Does HM55 have switchable graaphics?

Since I can't find a definitive answer, I figured I'd ask here. I have an Acer laptop with an ATi 5650 graphics card, and an i5 processor, HM55 chipset. I heard that HM55 has an integrated graphics card, so I was wondering if it was possible to switch between the two cards to save power, which I really need. Is it possible?

 

What exactly is the model of the laptop?

Some models support and some don't. If the computer wasn't advertised or manufactured to have switchable graphics, then it probably doesn't.

 

Acer Aspire 7740G-6364. I don't think it was advertised as having switchable graphics, but why does it matter? If it has the hardware, shouldn't it be possible?

 

The thing is, if it had the hardware implementation, they would definitely advertise it.

For one thing, is an Intel GPU listed in Device Manager? Is there an ATi tray icon that lets you switch GPUs?

 

But if it has the chipset with switchable graphics (which I know HM55 does), it should have it, right?

 

Maybe, maybe not. Only notebooks that are specifically advertised as ones with switchable graphics tend to have the capability to do so. Like naimiki said, it all comes down to the model of your laptop. Check in Device Manager and other utilities, to see if you do.

However, I highly doubt that you will find anything of value.

 

There is additional hardware required to run the IGP over the GPU. And like said before if it had such hardware that would have been advertised with the laptop. Just having a processor with an IGP does not mean your laptop can use it.

It must had that additional hardware implemented.

 

I have an MSI CX620 (core i5 and ati 5470) and it is not advertised with switchable graphics but it definitly has as I use it all the time.

 

Another time I hear this- and it's still not true
HM55 is used for switching only and there's no additional hardware needed. Chipset switches between dedicated GPU (ATI 5650 in case of AS 7740) and Intel HD video in Core i3/i5.
Aspire 7740G and 5740G (I own the latter) were introduced just after Radeon HD5650 and Core i3/5/7 series had been made available. In press releases for both of these switchable graphics were mentioned but ended up absent in specs and final product.
As user of this forum (who works for Acer) explained- Intel at that time had no working drivers for switching graphics so Acer had to disable the feature and block access to it in BIOS even though they already designed both notebooks with HM55 instead of cheaper PM55 that has no support for switchable graphics. Features that are untested and/or not working can't be included in the final product.
Acer Aspire 5740 and 7740 (without G) use Intel HD Video included in Core i3/i5 paired with HM55- so it works both ways it's just switching between them that got disabled thanks to Intel being late.

 

edit: oh, you're saying you can't use it. nevermind.

It has been advertised as having switchable graphics:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5522
http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=newsdesc&news_no=940

 

The series-5 datasheet doesn't show how to enable/disable extra ports. So could use the technique to enable/disable the x16 pci-e link and IGP using the DIY ViDock DOS bootdisk:

Code:

:: Show PCI tree
lspci -tv
:: Enable IGP
setpci -s 0:0.0 54.l=8:8
:: Disable IGP
setpci -s 0:0.0 54.l=0:8
:: Disable x16 pci-e link
setpci -s 0:0.0 54.l=0:2
:: Enable x16 pci-e link
setpci -s 0:0.0 54.l=2:2
:: Show new PCI tree
lspci -tv

The second lspci -tv would list additional adapters off 0:1.0 (x16) or 0:2.0 (IGP) like below if it has enabled those graphics:

Code:

-[0000:00]-+-00.0  Intel Corporation Mobile 4 Series Chipset Memory Controller Hub
           +-01.0-[0000:01]----00.0  nVidia Corporation G98 [GeForce 9300M GS]
           +-02.0  Intel Corporation Mobile 4 Series Chipset Integrated Graphics Controller

Can then just run the 'setup' menu to perform PCI allocation of your extra enabled PCI devices.

EDIT: Had the wrong device enable/disable.


Above: Datasheet from PM965 on how to enable/disable the pci-e x16 and IGP

 

thats for tip im going to try it on my G51Jx and post results

 

Hey let me know how this works for you. I have a Samsung with the HM55chipset as well and would love switchable graphics to get better battery life (only get 3 hours word processing out of this laptop had 4.5 integrated on my other one 14 inch).

