HP ENVY 17 3D Ivy Bridge Switchable Graphics problem

Hello Everyone,

Firstly I would like to mention that I have not been regular to the forum for sometime so I don't know if there are any separate thread or discussion regarding this issue.If so then I request the mods to please shift it there.I saw it on the newly released envy 17 thread and wanted to have a separate thread about it.

This an issue that HP needs to address rightaway.

I had ordered an HP Envy 17 3D with Ivy bridge and Radeon 7850M and while the previous 3D edition had switchable graphics this new one does not seem to have it.

Though I think it was initially mentioned in the specs on the HP website.But I am not sure about that.The others who ordered it can throw some light on it.If that is the case,then we have every right to feel totally ripped off with nothing to do. :-/
The previous model with Sandy bridge processors had the same.How does HP take a step backwards with their new line of Flagship Notebooks ? HP should release a software update or a BIOS update soon if that can fix the issue because many customers like myself are feeling really dissatisfied and ripped off.The main attraction of the new HP Envy line was a powerful Multimedia Notebook with good battery life.Without switchable graphics the Battery life takes a hit.So HP should look into it soon and release necessary updates or educate the customers about any alternate methods of increasing battery
life with the hybrid graphics of Radeon 7850M as most of us do not know how to use it.Hopefully they will look into it seriously.This is on behalf of too many dissatisfied customers.

I wish HP Support system was better and the planning before launching a Flagship Notebook was done with a better effort.Sooner the fix,the better and I request to HP that please dont make us buy another new notebook all over again until you plan to replace them.Its a pain for all customers.I have been a fan of the Envy 3D line as it was the only notebook line that provided switchable graphics on a 3D notebook.If you take that away you are taking away the most important feature from the Envy 3D line.Being such a big company HP cannot afford to make such mistakes with a flagship line.

Without the switch to Integrated graphics you are probably also taking away the wireless Display feature.So it would be two negative points on the Envy 3D line.

People who have ordered the same can throw some light on it.I ranted whatever I could with my limited knowledge.But I think we have let HP know of our problems and displeasure somehow and have them provide us with a solution.

What do you guys have to say regarding this Issue ?

 

First, the 3D model is a niche product... hardly their bread and butter. Next, they give you a 21 day evaluation period, with pretty much with no questions asked... So even if they did screw up, it is not a great situation, but one with very little significant downside for 'unsuspecting' customers. The world is full of real problems... prioritize.

 

I agree Jerohm that it is a niche model but that doesnt mean HP takes a step backward with a new model.And I m sure there are others who would like to know about any fixes that HP has to offer or any alternative power saving settings of the graphics card as AMD mentions something called hybrid Graphics with the 7850M.

I agree to this also that the world is full of real problems but I can only discuss my Notebook related problems or queries on Notebookreview.

 

I will have my 3d model this Friday. I will see if there is anyway to use the integrated graphics and report back to this thread. If not, HP will be receiving mine back and I will hold off from buying another laptop.

 

The HP Envy 17 3D line contains a muxer that allows switchable graphics. Remember...Intel includes Intel graphics on their chips, so switchable graphics should not be an issue. I have the Sandy Bridge model and switchable graphics works very well. I have even updated the AMD drivers to newer than available from HP and switchable graphics still works. My battery life (and I have a six cell battery) is around 3:25. I keep my plugged in brightness at 80% and on battery I keep it at 60%. The Ivy Bridge processors contain the Intel HD 4000 series graphics, which is capable of Direct X 11. With the AMD card, my screen refreshes at 120 HZ, where on the Sandy Bridge (Intel HD 3000), I refresh at 60Hz. 3D doesn't work with the Intel card...only AMD.

 

and that is your right, as well as the purpose of the 21 day, no questions asked, return policy... but if you think that your buying, or not buying another laptop makes a bit of difference to HP, you are deluded... they will just have another unit to ship to Costco. HP is Not perfect... never was, nor probably ever will be, but they do currently offer one of the very best price/performance offerings... but their products need to coincide with your requirements/expectations.

 

You're right; HP may not care if I return my laptop. However, I bet you they will care if many others who bought a 3D model return theirs. There will be a lot of negative critisism (and reviews) if it is not capable of doing what last year's model could do by making use of the integrated graphics. The main selling point of ivy bridge was better graphics and slightly better battery life. Believe me, with all the new ivy bridge laptops coming out, HP will take a significant hit on their 3D models unless they come up with a solution.

On another note, the last thing any computer company should want to do is upset paying customers with misleading products. There are many competitors who would like me to purchase their laptops. I am not an HP hater. In fact, I was very happy and excited to purchase their refreshed envy line. I just dont want to get the laptop and find out that it can't do things it should and was advertised to do. In the end, I will know this Friday whether it will be a great laptop or whether I will have to ship it back.

