and my thought is that "team" is the problem here.  This roll-out must be large in scale, so I can understand Dell's need to compartmentalize job functions-- but then again, if you took the collective "team" members (let's say that's 200 people) and had them deal directly with customers from the origin to the completion of this upgrade, you would then have ONE person directly accountable to each customer.  I think this would allieviate the anxiety many of us have felt-- and it would certainly stop the tendency for Dell employees to say they can't do something or don't know about something.  I bet it would even be more efficient from a payroll perspective.

Thanks again for your personal assistance-- it means a lot.

I am appalled to hear people complaining about having to wait one or two weeks re: XPS MotherBoard Exchange Program -- UNBELIEVEABLE!!!  I am greatful that Dell is even offering this wonderful program and if I had to wait until December--SO BE IT!!!  I appreciate Dell's gesture and when I get the new board installed, I have to admit, I will be even more appreciative.  Let's all try be patient in this process.  Thanks and thanks again Dell!!!

Terry

I got my processor (at $832 plus tax) in just 3 or 4 days.  My motherboard,

scheduled to ship on 6 Sept has been "delayed in production" however, so

right now it's just a paperweight (and not a very good one at that).

Djpowerlog said:

I finally got an email back from the XPS700 Upgrade Team.  For some reason they did not send me a confirmation email when my order was setup on the 29th.  If it's another month or more until it ships, that is fine.  At lease I know my order hasn't been lost.

I'd like to thak Jim from the XPS700 Upgrade Team for letting me know what is going on with my order.

Got mine and finished the installation. It went extremely smooth.

In fact, I didn't even have to do a reinstall of vista. RAID came right up (YAY!)

One major bummer... the new MoBo does not have a DB-9 serial port on it.

Probably not a huge issue for most folks but I used it for things like console connections to my firewall.

It will be missed...

Well, the boards arrived, but only AFTER I had my admin pick them up from DHL since DELL had forgotten to put the room number on my order receipt.  That was him having to leave the office early.

Then, I call to get the boards installed, and I wait, and I wait, and then I find out they cancelled the order because no one called back.  Theyjust cancelled it, they did not use any alternative means to contact me.

Ok, so I fix that.  Now I am waiting for someone to call to schedule me, and after being promised twice someone would call me, I get no responses.  I am continually 'soothed' by managers promising me they will escalate and follow through.  Basically, the boards have been sitting here for a week now, and I expect by the time Dell gets around to scheduling this, it will be another two weeks.

Lesson to anyone reading:  DO NOT BUY DELL EVER AGAIN.

At least I will not ever buy DELL again.  I have had it with them.

 Please resond or direct this to the right area thanks

Ok let me first say that i have been running my Crusial 800mhz Ballistix vista rated it at 5.6 on the XPS700 put it on this 720 it went down to vista rating 5.0

so

Now new system ,new 500Gig hard drive and new ram Corsair dominator at 1066mhz with 2x1gig sims.Vista rated 5.3  so now when i put the other pair in it goes back down to 800mhz in the bios,     so will see and run 2 x 1gig at 1066mhz but Wont run 4 x 1gig at 1066mhz any ideas? Ram set is a QUAD2x4096-8500c5df g Also there is nowhere on the MB to plug in the power lead for the dominator cooling fan set, any ideas as to what can be done there .

Im not able to get the crossfire to kick in, the Catalyst center sees theres crossfire cards but wont show the crossfire Icon to start the crossfire mode

I dont have any motherboard Drivers and utilities for this system as the cd given in the pack crashes saying  ERROR 339 was generated by ResourseCD Component'MSCOMCTL.OCX or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: a file missing or Invalid.?

Still happy but really need help as to why even with A03 Bios  still haveing problems with ram and crossfire setup

Johny Webb

Was just curious as to when my order might ship, it stated 09/04/07 on the web site. I submitted the order the first day the program as open. Here's a little detail:

Shipping Method: 3-5 Business Days Est. Ship Date: 8/28/2007 Est. Delivery Date: 8/31/2007-9/4/2007 Carrier: Not Shipped Tracking Number: Not Shipped Thanks!

