***M18x - NVIDIA SLI (Driver Questions, Performance, Problems) Discussion Thread***

Use GPU-Z to see if both cards are showingup.

 

I'll check it out on my AMD rig tonight when I get home from work

 

ok another quick question since this is my first sli setup.

when you dedicate a card for physx (lets say 580 (1) card) does it makes a difference performance lets say when you apply it to physx intensive games like Batman series?

is it possible to make enable sli but one card is dedicated to physx?

sorry for being noobish, in the nvidia control panel, the current active card that you are using is the one in the physx selection? (i mean where you can select the cpu, gpu 1 or gpu 2)

i don't really understand the principle, the difference of the options where you assign a physx card the need to just dedicate it to physx (the check in the box) okay let's say 580 (1) card is the physx card and dedicated to physx is checked at the same time, does it mean that it is also the active gpu (sli disabled) will it affect such fps in physx intensive games? (i was actually thinking if you dedicate a specific single gpu for physx then how about the normal gpu rendering on games? or is it the very same?

sorry about the complicated english

 

Thanks to Riftwire and SMOKE_SKULL!
I think my second Nvidia 580m is burn down.
The BIOS and software cannot detect the second card.
I will call the service.

 

Question regarding SLI on this machine. When you go to the drivers windows and disabled SLI does it physically shut off one of the cards to the point where it draws zero power? Or is it put it some kind of dormant state?

The reason I ask this is because I have both power bricks the thin and the thick one, and I notice that when I turn off SLI and stay connected to the big brick my work doesn't lag at all. When I unplug it and let the computer run on battery there is a slight dip in performance but nothing huge. However when I plug in the thinner brick the performance drops and everything gets choppy.

 

Hey, I'm having drama's with my 580's in SLI...I've played both skyrim and BF3 and in both games they start off great 50+ fps then, bam down to 10 fps - is this the throttling issue discussed? I turned off SLi and ran BF3 again and solid 40+ fps on the same settings, so I figure its that?? Cheers.

Update: I've tried Mr.Fox's no flash/nvinspector trick..no dice. I've tried flashing the vbios with v85 and v87..no dice. I'm looking into how to manually flash the bios with a modded version of the A05, as from what I can tell it can eliminate throttling...if that's what it even is. If that doesn't work, then I'm calling Dell and getting a replacement, I'm over the dramas.

Updated Update Ok so I flashed the bios to a modified A04 and still the problem occurs. I run Msi afterburner while running BF3 and both GPU's are being used. One hits 90 degrees only a short time in, while the ther sits at 73. Has anyone else used the A04 unlocked...are there any settings I should be changing? I'm wondering whether I flash the vbios back to default and see if that works. Although to be honest I'm kinda over it, I'm calling Dell tomorrow and getting a new one. I shouldn't have to be doing any of this crap.

 

Sounds like an issue with new game releases rather than an issue with your NVIDIA hardware. Bugs with new game releases are something I've come to expect. The "no flash/nvinspector trick" works great for fixing the throttling issue, but it will not compensate for poor game programming. The other things you are trying with BIOS and vBIOS mods are not going to help and good luck getting Dell to provide a system exchange for an issues that's a software problem. I doubt they'll send you a replacement because it will perform the same way.

Try something older like Crysis 2 or Modern Warfare 2 and if you don't experience the same problem it's an issue with the game software. There are a number of issues with Skyrim and BF3 not working properly on all hardware setups... I'm sure they'll get sorted by patches in time. SLI and CrossFire setups sometimes don't work well on a new release and fixing that is going to be up to the game developers. Until they fix it, you'll just have to play without SLI or experiment using custom profiles intended for different games. (This sometimes works great.)

No, it's still electrically connected to everything the same except for the other display adapter. You're only disabling a feature (SLI), not hardware.

The thin (underpowered) AC adapter is apparently not powerful enough to support the demands of your dual-GPU system. The fact that things work properly with the correct AC adapter attached suggests your system is working as it was designed to.

 

I have no problems running Skyrim or BF3. It has to be something else.

 

Yeah it doesn't seem like it's the game...I'm hearing what Mr. Fox is saying, but this is definitly card related. One of my cards jumps up to 90C only after a minute ingame, while the other is 73C both under the same load. On the phone to Dell now, they are going to organise a replacement. Mr. Fox this isn't the only issue I have had...and the system is not even a week old! The sound card, gone...had to replace the mainboard. Bigfoot wirless causes BSOD, the second hdd reported errors and now the video card. I'm not spending this much on a system I cant even use within the first week and it's sooo pretty too.

