M17x R3 Integrated Intel SB GPU *IS Disabled* w/Optional 120Hz 3D WLED

Originally, I didnt want such a big lappy. I was willing to go to up to15inch sizes at max, due to my small size (5'4"). But I cut out a piece of cardboard to match the size of the G73, and it wasnt that big. Also, played with it at BB, and it wasn't all that big. R3 is slightly smaller, and offers optimus, so I was instantly sold. Plus, the aafes deal was hard to resist

Hopefully it arrives soon, so that I can answer 460M+Optimus related questions for future owners/potential buyers.

With regard to this thread, I'd like to know if Optimus is hardware or driver related. If it's driver(software, bios, etc.) then couldn't Optimus just be enabled/possible later on with an update?

 

After so many have convinced us otherwise, and now this...

 

Here’s what I can gather so far about who says YES and NO for Optimus technology in the R3 with 3D purchase. Hopefully this list is accurate and without judgment

====================
Optimus: YES:
====================
Markus Schütz, Senior Marketing Manager (UPDATE: STATEMENT RECENTLY CHANGED TO "NO" JUST FOR 3D)
Dell Europe, Middle East, Afrika
Reason: Provided restatement of how Optimus operates in the R3 with additional information

Dell Sales and technical support (via phone and email)
Reason: Provided restatement of how Optimus operates in the R3

====================
Optimus: NO:
====================
Sean Pelletier
Senior Technical Marketing Manager - Notebooks
NVIDIA
Reason: Provided technical reasons why not and stated YES for R3 without 3D purchase – posted in this thread.

Our own members who have the system:
Reason: Provided several statements about integrated graphics like:
- Missing in device hardware
- Missing in BIOS
- No response from short cut key stroke
- Not available under application options
- Driver not installed (though disk is provided?)
- Battery life no where near expected Optimus promises (though, when is it ever)
- With so many posts there may be others

R3 Manual
Reason: Statement on page 50:
“NOTE: The nVidia optimus technology is not supported on computers that use nVidia 3D vision.”

 

hmm..strange, manual says optimus is not supported, dell reps say it is

who are we now going to believe?

cant somebody just take out his gpu and see if the notebook is working?

 

Official statement from Dell you mean?

 

forum rules -

•If you are going to post non-English on these forums, please also post an English Translation of your post.

If not, your post will be removed.

 

this guy works for dell as the marketing chief so i think we can say its official

 

Currently, the 120Hz panel is tied to the Nvidia 3D Vision Enabled SKU, which does not support Optimus. You must choose a 60Hz panel to get Optimus. The absence of Optimus on the 120Hz (3D stereo) configuration is an Nvidia imposed restriction. It is not something Dell chose or desired. We tried hard to get Nvidia to support this, but it was not possible for Nvidia to overcome the technical challenges.

 

So basically no optimus with 120Hz ?
If that is true (at least for now) it would be great if Dell put that notice on their website so people will know about it when customizing.

 

i agree with torai, for many non tech savvy people they will probably be expecting optimus with the 120hz as dell does not clearly state that if you select the 120hz screen you will lose all switchable graphic capabilities.

 

+1. 10char

 

This is pretty much a necrobump, but is important to my situation (ordered & paid for, but did not get 3d package. dell not co-operating very well in helping me resolve the issue)...

..Does anyone know, or could you theorize, whether or not it is possible - for a tech (or me) - to properly install the 3D system on an r3 that shipped as non-3d (as in optimus was enabled).

I appreciate the help/opinions/expertise with this matter.

 

It would all depend 100% on how the display is routed between the two models. If the display is hardlined straight to the IGP then through the IGP to the Nvidia card then no you wouldn't be able to get 3D to work due to Nvidia limitations in the way they designed Optimus. If you have a situation where the display is routed to the mobo and then the BIOS or programming decides which GPU is the direct path then you should be able to in theory. No telling for certain without knowing 100% how the system works.

 

Well, now they're telling me that there are zero 3D screens, so it doesn't really matter. I asked how they plan to provide hardware support to those with 120hz screens and got only "we won't have any issues until 6 months after product launch typically". Let's hope nothing happens to anyone's screen (even though this was probably not true).

thanks dane

 

Wow, what does "Necrobump" mean? LOLZ

 

I'm guessing it's another way of saying bump from the dead lol.

 

Its as simple as its been said so many times. The Intel IGP just cant handle the requirement for 3D streaming through it. I dont think a manufacturer would want to risk a thousand complaints of stuttering etc... It was wiser and pragmatic for them to hardwire as such for 3D alone. However on the advertising side its really cheating in any way you look at it. One must be crystal clear on the exact specifications. This is reflected by so many of you who were carrying a zillion doubts on this matter. But tell me which hardware manufacture doesnt pull this stunt on the customers.

I suggest for all those who are going for R3 get the ATI 6970 and i7 2920 when it gets released. Or Nvidia GTx 485M with i7 2920. Otherwise get a i7 2720. Losing the uniqueness of Sandybridge IGP is not worth it.

Nvidia's 3D tech is very immature and currently its being used to mint as much money from early adopters. A good 3D screen should allow you to use normal 3D glasses like the one found in Movie Theaters. This current Technology restricts you in so many ways. You have to buy another pair of Nvidia Goggles if you wish to share the viewing with another person too. I also dont like the fact that the glasses have to be recharged. Are the batteries replaceable by the way?

As for overclocking Sandy Bridge among all reasons it certainly includes Intel's grudge on people who overclock cheaper CPUs. By doing what they have done now, it eliminates this form revenue leakage by leaps and bounds. Well this is the world we live in especially when there is hardly any competition.

On another note for all those who got a non 3D screen. How is it? Please elaborate if possible on the High Definition quality.

Thanks

 

"A good 3D screen should allow you to use normal 3D glasses like the one found in Movie Theaters."

Never going to happen. The polarized lenses are created specifically for the movie and the projection, also, it requires TWO projectors. Good luck getting that at your home

Outside of 3D support, people want the 120hz screen for better FPS.

 

Given this thread has been answered, its time to close it.