Enabling Hybrid Graphics on Windows 7

Hello,

Now, I am new to the forum and I am here because I have read through a lot of what has already been posted about the m17x and enabling the dual GTX 260m, however I have yet to resolve my problem. When working with BIOS I run across the hybrid option however it says it is only available with Windows Vista and nVidia discreet drivers. Now this computer came with Windows 7 and so I am wondering why Dell would build a computer and install hardware that cannot be used with the OS on the machine.

Another thing is when I run the website, Can You Run It? it says that I have 1.9 GB of video RAM, so I guess my computer is using the video ram on the 260ms but it is not showing that it is enabled or anything. On top of that my fn+f7 does nothing, which I have been reading is only used when the Hybrid graphics is enabled. Can someone let me know what I should try to do? Also, I was able to update my BIOS and still nothing...

Thanks for the help

 

Well, if no one has any opinion on how to enable the hybrid graphics, what is your opinion on them already being enabled and discreetly? I am thinking this because of the fact that it says I have 1.9 GB of video RAM. However my new question would be how would I be able to view the options on the 260m or how would I be able to get to show up on my specs and not just the built in 9400?

Any opinion would help ..

 

There shouldn't be a problem with enabling the hybrid graphics in W7. I had M17X-R1 with W7 and there wasn't a problem. You just need to experiment with drivers.
Just enable it in BIOS.
As soon as you see the 260M and 9400 in Device Manager - Display adapters, that's it. Just need a good driver to make use of those. Visit the drivers thread for details.

You should know however, that there are quite a few issues with hybrid graphics, and many R1 owners (including myself) eventually disabled the integrated and hybrid in BIOS and operated solely on discrete graphics. The system would be more stable and whenever you need the battery life, just reboot without the AC power and the 9400 will be auto-enabled.

Hope this helps.

 

As Aikimox said above.
What I did was expirment with different settings. I just use discrete when playing games and the like but default to the 9400 doing Microsoft Word things etc...when on battery.

The Fn+7 then only changes from discrete to integrted with no hybrid. This requires a reboot each time but that is no biggie.

I purchased a machine with two gr cards. It is a desktop companion to me not a replacement.
I do a lot ov HD video editing and the hybrid works withut a hitch when doing that in Movie Edit Pro 16.

Just my thoughts.

 

Here is a handy guide you should print. It explains the various Graphics/Hybrid SLI modes.

M17x - Alienware Forum - Alienware Club - Dell Community

At the time this post made made Feb 11, Dell only supported Hybrid SLI/R1/ on Vista. I am not sure whether they have made changes since than. Probably best to Post Chris M at Dell.