 

@bgredz...Exactly my point..I have been following the Envy line for sometime and the main thing that impressed me about Envy was the 3D laptop with switchable graphics and with integrated HD 4000 you could use wi-Di also.

Friday you can confirm,thats great news.Also please try to see even if you can tinker with the settings on AMD to see if the Hybrid graphics can do some magic.And what is the rough estimate of battery life.That would be of great help.

I have a ASUS G73 3D and I absolutely liked it apart from battery life.And since then I have been following the Envy line and finally with release of Ivy Bridge I ordered one.I would be disappointed if the integrated graphics goes missing.

@Bobmitch..Its seems that there is no option in the BIOS or the Catalyst control center to switch the Graphics cards and its AMD only.People have been on phone with the HP tech support and also I have checked the AMD website mentioning that Radeon 7850 does NOT have support for switchable graphics and has some Hybrid technology built into the card itself so that the card consumes power according to demand i.e. low power for less demanding tasks and high power for the 3D and Gaming.I still doubt it will be as Power efficient as the Intel HD 4000.

 

looking at other 17" 3D laptops, it seems that it is the norm NOT to have switchable graphics, no?

also seems the norm that all these 3D laptops have bad battery life.

previous envy17 being the exception.

 

Can someone clarify a point for me? If both Envy 17 and Envy 17 3D edition pack the same AMD 7850M chip and that chip does not support switchable graphics*. How is it that only the non 3d version of the laptop can switch?

*source: ATI Mobility GPU™ 3D Graphics Accelerators

 

That is something I was wondering as well :-/..
Maybe Maverick777 can shed some light on it.U listening Maverick ?

EDIT : Just came across this post where "gnat" confirms that the non-3D model does have switchable graphics ..

 

Thanks for starting this thread. I think this is a pretty serious oversight for many people... The previous model supported the switching and the current model supports the switching on the 2D model... I really don't care that much about the 3D but did want the double refresh speed screen when plugged in.

 

I'm currently at work so I can't clarify about the hybrid graphics but I can tell you I'm getting slightly over 5 hours on battery browsing the web at 60% brightness. Less if I'm listening to music at the same time. Less streaming flash video as well. I think that's pretty decent for a 17" laptop.

Switching appears to be working automatically. You can go into the setting and see which programs are assigned which video cards. Occasionally a program won't berecognized and you can set it manually.

I haven't experienced any issues with the games I've tested.

I do prefer the switching method on my Thinkpad. It lets you choose which card is used fill time without rebooting and hasn't had any issues in the 3 years I've used it, but the Envy hasn't given me issues so far.

 

is yours 3200 series 3D

 

THE ENVY 17 3D Graphic card not switchable issue

someone with the 3D version and problem with the ATI card not switching please contact the HP Executive office in Palo Alto, California, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM pacific time by dialing 1-800-756-0608, option #7

I emailed the CEO and someone from exec office called me but I could not work it out since I did not get my 3D laptop yet.

 

Thanks for the quick reply Maverick.Much appreciated.I loved your comparison videos also and have few questions about that.But thats for another day.For now once you have time it would be really nice if you can confirm whether the Device Manager shows both the Radeon and the Intel HD under the Display Adapters and upload a screenshot if possible.That would probably confirm for sure if both the graphics chips are functional.

EDIT : Gnat_ has confirmed with screenshot that both AMD and Intel graphics exist.Thanks again Mav.Adding a Rep

 

My Envy 17 3D comes in Thursday morning.

The anticipation is killing me, so i'm gonna dash home to pick it up then go back to work with it.

 

Mine is shipping on the 27th..

When you do receive it please confirm the whether it has both Radeon and the Intel HD under Display Adapters in Device manager by posting a screenshot.This whole switchable graphics issue suspense on the 3D model is killing me.

 

here is a review of the sandy bridge envy 17 3d. they talk about switchable graphics and battery life. pretty good for a 3d notebook.

Review: HP Envy 17 3D (Early 2012) - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

 

Gnat_ just confirmed that the non 3D model has both the Radeon as well as the Intel HD 4000 and hence the non-3D model definitely has the switchable graphics with the Intel being available.Now only if someone who has received the 3D model can confirm whether it has both,I can rest in peace.

here is gnat_'s post with the screenshot

 

Jason that was the point.Someone in the forum pointed out that though the previous 3D model had Switchable graphics this new one doesnt have.There was phone call and chat with HP support as well as AMD official website mentioning it lacks switchable graphics and instead coining a new term hybrid graphics which probably is the whole confusion.Like Previously with AMD we had to switch unlike NVIDIA Optimus which offered seamless switching.Now probably with the new generation of graphics chip with hybrid technology probably just means it would automatically detect the graphics load and clock down or switch it automatically all by itself,hence being seamless like the Optimus.Just my Theory.I maybe totally wrong.Have to look up articles on this.So far Notebookcheck doesnt have anything on the 7850M.Thanks for your help tho

 

No. I have the non 3D version. Sorry for any confusion.

