M11xR2/R3 - NVidia Optimus Issues/Whitelisting Problems

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...dia-257-30-beta-dell-driver-discuss-here.html

 

Got something for other people to try. I'm running the 189.69 nVidia drivers off of the dell site. When I go to the fallout3.exe file, right click and force it to "run with graphics processor: Integrated Graphics" it runs perfectly. If I try to launch it through steam its will freeze within 5 minutes but by using the integrated option its smooth and fast and doesn't lock, even while walking through the wastes. Makes no sense that integrated runs smoother than the 335m but thats what i have. Let me know if it works for anyone else.

 

Hey I am getting my r2 tomorrow...how can i tell what nvidia driver is installed? If im not mistaken, there are 2 new drivers available for nvidia 335m to resolve optimus issues, which one should i install and do the drivers fix the issues? Also do i need to uninstall nvidia drivers through device manager prior to installing the nvidia drivers through the dell website?

Thanks, if someone could help me i would greatly appreciate it, i am fairly new to all this

 

I used the Nvidia Optimus apps to figure out when the nvidia gpu was coming on, and it turns out it is not coming on when I play youtube videos, hulu, or quicktime player videos . The only time I have seen it come on is for half life 2 and portal, as those are the only games I have installed at the moment.

Shouldn't they make it so you can give optimus a list of applications it should turn the gpu on for?

 

They do, but it is really basic, it relies on pointing it to EXEs.
I wish it had a learning mode or something where you could say 'what I am doing NOW, all of it, needs the fast GPU' and then it would remember based on what processes are running.

 

A learning mode would be so much better. It wouldn't be hard to implement: (1) Keep track of which programs run. (2) If a program runs more than some threshold--say 95% of the time--then put it on the IGP list by default. Also, everything that runs at the computer's first (ever) boot is put on the list (only Windows' executables will run at first boot as well as pre-installed "helper software" like Adobe Reader and antivirus software). (3) Have a button or other click-able option to do what you said, remember everything running now and add it to the 335m list (except the programs from steps (1) and (2)).

^It already watches for program launches and closings, so it wouldn't require anything new in terms of monitoring, just new behavior in regard to how it populates the list. I doubt it would take long to change from its current state to this one. If I had access to the source of the drivers, I'd do it myself. Once Optimus is cloned in Linux, I bet you'll see different behaviors like this.

Another thing it should add is giving the option to turn on being prompted for whenever a program is launched for the first time (ever) to add it to the 335m list. Sure, Optimus wouldn't be entirely in the background this way, but the option doesn't need to be on by default, only given as an option. I definitely would use it. The "right click-->add .exe" is not a good option because 99.99999% of programs are launched by shortcut, not by clicking their .exe.

 

Out of curiosity anyone know where the drivers store the info on which GPU to use?

 

Is there a way nvidia not to kick in while playing flash vids/movies?

Using IE/firefox and it kicks in on both.

 

Have you tried right clicking the application icon and setting it to use the integrated device?

 

I dont see options like nvidia has for apps on intel option.

 

Nothing like:

Which drivers are you using?

 

my m11xr2 does not have the feature to select how a program runs

 

Yea, we dont have such options. Im using Dell's beta 2xx series btw.

 

I have found that you dont get the option unless you do a driver sweep / clean after you have uninstalled your old drivers. Its due to old registry that is left behind it seems.

basically if you upgrade from 189.69 to 2xx.xx without uninstall + driver cleaner the menu wont show!

Guru3D - Driver Sweeper

 

To get the "run with graphics processor" option, you have to go to nvidia control panel, and check off the option under the View tab at the top. Mine wasn't on by default.

 

Thanks dudes. I used driver sweeper and reinstalled the Dell beta driver.

Now there is option that was missing. Gonna try it out now.

 

I just did the same, i tried to boot a program using the gpu thing and it doesnt even turn the gpu on. Anything and everything on steam wont boot up and activate the graphics card except for source games.

 

Not sure what you did. I just played company of heros on steam. I'm still trying to figure out IE use intel. It keeps using nvidia on youtube.

 

For Steam, I came up with an ingenious way to get every game to launch with the 335m, if I may be so modest

Actually, I only tested it with CS 1.6 and Geometry Wars, and I didn't think to try them before I did what follows, so maybe it will have no effect.

With both games, Steam launches c:/Program Files (x86)/Steam/GameOverlayUI.exe, which from the name I assume is how it gets the games to go fullscreen and controls alt-tabbing out of them. Anyway, I wasn't able to right click and choose the menu (for whatever reason it isn't available when I right click on every .exe), so I had to add it in the nVidia Control Panel. After I added it, I tried both games, and both worked with the 335m.

If you try that, report back please.

