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

Sweet. I couldnt care less about OpenGL, I just want people to shut up about this issue.

 

thats kind of relieving but when i chatted with an agent, she said the drivers were released and had me all excited. then she pointed me towards the dumb hp Dani guy that made the "offical switchable graphics" post on the hp forum.

 

All three customer chat representatives are probably the same person .

 

Not sure but I get the feeling you believe that it's fine to have crippled OpenGL support? Regardless of the fact that CS5 MAY work ok on the HD3000 or that its just silly of the Minecraft devs to make a game of that scale in java running OpenGL...to me it's missing the point.

To put it a different way...what other graphics card available today does not support OpenGL out the box?

 

If you don't care about the issue then don't post on here. Some people need OpenGL to perform for what they do. Love your selfish attitude there. Maybe you should apply for a job at HP?

 

HP Customer service chat says issue will be fixed soon with new drivers:

OpenGL Support - Good News Everyone! - HP Support Forum

Should I believe them?

 

I'd believe it when it happens, she could just be saying that. I've had support reps tell me all kinds of crap in the past just to get rid of me =/

 

Believe them, but use a conservative definition of the word "soon". This is a driver problem, pure and simple. Given the fact that HP, Dell and Lenovo are affected and there have been quite a few complaints for each of them, I suspect they've gone to AMD and demanded a fix. It will be fixed eventually, but AMD always takes a long time to fix driver problems and their initial fixes tend to be buggy.

 

If all you're going to do in OpenGL is Photoshop, yes it's fine. Obviously if you're going to do other, much heavier things in OpenGL, then the HD3000 might not be enough.

I'm just saying that GPU computing is a joke and the they're pretty much used only for games.

 

Did I say anything about what I think others needs are? Did I say others needs are pointless or open gl is useless? Nope. I just posted my opinion. I am sure there are other people who share my view. Im just tired of people asking of opengl works and then that is followed by a post that says read the sticky. I would love to work at HP. My friend works at HP corporate and literally has the best job ever.

 

My patience has run out.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/7716183-post7012.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/7716183-post7014.html

 

bump can i get help with this

 

Can I get this added to the FAQ?


*1: if there are 3D plug-ins, the GPU selection is based on profile association.
*2: The dGPU can be set as the default via a build option

 

Dell on switchable graphics:

IdeaStorm | Update Vostro 3550 AMD 6630/Intel HD 3000 Switchable Drivers

 

What is your question? You have two video processors, one is the integrated GPU and the other is the AMD discrete GPU, 6490. There's nothing to "do".

 

Don't forget Amnesia: The Dark Descent.

Playing Assasin's Creed on the Highest settings gives me a better FPS than playing it on low, it is almost unplayable on low... Also, HWINFO says my i5 2410M is only maxed at 89%? This laptop is starting to feel like an Apple product gone wrong - complete lack of control.

 

Okay, so I know this isn't exactly the place to ask this, but I couldn't get any help on my other thread and I would like some assistance.

My microphone on my dv6t Quad no longer works. I've had the computer maybe 3 weeks? I know it worked out of the box because I recall using google voice search.

I have tried updating drivers for what I believe is the mic (IDT High Definition Audio or something like that).

And no, it's not just muted.

(On topic, I really do think HP/AMD is working on this. and I love my dv6 aside from not being able to fully utilize it to it's maximum potential, it's still a fantastic machine.)

 

Skip the posts like I skip stuff that doesn't apply to me.

The fact is lack of OpenGL support doesn't affect the common user, but in this category of "high-performance, entertainment" laptops, the lack of support is inexcusable especially when games using OpenGL are in existence. Also, is this laptop future proof for games like Rage? iD tech engine was built with OpenGL in mind.

I assume people would not have such criticism if this was entry level cr#p with some discrete card that was hardly better than the IGP. But with a 6770m gddr FIVE in a relatively lightweight package with other good specs, this flaw is glaring. It's like a Lambo with a busted headlight versus say a Ford Fiesta or Kia. Probably many would not care much in the latter.

 

This whole problem with the graphics gets me worried sometimes when I think if they will even bother fixing it for current models or just wait till later models, which would mean for those of us who have it now......were screwed haha

 

I can add but I feel like it might be confusing to a lot of people. I know this is from the BACO presentations - seen it on quite a few occasions.

I mean look at DX 9 and 10. As far as we know, all DX 9 and 10 games have run fine on the dGPU. So the slide is a little misleading. My preference is to just keep it simple - that DX will normally always work; OpenGL is not supported at all on the dGPU; and Video acceleration is handled by the IGP.

 

The way the slide present to me that the user can choose between using igpu or dgpu for dx9/dx10 software but you got no choice on that matter for dx11 or opengl.

