m15x Video Driver Update

I am about to update my m15x's drivers from stock to something more recent. Stock drivers have been good thus far, but I cant even break a steady 30 fps in Global Agenda with 1920x1200 low/med settings. This game is based on UT3's engine so it should be able to at least handle this game smoothly on some higher settings right?

In addition, what is the preferred video card driver for the m15x?

And, most importantly, how do I properly install the new video driver for the m15x? I tried to follow Chaz's guide in the Gaming section for installing drivers, but I do not know which to remove from the list. I have the Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator Driver and NVIDIA drivers and NVIDIA physx. Should I just open up the device manager tab and click on display adapters and get rid of the 8800m GTX one and install the new drivers?

SYSTEM SPECS:
Alienware m15x
2.5 c2d Processor
Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bit
8800m GTX
4 GB RAM

 

I have a similarly spec'd m15x as you, and i use the 186.82 driver for it.

I prefer 186.82 since it downclocks when idle, and still performs pretty well in games.

 

So how did you install the drivers? What did you remove from the device manager? I don't want to screw up and end up tampering with the integrated graphics. Also, do I need to update the physx driver if I upgraded to 186.82 as well? I'm pretty sure I don't use it.

 

I use 186.82 as well as the later drivers all had issues for me. Worked fine just using the installer from the nvidia website, i didnt uninstall anything in advance.

 

just download it, double click and selct install, it will do everything for you.

 

I can't seem to find the 186.82 driver on the Nvidia website, but I'm downloading the 186.81 driver from them right now. Thanks for the info!

 

not sure what I'm doing wrong but everytime I try to install a new video driver it will try to attempt to install the new driver but at the end say no modification have been made blah blah blah. I even went to device manager and tried to update thru there and it says driver my driver is uptodate.

I just did a factory restore so I'm currently on 167. & i'm trying to update to 186.82.

 

Try performing a clean uninstall.


1. Uninstall current display driver via Programs and Features Control Panel
2. Reboot into Safe Mode

OPTIONAL: Run DriverSweeper and remove any NVIDIA DISPLAY driver leftovers. Do Not Reboot - Proceed with next step

3. Run CCleaner's Registry Module and fix/remove any leftover NVIDIA Display driver registry traces found
4. Reboot
5. Install the new driver

Also: Turn off Automatic Windows Update Driver Settings - see attachment

 

even though I go to control panel and uninstall my nvidia driver when I reboot into safe mode it reinstalls the video driver by itself, but I lose the nvidia cp.

 

yeah it just installs a generic driver, so you have to install your new nvidia driver to get back the cp.

 

okay I'll have to try again when I get home thanks