dv6t-61XX / dv7t-61XX Switchable Graphics Discussion

Has anyone had problems with the HDMI output?
At work I use 2 monitors, and had no problems using the HDMI -> HDMI/DVI adapter cable -> 1600x1200 monitor.
When I upgraded to a new 1920x1080 monitor (the 1600x1200 was really dim) it doesn't go above 1280x1024. Attempts to add the resolution manually in the Intel settings say it is above the maximum bandwidth. What gives? (I'd rather not use VGA, which works, but as usual is a bit blurry)

 

Works fine for me. I just right-click the desktop then click screen resolution and select the display I want to change. The only problem was that it wasn't set to 60Hz by default so I had to change it by going to the advanced settings.

 

The monitor can do 1920x1080 DVI from another computer, which is why I wonder if it's the laptop...

 

You used DVI and it worked but it didn't work when you used an HDMI-->DVI connection?

 

Maybe it is analog dvi

Edit: it may not be hdcp certified. Dvi to dvi doesnt need it but HDMI does along with HDMI to evidence.

 

HDCP is a good idea, but apparently the monitor supports it:

Professional P2211H 54.61cm (21.5 inch) Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor | Dell

And since it supports HDCP, it also is digital... (even if it were analog, it should support 1920x1080 as it supports that resolution through VGA).

I'm not sure what to test here, I guess I should try HDMI->HDMI on another monitor of mine and see whether that works. These DVI<->HDMI adapters don't change the signal at all, right? If HDMI works the adapter should as well?

 

Deleted. Question made on Gaming thread.

 

school/gaming needs as I am going off to college next year. My major is undecided so I'm not really sure which classes I'm taking.

 

First, the last word in my post should have been dvi. My phone autocorrected it to evidence for some reason. But those adapters don't change a thing. Hdmi is the same signal as dvi-d with audio and a smaller connector. With an hdmi->dvi you lose audio. The actual signal is unchanged. That is why my ps3 couldn't run on my dvi monitor while my computer could.

Anyway, is it possible the cable is bad? Digital is all or nothing. Try a game system or Blu ray player with the monitor with tht cable.

 

Does the switchable graphics affect java programs also?

 

That's about as vague as you could possibly get. What specific games? Do you use Maya or Adobe premier or AutoCAD or something? Are you an engineer?

 

Yes given that java programs use OpenGL as far as I know.

But if its a simple application integrated should handle it. Minecraft does encounter some trouble as you need to put it on lower settings.

 

Thanks for trying to work through this with me!

I've used the cable to go from my Desktop to TV (DVI -> HDMI) which worked at 1920x1080 no problem. It also worked from this laptop to my old monitor @ 1600x1200. It just doesn't detect the right resolutions or something for the widescreen monitor - all the resolutions it lists as possible are 5:4 or 4:3, and the Windows 'recommended' resolution is 1280x1024.

If I remember, I'll take the cable home with me this weekend and try to drive my 1920x1200 monitors with it which take VGA DVI and HDMI, and see what combinations work.

 

Will no OpenGL support affect running engineering programs like AutoCAD and MATLAB?

 

I would like to know this too, but i personally do not think it will. Keep in mind that the Intel HD graphics still works with opengl and should be good enough for those applications

 

i guess. but u still hav d Intel HD 3000

 

Pretty sure Autodesk products support D3d. Not sure about MATLAB.

 

I am extremely glad I found this thread. I'm looking into getting a HP dv7t laptop with the following configuration/specs:

2nd generation Intel Quad Core i7-2630QM (2.0 GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) w/Turbo Boost up to 2.9 GHz
1GB GDDR5 Radeon HD 6770M Graphics
8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
640GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
17.3" diagonal HD+ HP BrightView LED Display (1600 x 900)

I am just wondering if the graphics card (6770M) and other specs will be able to handle complex sketchup models easily and smoothly. I normally would assume it is fine based on the requirements listed for sketchup (and the fact that the specs are way better than what I am using now). However, I've seen some reviewers of the laptop say they had problems with Google Sketchup and others saying it worked wonderfully. And I think it has to do with the OpenGL issue being discussed here. I don't do any heavy gaming or other more advanced CAD programs, but would really like to feel like I could continue with some large Sketchup models without worrying about anything. However, Sketchup requires OpenGL compatibility.