 

I just tried doing that and no luck. It seems like if the game isnt popular there is no support for it.... hell when i try to run something in the background that turns on the gpu then i try to run the game it'll shut the gpu off and go back to integrated.

 

A couple of questions:

1) What drivers are you using?
2) Did you successfully clean out your old drivers if you updated?

I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate from a clean install and using the 257.30 beta drivers and every game switches over perfectly. Still having issues with FFXI and the unofficial Windower (crashes on alt-tab), but still switches. Make sure you follow the directions on the driver sweeper site; don't just run the program.

 

Sure you do. You just need to turn it on. I've posted before, but here it is again...

Open the NVIDIA control panel by right clicking on the desktop and then clicking "NVIDIA Control Panel"

Click VIEW up on the menu bar up top.

Make sure that "Add Run with graphics process option" is selected.


You will now have the ability...

 

I attempted to play Gothic 2 and Optimus fails to kick in the GPU automatically. I'm running the beta drivers from Dell. When I run it the NVIDIA utility linked to on these forums shows 'Off'. The game itself will also let you view the name of the video device it is using and it shows Intel. Lastly the framerate is horrible.

I went into the NVIDIA Control Panel and changed the Gothic2 executable (which was already in the list, ie. I did not need to add it) to use the GPU rather than integrated and no good, same as above.

So I tried what I think a few people have been curious about...

I launched a game that I know turns the GPU on. Then I launched Gothic 2. While running both, Gothic 2 still uses the intel as what is listed for its card, and the utility does not show Gothic 2 in the list of processes using the NVIDA chip. So long story short, this does not work to anyone who was curious.

I am pretty sure this is a Dx8 game and the issue is Optimus only kicks off if Dx9+ is used so I think I am out of luck until further updates have been made to the drivers, but figured I would post it in case anyone had any ideas.

The other interesting thing is that the game will let you set the video device index you would like to use defaulting the index to 0. I tried to change it to 1, thinking the NVIDIA would logically be the next device. Then when I launch the game it fiddles back and forth a lot (like it is trying to change the screen resolution). Then eventually crashes out with an error, then locks up my machine to where the system is still completely responsive, but the mouse is not visible and keystrokes don't really respond correctly so I end up needing to hold the power button to shut it off.

 

RuebKraken Optimus uses the Intel IGP to display the frames but uses the NVIDIA 335m to render them. Every game or utility will show the Intel IGP as the current card. Your dedicated card was probably on when you booted up the other game but Gothic 2 didn't see the 335m-- it only saw the IGP.

Have you tried right-clicking on the Gothic 2 EXE file, going to "Run with graphics processor", and selecting "High performance NVIDIA processor"?

Also, when you go to the NVIDIA control panel list and set Gothic 2 to use the dedicated card, are you hitting Apply? If the dedicated card is already selected, the Apply button will not show up. You have to select the drop-down and then select "High-performance NVIDIA processor" again before the Apply button will show up.

 

I tried the context menu option, and yes I am positive I clicked apply.

I am pretty sure even when having both games open it was not using the NVIDIA because it did not show up in the list of games using it in the NvOptimusTestViewer64 utility.

And the other game does show up in the list. If that wasn't clear.

 

I have the lastest nvidia driver 257.21 installed but somehow i can't go back into the game (cs1.6) after i alt-tab out to windows while using nvidia graphics. I have re-installed the driver and steam couple of times still no luck. i have no problem alt-tab and go back into game when using intel graphics...the only 3d settings i touched is turing the vsync off..

 

How big of an issue is this Optimus thing? I mean, is it just a bit annoying or is it a big-ish issue.

 

With my R2 (delivered about 2 weeks ago), Optimus initially did not allow me to run ArmA2 using the NVIDIA graphics card. However, I downloaded and installed the new beta driver from Dell (link earlier in this thread) and can now run both ArmA2 and ArmA2:Operation Arrowhead. So yes, this is an issue, but it appears to be a drivers issue that is being fixed.

BTW, big thanks to Erawneila for his posts

 

I most cases when optimus does not kick in. You can always add the game into list by selecting the exe file. I have not encounter one that after add and not work be it the stock driver or beta

 

I ran into the "Multiple Direct 3D running" problem that currently plagues multiplayer games that use PunkBuster, like Bad Company 2, where you get kicked from the game if Punk Buster detects both the Intel GPU and NVidia GPU's running, which is the case with the Optimus tech.

I was running the latest Beta drivers off Dell's site, 257.*, and experienced this. So far the only fix I've found for the problem was to roll back to the 189.* drivers. The game runs fine for me on medium though, so I'll just wait for a new driver to come along.

 

You may be able top update punkbuster to get rid of the misflagged cheat thing (multi d3d)

Kind of lame AW did not ensure this was sorted beforehand, well known anti cheating software for multiplayer games should have worked out of the box (or they could've have just lft out optimus since it has absolutely no advantage for gaming).