Update: Ok I tried crysis 2 (without Direct x 11 patch) and exact same thing. So Dell have put in a request to have the entire system replaced...so hopefully the next one will be better! I wont give up on Dell yet

 

Starting to run some bench tests on the 580m system now and can't seem to get over 6001 3D Marks in 3D Mark 2011. Overclocking CPU/GPU makes no difference, I keep getting 6001 marks. lol

Any ideas?

Also, what clock/shader/memory speeds are you guys running for everyday use on your 580m systems?

I'm stable at 700/1400/1600 and reluctant to push any harder without some inside knowledge.

thanks

 

In order to be stable at speeds of 750/1500/1600 or more you'll need to be running 0.92v... you may even need to drop down to 725/1450/1600 at stock Dell voltage. Look at the details on my 3DMark11 score and you'll see what it took for me to hit P7543 with my lowly 2760QM CPU. I also switch to Windows Classic and disable all but the bare minimum Windows Services, shut off my Vipre Antivirus, etc. Nothing is allowed to run that is not essential for Windows and 3DMark11 to function. (I turn stuff back on sometimes for nicer looking screen shots.)

For everyday use I am running stock 620/1240/1500 (P0/P1) and it is more than enough for excellent gaming. I have not found any need to overclock for anything except benchmarking. The GTX 580M SLI setup does not run benchmarks as well as the 6900M CrossFire system at stock clock speeds. It does just about everything else better.

 

Yeah I'm finding the same thing. The in-game performance is no comparison, both in terms of FPS and image quality. Particularly shadows.

 

Just to add in my two cents, your video card performance above stock clocks depends on how good the die is for both GPUs and varies for everyone. My sli setup runs at 800/1500/1500 @ .87v without issue (my daily clocks). I'm pretty sure it can even go higher but like brother fox says, these cards are more than powerful enough at stock speeds for most games.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

 

Just tried the new 290 beta driver out and got 700 points more than I did on the recommended dell driver. But dual displays wont work for me. It doesn't detect anything connected to the displayport.

Trying the 285 driver now.

I'd be happy to stick with the Dell driver, but Battlelog wont let me launch Battlefield 3 without updating.

 

Guys, I am still on A03 Bios. Is there any benefit moving to A04 or this new 12/22 A05 bios?

This is for our 580sli system...

 

5150Joker and Fox, First Joker are you using Fox's throttle fix with your 800 clock speeds? Do you have have .87 and .85 set at the same 800/1500/1500? Fox how about you? Also Joker these are you daily clocks correct? have you seen a Performance increase vs. the 750 setting? I am looking for the highest daily clocks.... When this computer is in use, it is all graphic and edit use. Also are you using any extra cooling? or no need?

 

My 580Ms are running NVIDIA reference voltage (0.92) rather than the Dell factory under-volt (0.87). I have 750/1500/1500 as the vBIOS defaults and load my 620/1240/1500 (factory default speeds) batch file through the Windows startup folder. This is my "everyday speed" and it works perfect for gaming and ordinary tasks.



I have created multiple batch files for nvidiainspector that I can launch at will. Otherwise my GPUs runs at stock Dell core/shader/memory clock speeds. I have found (through trial and error) that some benchmarks perform better at different GPU speeds than others. What may freeze one benchmark may not in another. Definitely not a "one size fits all" proposition in benching, at least not for me.



Not using any extra cooling for normal everyday use. That's not needed because the system typically runs in the 45-55°C range most of the day. The M18x sits flat on a desk or lapdesk when used. No propping up the back end and no chill pad. In benches I force fans to 100% several minutes before starting to get the temps down to about 35-38°C first and benchmarks seldom take the GPU temps above 70°C... sometimes the GPU temps never even hit 70°C during benchmarking.

 

I Like your Batch process Fox. The only thing is my Husband is against Flashing (for now). I told him i could do it and he gave me a horror story off course. Is there any other way to increase the voltage? Is Flashing actually easier than it looks?
With all those batches you made-- are those from flashing? or a mix of Flashing and Throttle fix method?

 

No, not really. In fact, some folks experienced no DPC latency on A03. The DPC latency seems to have surfaced with A04 and A05. If you were going to update, go with A05 so that NUMLOCK defaults to on at boot. (Something I prefer.) Otherwise, A05 is only necessary for AMD 6990M CrossFire systems. It seems to affect nothing on NVIDIA 580M SLI systems except the NUMLOCK state.

