The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Question for m17xR3 AMD GPU owners...

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by jeremyshaw, May 26, 2011.

  1. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

    Reputations:
    791
    Messages:
    3,210
    Likes Received:
    231
    Trophy Points:
    131
    Hello,

    Do you need to install special Intel and AMD drivers to enable the switchable GPU functionality? Or may you install the normal Intel HD3000 and AMD Mobility drivers from Intel and AMD? Because if I can get away with just ordering a HD6870m, then I will. Otherwise, I'd shoot the extra 75usd (trying very hard to not spend a dime over stock price + 1080p panel) for the nVidia GPU, since Optimus has the sole benefit of allowing any nVidia notebook driver to work :)


    Thank you very much!!
    -Jeremy
     
    jeremyshaw, May 26, 2011
    #1
  2. steve1ddd

    steve1ddd Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    82
    Messages:
    482
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    The stock dell and all new reference drivers include the switchable intel drivers that you need. if you are getting the laptop to game on, get the 6970..you will NOT be sorry.
     
    steve1ddd, May 26, 2011
    #2
  3. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

    Reputations:
    791
    Messages:
    3,210
    Likes Received:
    231
    Trophy Points:
    131
    well, the HD6970m is a fair bit more expensive :( I know it knocks the socks off of the other two options, however, I'm kinda hard pressed to justify that amount of spending as this is a m11x replacement (in terms of usage :p) :eek:
    thank you very much for your help, though!! I'm definitely not getting the m14x, now :D
     
    jeremyshaw, May 26, 2011
    #3
  4. shadowyani

    shadowyani Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    214
    Messages:
    791
    Likes Received:
    137
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Whoa which reference drivers are you using that's including switchable graphics? My Intel driver is still the 8.800.6.0 (Catalyst 11.3) from Dell despite my AMD graphics running reference 8.850.0.0 (Catalyst 11.5) drivers.
     
    shadowyani, May 26, 2011
    #4
  5. steve1ddd

    steve1ddd Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    82
    Messages:
    482
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    the intell drivers dont seem to be updated very often is what i can tell......i can remove all drivers and ccc through the control pannel and be left with 2 unrecognized devices in device manager...i can then install 11.5 and have everything be there..... i am curently using the m18x amd drivers though due to issue with reference.
     
    steve1ddd, May 26, 2011
    #5
  6. hhairplane

    hhairplane Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    8
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I have a 6870M works great. Appreciate the functionality being built in to the driver. I don't regret not upgrading to the 6970M. If you don't have the money, the 6870M is an excellent GPU. Really like it.
     
    hhairplane, May 26, 2011
    #6