Where do I obtain an SLI graphics connector?   nVidia says that all SLI compliant motherboards should ship with this connector.   I did not recieved one with my XPS 710 and it does not appear to be included the the 720 mb upgrade kit?  

Thanks

Almost a week ago I recieved the motherboard and processor. However, no tech has called... I contacted support 2 times.. they said the tech tried to call but had the worng number.. they corrected the number.. still no one has called..  So I am calling back support today to ask for the techs number.. a tad frustrating but I guess if it gets the job done I will be set...

Hi Lionel,

Well i got my pack and setup and i love the new strawberrys and cream light effect i have now ,i love that the bios update makes this MB able to see my new Corsair dominator 1066 ram now,and of corse the new DTI sounds but, im still only getting 5.4 for a score on my vista rateings when it comes to memory,and i dont have the big black and red cable in my upgrade pack so still not getting the full deal, right now on a clean Vista Ultimate install and 3D mark 06 im only getting 6814 as a score, but thats not in full crossfire swiched on right now  but as for the first impressions i love it i like that it really does what it says in your video

hope can sort out the lead for me

well done on the ship out timing

a very happy bunny

I think this is my third or fourth post to this forum. I am one of the first hour sign up guys, ended up waiting till the 28th of august and finally got called. Dell shipped my install (lol) on the 1st. The tech called me yesterday asking me when I would like to schedule the swap and I informed him I don't know where my mb is. It is "in production" with an estimated ship date of sept. 4th. Its late in the day on the 6th and I don't have a clue whats going on.

I'm curious whether the motherboard exchanged, presumable the nvidia 680i sli supports the 1333Mhz processors.  for example the e6850 (Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 3.0GHz LGA 775 Processor - Retail).

from the Nvidia site it seems that yes, yet from the dell site, there does not seem to be a mention or indication that 1333mhz processors are supported for the plain xps 720  (only in the H2C version).  Since the two are using the same motherboard (?), what is the verdict here? 

Charles said:

Lionel,
just wanted clarification on the 14 day return for 700 owners.  Are we supposed to return the board or not?
 

What happened to Dell’s system? How come those who ordered on the first day still have yet to receive their board (including confirmation and/or ship date), yet others who ordered 7+ days after the recall was issued have already received their boards? What happened to a first come, first serve basis? Here I am, ordered my replacement board the first day and still waiting while someone else ordered their board today and receives it tomorrow? What gives? I ordered well before the date of the cut-off for the shortage of boards (a 6+ week delay). No information is being communicated to us of why orders are so screwed up! Lionel, whats the hold up?

Woo-hoo!!  I got the new MB yesterday!  I thought maybe I'd let it sit until the weekend but impatience got the better of me and I cleared off an area when I got home.  I turned on my laptop, got the install video off one of the previous posts, and went to town.

 From opening the box to using the system was 2.5 hours.  It's been years since my last system build and I'm still marvelling at the engineering of the XPS rigs!  Absolutely phenomenal!  And that statement is from an engineer! Truly well thought out design!

 This couldn't have been easier.  I stand by my other posting and restate that Dell couldn't have made this an easier process.  This is so easy, a caveman could do it!
 

I'm in the UK. I had the free on-site installation yesterday. It went very well, and my XPS 700 has been transformed to a lovely XPS 720.

Thank you very much Lionel and all for this great program, which in my experience has gone like clockwork. I hope everyone else has the same outcome as me soon.

How can one check on WHEN home installation will happen. My status shows SHIPPED with an est. deliver of the 30th. Well we all know that's long past, and still no word. Anyway you can find out what's happening Lionel?

Thanks,

Stuck  

I had my kit installed by the tech however the system won't boot.  It automatically turns on when the power cord is plugged in which is wrong, the fans rev up to maximum speed, every light is lit up except 3 and 4, and no display on monitor. Every possible troubleshooting method has been tried so the motherboard has been determined defective.  Dell is overnighting out a whole bunch of parts including a new 720 motherboard, new RAM, fans and other misc. parts.