The batch files are only for changing clock/shader/memory clocks on the fly... This is just way lots easier than opening nvidiainspector, and manually making adjustments with sliders for each P-state on each GPU. The batch files include instructions for voltage, but they do nothing. There is no way to change voltage except by flashing.

Your hubby is right. There is always a risk of something going wrong. That being said, I know you can do it. It's very easy.

There is no reason to change voltage except for benchmarking. The factory voltage does an outstanding job up to about 750/1500 for me and that is more than enough for games. With Dell's factory under-voltage setting of 0.87v I have trouble with the nvidia driver crashing, BSOD and lockups beyond those clock speeds. Moving the voltage to the NVIDIA reference spec of 0.92v makes those issues disappear.

Changing the voltage is totally unnecessary to fix the throttling issue. All that needs to be done for that is have the P0/P1 states set at equal clock speeds for both GPUs. Throttling does screw up gaming and using the throttling fix with nvidiainspector is (in my view) sort of a pre-requisite to a satisfying user experience with the GTX 580M.

 

Thank you. For some reason It will not allow me to Rep you.....

 

There is usually a good reason. What error are you getting? Too much given out in 24 hours or have to spread it around? The latter keeps people from giving rep over and over to their buddies and none to others. The third common error message occurs when you try to give rep more than once to the same post. At any rate, it's the thought that counts.

 

I'm running a throttle fixed vbios from redline that is set at 0.87v and stock clocks. For overclocking I use Fox's nvidia inspector method and have the batch file set to execute on startup at 800/1500/1500 @ 0.87v. The performance increase vs 750 is probably negligible but I like to squeeze every bit of performance I can because I like maxing out eye candy settings in games.

 

So does anyone else have issues trying to run dual screens via DP on the 290 drivers or just me?

 

Hi,
I have an m18x with 2 geforce gtx560m cards... I made a fresh install of win7 from factory image...my computer is running fine everything fine..benchmarks were fine aswell but when i enter bios A05, it has my discreet graphics card 1 and 2 as nvidia geforce gfx and not as nvidia geforce gtx 560m.... Although in win7 device manager it shohs the correct gtx 560m...just dont understand y bios doesnt recognise as gtx 560m
Thanks in advance plz help

 

hi,
i restored my m18x to factory image then noticed that the name of discreet graphics card 1 and 2 were both nvidia gfx and not nvidia geforce gtx560m... tried benchmark and comp is running fine as before..in win7 in device manager it shows both card correct name as geforce gtx560m...its just bothering me why in bios its diff???? please helpppp

thanks

 

That is totally normal for bios to show nvidia grx my 580m GtX sli shows like that in bios

 

That's right... no reason for alarm or concern. I think nvidia grx in BIOS simply means "NVIDIA Graphics" and has nothing to do with the model of GPU installed.

 

THANKS FOR UR HELP

 

err...guys can you elaborate this one for me? im not sure how to do this, i already typed cmd (command prompt) this cd..cd nvflash thing, noob it a little to those who have done it already thanks!

(3) back in command prompt direct yourself to that nvflash folder by cd.. cd.. then cd nvflash (cd c:\; cd nvflash)
When you do a dir listing you should see all your files there ready to go.

 

These are DOS commands.

cd means "change directory" - cd c:\ moves you to the root directory of the C:\ drive

when you type cd \folder name (replacing folder name with the name of an actual folder) it moves you there

dir means "directory" and using this command lists all the files and folders within a folder (directory)

once in the root directory, cd followed by the folder name changes to that folder - cd nvflash would move you to c:\nvflash

typing /? after the name of an executable file at a command prompt will generally list all the command switches that can be used with an executable

More info on DOS commands can be found here. I'm an old dude, and DOS commands are something I have used for years. I even remember being disgruntled about having to use Windows when it was a new thing.

I've attached a couple of CMD window screen captures to illustrate.

 

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction to flash the 580m's to 0.92v?

I'm aware of using nvflash, just wanted to be sure where I could get the correct rom/bin file to flash the cards with so I don't end up bricking the cards.

Thanks!

 

You'll find it here... http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...benchmark-thread-part-2-a-13.html#post8167853

 

Hey guys just thought I would post this, thanks to Red Line for the underclocked testing and Saltius.

Here is a VBIOS for the 580M (06 version with the throttling fix p1=p0) at 0.85V resulting in less heat. This bios is at stock clocks and can be safely OC'ed 10% using nvinspector to change both performance states p1,p0. There was an underclocked BIOS out similar to this but it was not at stock clocks.