Can I really on drivers to be released to fix the issue? Should I avoid purchasing yet? I wanted to get the laptop soon to take advantage of a coupon/code. But I don't want to get stuck with a laptop that can't run Sketchup. Advice and feedback is much appreciated!

 

If you rely on a program that uses OpenGL I'd recommend looking elsewhere. I dont know how intensive sketchup is so I cant comment on that. Perhaps someone with first hand experience can help you there. None of us here really knows if a driver will fix it or not, only HP and AMD know that. And whether a fix is forthcoming is anyone's guess.

Ironically, if you were a heavy gamer this laptop would be fine as most games use DirectX and that works fine on this laptop. Any design/CAD related use is sub par on the IGP (of course, compared to what it could be if the 6770m was accelerating OpenGL)

 

Thanks! I guess I will be waiting or looking into something else then. What a shame! This would be an absolutely wonderful laptop for me if the OpenGL issue wasn't there.

I'm really grateful I was able to find this forum/thread. Otherwise I would have been very disappointed and confused. Hopefully HP or AMD address the issue.

One question for all of you:
What other similar laptops and graphics cards have this problem? I would think most mid to high level graphics cards support OpenGL. I'll need to be more careful with my assumptions.

 

Pretty much every single video card from Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD/ATI supports OpenGL, but the problem here is that it doesn't work as it should on this specific notebook. The dv6 has two graphics cards, one integrated into the CPU (Intel IGP) and a separate, discreet one (AMD Radeon 6770M). The hardware and its drivers are designed to automatically decide which graphics chip to use, depending on the situation. Everyday tasks such as web surfing, documents, whatever defaults to the Intel IGP because you don't need anything powerful to perform those duties. It saves power so you get longer battery life and generates less heat so there's less fan noise. When gaming or doing other 3D-intensive tasks, the Radeon GPU is supposed to automatically kick in to give you the necessary performance boost.

In most instances this works pretty well. However, as has been stated, the problem with this particular laptop is that when you launch a program that relies on OpenGL, the Radeon GPU does not kick in. Rather, it sticks with the Intel IGP. It's OK if you're playing old OpenGL games (think Quake 3 and earlier), but it won't cut the mustard for modeling or current versions of Photoshop. All indicators point to the problem being related to drivers, but there has been no movement from HP or AMD in the direction of fixing the problem.

NVIDIA offers a similar graphics switching solution called Optimus. It does work with OpenGL so if you're looking for something similar to the dv6, check out the Dell XPS 15 or Sager NP5165.

 

Google Sketchup from my limited experience isn't that intensive that it won't run decently on the HD 3000.

The reason I try to convince all yall is cause I wouldn't pass up a deal like what HP gives unless I had to

 

Thanks for the info. I was looking at the dv7t (17" version).

So can you manually switch over to the dedicated graphics card and over-ride the automated switching protocol? If not, what about HP's Envy line and the HD 6850M card? Otherwise, I guess I will go elsewhere for this.

Thank you all for being so helpful.

 

Theres a poster on here by the name of Bobmitch that has said that his Envy 17 can manual switch. I'm not 100% sure. Maybe if you can find him you can PM him. He's posted in the switchable graphics thread on here.

You cant override the dynamic switching on the 6100 series. If we could we wouldnt be spending all this time complaining

 

You cannot override automatic switching. It's a muxless design so manual switching software won't have a mux to switch.

 

Well, in the multiplexer less design, the Intel IGP is always on because it is the one that throws the images on the monitor while the discrete card sends its info through the IGP which then sends it to the screen.

AMD and/or HP just needs a physical (keyboard combo) or software (control panel/taskbar icon/etc.) that allows the user 2 options: Keep the Radeon ON all the time if they choose to do so and the usual dynamic switching option where the computer decides if the dGPU is needed.

 

If I uncheck the box "Automatically select Power saving GPU on Battery" I can keep my AMD 6850M on all the time, battery or PSU. I can also manually select between the two cards and run the Intel GPU on power and keep only the Intel active as well

 

Woah. Maybe HP could just recycle Envy 17 the drivers for the DV6 and DV7s.

