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    How do I get my xps 15 to default to the nvidia card over intel card

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by KeenMobile, Jan 21, 2012.

  1. KeenMobile

    KeenMobile Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm trying to play a game right now (dragon age origins) and every time I type in dxdiag, only the intel hd card shows up. I've even changed the settings in the nvidia display tool to the discrete gt540m. I'm afraid that the game is only defaulting to the intel hd card. I'm playing via steam and I have profiled steam to use the nvidia card.

    Insight would be appreciated.
     
    KeenMobile, Jan 21, 2012
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  2. Metalstream

    Metalstream Notebook Enthusiast

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    That dxdiag thing is a bug do not worry.

    In the Nvidia control panel, go to desktop and mark the option 4. "Show GPU indicator" or w/e. If you play DA:O, the indicator should show the game there. If not go to 3D conf in the NVIDIA panel and in Global Settings choose the High Performance NVIDA Processor, restart the game and enjoy =)
     
    Metalstream, Jan 21, 2012
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  3. KeenMobile

    KeenMobile Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for that advice.

    I did everything you told me to do but I suspect that changing the launcher to an .exe file did the trick. Although the DA:O config utility lists the intel HD card, I'm positive I'm running the game on the nvidia one as I tested both (cranked up settings so that it'd give me a visual cue i.e. lag).

    Seems like you have to configure individual nvidia program files in the nvidia display utility if you want a certain application to use the nvidia card over the intel one.

    This optimus business is tricky.
     
    KeenMobile, Jan 21, 2012
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  4. Metalstream

    Metalstream Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well actually when I installed DA:O and other games the default GPU for the games set automatically to NVIDIA Global conf.
     
    Metalstream, Jan 21, 2012
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  5. KeenMobile

    KeenMobile Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm curious as to the settings and the resolution you played DA:O? Did you have AA turned on in game an AF turned on in the nvidia panel? I just want to know the max settings I can play it on. Thx.
     
    KeenMobile, Jan 22, 2012
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  6. Metalstream

    Metalstream Notebook Enthusiast

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    AA off
    AF off
    Graphic details to full and the resolution 1280x720, but I connect the laptop to a 32" TV... It looks ok to me, not in a gamer nerd level b/c they want the best out, but looks pretty well.
     
    Metalstream, Jan 22, 2012
    #6