For instructions on how to flash VBIOS refer to the other SLI 580M threads.

www.mvktech.net/components/com_joomlaboard/uploaded/files/AW_GTX580M_06_P1_P0_matched_085.zip

 

Hello Everyone !

This is my first post and i have a heat related issue i hope you can help me with

I just bought my first ever AW M18x with dual nvidia GTX560m running on SLI. Installed SWTOR and started playing. 5-15 mintues into gameplay i noticed a major slowdown

Tried restarting the game, the machine but the same thing kept happening. I was looking through your forums and downloaded the nVidia inspector tool to monitor my GPUs and it seems that one of my GPUs heats up to 90 degC within the first 5-10 minutes of gameplay while the other remains at 67-72 degC...Also the "heated" GPU doesn't seem to have any fan control options available. (GPU1 is the one questions, while GPU2 is fine) After the GPU gets up to 90c the the graphs for Shaders/Voltage/Temperature experience a sharp drop correlating with the preformance drop.

The current Temperature difference between the 2 GPUS 18 degC....(Is this even normal ?...i only have Internet Explorer and nVidiaInspector running)

I've updated to the latest Dell M18x BIOS and the related nvidia GTX560m vBios from the Dell support site, also updated the nVidia drivers to 285.62.

I have a feeling that this is a hardware problem and i should get it back to the store and have it exchanged, as it hasn't even been 24 hours since i bought the machine.

I'm wondering whether both GPUs should have to have thier own fans or is it just a shared one.

If it isn't too much trouble can you please tell me if there is anything that might be causing this ?

Thanks in Advance!


PS:
My system Specs:
Alienware M18x
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2670QM CPU @ 2.20GHz
Dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M
16 GB RAM
Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 and all the required updates installed.

Didn't attempt any overclocking, the Machine was powered up as is

 

Hi, I was wondering if it was possible to swap out my dual AMD 6970s in place of the newer NVIDIA 580s now being offered with the m18x. I thought I read early on when the m18x first came out that once you picked AMD you were stuck with them as your graphics card. Anybody know if this is viable? I'd presume it is quit risk prone and not recommended?

Thanks,
Bite

 

yes you can do it but you need to get the SLI cable too.

 

SolidNazz - welcome to NBR Forum, and especially the Alienware Community. We're glad you joined us. I moved your post into the NVIDIA SLI thread, since your system does not have AMD Crossfire.

I could not agree more with your comment. The situation you are describing is not normal. I'm sure there is a very simple solution. Even though there's probably something simple involved with the fix, given that you just received this brand new machine I would call 1-800-ALIENWARE to simply return it and re-order a replacement. It's too expensive to tinker around with fixing something that was not right from the factory. Just remember you have a very limited time to exercise your right to return it for a refund and re-order a replacement. Also remember that being extremely polite and respectful will go a long way with the rep assisting you. Alienware reps, and Dell as a company cares about making things right, but the rep that will assist you is not personally responsible for the mistake. They may offer a consolation for your inconvenience and their lack of quality control. If not, then ask in a nice way, as a first time customer, what they can do for you under the circumstances.

If you were beyond the window of opportunity for a no-questions-asked return we could explore the fix here on the forum and probably have it purring in no time. Good luck, and please keep us posted on the situation. I'm sure everything is going to turn out great. The M18x is an awesome machine. I love mine and I trust you'll feel the same way once this has been corrected.

I customarily share helpful links when greeting newer members. Please take a few minutes to click through them. I hope that you and other readers find the links useful in jump-starting participation in the Community. Again, welcome to NBR.

USEFUL THREADS FOR FORUM MEMBERS

All members reading this post are encouraged to become familiar with the rules for our forum. The information on how to search the forum is especially useful, as it should help members find information quickly, avoid creating new threads to ask questions that have already been answered in another thread, as well locating appropriate threads to participate in an established discussion.

Forum Rules - *PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING* | Alienware General Information & HOW TO: Search the forum - *PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING*

Reputation Points/Power and User Titles | Forum Guide and "How-To" | How To Properly Insert an Image Into Your Post | NBR Marketplace

 

Hey guys, so I'm relatively new to PC gaming, as the m18x is my first gaming notebook. My system specs are:

CPU: Intel Core i7 2760QM
GPU: Dual 2GB GDDR5 Nvidia Geforce GTX 580M
Memory: 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600Mhz
Hard Drive: 500GB Hybrid Drive 7200RPM

I'm a little disappointed in the fact that when I run Battlefield 3's multiplayer, my framerate is extremely volatile, as it dances within a 39-62 FPS. I'd say, on average, it's in the low 50s. This seems unacceptable for having 2 580Ms, so I was wondering if there was anything I could do to improve the FPS while keeping it running on Ultra settings. I have the latest drivers (290.53). Is anyone else suffering from these under-par framerates? Also, Skyrim on Ultra runs in the mid-50s as well, which is extremely disappointing considering it's not a demanding game at all.