Anyway, if this works for you please post that it does or doesn't. In the meantime I have requested that samsung enable the feature in a bios update though I doubt they will follow through with it.

 

ok i created bootdisc on G51Jx-SZ168D
and runned lspci -tv
my output is

next step?

 

1. Enable igp with 'setpci -s 0:0.0 54.l=8:8'

It will appear as 0:2.0 in the 'lspci -tv -n' output.

2. Run 'setup', perform PCI allocation until have a working solution.

3. chainload to Win7, install Catalyst 10.6 which provides switchable gfx support. Try to switch gfx.

 

ok i get bootdisk working via flashdisk

there is diagnostic
www.oneb1t.cz/DIAG.zip
all options say no solution :-(

my system is win 7 64bit

 

Identify the vid:did of the intel HD graphics then use DIY ViDock Setup's compact.exe to allocate it. Ie:

Code:

:: Enable Intel HD graphics
setpci -s 0:0.0 54.l=8:8

:: Identify vid:did of the Intel HD graphics
lspci -s 0:2.0

:: Try 32-bit allocation to see if there's space for it
compact pciend 100000000 useonly [vid:did] 

:: If not, revert to 36-bit (PAE) allocation. Intel HD driver supports it OK.
compact pciend 310000000 useonly [vid:did]

:: Chainload to Win7
grub4dos w7

Then try to switch graphics in Win7 using Catalyst 10.6+.

 

im going to try nvidia drivers for it (with optimus support )
there is my diag www.oneb1t.cz/DIAG.zip

thank you for help

vid:vid is 8086:0046

still error 12 :-(

 

OK. Intel HD is 8086:0046. I can also see by your diags that you need 36-bit allocation. There's no room in 32-bit space to accomodate the Intel HD. Not a problem since the Intel HD driver works with 36-bit allocation. So try this:

Code:

:: Enable HD graphics
setpci -s 0:0.0 54.l=8:8

:: 36-bit compaction only on Intel HD graphics
compact pciend 310000000 useonly 8086:0046 import \core\devcon.txt makebatch %DRV%:\core\pci.bat

You'll now have a %DRV%:\core\pci.bat with the setpci commands needed to allocate the HD. Just edit it to have the 'setpci -s 0:0.0 54.l=8:8' at the start of it, as that's a pre-requisitive to enable the HD graphics. Once done just type the following to perform the PCI allocation of the HD gfx:

Code:

call %DRV%:\core\pci.bat

Or can use the 'Automated startup via startup.bat' to boot straight into Win7 with all the bits enabled and allocated.

Now the question is whether your system has the hardware circuitry, or even if that's part of the HM55 chipset, to switch through the LVDS signal from the Intel HD to LCD. If not, then the Intel HD can be active and enabled, but have no LCD connected to it which pretty much makes it useless.

I'm interested to know myself.

 

call %DRV%:\core\pci.bat
throws back only
REM compact pciend 310000000 useonly 8086:0046 import \core\devcon.txt makebatch %DRV%:\core\pci.bat

still not working but maybe good new

i somehow disabled my normal graphic card in vidock and windows started in 800X600 with intel gma only in hardware control (but still with warning)

 

Indeed that is the million dollar question. Everything else seems to be in place but people forget that there needs to be a physical connection in order to show on the display. If there is not a connection the only way to achieve this would be something similar to what nvidias Optimus does but there would be no point to it really.

 

ok i fixed my devcon.txt (PCI-BUS problem with other language) and my pci.bat now looks like this

but still have error 12 problem in windows 7 64-bit :-(

 

when i disabled all devices in bios (LAN, WIFI, camera, etc..)
error 12 still appears :-(

 

Try DIY ViDock Setup 1.0e2. I've added menuitems to enable/disable the IGP and discrete graphics links for Hybrid graphics owners.

 

same result... :-(

 

After you've enabled the IGP and ran 36-bit PCI allocation on it, exit to DOS, run 'diag', rar diag directory, upload and link here.

Also can you post screenshots of the Device Manager->Resources By Connection->I/O and MEM details against the IGP *after* you've chainloaded with the IGP enabled and allocated.

It's a matter of experimenting with it at this point to get a working setup. Once you enable and allocate it successfully, there will be no error 12 against the IGP in Win7.