 

I tried to mod the Envy drivers to work. I should have my son's dv7T in my hands Mon or Tues. Gonna try again...keeping it simple. Last time, I used parts of the .ini file for the Pavillion to mod the Envy drivers. This time I will only try 6770M and forget all the other cards for the moment. I will experiment on the Pavillion...if they work...I will post...

 

The envy series still uses the old method of switching.

The current 61XX of the dv6/dv7 Intel line, currently cannot manually switch.

I think that's confusing people between the difference with envy and dv current line.

It should look like this, when it is working, it provide options for dynamic or manual switch

http://forum.notebookreview.com/7644435-post881.html (This is an 6000 series.)

 

That would be great. You would be a legend among DV6-61xx owners if it works. (And possibly some other laptops too.)

Also, are you able to overclock with those drivers?

 

People have overclocked the 6850m using MSI Afterburner. Default for the 6850 is 575 (clocked down by HP). Someone got it as high as 700 with no issues. Afterburner is one of the BEST tools for that. Also, be mindful that the .ini for Afterburner needs modding to recognize mobility chips...but it does work!

HOW TO: Enable UNOFFICIAL overclocking mode in MSI AfterBurner - Guru3D.com Forums

 

Thanks for the info! Good luck with the mod attempts.

 

Okay. I am very confused at this point. I follow what all of you are saying completely (well, I get the principle and the issue at hand). But it seems that as I navigate around forums and reviews, some people seem to not have the same issue. And I am not talking about OpenGL vs DirectX, because I understand the 6770M will do well with DirectX technology.

For example, I 'pm'-d an architect who was using the dv7t quad edition with the 6770M card and he said he could manual switch just fine. In fact, he sent me a screenshot like the one you posted with the exact same options. He uses a 3D modelling program too (Chief Architect) and it seems to be working fine.

So, what's the deal? Are some people getting their hands on unique drivers? Is it a vintage issue? I'm just confused by the varying accounts.

Again, I'm glad to be learning all this and grateful that there are people out there that can help. It just seems to me that I am getting well informed people telling me two different things.

 

Hp silently switched a component on the motherboard. This disables manual switching and OpenGL rendering on the new dv6/7.

 

Are you just guessing or do you know that for sure? You realize it would mean that this problem is not fixable without a recall?

 

A recall wouldn't even be necessary, just a driver update.

I don't see why they can't enable manual switching through drivers, even without a physical multiplexer.

 

This comment makes me curious though. When did they 'supposedly' do this? Because I've been talking to an architect that uses software requiring OpenGL and he seems to be able to manually switch between the IGP and the AMD card just like the screenshots shown by Bobmitch using the Envy line card (6850?).

Anyway, this guy bought his dv7t in April of this year and didn't install any special after market drivers.

So - I am very confused. At this point, I am considering ordering the laptop to take advantage of the $425 coupon and test it out during the 21 day return window. I just keep hearing people having different experiences. Or maybe, AMD/HP will send out new drivers before then anyway?

 

There are two different models of dv6t/dv7t that have been released this year with identical specs across the board except for switchable graphics and available LCDs. If your architect friend bought in April, it is likely a 6 000-series, which if you read ANY of the FAQs on this forum, you would know does not have this issue because it has a physical mux which allows it to manually switch. Anything you buy new from HP now will be in the 6 100 series, which is muxless and relies on dynamic switching. See that second digit in the model number? That's how you tell the difference.

Like others, I think this is 100% fixable via drivers. Mux or no mux, there should be an option to force the system over to the GPU at the user's request.

 

Thank you for the response. I going to apologize in advance since I know I am not up to speed on everything you guys are talking about in here. But I am trying to follow along so I understand what to buy and what I am getting.

So if I understand you correctly, the two models of the dv6t/dv7t that have been released both have the HD 6770M Radeon graphics card available, but some are a 6000-series and the current ones are the 6100-series. And the series number reference to the laptop in general, not a particular component. However the 6000 series had manual switching and the 6100 (current versions) do not but rely on dynamic switching, although it really isn't working for the OpenGL applications. Where would you know what series laptop you have, so that I can ask this architect?? Because he has the same options for switching as Bobmitch posted in his screenshot of the 6850M on the Envy.

Anyone know why HP made the change between series? If it is was working in the 6000 series, why even mess with it? Was the 6000 series not able to switch on the fly (it always had to be a manual designation), and so it was a battery efficiency play that had side-effects?

