M17x-R3 with Geforce GTX 580 questions...

I ordered an Asus G74, though am of course having second thoughts, plus I think Amazon may have screwed up the price on my order, in which case I'll have to return it *sigh*

Anyway... I had an M15x a year ago, and had to return it because of the horrible crackling audio issue. Has that been a problem with the M17x-R3 or other current Alienware systems?

And then drivers...I *HATE* Floptimus, and one reason I went with Asus is it uses the GPU as an actual GPU-no Floptimus. For some crazy reason, Dell's using it on all their Alienware systems (sticking a GTX 580 behind Intel graphics?!? SERIOUSLY Dell?)

So...yeah, don't like it, but have there been any driver issues caused by it? I trust you can still install Nvidia's normal drivers from their site? You're not stuck relying on Dell or anything?

Sorry...the M17x is just so tempting...exactly the CPU and GPU I want, doubtless well built... Only catch is I don't trust Dell to do clean audio, and I don't want to run into Floptimus problems

 

I had TERRIBLE issues with Optimus and getting updated drivers from Dell. I had to run a modded Bios to be able to set my GTX 460(wish I had a 580) as the primary card and even be able to watch high def trailers. I also found a fully working updated driver as well seeing as the Nvidia drivers do NOT work from the site. Will get an error saying "No compatible hardware found". So yes, that is still an issue, even with the 580 I hear, although not as bad.

As far as audio issues, I have had my 17xR3 for about 6 months now and never once had any audio issues of any kind. Crystal clear and loud. Hope this info helps you!

 

if you don't go 3D, go AMD. more bang for your monie

 

Have been enjoying my laptop quite a bit. The optimus hasn't been a big issue. Got the latest nvidia drivers working without issue but required a modded inf file which nvidia provided in a complete driver package apon request here. I have had the odd game not default to the 580M so I just set it up in the nviida control panel to use the right card for that game and problem solved.

(ie. Anarchy Online needed to be told... it is a badly outdated game and strangely I tried the age of empires free to play game that just came out, for laughs, and it needed to be told)

I have really been impressed with the battery life on the intel graphics card when not gaming.. some maybe don't care about this.

 

It does, tremendously! Thanks so much! Glad to hear they've fixed the audio issue. I'd buy one if not for Optimus *sigh*

At least on the HP systems, Intel + AMD is having problems now too, not being able to use normal AMD drivers because of that switching stuff. (All AMD apparently works, since AMD's providing the drivers for everything at that point.)

Real driver support (direct from Nvidia or AMD) is just not something I'll compromise on, at least so long as there are other options.

I really appreciate the responses! *crosses fingers that Dell's next gen systems lose switchable graphics*

 

Oh darn...I responded before seeing your post...so you're doing a 580 and the Nvidia.com drivers ARE working? *sigh* I don't know what to do LOL

 

sry just edited my post. had to use an edited inf file for the drivers, my oversight ;/

Nvidia provided a complete download of the driver pack with the inf apon request which I found stand up.

 

There is a way around Optimus I believe, on the Mobo of the M17x R3 there are two slots that connect to the monitor; one for 60Hz (Optimus enabled) and one for 120Hz (One for 3D), 3D + Optimus does not work, so only the nVidia card will work unless you manually change it with FN + F7. Don't quote me on this word for word but it's worth a shot imo!

 

If optimus bothers you so much and you want 580M, the best bet is to get a 3D system. Optimus is disabled out of the box and you get far superior screen. Not to mention you can play with 3D if you like.

Peronsally, hearing all the optimus complains and issues, I would not buy a system where I can not fully manually control which graphic card is being used. That auto switching is more problem than it is worth.

 

Yeah...I guess that's a real option if worse comes to worse. I HATE "3D" though, so I don't want to support it if I can help it LOL. Hate having to spend $400ish more just to get rid of Optimus, which it shouldn't have in the first place.

 

If you hate Optimus that much and don't want to spend an additional $400, I'd stick with the G74.

 

Uses an actual GPU? What does that even mean? There are modified BIOSes you can install and disable IGP completely.