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    Switching From Integrated to Nvidia

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Trustco1991, Aug 25, 2006.

  1. Trustco1991

    Trustco1991 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey. Im new to the fourms (I don't have a sig or avatar yet) I was wondering if there is a program that would let you switch between Integrated and Nvidia Graphic Cards. My laptop is this...

    Alienware m5550 (not the one with the integrated switch)
    T2700 2.33 GHz Core Duo
    2 GB Ram
    80 Gb 7200 RPM
    Nvidia Go 7600 256mb

    I was thinking that this laptop has integrated graphics in it already. i was just curious about a way to switch between the two so i could have better battery life in school. Thanks

    P.S: I am currently in Italy. When i get back home on Septepber 2nd i will be sure to write a review of the m5550 and i hope to have a few benchmarks by the 4th depending on time constraints :D
     
    Trustco1991, Aug 25, 2006
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  2. yamla

    yamla Notebook Consultant

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    What makes you think your laptop has two video cards?
     
    yamla, Aug 25, 2006
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  3. qsimpson

    qsimpson Notebook Evangelist

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    unless you get one of the hybrid graphics system you can't do that i dont believe and even so you have to reboot the machine its those small sony 13.3" inches with the hybrid 7400 nvidia go.
     
    qsimpson, Aug 25, 2006
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  4. yamla

    yamla Notebook Consultant

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    I just checked. There's no indication that your laptop has two graphics cards, only the one.
     
    yamla, Aug 25, 2006
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  5. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    Your laptop doesn't have a secondary graphics card - since it uses an external graphics card (Go7600), it has the Intel 945PM chipset. Only the Intel 945GM would have the integrated graphics.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Aug 25, 2006
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  6. Trustco1991

    Trustco1991 Notebook Enthusiast

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    alright. thanks guys one more question. do any of you know of a better program then Powermizer to increase battery life
     
    Trustco1991, Aug 26, 2006
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  7. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Powermizer is built into the drivers and actually does a pretty good job at managing power from the standpoint of the graphics card. I would recommend downloading Notebook Hardware Control (NHC) as it's a complete power management program. I found it was able to extend my battery life by about 30 minutes over not having it installed. NHC requires .NET 2.0 be installed so be sure you get that first. Good luck.
     
    saturnotaku, Aug 26, 2006
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