Hi to all, im starting this topic as im seeing increasing number of Inspiron 1520 users here. This thread is dedicated to dell's latest inspiron 1520. feel free to discuss anything here.

Announcement:
Sadly, the all rounder Inspiron 1520 has been discontinued permanently in Malaysia on the 22nd July 2008 marking it's one year presence and end of product life cycle. We had seen this coming since the debut of XPS M1530, Inspiron 1525, and the sudden disappearance from UK and USA Dell sites several months ago, and now the inevitable has reached our shores. Although 1520 is short lived and didn't earn the respect it should have in the first place, the 1520 will always be remembered as the laptop that achieves more than its designers could ever imagine by proud owners who truly appreciates the power and beauty of this machine. Here's a last tribute to the laptop that brought gaming to the budget conscious consumers, entertainment and high performance productivity for the masses and finally the driving force behind this very thread where all proud owners could find refuge in. Huzzah Inspiron 1520!

*UPDATE*: Now with 3DMark06 Score List!

Pride of 1520 owners! 3DMark06 score board. (ranking based on numerical results) [Updated : 20 AUG 2008]

Non OC pack (name - score - driver)
<=============================>
1. elwwmatrix - 3662 - Driver 175.70
2. hihihehe - 3660 - Driver 175.97
3. alifbata_abc - 3564 - Driver 175.70


OC pack (name - score - driver - OC[core/memory])
<==================================>
1.Demonic Wrath - 5009 - Driver 177.79 - 680/570
2. alexnvidia - 4901 - Driver 177.73 - 650/550
3. hihihehe - 4464 - Driver 174.31 - 600/500


screen capture of the highest scoring member (from each pack) will be attached on the first page. may the force be with u.
================================================================

*i have started a new section here, post your results and you'll be added on the score list.*

to standardize the test, please follow the basic settings requirement.

1. resolution has to be set to 1280x800
2. all other settings default (u can click on default button to reset to factory default settings in 3DMark06)
3. result screen capture, preferably, should look like the one posted by elwwmatrix and myself**.
4. optional: state the forceware driver version if you want.
5. OC is allowed as long as the OC speed is mentioned.
6. More info on 3DMark06 can be obtained from www.futuremark.com

**refer to attachment below for sample screen capture

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Colours colours colours...one of the selling points of 1520 (Updated 23 AUG 2008)

Member - Colour
===========
1. hao - Alphine White
2. Kezman - Midnight Blue
3. coolermistress - Jet Black
4. tankahhoe - Jet Black
5. tslim2531 - Alpine White
6. Raymann Lucas- Ruby Red
7. vin89 - Ruby Red
8. ember™ - Jet Black
9. orenji_renji - Jet Black
10. Lance8431 - Midnight Blue
11. dzi921 - Ruby Red
12. terngno_mania - Espresso Brown
13. alifbata_abc - Jet Black
14. sooi - Midnight Blue
15. Johan - Expresso Brown
16. Darkmage12 - Flamingo Pink
17. alexnvidia - Midnight Blue
18. lck - Midnight Blue
19. StratOS - Jet Black
20. azfareen garcia - Midnight Blue
21. HouHouSek - Jet Black
22. danieltan - Jet Black
23. junster - Jet Black
24. IcEMoCHa - Jet Black
25. owikh84 - Spring Green
26. GaaraOfTheDesert - Spring Green
27. djfoo000 - Alpine White
28. ccl9n - Espresso Brown
29. SiAo.NeRd - Alpine White
30. priest - Jet Black
31. KeV - Midnight Blue
32. hihihehe - Midnight Blue
33. maxi_mus29 - Espresso Brown
34. elwwmatrix - Midnight Blue
35. weiwen - Alpine White
36. alex1987 - Midnight Blue
37. gliew_87 - Alpine White
38. wilsonjay - Midnight Blue
39. Demonic Wrath - Jet Black
40. hoahmaru56 - Alpine White


*New* Section (backed by popular requests) for 1720 & 1525 members to join (beta) [Updated 1 AUG 2008]

1720 Member - Colour
==============
1. Andy0625 - Flamingo Pink


1525 Member - Colour
==============
1. seedohbehlei - Alpine White
2. s373n - Chill


PM me and i will add your name into the proud owner list.

================================================================

Official INSPIRON 1520 wallpapers (multicolour)

For those who wants to change their desktop background wallpaper to other inspiron colour theme, you can refer to this link

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/glo...en&toggle=false

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Windows XP on Dell Inspiron 1520 *UPDATED 14th July 2008*

Before you install XP, you must first configure a setting in BIOS else XP CD will not detect your hardisk

In BIOS:
Onboard Devices -> Flash Cache Module -> Set Off
Onboard Devices -> SATA Operation -> Set ATA

Ok, you can now proceed with installing XP

Dell Inspiron 1520 XP Drivers (Complete) -- LOOKOUT FOR A09 BIOS! Intel 45nm Penryn CPU supported and Blu-Ray!

