In late May last year, we launched the XPS 700. Many customers purchased it, anticipating strong performance along with an upgrade path to future technology.
At Dell, our number one goal is to delight our customers with our products and services. As anyone who reads Direct2Dell knows, we did not do that for some of our XPS 700 customers. On behalf of Dell, I want to apologize for that. We have taken steps to improve your experience.
So what have we learned from this? First, where the chipset is concerned, XPS 7xx-class customers want more information on what features we do and do not support in our implementation. Take a look at the chipset section of the XPS 710 Tech Specs page. Second, if we do experience significant delays, it’s important for us to give customers more detailed insight as to the causes where we can. So, what’s next? We want to show XPS 700 customers our appreciation for sticking with us throughout this process—we appreciate your business.
BIOS Update Coming Soon
The current version of the XPS 700 BIOS added Windows XP 64 support and enabled Intel’s Virtualization Technology (VT). To build on that, we will publish an update to the XPS 700 BIOS in the next few weeks. After applying the BIOS update, your XPS 700 will support the following features:
- NVIDIA SLI-Ready (Enhanced Performance Profile) Memory
- BIOS overclocking for the Extreme processors (Reminder: overclocking can cause system instability and reduce operating life)
- RAID 5
- RAID 1 + 0
The BIOS update cannot enable support for Intel Quad-Core processors.
XPS 700 Motherboard Exchange Program
Since the early days of Direct2Dell, many XPS 700 customers have asked Dell for an upgrade path. Back in December, Lionel blogged about this, saying we had not made a decision. That changes today.
To show our gratitude for your patience, we will offer all XPS 700 customers worldwide a choice of upgrade paths to Dell’s next-generation of XPS gaming motherboards. Now here they are:
Motherboard Exchange Options:
- Motherboard exchange AND a discounted quad-core processor: Later this year, we will offer XPS 700 customers the option to exchange your original motherboard with Dell’s next-generation XPS gaming motherboard bundled with a quad-core processor at an 25% discount off our Electronics and Accessories quad-core processor price at the time of purchase. This option will be available to XPS 700 customers for sixty days following our rollout of the motherboard exchange program later this year. We will make the motherboard and the installation available to these customers at no cost. To streamline the process, all motherboard exchanges will be done by Dell-authorized onsite service technicians. We will offer the processor discount at the time you schedule your on-site appointment for the motherboard exchange. Additional pricing details have not yet been determined.
- Motherboard exchange at no cost: Later this year, we will offer XPS 700 customers the option to exchange their original motherboard for Dell’s next-generation XPS gaming motherboard. We will make the motherboard and the installation available to these customers at no charge. To streamline the process, all motherboard exchanges will be done by Dell-authorized onsite service technicians.
Since both motherboard exchange options involve a next-generation product, there are some details I can’t discuss at this point. We will share more information later this year—appreciate your patience. In that same timeframe, XPS 710 customers will also have the option to purchase a parts bundle that includes an upgrade to Dell’s next-generation motherboard as well as installation service. Pricing has not yet been determined.
We remain committed to addressing your concerns. In subsequent posts, Lionel will blog about other XPS 700 customer questions and issues.
We Want to Hear From You
Our development teams are working with key members of Direct2Dell and the Dell Community Forum to gather and address your questions, feedback, and comments. The most direct way to be heard on this subject is to reply to this blog entry or this thread on the Dell Community Forum.
June 2, 2008 at 7:33 pm |
It is June 2008. I just found out about the 700 motherboard exchange. I would like to exchange the motherboard and purchase a new CPU. How do I arrange for it. My computer is still in Warranty. Dr. Naramore
June 2, 2008 at 7:43 pm |
IF your system is still under warranty then the motherboard can be replaced no problem however the CPU can not be upgraded. Dell will replace what’s currently in the system or comparble to what was in the system when it was built and shipped to you from the get go. We can get the process started if you would like all we would need is your contact information and service tag off the bottom of the system.
July 23, 2008 at 6:21 pm |
Who do we supply the service tag to?
