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    Hi guys, first time M17x owner

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by jamzkangster, Jan 10, 2012.

  1. jamzkangster

    jamzkangster Notebook Enthusiast

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    Long time alienware user...but first time owning a m17x with ATI platform

    the specs on it are: 2630qm 2.0ghz, ATI 6970m 2gb, 8gb ddr3, 500gb harddrive. So I believe this is a r3 based on those specs?

    Now, i have a couple of questions.

    1. What is the most up to date ATI graphic driver (called catalyst?) that I have to download and install for my 6970M? I am so unfamiliar with ATI, I've never owned or operated an ati card before....Sorry if that sounds noobish. Im confused which driver is appropriate, and ati website didnt really help :[

    2. I've tried installing command center, got it directly from dell's driver website but its not working. it says error when i try installing, something about microsoft net frame 4 etc. Do I need to do a clean reinstall of windows again? If I do a clean install of windows 7, in which order should I download and install the dell drivers?

    3. Related to questions 1, do i need to install intel graphic drivers separately as well?

    4. Anything else I must know?

    thanks a lot, hope to get speedy answers!!!!
     
  2. aznpos531

    aznpos531 Notebook Evangelist

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    1. Not familiar with ATI but I think the latest Catalyst driver is 12. something? Check out this thread: Internal Link

    2. Download and install Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 here: Link (microsoft.com) Then install Command Center.

    3. Intel graphics driver should be installed already. If not, select the right version for you here: Link (intel.com)

    4. Not really. If you intend to upgrade, my recommendation would be to get an SSD as your boot drive and install it in drive bay 1. You won't be sorry you did!
     
  3. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Concerning graphic drivers installation , install the AMD Display Driver first. Once done, the Intel Driver must be installed when in Integrated Mode. You will need to use the FN+F7 to switch over to Intel. A reboot may be necessary. Once done, install the Intel HD driver. Once installed, switch back over to your AMD GPU.

    Useful info for new owners can be found in the sticky threads, especially the owner's lounge .

    Congrats on your new Alienware.
     
  4. Megatony73

    Megatony73 Notebook Consultant

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    AMD Graphics Drivers & Software ? Download the latest drivers for your graphics products

    The Above link should take you right to the ATI driver page that will allow you to either answer a bunch of questions about your computer/videocard and select a driver OR you can just have it autodetect what driver should go on your system...I usually answer the questions cause I am worried the autodetect will mess up but, either way should work fine.

    You should go to that site on or around the 15th of each month...usually they release a new driver around then.