Sorry, just trying to firgure this out. I was so excited about the specs, price, and overall options on the dv7t, but this OpenGL issue is big for me. Also, anyone know why the Envy has such horrible heat issues when the dv7t has the same processor and doesn't have those issues? If the envy didn't have the heat and battery issues, I would just go that route. There isn't any advantage (other than price) on the dv7t, is there?

 

Well, the facts are that he can switch manually, and he bought all the way back in April. The switch to the 61xx model was pretty recent; maybe a month or two ago tops. As for where on the device, I don't know... Last HP/Compaq I bought was in maybe 2002. The exact model # was on the box.

As for why to make the switch, because dynamic switching, when it works, should be a better user experience and more power efficient. Manual switching A) causes the screen to flicker, and B) requires that you remember to switch it. You could be running in the least power efficient mode and not realize it. Dynamic switching, when it works, would eliminate both of the above and keep you on the most appropriate GPU (and thus, the most appropriate power scheme). Cost savings in removing the component are probably there too, but somewhat offset by needing to redesign the motherboard, update the fab line, and software engineering to get the whole thing to work. Savings over time once the technology can be used in other laptops.

As for Envy 17 vs. dv7t, <shrug>. Probably just poor design choices on where to place heat sinks and fans. A G53Sw is probably the most thermally efficient design around, but it's fricken huge. Heat will always be an issue when you try to keep things small/thin. The Envy does have a backlit keyboard though. Mmm... backlit keyboard...

 

Im a big gamer and i bought this laptop and it coming next week.
should i return it because the Switchable graphics doesn't work?

 

lololol

Dude read the 1st page man! Just read it!

 

Is it really that hard to just do some research first? Or better yet, just read the first page of this thread?

Sorry if I sound harsh, but you're like the 10th person to ask this... No, you should not return unless you need to play the (very few) OpenGL games out there (e.g. minecraft). Otherwise, you're fine because 99% of modern Windows games use DirectX.

 

Still waiting for new drivers to examine.

 

Which ones are you waiting for?

 

It appears the switchable graphics may affect benchmarks. I say this because a person benched a 8560w which had the business version of this GPU and it is not switchable. They received a much better score on the benchmarks even though they have a slower CPU and the business drivers.

That would imply that either the benchmarks are not accurate in this case, or the switching slows down the GPU in games. I don't see how it could be a pure benchmark issue since the 3dmark tests use games to determine the score. I would suspect that the switching graphics affect actual performance, which is shown in the lower benchmark scores.

Maybe they will do something with the drivers that will help. I'm not very happy about what I'm seeing and I regret somewhat that I didn't return the dv6t and get the 8560w instead (I originally had it on order) since it appears that even the business laptops beat the new switching graphics in performance. And, performance was the only reason I kept the dv6t to begin with (I have an i7-2720QM in my dv6t whereas the business one would have had the i7-2630QM for about $100 more).

I suppose in the end, if they can at least match the performance of the non-switching laptops then it'll be worth it. But, ir's not worth it if there is a big hit in performance and it appears based on the 3dmark06 scores that there may be.

 

First off don't use 3DMark06 anymore as a reliable reflection of performance of graphics power nowadays. Use Vantage or 11.

But you're right. Switchable graphics takes a hit in terms of performance but it should be within 5% or so of the manual switch models. I think you lose some of that performance in having to call the dGPU to render and then passing back the rendered images through the IGP. That's my guess. The whole process is not direct as it would be if it were only going through 1 GPU. We're going through 2 GPUs if were using the 6770m as the Intel IGP is always on and the only graphics card connected to the display.

 

I ordered a 6017tx from a local dealer but he shipped a 6121tx
Should I return it? How probably is it that HP would solve this issue?
I don't run any OpenGL programs but I was thinking of getting into photoshop and 3D Modelling etc. Very casually though.

 

Wow...

So you're basically saying the GPU performance takes a 5% hit on games?

That's huge! It may not seen like a lot, but that's like downgrading 4 or 5 cards lower in the GPU world. Why pay the extra bucks for the premium card if you can only get 95% of it capability? No thanks.

Guess it's off for to the XPS 17..... the only other laptop with similar specs. Shame..