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.

    Underclock my HD 6870M

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by ryandolph25, May 26, 2012.

  1. ryandolph25

    ryandolph25 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    135
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Hello.

    I have a few questions for you guys:

    1. Is it possible to underclock my GPU even if the M17X has switchable GPUs?
    2. Can i disable the IntelHD graphics and make the Radeon HD 6870M the default GPU?

    Please help. I tried to use AMD OverDrive and ATI Tools but it only gives me automatic BSoD.

    I don't want to put my GPU to the max because it goes into vertical stripes and goes into BSoD when it reaches a certain heat temperature. I just want to lower it a bit.

    When i am using Maximize Battery Life setting (300Mhz/400Mhz) it never goes into vertical stripes crash, but when i turn it Maximum Performance (675Mhz/1000Mhz), a minute or two.. it goes in display crash > blackscreen > BSoD.
     
  2. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    5,395
    Messages:
    4,571
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    105
    1. Yes. TriXX serves the purpose well. https://www.sapphireselectclub.com/ssc/TriXX/TriXX.aspx. Switch to the 6870M, go to the Overclocking tab and use the sliders to adjust clocks to the desired levels.

    2. Yes, but for what purpose? Just switch to the 6870M and leave it there.

    The more important thing is that you should never experience overheating with a 6870M at stock clocks. You need to remove the bottom panel (take out the battery and remove 2 screws) and use compressed air to clean the dust out of the fans, vents and radiators. If that does not resolve the issue, then repaste the GPU. Easy process; just follow this illustrated guide: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/561599-m17x-r3-cpu-gpu-re-pasting-guide-w-pics.html. That guide will also help you open up the bottom panel and remove the fans for cleaning purposes if needed (which is probable).