*Best to install in sequence

For more updates, check out Dell Inspiron 1520 Drivers & Downloads official page
http://supportapj.dell.com/support/downloa...=WLH&hidlang=en

R153997 Intel 965 Mobile Chipset v.8.2.0.1014 (9/28/2007)
-The Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility installs Windows* INF files to the target system. These files outline to the operating system how to configure the Intel® chipset components in order to ensure that the following features function properly: - Core PCI and ISAPNP Services - PCIe Support - IDE/ATA33/ATA66/ATA100 Storage Support - SATA Storage Support - USB Support - Identification of Intel® Chipset Components in the Device Manager
Download: Download now!
*Must install this first

R141246 R5C833 (06-26-2007)
-Ricoh Memory Card Drivers for Vista 32-Bit and XP/2K
Download: Download now!

R173730 GeForce 8400M/8600M *Updated* (12/14/2007)
-nVidia 101.38 WHQL Windows XP-32bits Driver for G86/G84 updated to v.156.83_xp WHQL, A06
Download: Download now!

R171789 STAC 92XX C-Major HD Audio *Updated* (12/20/2007)
-Sigmatel STAC92XX C-Major HD Audio Driver updated to v.5.10.0.5515_RC22-WHQL, A11
Download: Download now!

R149798 440x 10-100 Integrated Controller (06-26-2007)
-Broadcom 4401/B0 Ethernet Drivers
Download: Download now!

R147115 D330,HDA,MDC,v.92,modem (09-20-2007)
-Conexant D330 HDA MDC WinXP/Win2K Modem Driver V.7.59.00.50
Download: Download now!

Official Intel® PRO-Wireless 3945ABG / 4965AGN Network Connection *Updated*(11/19/2007)
-Official Intel Wireless XP driver v.11.5.0.0.
Download: Download now!

R161378 Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module (Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR) (08-08-2007)
-Dell Wireless Bluetooth 355 driver release for Windows XP32 bit OS
Download: Download now!

R173082 Laptop Integrated Webcam *Updated*(1/29/2008)
-v.Refresh 3 - 1.0 Release, A05.
Download: Download now!
*If this doesn't work, you might want to try the driver from Windows Update

R175658 Touchpad-Pointing Stick *Updated* (2/1/2008)
-Combined 32-Bit Touchpad Driver for XP/2K and Vista
Download: Download now!

A09 Inspiron 1520 System BIOS *Updated*(7/14/2008) Supports Penryn 45nm NOW!

Dell Inspiron 1520 FlashBIOS
Fixes/Enhancements
------------------
1. Update GM965 Graphics VBIOS from 1466 to 1588.
2. Update Intel CPU family name
Download: Download now!


Please PM me if you want your name to be added to the *owner list* or any updates to the winxp driver list.


Vista 32-bit Drivers (updated 7/1/2008)
===================
nVidia GeForce 8400M, GeForce 8400M GS, GeForce 8600M, Driver, Windows Vista 32-bit, Multi Language, Multi System, v.175.97 V32, A08
Nvidia Graphics Card Drivers for Vista 32bit
Download: Download now!


Non Dell specific Drivers (Updated 8/16/2008)
==================================

177.83 vista 32 driver here
Download now!

modded inf vista 32 here
Download now!

177.83 xp 32 driver here
Download now!

modded inf xp 32 here
Download now!

physX v8.08.01 engine driver here
Download now!

This post has been edited by alexnvidia: Sep 20 2008, 07:18 AM


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i bought 1720.. dont include here ah?
havent come yet. will check my benchmarks when come. hehehe

also can lah.. haha.. 1720 and 1520 are essentially the same hardware on a different chasis. when is your 1720 expected to arrive?

estimated date : 26/7/07... long time to go!! >.< how?
anyway.. did u do dual boot for your 1520?

DELAYS! who else is facing this problem?

that.... is being discussed in another thread... hahahahaha

1.What headphone you are using ? I think it's the stupid buzzing noise from Intel again.Screw .Try using RMclock and set 'run HLT command when idle' .Did you trying using USB headphone rather than headphone jack ?

2.If you have $ sure can surpass it.Upgrade your parts to T7500 , 4Gb ram , 7200rpm hard disk and 8600M GT ? As for now someone able to get pass if they have T7300 , 2GB , 7200rpm hard disk , 8600M with some over clock.

