Dell Latitude DPC Latency Issues

I'm starting this thread to try to get a better handle on what is causing these DPC latency issues.



Please reserve this thread for issues that can be observed by using Thesycon's DPC Latency Checker (http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml) or a similar tool.



Here are some links to threads where this has already been discussed:

• e6500 crackling audio (297054)
• New Latitude / Precision Intel Matrix Storage Driver / Manager (340138)
• Audio skips every 1 - 2 minutes on E6500 (328365)
• M4400 - BIOS A11 results (340946)
• m4400 sound isses! (346015)

As I've mentioned in the other threads, there are a lot of people here with seemingly identical issues - even though the underlying causes may vary. Please be sure to open support tickets with Dell Support to get them to address this issue: http://support.dell.com/support/topi...hnical_support



Include a link to this thread so they can see scope of this issue, and realize that eventually these comments will start scaring people away from the Dell line if these issues aren't fixed soon, if they haven't already. If you can't stand the traditional phone support, use the online chat or email options.



Finally, please consider answering the poll to help track any possible solutions.



If replying, please include a comprehensive list of system specifications. Vista or XP? 32-bit or 64-bit? Dell or Intel WI-FI? Intel or Nvidia graphics? Webcam or fingerprint reader? Etc., etc...



Edit: Just found this official Dell blog at http://en.community.dell.com/dell-bl...y-and-you.aspx, which includes the following update from Dell-John B on February 12:

Quote:

After participating in a conference call with the internal key players regarding this issue, I'd like to invite those who are still seeing this problem to message me personally with their service tag and case information, as well as a description of what you've done with support to try to resolve this issue since it began. I'd like to get that information into one place so we can expedite a resolution for those affected.

Thanks!!

Reply 1 : Dell Latitude DPC Latency Issues

specs in sig

Reply 2 : Dell Latitude DPC Latency Issues

Latest (8.7) Intel matrix storage driver / manager + either ODD or eSATA HDD causes latency of about 9ms.



However, I get no noticeable adverse side effects from this high latency.



John

Reply 3 : Dell Latitude DPC Latency Issues

I voted Other. I still can't pin down the culprit in my case.

Reply 4 : Dell Latitude DPC Latency Issues

From German Forum:

Quote:

Originally Posted by eXcalibur Leider nicht sry ... hatte den noch auf der HDD. Sofern ich dazukomme (bin auf Arbeit - aber ohne Lappi) kann ich ihn ja hochladen. Bzw auf dem ftp von Dell ist der nicht mehr? Gre, eXcalibur ./edit: ftp.us.dell.com - /SATA/ -> Intel_Matrix-Storage-Manager_A01_R190230.exe & Intel_Matrix-Storage-Manager_A02_R190227.exe mssten es sein

Follow the Link, at 1/3 of the page are the intel managers. Anyone try the A01/A02 versions and spread the Link if it works. Thanks Guys!

Reply 5 : Dell Latitude DPC Latency Issues

I will go ahead and try A02 right now.

Reply 6 : Dell Latitude DPC Latency Issues

At the moment, my best solution - though not perfect - has also been disabling the "media bay" in the BIOS, which should be about the same as removing the optical drive. While still enabled, my DPC latencies average 8000+ s. While disabled, I average about 500 s, but still have more occasional yellow spikes (above 1000 s) than I'd care for, and even sporadic red spikes (above 2000 s) - at least once every 30 seconds.



This is on my Latitude E6500, with the A02 Intel Storage Matrix manager, A11 BIOS, and all the other latest drivers and updates. Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit.

Reply 7 : Dell Latitude DPC Latency Issues

The onboard LAN is missing from the list. For me it got better after disabling the DVD/modular bay but the issue only disappeared after also disabling onboard LAN.



I'm running latest IMSM (8.7), A02 BIOS for m4400 (latest is A11), all latest drivers, issues are fixed in both XP and Vista ultimate 64

Reply 8 : Dell Latitude DPC Latency Issues

Quote:

Originally Posted by ziesemer ... Include a link to this thread so they can see scope of this issue, and realize that eventually these comments will start scaring people away from the Dell line if these issues aren't fixed soon, if they haven't already. ...

Sadly, this is the major reason I couldn't buy an E6400. I wanted to, but high DPC latency makes a hostile environment for audio recording (I'm a music major).



Kudos to you all for being persistent—I hope the issue will be resolved soon.



Dell, I hope you're listening.

Reply 9 : Dell Latitude DPC Latency Issues

Modular bay, onboard lan, and the wireless card (consistent high spikes in intervals of 30-60 seconds).



I have high DPC latency, but do not have any video/audio problems. But I have the M4400. Contacted Dell and their answer was to wait for new drivers/firmware/etc. Not very helpful news.