M11xR1 Need help switching to discrete GPU

Ok i'm not exactly great with computers, i do like my games though. Im trying to get better, slow progress though.

Alright i have tried to install the Nvidia Optimus onto my m11x, due to not being able to play L4D2 because it doesnt seem that the Nvidia graphics card is active?
However when i try to download / install Nvidia optimus it says that no software that is supported by this programme, is detected... Not sure what to do. * if i understand correctly, Optimus is what i need to download to change graphic cards automatically? Correct me if wrong :/

I have tried the FN F6 keys but it just shows programmes that are running and says cancel :?

 

if fn+f6 brings up a diaoloug box, then you have the R1, without nVidia Optimus. Instead, you have switchable graphics. Open up the task manager (crtl+shift+esc) and goto processes and end each task listed by the little popup. Then you can switch the GPU over to the nVidia.

 

Ok i've opened the task manager and gone to Processes, where do i open > start the GPU?

Sorry i'm completely clueless right now :/

 

If you have a core 2 duo CPU then you have an R1 which does not support Optimus. If you have an R2 (which has an i-series CPU), we have a sticky for this:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/492051-m11x-r2-nvidia-optimus-issues.html

Again, only if you have an R2 (i-series CPU).

 

Which system did you buy?

The R1 with a Core 2 Duo processor or the R2 with an i5/i7 processor? It makes a big difference for how you switch graphics cards.

It sounds like you have the R1, since you mentioned Fn+F6. In this case, you do NOT have Optimus on your system, instead, you have manual graphics switching. In order to switch graphics on your system, you need to close the programs that that dialog box lists. What processes does it list?

 

I have an R1, just dont know how to switch to the Nvidia gaming card or switch to the GPU or something.

damn i feel useless... i am useless

 

It lists processes like AlienFusionController.exe*32
AlienFXHook32mnger,exe
AlienFXHook64mnger.exe
AlienwareAlienFXController.exe
AlienwareOn-ScreenDisplay.exe
BluetoothHeadsetProxy.exe
Chrome.exe
Brs.exe
BTTray.exe and Stackserver
Explorer.exe

and many more... what do i do with them, i tried closing all of the and stuff just went downhill, theres no dialog box saying what to closed though, which is what i think people are trying to say there will be.

 

reboot the system and dont mess with AlienFX/Command Center - it has nothing to do with it.

Take a look at the users manual - if im not mistaken, it explains FN+F6.

What video driver is currently installed? L4D2 runs fine on the stock video driver. What driver did you try to update to which caused all the switching issue?

 

It's in German;/

Happy New Years as well all

 

I hope the following screenshot helps you:


If it doesn't, please post a screenshot of your whole screen after you have pressed Fn+F6 with the Increased performance window which shows programmes that are running.