3.Depends on the spec.I haven't own one yet.

4.No one own vostro , but it's almost the same except black in color.If it has major difference so will it be with the price.Vostro price/low spec is quite attractive for those regular user for the use of office work and surfing the internet.

This post has been edited by kingmax: Jul 20 2007, 02:01 PM

1. just as i suspected. intel's fault again

2.160GB 7200rpm hdd UPGRADE cost RM384! this is crazy. i'll take my chances overclocking the graphics card.

4.vostro is advertised to have magnesium alloy build quality. some said inspiron is using the same material. need to hear from real life users.

1.Maybe you can try USB headphone see whether it works a not.Did you contact dell tech support ? maybe they can solve it or reduce the noise.

2.yah, crazy .. RM 384 no $.Try and overclock a bit if you want to perform better.

4.Yep , it's listed it had magnesium for vostro and uver review for Insprion ( at the Construction: http://www.reviewpub.net/2007/07/inspiron-1420.html )

insprion 1520 has semi-magnesium alloy vostro has complete magnesium. vostro warranty is business warranty hence more priority even into weekends.

semi-magnesium alloy for inspiron 1520.. mmm... i cant be sure because i have not received mine. still in the "work in progress" stage.. hopefully the headphone jack wont emit any unwanted noise..

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Added on July 22, 2007, 9:59 amnew inspiron users, please report in on the status of your screen. how is the quality and did you notice any grainy screen problems?

This post has been edited by alexnvidia: Jul 22 2007, 09:59 AM

Here are the pictures of my 1520 and the 1420. Hehe....

This post has been edited by tslim2531: Jul 22 2007, 10:11 AM

WOW! you have both??? MAN! you are teasing us! LOL

btw,

do you experience any grainy screen problems?

how's the image quality of the LCD display?

and what resolution are you using?

This post has been edited by alexnvidia: Jul 22 2007, 10:13 AM

Yup, I do notice there is some grainy screen on my 1520. But I only notice it when I view the DELL supplied INSPIRON wallpaper. Other than that, it is not so visible. My screen resolution is WXGA+(1440x900). I'm using WINDOWS XP now.

But here are some of the "faults" I experienced after I formatted it with XP:
1. Whenever the laptop goes to sleep, then when I reactivate it, the screen would appear black screen with white lines, then it eventually changes to all sorts of weird colour and I couldnt resume my windows, have to force it to restart by pressing down the power button. Wonder what is happening?

2. Be careful with the media player button in front of the laptop, the coating surface is very thin and after touching it for several times, the coating already fallen off a little bit, I'm so shocked with that!!




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can you please take a look at your display properties and see who manufactured your LCD and what model is it? you can check it by going into device manager-->monitors-->properties-->details-->then select hardware ids from the drop down menu. i ordered the 1440x900 one too, im not sure which manufacturer made my LCD because i havent received mine. still waiting. will post once i got it.

oh my! from the reviews i read, the build quality seems to be good. coating fallen off is outrageous! call their support and bom them!

just out of curiosity, why do u have both 1420 and 1520??

more reviews for both ur lappies plz ... they look nice ... :drools:

I didnt see any monitor manufacturer id, maybe it is because I've formatted it( Is there any monitor driver required?).

Actually the 1420 is for my brother, as I'm doing some setups for the laptop and installing some software into it. It's not mine ler....

And also one problem, the DVD drive is shaking like hell and very noisy when it reads file (movie file). This happens only to some DVDs. It seems to be very loose and causing it to shake when the drive rotate the DVD. If I try to push it up, the shaking seems to be reduced a lot. Any solutions??

just helping my fren to post about his 1520...
he got it last week....

T7300, 2GB ram, 80GB HDD, he test the benchmark infront of my eyes....
i saw its 3100++
issit that difficult to surpass 3000? why he got it so easily?

bro, can you give us more details review on this lappy, thinking to upgrade to this . anyway congrat to be the proud owner of dell! so envy you could have both..

did he overlock his 8600M GT?

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Added on July 22, 2007, 2:46 pmbummer.. so many tiny problems here and there.. but who could blame? the price is darn cheap and that's what we are paying for, cheap quality.

that's wierd, both vista and xp can see the hardware id. maybe you looked in the wrong place? or maybe i gave the wrong instructions.. anyway, my friend's dell 6400 is using SEC0000 LCD, in plain english, SEC = samsung electronics company. image quality is sub par, so so only compare to my viewsonic 17" LCD. im not sure if that is what is called grainy..

This post has been edited by alexnvidia: Jul 22 2007, 02:46 PM