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    dedicated GPU running at full clock when not used...

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by RT-XD, Aug 9, 2015.

  1. RT-XD

    RT-XD Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi everyone,

    I'm really not sure why this happens, but the dedicated GPU runs at full clock when it's not being used (when intel HD is in use).
    I've checked the bios, and the laptop is running in Optimus (Intel HD is running basically).
    I thought this maybe a driver thing, but I'm really not sure anymore.

    Idle temps are around 50-55 degrees C. I would expect idle temp of around 40-45 really, considering the GPU shouldn't be in use at all!

    Specs:

    M17xR4 running on Windows 10 (though the issue has been around since I've had win 8)
    Intel i7 3740QM 2.7GHz (3.2GHz Tubo)
    GTX 980m with 2GB (upgraded from 680m, but also had this issue on the previous card)
    12GB 1600Mhz RAM
    Sandisk Ultra+ 256GB SSD
    1TB HDD 7200rpm + 32GB SSD Cached
    Killer wireless network adapter N-1103

    If there's anything more information needed, please let me know. (I've attached a picture)

    And thanks!
     

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    RT-XD, Aug 9, 2015
    #1
  2. thegh0sts

    thegh0sts Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    check your nvidia control panel and if the power is set to max performance that might be why.
     
    thegh0sts, Aug 9, 2015
    #2
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  3. RT-XD

    RT-XD Notebook Enthusiast

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    Seems it's set to 'Adaptive'. I've tried all of the options and they all seem to give the same result.
     
    RT-XD, Aug 9, 2015
    #3
  4. thegh0sts

    thegh0sts Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    try running in dedicated/PEG mode.
     
    thegh0sts, Aug 9, 2015
    #4
  5. DaveFromGameaVision

    DaveFromGameaVision Notebook Consultant

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    I'd suggest reinstalling your Nvidia drivers after using DDU. Sounds like a driver problem to me.
     
    DaveFromGameaVision, Aug 10, 2015
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  6. RT-XD

    RT-XD Notebook Enthusiast

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    No luck with the Dedicated PEG mode.

    I'll give DDU a try and re-install the drivers. Let's see what happens :)
     
    RT-XD, Aug 11, 2015
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  7. RT-XD

    RT-XD Notebook Enthusiast

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    So..it's fixed the issue somewhat?
    When I start the computer, the GPU is fine - remains off and cool.
    After I play any game that utilises the GPU though (and then quit the game) the GPU decides to stay at max clock (GPU clock and memory) with 0% load. Temperatures idling at around 57C
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2015
    RT-XD, Aug 12, 2015
    #7
  8. DaveFromGameaVision

    DaveFromGameaVision Notebook Consultant

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    Do you have Shadowplay enabled? I had an issue where that was keeping one of my cards clocked up. If you don't try toggling it on and then off and see if that changes anything.
     
    DaveFromGameaVision, Aug 12, 2015
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  9. RT-XD

    RT-XD Notebook Enthusiast

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    Wow...looks like that's the problem! I'll have to keep remembering to turn shadowplay off from now on!

    Thanks for your help! :)
     
    RT-XD, Aug 12, 2015
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  10. DaveFromGameaVision

    DaveFromGameaVision Notebook Consultant

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    Happy to help. :D
     
    DaveFromGameaVision, Aug 12, 2015
    #10