All unknown apps are defaulted to use igpu but that can be changed to default to use dgpu.

 

I agree Falco. Video playback works on the DGPU or IGP from my experience. DirectX11 makes sense to only run on the DGPU since the intel chip doesn't support DirectX11... and we know which card OpenGL is supported on currently.

If we're extra lucky, HP decided to implement the Juliet 1.0 thing from those slides (where they allow you to switch between the two switching schemes). Not holding my breath though.

 

Ok seems like you guys have a point. It's now up on the FAQ

 

Well, only 1 guy reported that he managed to do with his 6000 using a modded 11.6 CCC and HP 11.4 driver.

He is able to switch between different switching schemes.

 

*Deleted double post*

 

Ok updated the "When will HP fix this issue?" in the FAQ with a more updated and expanded response.

 

Hi everyone i have an HP Pavilion dv6-6115TX
Intel Core i5 Processor i5-2410M, 4GB PC3-10600DDR3-1333,500GB @ 5400 RPM), intel HD/AMD Radeon (switchable graphics/dynamic mode) 6490M Graphics Card with 1 GB, windows 7 64bit home basic.

I dont want to play very high end games but whatever game i select in systemrequirementlab(can you run it) shows that my graphic card is not compatible(only recognizes the intel graphic card not the Radeon 6490m).
After reading this and the other thread i understand that nothing should be wrong with direct X games n only GL games.
Can anyone tell me how to know whether a game runs on Direct X or OpenGL 3? also will i be able to play assassins creed 2 and 3(low res)
thanks

 

HP posted the following today:
We understand that there is a concern about switchable graphics and OpenGL functionality.

Switchable Graphics:
HP has a document about how to configure the ATI® Mobility Radeon® Switchable graphics feature. This
document also describes the differences between fixed and dynamic switchable graphic modes and how
to use each effectively.
See: How to Configure ATI Mobility Radeon Switchable Graphics - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Open GL Functionality:
To operate certain OpenGL applications, you will need to install the latest graphics driver (SP 53025)
which can be found here: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp53001-53500/sp53025.exe . This download
provides Intel Graphics Driver version 8.15.10.2219 to support the Intel GPU in HP notebooks with
switchable graphics. The AMD graphics card in newer HP Pavilion dv6 and dv7 Series models may not
run certain Open GL software.

Update: There is a BIOS update in the works that will allow you to switch from the default Dynamic mode to Fixed mode. Switching to Fixed Mode will allow you to run Open GL programs on the AMD Radeon graphics processor. We will let you know as soon as this is available.

Thanks!
DaniW

 

How is that going to work when the dynamic switching uses a muxless design?

 

We understand that there is a concern about switchable graphics and OpenGL functionality.

Switchable Graphics:
HP has a document about how to configure the ATI® Mobility Radeon® Switchable graphics feature. This document also describes the differences between fixed and dynamic switchable graphic modes and how to use each effectively.
See: How to Configure ATI Mobility Radeon Switchable Graphics - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Open GL Functionality:
To operate certain OpenGL applications, you will need to install the latest graphics driver (SP 53025) which can be found here: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp53001-53500/sp53025.exe . This download provides Intel Graphics Driver version 8.15.10.2219 to support the Intel GPU in HP notebooks with switchable graphics. The AMD graphics card in newer HP Pavilion dv6 and dv7 Series models may not run certain Open GL software.

There is a BIOS update in the works that will allow you to switch from the default Dynamic mode to Fixed mode. Switching to Fixed Mode will allow you to run Open GL programs on the AMD Radeon graphics processor. We will let you know as soon as this is available.


HP Total Care

 

Thanks TC for sharing,,

 

We understand that there is a concern about switchable graphics and OpenGL functionality.

Switchable Graphics:
HP has a document about how to configure the ATI® Mobility Radeon® Switchable graphics feature. This document also describes the differences between fixed and dynamic switchable graphic modes and how to use each effectively.
See: How to Configure ATI Mobility Radeon Switchable Graphics - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Open GL Functionality:
To operate certain OpenGL applications, you will need to install the latest graphics driver (SP 53025) which can be found here: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp53001-53500/sp53025.exe . This download provides Intel Graphics Driver version 8.15.10.2219 to support the Intel GPU in HP notebooks with switchable graphics. The AMD graphics card in newer HP Pavilion dv6 and dv7 Series models may not run certain Open GL software.

Update: There is a BIOS update in the works that will allow you to switch from the default Dynamic mode to Fixed mode. Switching to Fixed Mode will allow you to run Open GL programs on the AMD Radeon graphics processor. We will let you know as soon as this is available.

Thanks!