 

I ordered my 3D on 6/11 & it was supposed to ship on 6/27 but shipped this morning (6/20) at 6:45am... Hope you also got an Advance Ship Notice (ASN) email saying it is on it's way.... Details on my config are in the envy thread...

 

I ordered back in 6/3, a 17 3d version with hybrid 750GB drive. I'm still impatiently waiting.

 

from the other thread.

 

This is bad news. However in order to have a fair comparison and understanding we have to know what kind of battery life the non-3d version gets while playing a DVD on the integrated GPU at similar screen brightness levels.

 

Ok, my Envy is STILL in Alaska... -_- Starting to seriously doubt it will be in Florida for delivery before Noon tomorrow...

It's been there since 15:24 AKD time on the 19th...

LOGISTICS do your thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Mine is right there with yours. Mine is coming to Illinois supposedly before 10:30 central time.

 

Just got a clearance delay.

 

You have got to be kidding me... -_- "Customer has requested non-express clearance"?! What the hibigeebies is that supposed to mean? I didn't do anything except hit F5 allllllll day.

 

I share your pain! Lets grab a beer and wait this one out! :-D

 

Light reading to help you fall asleep.

Maybe because it's worth $2k+?...
United States Country Profile

 

Could be. I have also heard that extra precautions are taken with devices containing the newer batteries due to airline fires but I'm guessing the real reason is because HP doesn't put the paperwork together correctly.

 

Found this in a macrumors.com forum... Seems we're getting jipped by FedEx on 2day shipping. 2 days starts after its cleared customs on American soil. HP will be getting a phone call from me tomorrow. >_<

WHAT??? www.apple.com said item was shipped, now it isnt!!! [Archive] - MacRumors Forums

 

Looks like mine is still held up in customs. It certainly would be nice to get it before the weekend

 

does the 120hz refresh rate actually help with eye strain for the regular daily use?

is there anyway to have it run at 60hz so it uses half the battery?

 

you should be able to set the refresh rate just like you set the screen resolution.

i didn't notice much of a difference at 120hz, so you may only need it when watching 3d.

and yes i think more power is consumed when running at 120hz.

 

can anyone with the 3D change the refresh rate to 60 see how that improves the battery life?

 

Keep us posted, I'm curious to hear what HP has to say since my Envy is right there with yours.

Edit: Well, looks like my laptop just cleared customs. Delivery date still says today but seeing as how it's in Alaska I'm skeptical

 

Same. Released from customs... Delivery date is completely hone though.

Sent from my SGH-i917 Windows Phone using Board Express

 

Mine was supposed to be shipped on the 27th itself...dunno how long its gonna get delayed.. :-|

Add to that the no switchable graphics option.. I feel really stupid for ordering this now..3D with 4+ hrs of battery life seemed so great..not so great it is now.. unless HPs decide to fix it :-(

 

Well, i called HP and got my 2nd day shipping refunded and my laptop should be delivered today.

 

GOT MY 3D ENVY!!! Gotta install 2 phone jacks, then I'm tearing this box the **** open (im at work lol)

 

--remove--

 

I see nothing mentioning another Graphics adapter aka Intel HD 4000 graphics.... Not in the BIOS, CCC, or in Device Manager... -_-

 

Ditto, Im on my 3d version now and all I can use is the amd graphics. I can not find the intel 4000 or wiDi. The 3d is pretty cool, but I will be sending this back to get the non 3d version. I wonder if they will give me the 33% discount with my exchange? If not, I may keep the laptop for a couple of weeks to see if the discount comes.

 

Congrats all who have received your unit..Enjoy and keep us updated about your experiences.

Its confirmed then it doesnt have integrated Graphics at least for now.

But what about the Battery life with the windows power saving mode.
Somebody please tell me ..PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE that I can at least get 3hrs of surfing time or at least finish a 2 hr movie on a Single Charge.

That was important to me coz My Laptop is gonna be my only entertainment machine at work when having some free time at night.You dont always get available charging points.That was only why I was upgrading from the Asus G73 which has otherwise been awesome for the couple of years I had it and still going strong.With the 3D envy everything seemed perfect Gaming,17 nich FHD screen,3D,Good Audio and 5 hrs of battery life.Too good to be true.Alas it is.

Why HP ...WHY ...WHY did you do this to me..??

 

Using power saver mode and turning it down to 60hz, I got over 3 hrs of surfing the web and streaming some videos. With 120hz I got about 2-2.5 hrs. I haven't tried watching a movie yet. Still debating if I want to exchange it for the standard envy 17 or not but I still have two weeks so we'll see.

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Thanks.What was Level of screen brightness u put it at..?

 

Varies from 40-60%

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