Meanwhile the old motherboard and processor are back in.  Now, my keyboard doesn't work via USB or PS2, the front I/O panel LED's are faint, the power button LED is faint and it flickers, and the fans sound wrong.  This is why I didn't attempt the install myself.  Hopefully tomarrow I'll get it working.  Wish me luck.

Hi Lionel

Im still awaiting a response from you regarding my previous post.

please could you respond asap.
 
Thanks
Stanton

As a follow up to my previous post - turns out it was just shabby communication - the bloke is on his way to me now, a day late but much better late than never :)

Turns out - prompt service from Dell, but slightly iffy on the communication front.

Thanks. 

I finally got my confirmation after I called them myself and hunted the right people, took half my working day, hope my boss doesnt know it ;)

I am very disappointed on how Dell can be so rude and charge Swedish people the whole 3340 SEK which is 484 USD.

To clarify one thing, I did NOT purchased onsite install, only the motherboard and still I have to pay over 234 USD more than what I was supposed to.

Do you at Dell think we Swedes are too rich so you can milk us a little more ?

The Upgrade went just fine as well as the QX6700 purchase. Everything was ahead of schedule. Thank you Dell.

P.S. For all those who haven’t yet ordered the upgrade kit I would definitely recommend the on-site install, because it takes quite some time to do it on your own.  

Woo-hoo!  The new MB is processed and on it's way!  Should be here 9/4 (according to the tracking number) and I'll look at getting it in ASAP.

 Can't wait!  Dell has definitely put in more than expected getting this to us!

 If only I could get my Optiplex squared away this efficiently! ;)

 Thanks for all of the info, Lionel.  You and Dell have taken customer service to a whole new level.  No one else even comes close!
 

Thanks Dell, this new motherboard is great. I have my Core 2 Extreme x6800 overclocked to 3.73GHz and it's running great.

I love the fact that I can now overclock using my multiplier only, not the FSB.

Got my 720kit on Friday, fitted and all working so many thanks to Dell for this!

To anyone who has the wrong panel kit (red as apposed to black), would guess this is just the sticker, I removed my front panel by removing the two retaining screws inside the case and gently pulling the panel from the back, the panel will peel away from the front sticker. Removed without any damage and having to replace the sticker. 

As for the return of the 700 m/b, no details with the kit as I was told there would be... so what should I be doing with it?

 
cheers again!
 

Lionel:  Thanks for offering this MB upgrade program for us XPS 700/710 customers.

I have received my MB upgrade kit and have successfully installed the new MB myself over the weekend, making my computer a XPS720.

One question for those of us getting ready to return our old XPS700 MB.  Is there anything in particular we have to fill out to include inside the box?  I don't want Dell to hunt me down a couple of months from now saying I never returned the old motherboard and end up charging me for it.  How can we be sure we get credit for the return?

Thanks!

Hi,

 When I recieve the xps 720 motherboard will I need to download the XPS 720 drivers? (Bios, ect) 

I got Vista x64 figured out, I had to remove 2GB of RAM, install the OS.. install KB929777 patch and then reinstall my RAM.

 This is a Vista issue, not Dell.

Deadites,

You probably more than 2gb of memory installed.  If so, leave only 2gb of memory and take out the rest and then install vista x64.  Everything work fine after that.  Once vista is installed, you can reinstall the rest of your memory.

Hope someone at Dell reads this help me give me a confirmation email or anything, I want to know if I am going to get my motherboard or not.

 I am a 710 owner and also have to pay a lot for it so I need to know if I need to have the money ready for you when the time comes and also if I need to redo ordering this.

Please help me, I doubt you have many customers with my specific name and email address in Sweden who has ordered this upgrade in case you need to look up me...

I just  got my XPS 720 motherboard installed in my XPS 700 today. Now I'm trying to install Windows Vista x64 from scratch and when it is booting the DVD, I get a BSOD (blue screen of death).

 Any idea what is causing that? Doesn't the XPS 720 support Vista x64?

