Precision 7770 - BIOS 1.18.0 - Overall system performance degradation.

@pmontilla​ The "new" (used part) motherboard came with BIOS 1.13 here, but the technician upgraded it to BIOS 1.18 again, which i think he does have to do to verify if the issues persist, perhaps try to tell him to leave it with 1.16

@diegocr​ I definitely will.

Also, one thing I've just noticed, is if I try to transcode video using FFmpeg and the CPU, it works correctly, but as soon as I try to use NVENC the machine goes to a crawl (going down to 0.47Mhz), so I think the problem is related to the NVidia fix you listed above.

I've tried a clean install of the NVidia driver, but no dice.

I've changed the preferred DIsplay card to be the Integrated graphics, and toggled off Variable refresh rate on Windows Graphics config, and the machine is responsive once again. I can't use NVENC, but at least I can work.

@diegocr​ any results with the changed and upgraded mainboard?

Who is or was using the dedicated gpu as only gpu?

I do.

according to @pmontilla we could all be using the dedicated gpu primarily which causes the problems.

for me it looks like load on the gpu pushes down the cpu clock.

It is, I've switched to Integrated graphics only and it works. Can't use the GPU, but will do until I get a part with the old BIOS. Happy to have left this nightmare!

Anyone knows how to report this bug? The support guy didn't seem too impressed with my finding and just told me to wait for the part...

@pmontilla​ I could not find any means to file a ticket through the website, so I used the Support Assist app. You will have to enter phone number and address there, then you can type in your issue. Admittedly, I searched for hours until I found this option.

This is terrible - System updated to 1.18 - and now my Performance is absolutely trash , anytime the GPU is being used has anyone been fixed or any fixes? I have tried everything, I even took it down to only 4 performance cores, and it still drops to 599mhz when GPU gets used for 3D use.

Another victm here...

My computer was performing exceptionally well with BIOS version 1.14.1. However, after updating to version 1.16.0, problems began to emerge. The startup process for Windows became noticeably slower and there was occasional lag in its operation. Optimistically, I updated to version 1.18.0, hoping for a resolution but to my dismay, this update rendered my computer almost unusable due to its sluggishness.

This is incredibly frustrating!

I also observed that navigating the BIOS menu is significantly slower when the AC adapter is plugged in. The responsiveness improves once the AC adapter is disconnected.

Compounding the issue is Dell's restriction on downgrading the BIOS, leaving us stuck.

Has anyone discovered a workaround yet?

@brunooo84​ You could try to activate the Quiet profile under Power > Thermal Management in the BIOS or the respective section in Dell Optimizer. For me, this makes the experience a bit more bearable.

Still not perfect, but you can view YouTube videos in 4k@60 with only 16% framedrops ;-)

@andyschoe​ thank you! I'll give that a try... I just hope Dell fixes it soon! 🙏

Ok everyone, I have done EXTENSIVE testing - with this stupid BIOS update, and have a CASE #. Its the BIOS firmware update 1.18- everything went to from the version mine shipped with of 1.16 - I have tested with every setting - on OFF.. for performance, power- ETC.. I have come to the same conclusion - its ONLY - REALLY bad when you utilize your DISCRETE GPU - WITH the power cable plugged in - I have a 240 watt PSU and the bigger battery - I have ordered a 330 watt just to see if it makes any difference - I doubt it will - and will probably return - I have a bunch of Screen shots - with EVERY Performance state - and the results are basically the same - on battery - HIGH CPU clocks - lower GPU clocks - ON AC power - ROCK bottom CPU clocks - HIGHER GPU Clocks. The System CAN work normally if you disable ANY GPU acceleration for NORMAL workloads. So if you are watching videos disable your Discrete GPU for acceleration and it will be "useable". This is totally unacceptable - I bought this on SALE for $1800 from DELL with 3 year warranty - but its not good when my steamdeck has better gaming performance. I am attaching all my Screenshots in all states. Can someone Confirm the same issue. I also NOTICE - that the FAN NEVER ramps up on Ultra Performance or any other STATE than Cool. 

Just an FYI to everyone and the trouble shooting steps:
I did reset BIOS settings - CLEAR all power 
I did DIAGNOSTIC tests:
I even RESET windows POST update - and using DELL OS recovery USB - tested BOTH PRE- AND POST all windows updates. No affect for resolution. Turn off / on all speed step settings ... etc Tried with 2,4,6,8 P cores - 0 E cores.... No peripheals, External Displays , laptop Display - No setting or option Deviated from the Below results.

Did anyone attemp a downgrade using a USB flash drive?

@andyschoe​ no, I tried this... https://www.reddit.com/r/Dell/comments/jw06pe/guide_inspiron_7567_bios_downgrade_from_v1121_to/

didn't work, same downgrade blocked message shown... so I assume usb flash method won't work either... I could be wrong tho