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    Hybrid SLI. Good in theory. Irritating in practice.

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Chris_c81, Jul 8, 2012.

  1. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

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    I have an M17X R4 with Intel integrated and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX675M.

    I quite like the idea of having the system choose which GPU to use based on usage. It's a good idea for helping lower power consumption when you're just browsing the web.

    However, unless I'm missing something it's also quite problematic. Here's my example.

    I'm on the desktop. Integrated GPU running. I launch The Secret World. I get a warning message that my graphics card falls below the minimum requirements. I cannot alter any settings, the game won't let me because all it sees at this point is the integrated. So I continue to load the game. In game, when I know the dedicated card has kicked in, I go back to the options to attempt to alter them. No can do. It still thinks the Intel GPU is running, I guess on startup the game just registers the GPU then and doesn't look again despite the system switching to dedicated.

    This may well be a case of the fault lying with the game. However, unless I'm mistaken I can't find a simple toggle anywhere that allows me to manually switch between the two GPU's. In an ideal world you want to be able to specify which applications and games should use which GPU. Have I missed this option somewhere?

    Thanks!


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    Chris_c81, Jul 8, 2012
    #1
  2. Arestavo

    Arestavo Notebook Evangelist

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    With Optimus you should be able to right click on a program and choose Run with Dedicated Graphics Card. At least, that's how my XPS17 with a GT 555 and Optimus worked.
     
    Arestavo, Jul 8, 2012
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  3. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

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    If only!

    Unfortunately I don't have that option :(
     
    Chris_c81, Jul 8, 2012
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  4. sarge_

    sarge_ Notebook Deity

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    Well fix your driver installation then.
     
    sarge_, Jul 8, 2012
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  5. c_man

    c_man Notebook Evangelist

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    On my Dell Optimus works quite well.

    But how about these options:

    [​IMG]

    You have them?

    Also update drivers from Intel and Nvidia.
     
    c_man, Jul 8, 2012
    #5
  6. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

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    Wow. Thanks for that incredibly helpful reply.

    My drivers are up to date and as far as I'm concerned, installed correctly. Unless you can tell me otherwise!?

    That image won't load for some reason :(


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    Chris_c81, Jul 8, 2012
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  7. c_man

    c_man Notebook Evangelist

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    [​IMG]

    These used to work just fine.
     
    c_man, Jul 8, 2012
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  8. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

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    Ah ok thank you. I'll have to check that option then. I swear when I looked I couldn't see it, but it's gotta be there. Thanks.


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    Chris_c81, Jul 8, 2012
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  9. c_man

    c_man Notebook Evangelist

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    If you hate Optimus, you can go to Global Settings there and choose Nvidia.
     
    c_man, Jul 8, 2012
    #9