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    Integrated or Dedicated - which is it!?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Chris_c81, Jul 6, 2012.

  1. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

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    This may be pretty simple question to answer but I cannot for the life of me work out how I find out which GPU is currently being used?

    Anyone!? Thanks!
     
  2. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    If its integrated iGFX you are running, you should see a small icon in the tasktray area for Intel HD graphics.
     
  3. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

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    I see your logic however:

    Untitled.png

    Notice I have both the Intel icon AND the Nvidia icon.

    So to that end, I'm assuming that some sort of hybrid SLI is in effect and during less intensive operations the integrated GPU is used, then when playing games etc. it switches to the dedicated GPU?

    I'm happy that this is an automated process, however I thought there would be some degree of control or information about which one is currently in use!?

    Thanks!
     
  4. Jazz8

    Jazz8 Notebook Guru

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    I just right click on my desktop and if I see "Catalyst Control Center" only (at the top of the menu), then I know I'm running my dedicated card; If on the other hand I see the Catalyst Control Center and below that "Configure Switchable Graphics", then I know I'm on my Intel video ...not sure how it works with Nvidia though.
     
  5. livid

    livid Notebook Consultant

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    Run GPU-Z? It should provide information for the graphics card that's currently being used.
     
  6. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah it does thanks. I only really wanted to know, to see if it was auto switching correctly. It works fine.

    Between this and Intel SRT, there have been some great technological advances recently. I've been out of the loop for awhile!


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