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    460M Manual Switch w/ 3D?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by subliminal, May 18, 2011.

  1. subliminal

    subliminal Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sorry if this has been asked before, but I wasn't quite sure if I understood the faq correctly...

    We know that Optimus does not work with the 3D M17x, but can you still manually turn off the gpu to save battery during general use?

    Thanks.
     
    subliminal, May 18, 2011
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  2. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    no, you cannot turn off the Discrete GPU with the 120hz screen. The Gtx 460 stay on the whole time. The 6970 with the 60hz screen is manually switchable, while the 460 with the 60hz screen is automatic with Optimus. :D
     
    bigtonyman, May 18, 2011
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  3. subliminal

    subliminal Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the quick answer.

    Trying to make up my mind about 120hz screen + 460m vs. 60hz + 6970. The 3D could be fun to mess around with, and I don't really need the higher end chip... though it'd be nice... but add the battery life without turning off the gpu... and I'm starting to edge toward the 6970.
     
    subliminal, May 18, 2011
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  4. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    i would have got the 6970 if i had the cash when i bought this rig. however i haven't really had any problems with the 460 except dragon age 2. it won't run maxed out smoothly, only on high. :( Shogun 2, the new Medal of honor, Napoleon total war, and Fallout new vegas run maxed out though so i really can't complain that much :p
     
    bigtonyman, May 18, 2011
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  5. ryan_calif

    ryan_calif Notebook Consultant

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    Get MSI Afterburner and overclock to 800/1600/1350.

    The FPS increase is around 5-10. I was surprised how much of a difference it made playing Crysis 2. Plus, it won't raise your GPU temperature that much at all. :cool:
     
    ryan_calif, May 18, 2011
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  6. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    I just overclocked it so we shall see what happens :)
     
    bigtonyman, May 18, 2011
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