This is a weird one, my new M1730 has RAID 0 2x160GB but they are different makes of hard drive:
Hard Drive Member 1: Hitachi HTS722016K9A300
Hard Drive Member 2: FUJITSU MHW2160BJ G2
If you are an M1730 owner I would be interested in what drives you have. Dell have tried to fob me off and told me all M1730 have this config.
Although it works OK I can't see that this is good practice - I would have expected matched drives.
I've noticed the improvements are relevant but not as big as I expected, I think with normal HD the RAID0 performance will be much better than a single HD drive, any experience using SSD in RAID0 configuration
View 7 Replies View RelatedCan anyone please tell me if it's possible to setup a RAID 1 from an existing HD and a new HD (same size)?
I don't want to reformat just to get the RAID setup. I want to keep what I have, but have redundancy..
I was just on the Dell site and noticed that some configuration options for the XPS M1730 have changed...for instance it doesn't come with Blu-ray by default anymore and you can't select a single hard drive option. Before I was able to select a "200GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)" but I don't see that as an option anymore. The equivalent seems to be the "RAID Performance: 400GB (2x200GB) 7200RPM". Do you think it is RAID-0 or RAID-1?
Also do you think they will bring back the old choices or can I request them? Also what do these changes in configuration usually mean...did they find that the original configuration was causing problems?
Finally with the two SLI 8700 NVIDIA cards...is SLI enabled by default or will Dell have to release drivers for them? I thought on the Alienware website, when customizing a M9750, it said that you can purchase SLI but Vista doesn't support it yet and you will be e-mailed the drivers when available...so does Dell have the drivers already (or is SLI not enabled yet on the XPS M1730 either)?
I ordered this Dell laptop a few days ago, and was wondering just how powerful it really is? ...
View 10 Replies View RelatedNot sure how exactly to get RAID setup - I've never set it up myself. Could anyone explain how to set up your computer in RAID in Vista/
View 5 Replies View RelatedI'm doing a bit of research - I'm getting an M1730 as a replacement for a dead M1710 (Cheapest DELL XPS M1730 ever???) .. so I can't really change the spec of the machine until I get it .........
View 10 Replies View RelatedI'm thinking of purchasing the new sony Z-1190 laptop. Some of the options have only one drive (say 128GB X 1, or 256 X 1) but still supposedly have raid 0. How is this possible (I thought that more than one drive was needed)? Would there be a performance difference between the 256X1 or the 192 (64X1 + 128X1)?
View 10 Replies View Related- is-it possible to put two hard drive and enable raid fonction, i saw that it's possible to put two hard drive but on the bios there nothing
- is-it possible to install another OS ( Vista 64 or Seven 64 ) ? I read there are problem with the driver for the video card.
I am looking at buying the Z690/790 with the SSD RAID configuration and was looking for more information on the size and interfaces of the SSDs used in RAID configuration.
a. Are they 2.5" inch drives or 1.8" inch drives?
b. Do they have SATA interface or some other interface
Here's my story and, let's say, my analysis:
I bought a generic 2 HD sata2 RAID1 enclosure based on the chipset Silicon Image SteelVine 5744. It can be used in USB or eSATA2. This embedded chipset (named SiL5744) is known (understand "claimed") to auto-handle Sata I/II and host sata2 controllers that not support the port multiplier feature. The HD are two Samsung F1 1To. There's no jumper to rollback to SATA 1.5Go on them, you can only do it by flashing the HD's bios, however we don't need to do it as I wrote just before, the SiL5744 supports SATA 3Go natively.
The enclosure works pretty well with USB, but *not* in eSATA : the E6500 freezes/hangs just after the POST step (a potential driver issue with the installed vista 64bits is not the reason then). As soon has I disconnect the eSATA cable, the system recovers and continues as normal.
What I've tried/done so far :
Both E6500's BIOS SATA mode AHCI and IRRT mode were tested,
Intel Matrix driver and software was updated to the latest 8.7.0.1007 version (AHCI and IRRT),
The SiL5744 chip was upgraded to its latest firmware as well (in case of...)
In order to verify the esata cable, the HDs and the enclosure itself, I succeed to :
- Use the enclosure's RAID1 feature when using the USB connection, I could partition,format, and read/write on the logical volume
- directly connect *one* HD (Samsung F1 1To) to the E6500's esata port -(I have a sata2esata cable), Vista installed it and I was able to use it as normal, even the hotswap feature seemed to work fine (I unkindly removed it). I could so test both HD individually this way... On the enclosure hardware side, everything looks fine then.
An IMPORTANT thing : The E6500's ICH8/9-M sata host controller seems to support the Port Multiplier feature *ONLY* on sata port 0 -as a bubble message from the Intel Matrix soft sometimes shows up-, but this is exactly where the internal HD is plugged on the motherboard I found nowhere you can change the internal sata port ID (switch,bios,ect...). I think this is the key of the problem that seems to be a dumb port conflict, because the esata port is in fact the port sata 4 (the DVDRW drive is sata 1, dock's esata is 5 for instance). If somebody knows how to swap the sata port ID, I think I won't be toasted !