 

Would this be worth trying with the PM45 chipset?

 

We've discovered the NVidia optimus driver applies some tweaks that accelerated performance in a x1 1.0 DIY ViDock setup as shown here. That setup requires a 4500MD/HD + recent NVidia card. Your setup likely qualifying.

So would be worth seeing if you can enable the 4500MHD, configure it (PCI allocation) and boot up Win7 with IGP driver loaded win no error 12, then load the Optimus drivers to see if you have the same performance benefits.

Otherwise if you're thinking you might have switchable graphics then consider you'd need a MUX somewhere to switch through to using the internal LCD. Eg: HM55-equipped CQ41 has such a mux as shown by the CQ41 schematic.

 

I tried using ViDock Setup 1.0e2 to enable the 4500MHD, but it didn't work at all.
I used the menu item, but after pressing F5 there was no change.

I tried booting into win7 anyway, but device manager didn't show any new devices.

I guess I'm out of luck.

 

Good feedback. I checked the datasheet for more details, finding:

:: CAP0[33]=1 There is no IGP on this GMCH
:: CAP0[32]=1 There is no PCI Express GFX attachd to this GMCH
:: CAP0=0:0.0 E0-E9 (do a setpci -s 0:0.0 E5.b and check bit 1:0)

If you run 'setpci -s 0:0.0 E7.b' what is returned? Is bit1:0=1:0? if so then you don't have an IGP to try to enable.

HM55 chipset is different. It always has a IGP. I'll add the CAP0 checks in the next update.

 

I typed in setpci -s 0:0.0 E7.b and it returned:
1C

 

0x1C=11100b, meaning you have IGP and x16 graphics. Can you try enabling the IGP manually at the DOS prompt:

Code:

:: list PCI tree
ls -tv -n
:: Enable IGP by setting 0.0.0 54.l bit4=1
setpci -s 0:0.0 54.l=8:8
:: List PCI tree - check if 0:2.0 (IGP) is now visible
ls -tv -n
:: List PCI tree with PCI.IDs expanded
ls -tv  | cut -c0-78

I am working off the PM965 chipset datasheet since the series-4 omits quite a few details. Just not 100% sure then the bits I'm checking are then compatible.

 

I tried it just now, the IGP isn't listed.

After I typed 'setpci -s 0:0.0 54.l=8:8' and then went into setup, it thought the IGP was "on".

 

Whoops.. CAP0 is at at E5. Please check what the following returns:

Code:

setpci -s 0:0.0 E5.b

 

Ok, that returned 7c.

Does that mean I don't have the IGP?

EDIT:
7c = 1111100

And so bit 0 is 0, There is a PCI Express GFX attachd to this GMCH.
Bit 1 is 0, There is an IGP on this GMCH?

 

0x7c=1111100b. That would indicate you have IGP and x16 pci-e gfx capabilities. Not sure why then 'setpci -s 0:0.0 54.l=8:8' isn't enabling the IGP. Might be a series-4 specific? Can check the 965PM datasheet if you want to do your own research into trying to enable the IGP.

 

Ok, I will play around with the ViDock Setup and see if I get anywhere.

 

I'm not sure if this means anything, but if I just type 'lspci' I get this:
00:01.0 PCI bridge: Intel corporation mobile 4 series chipset PCI express Graphics port (rev 07).

Is that useful at all?

 

That's the x16 pci-e port that your 9600GT is attached to. Need 0:2.0 to appear indicating the IGP is enabled and visible.

 

I don't know why it doesn't work.
Maybe if I try an older BIOS.

Has anyone done this with the PM45 or PM965 chipset before?

 

diagnostic after 36-bit compaction
still error 12...
i also flashed new 207 bios without any sucess

www.oneb1t.cz/DIAG.zip
www.oneb1t.cz/DIAG2.ZIP

 

Install Setup 1.0e2. Enable IGP then attempt 36-bit allocation on it only. Chainload to Win7. If still get error 12 for the IGP, post new diags and screenshots of Device Manager I/O and MEM ranges showing where the Intel Graphics is having conflicts.

Can also try the Optimus driver.