 

Updating punkbuster as of yesterday still does nothing, for bfbc2 anyway. It's irritating to say the least. Though I suppose it's good we're not getting banned outright.

I'm not blaming optimus though - this is squarely on the game developers and developers of punkbuster, which is a piece of fking rubbish imo.

 

"The NVIDEA Setup program could not locate any drivers that are compatible with your current hardware. Setup will now exit."

?!?!$?!?$???!?

 

sfrrsman64, technically you can only install the drivers off Dell's website. If you want to install drivers from NVidia's site you'll need a modified .inf.

 

Modified .inf not .dll file.

 

I just got my m11x r2 today. Let me start by saying, this piece of machinery was worth every penny. Core-i7, 4gigs ram, 7200rpm/m hd.

I'v only got to try older games but counter-strike, war3, etc etc all solid fps ultra high settings.

no optimus issues happening with my computer, everything runs super fast.
keyboard is like a micro sliver smaller, but im used to it after 20 seconds of use.

battery kicks butt.

all the lighting is amazing.

it was a little heavier then I expected, it almost throws your brain off a bit.
but its by no means heavy. i'v held heavier books.

came with like 20 gigs of software, but its mostly alienware goodies. I kept it, couldn't bring myself to do a format or anything. havnt even bothered looking at the over clocking its fast enough. trust me. definatly replacing my desktop.

until i can save for the area 51 ALX

cheers

 

Welcome to the club. Not trying to throw you off but honestly you are still fresh. your machine wont be special in any sense. optimus issue will get to you eventually depending on what you are running. also throttling issue and etcs. you judge it too early

nonetheless its a great piece of hardware. I enjoy mine as much as you do with small little hipcups here and there but thankfully most of them can be overcome with some workaround. have to thank everyone who had spend a lot of time with this baby trying to figure fixes before any official ones are out.

enjoy your new toy.

 

I haven't had any Optimus issues either but I have only played Steam games so far. What is weird is that I had to add one of the games to the control panel to pick up the Nvidia GPU. The others picked up the Nvidia GPU automatically.

All I can say is thank goodness it's Nvidia. I know it's a personal thing but ATI has caused more issues in the past in my case. Many BSOD caused by ATI drivers...I have a GTX 260 on my desktop and this thing has been awesome for me even though it is starting to show its age.

 

Just got mine. Haven't tried any games yet but can't get any of the beta drivers to install. Any help on how to get it working. Been reading this thread and some of you guys mentioned modifying the .dll . How do one go about doing that?

 

Get to installed and run Defense Grid and it ran poorly on Fullscreen. When I changed it to Windowed mode in various resolutions, it ran nicely.

 

i have your INF file, i dont have a CLUE what to do with it???

 

just an update, i'v played mw2 full settings, l4d2, AVP high settings, i havnt even noticed any lag or skipping. I'v been gaming for alot of years so I hate lag and jumps when im playing. I sat through english typing away, watched a few 30 minutes shows for lunch, and gamed for over an hour b4 catching the bus home, and the battery stlil has like 40 percent juice.

my girlfriend now wants one. she hates computers.

 

Hello,

Just a general question, do you think the Optimus drivers if they're improved can they give more battery life to the M11X? I bought an R2 and I kinda regret it now because I wanted better battery life but I found this forum too late.

 

Probably. Just give Nvidia time, they will eventually iron out all the problems.
Though if that battery really is bothering you, you do have 21 days to return it(at least I think so).

 

Some people are saying the 335m isn't getting powered down completely, but there's no actual proof (that I've seen, anyway--it's a big forum). If it is getting powered down completely, then there is nothing an Optimus update could improve.

 

Why do some executables not save to the control panel no matter how many times I add them and say to use the 335m? For example, the Titan Quest executable on steam will not save when I add it. I can add it but it does not save. When I come back in the next time, it's gone.

 

I havnt noticed any issues yet with optimus. I dont know about anyone else but I can force the nvidia card on so it runs constantly with an option in nvidia control panel.

 

I think it might have to do with the list of games/applications that Nvidia already has packaged with the driver. For example, I can't add Photoshop CS5 to the list. Like you, when I do so, it just doesn't stay there. However, PS CS5 does in fact utilize the 335 despite the fact that it's not in my list of installed whitelisted applications.

Looking at the list of apps included in the driver there are like 7 or 8 Titan Quest exe's listed.

So... is your Steam TQ not using the 335 as is?

 

It is using the 335 but I did not know it at the time I was trying to add it to the control panel. I was trying to add it before I ever played it just to make sure. Maybe it would not add it since it was already there.

 

Yeah, it doesn't appear to allow you to add applications that are already listed with the driver.

EDIT: In fact I think I've seen apps that I'd added with the stock Dell driver later be removed with newer drivers because of this.