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    Inspiron 15r Intel GPU switching?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by alex2009, May 6, 2011.

  1. alex2009

    alex2009 Notebook Consultant

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    Hey there, I just got a Inspiron 15r here's the specs;

    i5-460m 2.53ghz
    4gb DDR3 ram
    ATI 5650m
    Windows 7 Home Premium

    I thought that every I series CPU had a GPU with it so I could switch between GPU's but on this laptop I can't see anything that would suggest that.

    The drivers are just ATI drivers and Dell don't want you to email them unless there's something really wrong with the notebook.

    So I was wondering if there were any drivers for Intel GPU switching or if the notebook just can't do it.
    Any info would be greatly appreciated.

    note: I've downloaded and installed all drivers available on the Dell website, but, it still doesn't recognize any Intel GPU
    second note: I've just noticed I've got Nvidia PhysX drivers installed, I have no idea why

    regards Alex
     
  2. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    I don't believe all ATI chips support switchable graphics, though it was said that AMD would release drivers so all chips would support switchable graphics. The 15R at this point does not support switchable graphics.
     
  3. alex2009

    alex2009 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for the reply, I found on the ATI website; AMD Switchable Graphics Technology

    its a bit strange that out of all the cards the 5650m is left out, as far as I'm aware, is it not one of the most popular mid range mobile cards they have? that and the fact there's an intel GPU chip in my laptop that will probably never get used...
     
  4. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    The 5650 is one of the most popular mid range cards out there, above the 5470. In all honesty I think GPU switching should only be done manually, there are too many documented issues with Optimus, or have an option to disable 1 GPU in the BIOS like Lenovo does.
     
  5. alex2009

    alex2009 Notebook Consultant

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    thats kind of annoying because the only reason my fan goes on is when the 5650 goes over 56 degrees C, which I don't think the intel does.


    thanks for the info, much appreciated

    regards Alex
     
  6. ngkhanmein

    ngkhanmein Notebook Enthusiast

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    alex.. switchable card is troublesome.. u wan quality play using plug not battery.. N5010 doesn't come with switchable if acer 4820tg got! i'm 15R N5010 user here.. the heat is due to the cpu usage & the fan problem is not solve yet.. but now my temp stable already.. u can c at task manager explorer.exe eat around 20 cpu! update win7 sp1 & tried disable stuff at taskbar & disable services that no use.