 

Look at the opening post on the http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-throttle-fix-no-vbios-flashing-required.html thread. You are possibly experiencing the throttling issue. It's easy to fix. If you don't already have the updated Dell vBIOS, apply that before following the steps outlined in the thread.

Also, be sure you are operating on AC power and using the "High performance" power profile rather than "Power saver" or "Balanced" profile. Go into the advanced options in the "High performance" profile and disable everything the refers to power saving, sleep, etc. Set the minimum and maximum CPU states to 100%.

 

Will Nvidia ever come out with a fix as an updated driver download? I also noticed there is a disclaimer about my warranty. I don't want to lose my advanced warranty, so should I back off or is this relatively safe? Also, how do I set the CPU states? Thank you for your response previously.

 

GRIDIRONCPJ, this may sound silly but have you enabled SLI in the Nvidia control panel? When you first install the drivers it doesn't enable SLI by default. You have to go into the control panel and enable it (then reboot).

Ignore all of the above if you definitely have it enabled but I thought it might be worth checking

 

Haha, yeah, I've had it enabled. Now this may sound silly, but what is throttling when referring to the video cards? I'm still a noob at all this stuff so excuse my limited knowledge.

 

In a nutshell, its when your gpu's reduce their clock speeds and dont run at their default clock speed resulting in lower performance. Manufacturers can put in "safeguards" in the video cards vBios telling it when to "slow down".....a bit like when you see a sign on the back of a truck saying "limited to 55mph".....once the gpu's hit that point, they will automatically reduce speed.....and SPEED IS OUR FRIEND lol - we want MORE SPEED hahahahaha!

 

Gotcha. Well I fixed the throttling using the method in that other thread. Battlefield 3 is now running between 80-120 FPS on Ultra! This is the experience I paid the money for, so I'm satisfied. Skyrim is still between 50-60, but I heard that's because it only uses 2 of the CPU cores or something of that sort since it's a console port (who would have thought such a large game would be designed for consoles that have 2005/06 technology?)

My only concern is whether or not the method for fixing the throttling will decrease the lifetime of my CPUs. Anyone care to explain?

 

At 1920x1080 with everything maxed out and FSAA on?

I only get about 50FPS on my rigs at those settings with stock graphics clocks and no throttling!

Did you flash the 0.92V graphics card BIOS?

 

Yeah, everything is maxed out. I don't even know what flashing the 0.92V graphics card BIOS means haha. I just followed the steps from that other thread for the throttling and my FPS went up dramatically.

 

Hummm, your beating sli desktop gtx580s....

 

Yeah something seems odd. Probably a VSYNC thing is my guess. Can you run 3DMark11 with the current settings nd let us know your score and maybe do a screen dump of BF3 with Fraps running so we can see the frame rate?

Hey I flashed the 092.ROM last night on both cards, but it only appeared to actually apply to one card, despite no errors. (I flashed with index=1 and index=0).

Tried flasshing with SLi enabled and then again with it disabled. With it disabled, one of the cards dropped down to 0.80V with the other sitting at 0.92V.

For those who have done it successully.. do you need to boot with signatures disabled for it to work?

Come to think of it, I only rebooted, didn't power off and back on. Perhaps thats the issue? I got freaked out with 2 cards running different BIOS' and seeing one running at 0.80V and flashed back to my backup roms as soon as I saw the mismatch in voltages. lol.

 

Nope.
You only need to:
nvflash.exe --index=0 -5 -6 card0.rom
y
y
done
nvflash.exe --index=1 -5 -6 card0.rom
y
y
done

This will flash both cards if you have the files in the right place.

And if you make a mistake, you can boot this mode to reflash the messed up card.

Spoiler

 

I used "nvflash.exe -index=1 -5 -6 card0.rom", then "nvflash.exe -index=0 -5 -6 card0.rom" (missing extra dash before index). perhaps that was the reason. I'll try again this arvo

Not sure what you mean by the last part. You mean boot with integrated graphics?