I am having a issue with my dvd drive. A green light is always continuosly lit and it is not detected in Windows. Also, the tray doesnot comeout when pressing eject button.
View 10 Replies View RelatedI'm curious if it's possible to actually order the BD-RE drive from dell directly?
I see some after-market vendors of course, but curious as to if it's actually directly orderable through Dell? And well, how to go about it, since I'm blind as a bat if it's actually on the website .
What hard drive does the M1730 come with stock? Also is it SATA or PATA?
I was wondering if I should get in on this deal to anticipate getting a M1730 someday, or if the M1730 drive is the same/better.
[url]
"HITACHI Travelstar 320GB SATA II 7200 RPM 16MB Buffer Mobile Hard Drive"
I am wondering if the XPS m1730 is capable of booting from a USB drive. I have been unable to do so using BIOS A09.Here is what I have tried so far:- Changed the BIOS options so boot from USB Storage Device is enabled in the boot sequence.- External USB ports are enabled on the BIOS.- Disabled the Admin password on the BIOS.- Power cycled the system and booted inserting the USB drive into each and every USB port on the laptop.- Pressing F12 at boot does not show a boot to USB option like on other Dell systems.- Tested the USB drive on several other systems and I can successfully boot to the USB drive.
System specs: XPS m1730, Processor T9300 @ 2.5 GHz, 4GB RAM, Vista Ultimate x32, RAID 200 GB, Dual GeForce 8800M GTX
I'm fed up deleting stuff all the time and I want to also run a proper dual boot configuration with Vista and XP (Because I've heard from you all that XP = the win for SLI and stuttering issues.)
My options are to either run single hard drive mode or RAID 0. Obviously RAID 0 means the same size hard drives, but if i went single hard drive mode i could get the
320 gb WD 7200 RPM 16mb CACHE (use as main drive for vista)
AND
500gb WD 5400 RPM 8mb CACHE (use as XP drive and storage)
OR i could get 500gb x2 for RAID 0 and partition it with an XP partition on the D: drive.
I think 320x2 is not enough, if I'm upgrading I should go for at least 800gb.
My question for you guys, is do you think single mode performance of a 7200 RPM 16mb cache drive will be enough, and barely noticable than 5400 RPM 500GB discs in RAID0?
I own a Dell XPS M1730, that is our of warranty.
Recently, my CD Drive failed to read CD's. So, I removed the drive and took the model number off of it and searched the internet for a new drive (since Dell does not sell them). I bought it, received it and installed. It turns on, opens up and the light is on.
Now, I want to reformat my computer but the system is not reading the drive even though it appears to be on. It does not show up in Device Manager, and when I go to the Boot Menu it tells my that it cannot read the device in the modular drive. Yes, the module drive is enabled in Bios.
Is there anything I can do to remedy this or am I forced to send my laptop back to Dell again for repairs (Because that is getting old, and if that is the case then it just going to become a brick to me).
Got my XPS 1730 today and as soon as windows booted, the first message I got was that a RAID 0 drive was failing and I needed to back it up immediately. Does this mean anything? Do I have a defective part?
View 15 Replies View RelatedI tried to backup my M6400 with Acronis. The backup works fine, but I'm not able to restore ....
View 8 Replies View RelatedCan you do RAID Stripping with e 256 SSD and a 160GB 7200RPM Drive???
View 3 Replies View RelatedI have a Dell Studio 17, with vista.
I want to be able to dual boot with XP, but am needing a raid driver.
I have installed XP on a partition on the hard drive but if I want to boot up XP I have to change the option in the bios, which does get a bit of a pain.
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9600 (2.8GHz/1066Mhz FSB/6MB cache) The only option
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-Bit
3 yr In-home Service after remote diagnosis + Complete Care+LoJack No one year options
15.6” Full High Definition (1080p) High Brightness LED Display with TrueLife™ and Camera/Facial Reco
4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz Only option
Size: 500GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM) Only option
McAfee 36 month Forced to get
Starting Price $2,024
Instant Savings $461
Subtotal $1,563
What is the automated PC tune up?
Is the processor speed (2.8GHz) really gonna benefit me at all?
I don't need the 500 gigs of memory. I don't need McAfee for 36 months. I'd rather get a one year warranty and upgrade as I go (it's cheaper).
I just recently bought a XPS 1640, and I am wondering if I have chosen the right hardware for the laptop. I'm a college freshman, so I need a long lasting laptop with good battery life and hard drive space.