 

i used 1.0e2..
used 36-bit allocation only on vid_0 says 1 solution found and after that i chainbooted into windows
error 12
going to make this screenshots now

 

Diag output suggests you are using an older setup 1.x version (analyze isn't detecting IGP and compact isn't hardsetting 36-bit pciend boundary). Please double-check.

 

i have igp on/off in pci menu so i think im using 1.02e2
(only used devcon.txt created with 1.02e1)

 

That diags you posted are dated 7-27. I released 1.0e2 on 8-2 so they can't be generated using 1.0e2 unless you clock is backdated. Please double-check.

 

sry..my fault

www.oneb1t.cz/DIAG.ZIP
linux hosting is case sensitive

 

screenshots
Index of /screenshot

 

When compared to a configured X3100 IGP below below we see that on your system compact has assigned a 36-bit memory address, but not an I/O address. After enabling the IGP and performing 36-bit compaction, go DOS prompt and do it manually with:

Code:

setpci -s BASE_ADDRESS_4.w=2000

Then chainload into Win7.

Unconfigured Intel HD (5700MHD)

Code:

00:02.0 Display controller: Intel Corporation Core Processor Integrated Graphics Controller (rev 12)
	Subsystem: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Device 1f47
	Control: I/O- Mem- BusMaster- SpecCycle- MemWINV- VGASnoop- ParErr- Stepping- SERR- FastB2B- DisINTx-
	Status: Cap+ 66MHz- UDF- FastB2B+ ParErr- DEVSEL=fast >TAbort- <TAbort- <MAbort- >SERR- <PERR-> INTx-
	Interrupt: pin A routed to IRQ 0
	Region 0: Memory at fe800000 (64-bit, non-prefetchable) [disabled]
	Region 2: Memory at <ignored> (64-bit, prefetchable) [disabled]
	Region 4: I/O ports at <unassigned> [disabled]
	Capabilities: [90] MSI: Enable- Count=1/1 Maskable- 64bit-
		Address: 00000000  Data: 0000
	Capabilities: [d0] Power Management version 2
		Flags: PMEClk- DSI+ D1- D2- AuxCurrent=0mA PME(D0-,D1-,D2-,D3hot-,D3cold-)
		Status: D0 NoSoftRst- PME-Enable- DSel=0 DScale=0 PME-
	Capabilities: [a4] PCI Advanced Features
		AFCap: TP+ FLR+
		AFCtrl: FLR-
		AFStatus: TP-
00: 86 80 46 00 00 00 90 00 12 00 80 03 00 00 00 00
10: 04 00 80 fe 00 00 00 00 0c 00 00 00 03 00 00 00
20: 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 43 10 47 1f
30: 00 00 00 00 90 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00

Configured X3100

Code:

00:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation Mobile GM965/GL960 Integrated Graphics Controller (rev 0c) (prog-if 00)
	Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company Device 30c9
	Control: I/O+ Mem+ BusMaster- SpecCycle- MemWINV- VGASnoop- ParErr- Stepping- SERR- FastB2B- DisINTx-
	Status: Cap+ 66MHz- UDF- FastB2B+ ParErr- DEVSEL=fast >TAbort- <TAbort- <MAbort- >SERR- <PERR-> INTx-
	Interrupt: pin A routed to IRQ 10
	Region 0: Memory at e0300000 (64-bit, non-prefetchable)
	Region 2: Memory at d0000000 (64-bit, prefetchable)
	Region 4: I/O ports at 2000
	Capabilities: [90] MSI: Enable- Count=1/1 Maskable- 64bit-
		Address: 00000000  Data: 0000
	Capabilities: [d0] Power Management version 3
		Flags: PMEClk- DSI+ D1- D2- AuxCurrent=0mA PME(D0-,D1-,D2-,D3hot-,D3cold-)
		Status: D0 NoSoftRst- PME-Enable- DSel=0 DScale=0 PME-
		Bridge: PM- B3+
00: 86 80 02 2a 03 00 90 00 0c 00 00 03 00 00 80 00
10: 04 00 30 e0 00 00 00 00 0c 00 00 d0 00 00 00 00
20: 01 20 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 3c 10 c9 30
30: 00 00 00 00 90 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0a 01 00 00

 

error when executing
setpci: unable to parse filter -s invalid slot number