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    M17x ATI 4870 problems

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Petravark, Dec 30, 2009.

  1. Petravark

    Petravark Newbie

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    I just purchased an Alienware M17x with Crossfire ATI 4870 video cards. It also has an integrated Nvidia 9400m video card for running in low power modes.

    Problem: Unable to switch back to ATI cards when computer is running the integrated Nvidia card. FN F7 works to switch from ATI to integrated but it does nothing when configured for the integrated card.

    Any thoughts?

    Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300 ATI 4870 Crossfire 4GB RAM
     
    Petravark, Dec 30, 2009
    #1
  2. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    ATI and Nvidia don't play nicely together, so as far as I know the only option is to restart and switch through the BIOS.
     
    Aikimox, Dec 30, 2009
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  3. benthedogtrainer

    benthedogtrainer Notebook Evangelist

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    i have no issues with mine at all.....
     
    benthedogtrainer, Dec 30, 2009
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  4. Armin_Tanzarian

    Armin_Tanzarian Notebook Consultant

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    You must have a defect or driver issue.

    I'm using the same setup and FN+F7 switches the cards both ways. Requires a restart but it works fine.
     
    Armin_Tanzarian, Dec 30, 2009
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  5. benthedogtrainer

    benthedogtrainer Notebook Evangelist

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    i say drivers
     
    benthedogtrainer, Dec 31, 2009
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  6. AtolSammeek

    AtolSammeek Tokay Gecko

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    What drivers do you have benthedogtrainer and when did you get the M17x and do you have windows vista or Windows 7 what verson
     
    AtolSammeek, Dec 31, 2009
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  7. benthedogtrainer

    benthedogtrainer Notebook Evangelist

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    i use the stock ones from the dell/alienware ...i have a few m17x (3) i am using the second edition recieved on the 29th of dec..and i am using win7 ult 64 bit
     
    benthedogtrainer, Dec 31, 2009
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  8. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

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    ...Why? :eek:
     
    EviLCorsaiR, Dec 31, 2009
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  9. AtolSammeek

    AtolSammeek Tokay Gecko

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    hahaha Sorry that funny.

    I was debating if I go for two M15x or one M17x
     
    AtolSammeek, Dec 31, 2009
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  10. nickbarbs

    nickbarbs Notebook Deity

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    not really.. they're just graphics cards they don't have to play at all just enable.

    OP Try to install the Nvidia drivers for the 280M from Dell's Website FIRST, then reboot manually and change the option in the bios to enable the ATI's, then install the ATI 4870 drivers from Dell's Site. Finally reinstall the OSD utility. The features should work fine.

    I think the key is nvidia drivers first then ATI drivers.
     
    nickbarbs, Dec 31, 2009
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  11. Achilleus

    Achilleus Notebook Evangelist

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    It seems I read more problems with the 280s on most sites rather than the 4870s. I am using the dell drivers for my 4870s and have no issues so far.
     
    Achilleus, Dec 31, 2009
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  12. benthedogtrainer

    benthedogtrainer Notebook Evangelist

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    me to no issues
     
    benthedogtrainer, Dec 31, 2009
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  13. benthedogtrainer

    benthedogtrainer Notebook Evangelist

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    because i use them for work .....lol...ur funny...and it took them a few times to get it right..... :eek:
     
    benthedogtrainer, Dec 31, 2009
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  14. Petravark

    Petravark Newbie

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    UPDATE: I have isolated the problem. Anytime I have the computer set up to automatically connect to a wireless network, the OSD software doesnt work. If I connect to the wireless network after login or connect using ethernet cable, everything works fine. So far, I have installed the latest wireless card drivers and then tried uninstalling Dell's wireless assistant and used the Windows assistant but neither fixed the problem.
     
    Petravark, Jan 4, 2010
    #14
  15. Speedy Gonzalez

    Speedy Gonzalez Xtreme Notebook Speeder!

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    you have 3 m17x's :eek: is the first time i see that
     
    Speedy Gonzalez, Jan 5, 2010
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  16. Alien FlyBoy

    Alien FlyBoy Notebook Consultant

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    You hit the dogs with a M17x if they don't behave? :D
     
    Alien FlyBoy, Jan 5, 2010
    #16