Here are the specs:
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700(2.53GHz/1066Mhz FSB/3M L2 Cache)
4GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz 2 Dimm for XPS 1640
15.6 inch Wide Screen 16:9 900p HD+ WLED LCD W/2.0MP, XPS 1640
ATI Mobility RADEON M96XT - 1GB
320GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Intel 5100 Wireless-N (1x2) Half Mini-Card
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion P Primary Battery
Is this a good combination of hardware? I know a TAD bit about computers, but not any in depth stuff.
Latitute E6400 (comparing with T400 from Lenovo)
my E6400 configuration options
1.For $50 more i can get a 2.53GHZ processor vs. 2.4GHz.
I can't imagine a noticable difference in performance
2.Should I get the WXGA or WXGA+
I also have an option called "Privacy Flexibility" - I assume it has something to do with
preventing others next to you from seeing your work.
3.My assumption is to go with the express card slot option NOT the PC card slot option
4.Integrated intel graphics or NVidia quadro ?
I don't plan on playing many games. Just want to watch DVDs, Tivo files and youtube videos
5. Backlit keyboard worth $50?
6.How much RAM. With Vista, I know 2GB is plenty. But how much should I get to support Windows 7?
7.How many of you have chosen the 80211.n card vs. the one that supports just B and G?
8.Do any of you actually use your fingerprint reader?
I've been checking out dell notebooks and using their system builder for the past few days. And every time I configure a system there's always something different in their config options. Mind you, sometimes this is with the same exact model.
For example, I will customize a Studio 15 and it will let me select the "No security software" option, which is nice because I hate bloatware. But then I will try again in an hour or two and that option will be gone and I'll be forced to choose the Mcafee trial.
I am in the process of ordering a new e6500. I have been reading through the forum for the last week and I came to the following configuration but would like to clarify a couple of questions.
Just an idea of what laptops I have, I am using Latitude D610, Latitude D620, Thinkpad T60. This might give you an idea of what I am used to. I find T60 is the best overall, D620 very mobile but slow, D610 ok and stable.
Here is what I am thinking for the e6500.
Latitude E6500 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8600 (2.40GHz, 3M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Operating Systems Genuine Windows Vista Business Bonus-Windows XP Professional downgrade
Memory 4.0GB, DDR2-800 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS
Internal Keyboard Internal English Backlit Keyboard
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
250GB Hard Drive, 7200RPM with Free Fall Sensor
No Fingerprint Reader
15.4” UltraSharp™ Wide WXGA+ (1440x900) LED Display-Brushed Metal Black
Dell Wireless® 370 Bluetooth Module
Modem Internal 56K Modem
8X DVD+/-RW w/Roxio and Cyberlink Power DVD™
Camera / Microphone Integrated Webcam with digital microphone
Intel® WiFi Link 5300 802.11a/g/n Draft Mini Card
Intel vPro™ Technology’s advanced mgmt features are Off for future use
This machine will be used mainly for the Internet and not so demanding applications.
Now,
1) What do you think overall? Any issues to watch for?
2) Should I go for the WUXGA? I have been reading about the small font but was not sure. My T60 is set to 1280x800
3) I read about HDD noise, should I downgrade to 5400 or maybe upgrade to SSD?
I’m about ready to buy my XPS 1530, but wanted to check with the forum to see if I’m making any big mistakes. I came up with the configuration because I always have tons of documents open at the same time & also have a lot of programs open at the same time. This includes more than one photo editing program & a video editing program. My hard disk is always going, swapping things out. So I wanted something that will really speed things up.
I also don’t have a TV so use my computer to watch DVD’s. Later on I plan to get a larger external monitor to make use of the Blu-ray drive. My configuration follows. Let me know if I’m missing anything.
Also, I had a few minor questions.
I’m going to bite the bullet & get the 64 bit version of Vista. Do I also get the 32 bit DVD so I can use that if 64 doesn’t work for me?
I’m thinking of getting the LED screen. Is it worth the extra cost? Any downside?
I’m getting Dell wireless N. Is that the best?
I’m getting Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate) since it’s not that much more, but I don’t know what it is.
I've seen a number of rescent posts where folks are still setting up RAID platforms even though dual core and now quad core processors are becoming mainstream.Is it the additional chipset that you demand or what is it that requires the additional hp you seek? there is no game out there I cannot play without it and short of CAD I see little use other than proffesional requirements (NIMBUS 2.1 or Zach, perhaps).
View 14 Replies View RelatedPicked up a great deal on a 1730 with a 128SSD and 320 2nd drive - Does anyone know if the 120 will be faster than if I were to go with 2 7200 rpm drives? The price difference for the SSD is "UP THERE" so I at least want to know if its as fast as a conventional 2 hard drive raid zero approach.
Also does anyone have any links to spec's for the Dell 128SSD? Is it the Memoright 128GB.
Possibly off topic, but it is related to a Dell Precision (workstation..)
A message that you don't want to see on your main file server..."TERMINAL DISK FAILURE"...
Happily, I just pull the borked disk out and stick in a spare (of the wrong capacity, but hey...) whilst awaiting the arrival of a replacement...and all is well