 Here's the error:

------------------

Check to be sure you have adequate disk space. If a driver is identified in the Stop message, disable the driver or check with the manufacturer for driver updates. Try changing video adapters.

Check with your hardware vendor for any bios updates. Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing. If you need to use Safe mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer and press F8...etc....

Technical Information:

STOP: 0x0000007E (0xFFFFFFFFC0000005, 0xFFFFF8000985E251, etc....

I just installed BIOS update A03 for the XPS 720 motherboard as well.

Ok, I get an automated call from Dell today saying my order has been canceled.So I took the option to talk to a Dell rep that I could hardly understand and she told me that the order had not been canceled. I checked online with my account and the first order was canceled and a new order with the date of 8/31 instead of 8/22 was entered.   I placed my order on the first day, the 13th if I remember correctly and so it should have been one of the first to go out.

 While I am appreciative of the offer I am still amazed at the incompetence of Dell.
 

Hello again Lionel,

Please bounce this off the XPS core team, STOP IGNORING CLIENTS! Communicate with them, update them on their situation and treat them proffessionally and they might buy from your company again!

I got a phone call, ordered it, and then NUMEROUS confused emails from DELL reps about what to do next.  They are asking ME what to do.  No one has a clue about this program that I have spoken to.

 No information on when something will be shipped, nothing.  Just continual confused emails from some guys that I would post their names but I don't want to generate public controversy (happy to provide them to you directly Lionel).

To be honest, I think this is the last DELL system I will every buy.  I will be off to Falcon I suspect.  DELL appears confused and discombobulated. 

I have two personal XPS 700 systems I wanted upgraded.  I also own an XPS notebook, and have a company and an academic lab where I have often 'promote' DELL machines to my company employees or students, respectively, since I have 'previously' thought the service was good.

 Unless something comes through soon, I will have fully lost my faith in DELL.

Sorry, just a fact.  Lionel, if you can help here with suggestions would be appreciated, but I am frustrated beyond hope.

just had the On-Site Technician replacing my motherboard.

Everything went smoothly, thanks for the Upgrade Dell!
 

Lionel,

I am upgrading my 710H2C and have placed my order. I also want to upgrade my memory to that offered for the 720 but I am a little confused. You posted a link earlier that originally pointed to 800Mhz Corsair XMS2 memory that could be overclocked to 1066Mhz. Now the link points to two versions of Corsair Dominator 1066Mhz. Will either type of memory work with the 720 motherboard and is there any advantage to buying the 1066Mhz instead of the 800Mhz and overclocking it? I bought the 800Mhz as soon as you posted the link but if the 1066 Mhz Dominator is more stable, I would obviously prefer that.

Why do Dell go out with false messages about the confirmation ?

 I still haven't got any confirmation email or phone call from Dell, which is bad, 10 working days has passed since long now since my order date.

I hope Dell will contact me as soon as possible.

I was contacted by a Dell Rep on Augst 23rd and he stated:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Mr.XXXX. This is Gxxx Lxxxxxxxx with Dell's XPS Upgrade Program. I am contacting you to confirm the placement of your order for the motherboard upgrade kit and install.  Your order numbers are YYYY & ZZZZZ.  We expect your order to ship on or before 09/06/2007.

If i have an xps 700 w/ intel 6300 core 2

would the mobo still work? since here: http://direct2dell.com/one2one/rss.aspx?CategoryID=1027

it says near the bottom that it only supports from intel 6600 and up.  but you said that the mobo would be backwards compatible

so the question is that whether the mobo would work with my 6300

-thanx in advance

 

Is there still a point of getting this upgrade if I have a intel 6300 Core 2

since according to this page : http://direct2dell.com/one2one/rss.aspx?CategoryID=1027 (scroll down a bit)

 the lowest processor it supports is intel 6600

or is that an old list?
 