 

saturnotaku makes a good point. How do I know that the muxless design that was implemented on the 6100 series means that the BIOS update won't really work? I was reading on another thread that muxless design means that the intel card can never be truly disabled no matter what. That kinda makes me want to set this computer on fire. I didn't pay for a computer that might be able to use a top notch graphics card 1% of the time (if I'm lucky) and forces me to use a subpar graphics card the other 99%. I was on the verge of returning my laptop until I heard about this bios update (I still have about a week to do so), but now I wonder if I should anyway.

 

You will be able to go into F10 setup after the BIOS update and switch to Fixed mode from Dynamic. Then you can manually select the graphics adapter like in the Dv6t - 6000 series.

 

That is wonderful news! Thanks for the update.

 

I'm guessing it's going to work like how the dGPU works right now. It goes through the iGPU... Except instead of turning off the dGPU when it's not needed, the user can choose to leave it on all the time.

 

Wait, what? The discrete card works most of the time, it's just that there is no multiplexer between the GPUs and the display. The IGP essentially assumes the role of the multiplexer(s). You wouldn't get indignant about not being able to disable the multiplexer on an older SG-capable computer, would you? That's what's happening here. The IGP isn't always responsible for crunching the numbers, but it's always outputting to the display.

 

Sounds great.

Any chance we can use this BIOS-updating chance to add the Centrino 6205 (HP Part # 631954-001) to the BIOS WLAN whitelist? since HP doesn't actually sell the Centrino 6230 which the Service Guide claims this laptop supports and we'd like our 802.11a and 5GHz dual-band wireless.

 

Interesting.

This would make Bacon more powerful than Optimus if deployed across OEMs.

The defining feature of current-gen Optimus on non-Quadro notebooks is the lack of a BIOS option.

Is my understanding correct that Fixed Mode would keep the IGP active for LCD and port display while all rendering functions are given to the GPU?

Does this update apply to both Sandy Bridge and Llano?

 

Can't wait for the update! Maybe it will allow us to overclock.

 

Wow! Great news! Let's just see how well it works! I'm all for a manual type switch like this. The question is though, if you switch to fixed can you install ATI/AMD GPU drivers from AMD's site? And if you flip back to dynamic will the proper drivers automatically detect and install the dynamic.

This should also address DirectX 9 performance issues.

I may have to go forward and order this machine and pit it up against the Sager I ordered.

 

HP is really stringing me along for a ride this summer.

I keep flipping back and forth between the dv6 and the NP5165.

 

Well yeah, I already ordered my NP8130 and it's in the build stage. I may order the DV6t as well since I get a 21 day return policy and 30 days with Sager. Hopefully get a few days overlap to compare the two. I know the NP8130 is more powerful, but I'd really like longer battery life. And if we can overclock the AMD GPU when set to fixed, it can probably near GTX 460 performance, plus pocket a few hundred bucks.

 

Overclocking would be nice.

God knows the 6750M/6755G2 needs it and an OC'd 6770M comes within pissing distance of the GTX 260M.

 

Fantastic if true!!

Now just need the wifi card limitation removed and I'll put this back on my shopping list!

 

My sager just shipped today.

 

Where was this posted (other than on these forums)? Don't see it on HP's support site...

Edit: Nevermind, I found it. For those interested in looking into the horse's mouth:

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebo...n-Switchable-Graphics-and-Open-GL/td-p/766285

 

The 6770m already exceeds performance of the 260m. It should come close to the 460m.

My finger is on the trigger to order a DV6t as well. Gah, hate to have $1000+ tied up in laptops but I think it's the only way I can do a best comparison and find out. I don't really need top notch performance, as long as it plays games decently, and the drivers don't cause issues for me.

 

That is my understanding. The design is muxless, with the IGP just acting as the conduit to the display.

Great, so they will kludge around the dynamic switching issue by letting users force everything to the dGPU, but is that really the best solution?

• This can't be good for battery life (full time dGPU, even if it downclocks automatically, will consume more than the IGP)
• Switching back to dynamic for the better battery life requires a full reboot and stop in to change a BIOS setting = inconvenient

At best, I think this is a good stop-gap solution. Ideally, they should just fix the drivers/software to properly detect OpenGL and shunt the work to the dGPU. That would be the best of both worlds: performance when required, and long battery life when not.

 

It's a solution that takes the best of bios-gen Optimus and reboot-gen Optimus.

When I'm sitting in class, I don't need OpenGL or overclocking.

But the other 90% of the time when I have this laptop hooked up to AC, I could care less about how hot the thing gets.

OpenGL is important to me. I need it for all 3D experiences and VDPAU. Anything that lets me use it is a nice solution.

It should be interesting to see how this BIOS option changes the paradigm for Linux support.