Switchable Graphics - 7970M

Hi guys, I've had my Alienware M17x R4 for about 2 weeks, it has an AMD 7970M. When I press Fn+F7 it asks me to restart, so does this mean I'm going from 7970M to Integrated only or to 7970M only? When I restart resolution/display etc. is all to hell, and it says its trying to detect drivers. I've been playing COD/BF3 with graphics on ultra and its running perfectly, as the computer comes with no instructions, was wondering if someone could explain to me how it all works. I've tried to search forums - but search function isnt working properly. Many Thanks

 

After three days with my M17xR4 and I have drawn conclusions (correct me if I'm wrong)

You have two options:
With both Gpu-enabled (this detection method does not work very well, HD7970M performance appears to be reduced somewhat and the software is not capable and take readings of temperature and frequency of HD7970M)
-Or only with the HD7970M enabled (this is the correct performance and all the software captures the temperature readings and frequencies correctly). This way you do not have the energy efficiency of the HD4000.

To change between modes, press the key combination FN + F7, and needs a reboot every time you change.
Even at the first change is necessary reinstall the drivers automatically HD7970M and another reboot to make it functional.

 

Thanks Mikey, well I definately want to run the 7970M constantly, I'll restart her and download the drivers. So will the computer detect latest drivers, or do I need to locate them? Many Thanks

 

the system detects automatucamente, no need download anything

 

Excellent, as for the resolution problem - do I just adjust it?

 

Yes, adjust the resolution manual

 

hi i experience the same thing with you cooldudeoli and i tried reinstalling the AMD Driver after switching the graphics, everything runs really well the windows index experience shows 7.9 score as well but my problem is my m17x r4 boot (booting when i first turn on my laptop) become much more slower compare to before i doing this thing

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/675248-amd-7970m-drivers-new-2.html

that page for step-by-step directions to install the newest 7970 driver.
posted by dell alienware rep.

to make sure whether you're in 7970m only mode, try device manager (right-click "my computer", properties, device manager on the left side menu).
under display adapter you should only see 7970m and no HD4000.

install the latest driver under 7970m only mode.

after driver install, your screen resolution should automatically switched to whatever highest your lcd can support.

hope that helps.