I work for Wells Fargo in the technology department and I'm happily sharing my unpleasant experience with all of my co-workers.  We are starting to switch over to Lenovo's here because of issues with Dell.  I have talked to many support people and none of them speak proper english nor do they understand what I'm asking of them.  I get a different answer from everyone I talk to.  On the last call, the rep said they would apply a $100 refund once the order is delivered, but by that time inflation would make this a worthless gesture. 

 Dell needs to do 2 things.

1. Hire people that comprehend and speak English.

2. Publish realistic delivery times on the web site.

Lionel, any updates? It's now nearing the end of the period where i can actually obtain the upgrade and i have heard nothing from 3 different channels...

Greg 

Lionel.. whats happening, i still have not heard anything from Dell.

Can you please contact me?

Thanks,

Greg 

Ok.  Once again.  I got the original email saying they were billing me(have an xps 700), but people said that was just a way for them to bill(never heard Lionel say one word about it).

 Now I have a "cancelled' order showing.   Ok.  Someone else has posted that they have resolved this situation.  I have tried phone(got redirected 6 times then hung up).  I have tried the website(it says I was cancelled and have been re-issued a new order number).  It does NOT show a new order.

 Why is there not a separate xps upgrade line for customers?   After all the times I was transferred.  And all the time I waited.  Clicking 1...or the 7 digit number(that didn't work..the 724....even the operator did not know that one).

 Why is this so hard?  I realize it is Supposed to be free(though It does look like I am being charged).  But, after all that has happened, and the big planned roll-out, Why are we Still having so many issues?

 Can we not just click, click, click, Done?  I have Never received a phone call(though I checked the processor, I am glad I did not get it).  I received an email saying I should have my upgrade kit before tomorrow about a week ago.  THEN I hear of the delay.

 This is disappointing. 

Lionel,

 Could you please confirm that the exchange program is running for french customers ?

Since I placed the order on August 13th I have no news from Dell. At least, I would appreciate a feedback saying that my request has been received and is being processed.

 Regards.

Dell you have redeemed yourself, order for motherboard, processor and installation is placed.

Thanks!

For those people with Canceled Orders:

Thought I would help you guys out as I had free in home service canceled today and now have a new order number within minutes.

 You should have received confirmation E-mail of your Order from Dell. From that E-mail send a reply back that your order was canceled and give the info of the Order numbers and status in the reply.

I got a reply back within minutes confirming new Order Number for In Home Service.

Lionel, if you are seeing please disregard my previous post to check into the canceled order as all is well now.

 

Wow- delayed again-new MOB.  Insult to injury in as far as why no one can explain why an XPS 710 red shows a 570 mob when it should show a 590 mob.  Lionel how hard is it to respond (anyone from tech support or yourself) as to the why  I am paying $273.00 to upgrade if Dell sold me a system with the wrong motherboard,  I suppose when I remove and install my upgrade someone will be able to tell what MB I have and hopefully I wasn't duped? 

Lionel how about a response to my SIXTH post.

Thanx-----------------MIKE 

  Lionel - has been 2 full weeks since i submitted my order. I've also sent an email to 'WW_XPS_Upgrade_Program@dell.com' aswell as 'customer_advocate@dell.com' however i have received zero replies.

Regards,

Greg 

Got my upgrade kit today Lionel, thank you. Installed in a hour, works perfect. I fix computers for a living and here is a tip for the impatient:

 1. I couldn't figure out how to remove the motherboard chasis without watching the video, to save you 30 minutes, there are 2 black screws on the back of the case (bottom), very hard to see, but must be removed.

 And of course don't overlook the cables to the front panel that Dell sent, you cannot use the old ones.

Great job, very satisfied!

Lionel, still no answer about why the tremendous price markup on the QX6700 processor. It makes no sense to me that dell increased the price just before offering the 25% off. It is rediculous that the QX6700 cost $100 more than the QX6800 on your website! The only explination I can see is to have taken a big chunk out of our 25% off, and this does NOT sit right with me, nor should it with anyone else. I am very tempted to return the processor and get my $840 hard earned dollars back! Please respond

Just when you thought it was safe to go.......anyway, I just spent about an hour on the phone with Dell trying to figure out why my In home installation was canceled. All anyone could do was reorder it. What's going on?

