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    Dell AMD Mobility Radeon HD 6970M driver M17xR3 - 8.80.6-101202a - Discuss HERE

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by BatBoy, Mar 30, 2011.

  1. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Posted today on support.dell.com

    Release Date: 3/30/2011
    Version: 8.80.6-101202a-109902C-Dell.4, A00
    Download Type: Driver
    File Format: Hard Drive
    File Size: 134 MB

    AMD Mobility Radeon HD 6970M A00 driver for win7 64b on M17xR3
    (8.80.6-101202a-109902C-Dell.4)

    Driver download page -
    Drivers and Downloads
     
    BatBoy, Mar 30, 2011
    #1
  2. steve1ddd

    steve1ddd Notebook Evangelist

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    hmmm the name implies its a 1202-a release and not a 11.3 based driver. downloading now, update to follow
     
    steve1ddd, Mar 30, 2011
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  3. steve1ddd

    steve1ddd Notebook Evangelist

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    i downloaded it and attempted to install it. i choose "Manual" install. But when i looked at each of the componets to install, each one said that the most recient driver was already installed.....not sure what this update is for unless its jsut a "different" driver of the exact same version? anyone have any more insight?
     
    steve1ddd, Mar 30, 2011
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  4. Irb Digital

    Irb Digital Notebook Consultant

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    I've learned that at my skill level, it's not a good idea to be the guinea pig. So I'll carefully watch the early adopters before I jump in
     
    Irb Digital, Mar 30, 2011
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  5. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Since Dell listed it as A00 (A 00 represents the first production level driver release). Its not going to be different from the driver installed at the factory.

    6970 owners can verify by checking driver version on their factory install.

    Thread was created to provide a discussion area for this driver.
     
    BatBoy, Mar 30, 2011
    #5
  6. Torai

    Torai Notebook Evangelist

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    I believe there is no difference from the factory install.

    Why? When I did a clean install on my R3, the only way I can get the driver for both IGP and GPU (6970) to factory setting is to insert the Resource DVD, find the driver folder. There should be two drivers option for GPU

    - AMD Grandville (claimed to be used for 6870)

    - AMD BlackCombXT (claimed to be used for higher end series including 6970)
    Filename for BlackCombXT is R291070.

    However, both files are exactly the same size (~138MB) and both work for 6970.

    At that time there was no driver for 6970 on Dell website. Now it shows up and I tried to download it, the file name is AMD_BLACKCOMBXT_A00_ R291070.exe.

    Even it is only 134MB, I believe its the same thing with the one in Resource DVD. That means no update at all, just a missing driver was posted recently. No big deal :)
     
    Torai, Mar 31, 2011
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  7. steve1ddd

    steve1ddd Notebook Evangelist

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    with previous dell drivers for the m17x, how long should i expect to see a newer driver.....i dont expect to see one for every release but maybe every other? or am i too optumistic?
     
    steve1ddd, Mar 31, 2011
    #7
  8. DaneGRClose

    DaneGRClose Notebook Virtuoso

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    I wouldn't even wait on Dell, just install the Dell drivers then install the 11.4's over the top of them. You have to install it in that order as some people have reported losing switching capability if you don't.
     
    DaneGRClose, Apr 1, 2011
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  9. Dave3

    Dave3 Notebook Consultant

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    NVM: Got it!
     
    Dave3, Apr 25, 2011
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  10. T2050

    T2050 Notebook Deity

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    The switchable graphics is not that great, as in the way it works. I could be on the 6970M when plugged in, then unplug to battery and shift to a different room. I can then switch to IGP to save power, but when I want the power back to play a game, it does not allow me to switch back to the 6970M unless I plug it back in.

    Is there any fix out that allows switching at anytime on battery, as in back a forward from IGP and 6970M and vice versa aas many times I would like?
     
    T2050, Apr 26, 2011
    #10
  11. Harryboiyeye

    Harryboiyeye Notebook Deity

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    I believe you need to change your PowerPlay Options for Battery to Maximum Performance. It is probably still on Maximium Battery Life or similar
     
    Harryboiyeye, Apr 26, 2011
    #11