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    680m With 3d bundle. can i enable igpu and use the hdmi or vga port?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by captalt, Apr 12, 2013.

  1. captalt

    captalt Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a 17xr4 w/3d 120hz. Just wondering if anyone has tried or knows a reason I really shouldnt try enabling the igpu (HD 4000) in bios and plug up vga?
     
    captalt, Apr 12, 2013
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  2. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Nooooo! It is not possible but you can mess your machine up badly (I did) by using an unlocked bios and setting it to iGPU.

    The reason is because the 120hz display is ONLY 120hz not a multi-sync. The intel (and AMD) GPU's will only boot at 60hz so the display fails post - 8 beeps followed a blind flash to fix :(

    Booting with a 60hz external display has been tried but no-go, POST still fails. The panel would probably need to be disconnected at the same time as it is plugged into a different port on the MB to bypass the iGPU. If it was possible then I'm sure dell would have done it - a lot of extra messing around for them (support) but I guess a multi-sync 120hz panel is either very expensive or just not available :(.

    Just wish this lack of iGPU was more clearly advertised on the 3D model so people know exactly the compromise they are making!
     
    MickyD1234, Apr 13, 2013
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  3. captalt

    captalt Notebook Enthusiast

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    I totally agree they should tell you before you buy it....

    So maybe if I unplug the built in display and plug in an external monitor?
     
    captalt, Apr 14, 2013
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  4. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    It is a possibility, but you may still need an unlocked BIOS to set the display to IGP. And if it fails then you would have to blind flash the BIOS back to the original for it to start :(

    Then again, it might just work as-is without any bios change - a real unknown for me I'm afraid. Maybe worth just disco the panel, plug in an external display (and try the VGA, HDMI, and Mini-port as that may have a bearing) and see if it boots and windows shows two display adaptors :confused:
     
    MickyD1234, Apr 14, 2013
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  5. captalt

    captalt Notebook Enthusiast

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    Couldn't even get past POST I guess its impossible for the IGPU to boot with an external display or it cant boot as long as a dedicated card is installed? Not sure which it is but definitely a no go.
     
    captalt, Apr 15, 2013
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  6. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Oh well, I wasn't that optimistic TBH :(. The BIOS may be forcing the DGPU or the POST may simply not work if it cannot see a panel - it is wired in diferently than a 60hz model. Down to how dell decided to make it to work?
     
    MickyD1234, Apr 15, 2013
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  7. sonies

    sonies Notebook Guru

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    why would you want to use the awful iGPU when you have an awesome 680m that is efficient and powerful
     
    sonies, Apr 15, 2013
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  8. captalt

    captalt Notebook Enthusiast

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    Because when trying to run Mac OSX the 680M isnt compatable. Also simply battery life. The 680M is a BEAST as you said and its thirsty ALL the time...
     
    captalt, Apr 18, 2013
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  9. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Haha, it is. I'm sorry it did not work it was just not supposed to be used like that.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Apr 22, 2013
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