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    Display drivers (manufacturer vs. Dell)

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by Rogue-OP, Mar 5, 2011.

  1. Rogue-OP

    Rogue-OP Notebook Consultant

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    I have the ATI 5850. Would it be better to use the drivers off of Dell's site or ATI/AMD's site?
     
    Rogue-OP, Mar 5, 2011
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  2. circuit

    circuit Notebook Evangelist

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    I have the ones from the ATI website. They are much newer and never gave any problems. Although DELL does recommend everyone to use theirs.
     
    circuit, Mar 5, 2011
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  3. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    The Dell drivers are essentially ATI/AMD drivers with a Dell label that have undergone compatibility review. They are nearly identical except that the Dell driver set is usually 3-4 releases behind the current ATI set. As a (very) general proposition, the Dell drivers are somewhat more stable, and the ATI drivers are somewhat faster, but a little rougher around the edges. That said, the differences are minor. Any substantial change will of course always appear first in the most current ATI drivers.
     
    The Revelator, Mar 5, 2011
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  4. Lexxon

    Lexxon Notebook Enthusiast

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    Another thing to note, although this may only be true of my 260M, but if I don't use the ORIGINAL dell drivers (not even the newer ones), I don't get sound out of the DisplayPort. I have to use the drivers circa early 2010 (late 2009?).
     
    Lexxon, Mar 6, 2011
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  5. Mr Pras

    Mr Pras Hardware and systems

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    I'm currently using the Dell driver (for a 260M admittedly).

    I am on a job so I decided to keep that driver, otherwise I would use the Nvidia one from their site. It would be nice if Dell updated them sometimes. I imagine it's the same for the ATI users.

    Anyone know if there's a good reason to use the Dell ones? Or is it possible to copy and modify the INF from the dell one with the newer driver files from the manufacturer?
     
    Mr Pras, Mar 6, 2011
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  6. Rogue-OP

    Rogue-OP Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks everyone and rep to you
     
    Rogue-OP, Mar 8, 2011
    #6