July 23, 2008 at 8:02 pm |
You can send it to us and we can check for you on your behalf. You can post it on this borad if you would like.
July 27, 2008 at 9:31 pm |
Thanks, I have contacted Dell about this a couple of times and have had no reponse. I’m not sure if posting a service tag here is safe. Can I email it to you. (I am from New Zealand, don’t know if it makes a difference)
July 28, 2008 at 7:47 am |
You can send your service tag to support@bardissi.net
July 28, 2008 at 9:52 pm |
My motherboard crashed and I bought my XPS in late 2006. I am no longer under warranty, may I still receive the new motherboard?
July 30, 2008 at 10:05 am |
The only way for you to get a replacment motherboard is to get your system back under warranty with Dell and then repalce it.
October 14, 2008 at 12:06 pm |
I have a friend who has an XPS 700 that no longer posts. In talking with Dell techs (I ws doing all this for him), they felt the MB was fried. We ordered the so-called upgrade and it has been nightmare ever since. Techs now saw that the upgraded board (a 720?) was not designe to work with the 700 chassis. More calls and more nightmares. Three MBs later there is no resolution and only the hulk of a once pround XPS unit. Where can I get an XPS MB for my friend?
thanks, Don
November 11, 2008 at 10:47 am |
I just had my motherboard toast on my XPS 700. Why was it that owners were not informed about this program? What good is a recall if nobody knows about it? Dell has achieved the worst possible support with this move. I now have a beautiful case that I can’t get a board for, other than through dell. Which by the way, costs as much as a barebones system from a competitor. Hmmm fix me dell, or jump like a rat from a sinking ship.
Bye bye Dell. You suck.
January 18, 2009 at 12:52 pm |
I have only come across this site now because I am having major issues with Dell & my XPS 700, my mother board was recently replaced by dell as it had failed. My system is still under warranty until November 2009. Now before upgrading my processor & graphics card I contacted dell to ask them if my system was quad core compatible & was told yes & they confirmed that my system is also SLi compatible. So I purchased a quad core processor & two nvidia 9800gtx+, after installing these parts I have now discovered that the processor is not compatible & there aren’t enough power connection’s for the two cards in this system. After contacting dell again I was first told that I need to speak to Intel about compatibility with the processor & my system, the dell tech also told me that i needed a 1000w power supply that dell will provide, I asked for this issue to be escalated to a manager who now confirms that the system does not support Quad core processors & because the 1000w power supply that I was told would be upgraded will not fit into my systems case then dell will not supply it & can not do anything else for me regarding these issues even though they incorrectly advised my on my upgrade options. What can I do now as I have spent money firstly on a system that isn’t upgradeable, secondly I’ve spent money on upgradable parts on dell’s advice that I can’t return.
Please help.
March 8, 2009 at 2:59 pm |
Feb 2009 My Dell XPS 700 Motherboard has Died
No longer under warranty, and Ironicly still paying the monthly financing for this beast (dont ask why I got it financed!)
I think if DELL sells something defective .. I have a right to get a replacement, I doubt this will happen,
Dell has sold rubbish, just because my rubbish lasted through warranty doesnt mean I should have to continue paying for it…
I am going to start an anti dell campaign all over youtube if they dont cut me a deal.
October 26, 2009 at 12:21 pm |
Sept 09, I bought an xps 700 refurb by dell from Ebay, said 90 day warranty…..Oct 09, Motherboard fails….company i bought from (Garland Computer) wont reply….dell support says “too bad” NICE JOB DELL!!!
October 29, 2009 at 11:29 am |
I had a motherboard crash this morning and have been both comforted and troubled by how much company I seem to have in this situation. I essentially agree with Dave M above; although I was lucky enough to have extended my warranty, I question whether an offer to correct a known problem should have been advertised as an “exchange program” and/or “upgrade path”. I may or may not have received an email or mailing from Dell about such a program (but I don’t think I did), but if it was advertised as an “upgrade path,” I’m not sure I would have paid much attention.