Question about switchable graphics

Hi! I would like to ask the members of the M14X forum if the graphics gpu switch option is supported in this model with the FN+F7 buttons like in M17X and M18X. I found in the manual that these 2 buttons are used to mute the sound, so I'm a bit confused. If this way of graphics gpu switch is not supported which other options exist to switch between integrated and dicreet gpu and maximize battery's life?

 

Everything is automatic with Nvidia Optimus. No manual switching like in M11x R1.

 

So in M14X the user cannot toggle between discreet and integrated gpu neither from BIOS nor with Fn+F7 (like in bigger models) to increase battery's power, right? I read that M14X battery lasts up to 3 hours with I7 processor and NVIDIA gpu. Is it true? Is it so short? If manual switching is not possible, is there any way through NVIDIA control menu to disable the discreet gpu? I plan to buy a M14X with I7-3940 and NVIDIA 950M 2GB so I would like to know beforehand if it would be possible to increase battery's life (at least 4 hours) by switching to integrated GPU (Intel 4000).

 

did you even try to read what Benchmade 42 wrote?

First: It switches automatically, no manual override, you run on igpu all the time, until you launch a game or something that uses nvidia gpu.

Second: I get about 6 hours of battery life...

Third: sorry but why the hell do you want m14x if you dont even know the basics and name of the card - it's 650m, not 950m...

 

It is like Benchmade 42 explained, you don't have to switch manually between the two graphic options, it's the nVidia Optimus technology that does this automatically for you. There still is the option to never use the nVidia card, you can make you personal settings in the nVidia control center. With my energy options, I'm able to use my notebook between 4-6 hours with office programs open, so you should be totally fine with an m14x .

Edit: Sry greenfield, I was too slow

 

I could ignore your comments or give you an answer alot worse than yours but I'm sure your attitude doesn't represent the majority of the M14X forum members so I have to be polite. Benchmade answer was short without any details on how could be increased M14X battery life and he used as example the model M11X so I needed more details on this matter. Concerning 650M i made a typo, so what? Thank you Mastaa for your answer. But I am curious how long do you think the battery will last with I7-3940 and NVIDIA 650M 2GB?

 

I assume your talking about the latest Intel i7 notebook processor (released in september)? As far as I know, it is not yet available for alienware m14x notebooks... I'm not an expert, and if I'm wrong, feel free to correct me (anyone reading this). I believe that this processor will have a slightly higher power consuption than mine (i7-3610 QM), but I know for a fact that the processor under usage in combination with graphic intensive stuff (for example gaming) can empty your battery in a small amount of time You won't be able to play for 4hours + on battery with acceptable graphic settings I think...

To increase your battery life, there are quite a few tricks/tweaks you can apply. A good idea is to turn off alienFX, and use your laptop screen on low brightness (lowest, maybe first or second stage). Intel Optimus will use the onboard GPU if the power of the nVidia card isn't needed, which will drastically reduce the battery consumption of the notebook. There are few other possibilities you have, maybe edit your battery settings in Alienfusion (pre-installed) or windows settings (for example turn off the hard drive after 5 mins etc...)

If you're an experienced user, you can for example clock down your cpu and gpu, it depends on which tasks you plan to work on with your notebook.

I hope these infos are useful, if not, just ignore them

 

I don't think M14x comes with 3940XM from the website, does it?

 

That's what I meant with not yet available

 

Mastaa thank you for your answer. Computerupgradeking and Hidevolution sell M14X with the latest I7 processor.