Stuck

Hi All I'm in Vancouver, Canada. I applied on Aug 17 - the mobo was shipped on that date and delivery is stated as Aug 28 or sooner. I'm guessing the phone call is about dispatching a technician to install. Yep got the phone call Aug 21 Dell contractor will be out the next day after I receive the mobo. I have two Order Numbers one for delivery of Upgrade Kit and DTS Codec for power DVD and the other is for the Upgrade Install. Mobo delivered Aug 23. Unisis (local tech company) scheduled the technician for Monday Aug.27.

Installed, apparently one of the first in my area, and up and running Monday Aug 27. 

Performance seems improved. The audio is definitely improved.

Congratulations Lionel and all the Dell team.

Ian McIntosh

Submitted my "request" on the first day, August 13.  Got an e-mail from Dell on August 19 charging me  over $350.00 to ship the XPS700 MB, upgrade kit and DTS Codec.  No phone call, etc. from Dell.  The August 19th e-mail is the only correspondence.  When I check the order status, originally, the items were supposed to ship out August 22th.  Now it shows August 28th. 

Can someone let me know what's going on?  I have 2 XPS700s purchase in November 2006.  From the blogs, this should qualify for no charge replacement. 

I have been waiting since may for this upgrade and signed the min this program started but again like others in the UK have herd nothing back regarding a shipping date times getting on and to be told we may have to wait another 6 weeks puts the pressure deadline even closer for us to get it sorted,

what if we dont here back after that time will the october dead line be exstendid by six weeks also?

Im loseing sleep over this

 Johny webb

Dell, just wondering if it makes any sense to you that the QX6700 processor is offered for $1219 on your website while you offer the QX6800 for $1119. Does this make sense to anyone? A higher end processor offered for $100 less??? Seems to me that dell spiked the price on the QX6700 to take a chunk out of our 25% off. I now highly regret opting to purchase this processor seeing as Dell has once again ripped us all off. I think we all deserve an explination for this......

Got my self install board today. I'm a very happy camper. Thanks Lionel and Dell!!

However, I have some serious work (website, presentation creation, ect.) to do on my PC and may not be able to do the upgrade before the 14 day return period is up for the old board. Hope that's okay.

Sure would like to buy an H2C coolong unit also ;-)

Have to say...Dell said would arrive on the 29th...got it thismorning ahead of time...up and running already....thanks Dell    : )

Great Job Lionel.....et al...... My new 720 Rocks!

Well NOTHING HERE IN CHILE.

I register to the program the same day that the URL appears on Dell forums.

And no confimation or order number to track or whatever, Dell Latin-American is incompetent i think.

I don't know if i get my mobo, this is really sad.

Lionel,

Dell shows my exchange as processing-- but no confirmation as of yet.  I requested my mobo on the 14th.

My question is this:  If you can order a standard Dell system online, get confirmation the same day, and receive it 6 days later-- why can't this process be as efficient?  I could beat a dead horse here (XPS 700 rollout), but that would be too easy.  In all seriousness:  Why is this process so difficult?  Why does it feel like I'm at the DMV for half the day to fill out a form?  The upgrade is a nice gesture,  but with all the anticipation and planning, I feel that Dell has managed to pour more salt into the 700 family wounds.  Wouldn't you agree?

Bill B,

 No one could on day 13, the program was only launched 10 business days ago.

Bill B:

How is that possible, when the rest of us, is only on day 10(11 depending on timezones), its businessdays not calendar days.

Lionel, Does this e-mail confirmation of order (for the 700 kit without installation) apply globaly? I've been signed up since the morning of the 13th and no e-mails are forthcoming in the UK.

It would appear the ordering and delivery system is working well for US and Canadian customers, but it's not at all good in Europe.

Hi Lionel

I did finally recieve a call back, but the extension she left is no longer in service.  Please advise.  I did e-mail the XPS mailbox.

-Daniel

Thanks Lionel.

 Unfortunately, I am on day 13 and still have not heard.  Really frustrating...