M17x r3 - 120hz / optimus question

While it looks like this horse has been beaten already, i'm trying to find out a final answer.

Long story short - i bought a m17x r3 from dell outlet, specifically for the 3D/120hz screen (which it was listed as). It arrived today, and it doesn't have 120hz option in the nvidia control panel. I reinstalled the drivers for s n g factor, but still nothing. I then notice there are 2 gpu's listed in display..the 560m and intel HD.

I assume this is the optimus version?? Well so i called dell, and they told me the wrong screen was installed. They shipped out a 120hz screen to a tech, and a tech is supposed to be onsite tomorrow to install it. From everything i've read this evening however, even after the correct screen is installed, it still looks like i'm SOL and will need to do an exchange with Dell.

Can anyone confirm? Thanks for the help

 

If you are seeing the Intel HD GPU then you don't have a 120Hz screen. The Intel GPU is bypassed when using the 120Hz screen. Let us know how the tech replacement goes.

 

That's exactly my thoughts, just needed to hear someone else say it . Tech should be onsite by noon today, as i just got the call. I'll actually be pretty surprised to see if this actually works.

Like my gut instinct...i'm 99.9 percent sure they shipped me the non-3D version, and now are attempting to install the 3D screen, but it still may not work right since the Intel GPU is definitely present on this pc.

 

The Intel GPU will always be present in the PC, it's your CPU. The technician will remove the whole display assembly, the remove the soft-touch black cover from it. The whole rest of that upper part is one large assembly. They will place the old cover on the new screen assembly, plug in the wires, screw it down, and BAM: 3D 120Hz screen. I got a replacement for my M17xr3, they sent me a brand new one because my outlet refurbished one was beat to hell
EDIT: Forgot to mention, the replacement was brand new machine x_X, but they sent it with the wrong screen. That's why it had to be switched out

Anyways, long story short. The motherboard will disable the integrated GPU once the new screen is installed, and will no longer be a select-able option. I would recommend uninstalling your NVIDIA drivers before the technician comes, and go ahead and have the newest verison downloaded so you can re-install it once they are done. Once re-installed, the software will recognize the 3D emitter and allow the 120Hz option to be select-able.

 

Wow i really hope that works blink - that would be so great if i don't have to go through the return process. I'm at work right now, but the tech said he'd call when he gets to my house. I'll see if he can remove the nvidia drivers before he begins.


I was really dreading that the intel gpu would still override the nvidia GPU and lock the refresh rate to 60hz, but what you're saying makes sense about the 3D emitter.

Man i hope this works!!! I'll let you know how it goes!

 

Remember the 3D display has to be plugged into a different socket. What this:
Alienware M17x R3 complete teardown / review - Hidevolution.com - YouTube

At around 16:13, you will see the connector for the display, their is connected to the LVDS output. The 3D one goes to the one closer to the camera. Should be easy because it has screw holes and the eDP cable has screws on it to fasten it down unlike the LVDS one.

 

Oh wow that's a great video...thank you for the link!!! I will make sure the tech knows that (though i'm hoping he already does haha)

 

any update on this screen replacement?

 

Sorry for the delay on the update - the monitor swap into the other port worked perfect. Just as blink posted, the internal GPU disabled itself and i am in 120hz bliss.

I hope this helps anyone that's looking into a replacement monitor (like in my case where it was assembled with the incorrect one) or wants to upgrade to a 120hz WLED. As long as you have the eDP port on your mobo, you should be fine in doing this.

Thank you all for your help!