AMD 7970M problem with Autocad and 3Ds MAX

Hello,

I'm using Autocad 2013 and 3Ds Max 2013 on my Clevo P170EM:

i7 3630QM with Intel HD 4000;
8GB RAM;
GPU AMD HD7970M;
Samsung 840 PRO 128 GB.

In AMD Catalyst I set Autocad and 3Ds Max to use the 7970M but they recognise only the HD 4000 and not the dedicated card.

Is there anyone that use Autodesk programs with the 7970M?
Is there any way to force Autocad to pick it up?

Thank you!

 

Downloading the trial to see.

 

There have been other similar threads with various programs/games and I recall reading something about running a software that forces the 7970M to active prior to opening the wanted software. But I suppose someone with an EM-series laptop could give you more specific advice.

 

Thanks!

 

i don´t have autocad, but i use nemetschek allplan 2013 (similar to autocad) and it works well with my 7970m

 

Which AMD Catalyst are you using?

 

Any switchable graphics solution is going to have difficulties with workstation applications, even if you own a Quadro card.

Workstation apps such as CATIA, AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, exct... draw on the GPU in different ways than a game will. For one thing, games are normally rendered in full screen, whereas content creation is windowed. Often times as well, these apps are running calculations such as OpenCL or Floating Point and Optimus and Enduro are designed to recognize Direct3D, OpenGL, and DirectX. This means that workstation apps rarely switch to the the Discrete GPU.

My recommendation is to stay away from any system with switchable graphics. Consider the NP9570 or NP9370.

AMD's GCN architecture handles workstation apps well so if you don't feel like dropping lots of cash for a Quadro card, the 7970M (depending on the program) will perform on par with a Quadro K2000M. Finally, (for shame) consider the Alienware M17X w/ the 7970M because you can disable switchable graphics on that model entirely without breaking the bank.

 

So 7970M theoretically has good performance with Autocad and 3Ds MAX but it can also not work on them?

I've got a Clevo P170EM so there's no chance that Autodesk programs will work with 7970M?
Is there anything I can do?

 

I should have read your OP more clearly. I thought you were in the market for a new system.

Try this:

1. Right-click on the 3D Max icon your desktop or start menu. Select "Properties." In the Program Properties window select the "Shortcut" tab.

2. At the end of the text in the Target box (to the right of the quotation mark) add a space and then type -h. For example, change "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2011\3dsmax.exe" to "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2011\3dsmax.exe -h." Click "OK."

3. Run 3D Max by double-clicking on the icon. The Direct3D Driver Setup window will appear.

4. Select "Revert from Direct3D." Click either "Software," "OpenGL" or "Direct3D" and then select "OK."

Try running it in OpenGL or Direct3D to see if you get an increase in performance.

 

13.1

hm, as u can see on graph in afterburner it works all time with 7970 by me...

 

In 3DS MAX if I select Direct3D the program uses the HD4000 but if I select OpenGL it seems to use AMD Driver but I haven't seen any acceleration..

Is there a possible solution for Autocad, this is its log typing "Config3D":

Performance Tuner Results Log
Version: 19.0.2.0
Date of Last Tune: 03/03/2013

Machine Configuration
---------------------
Processor Speed : 2.4 GHz
RAM : 8080 MB

3D Device
---------
Name : Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
Manufacturer : Intel(R)
Chip set : HD Graphics 4000
Memory : 1777 MB
Driver : 8.17.0010.1172

Your machine contains a 3D Device that is not certified.

As more graphics cards and 3D display drivers are tested, they are added to a list on the Autodesk website.

You can check for updates and download the latest certification list at any time. Run the 3DCONFIG command and click the Check for Updates button.

Current application driver: Software

Current Effect Status:
----------------------
Enhanced 3D Performance: Not recommended and off
Smooth display: Not available
Gooch shader: Software emulation in use
Per-pixel lighting: Not available
Full-shadow display: Not available
Texture compression: Not available
Advanced material effects: Not available

Available application drivers and effect support:
-------------------------------------------------
Software driver
Effect support:

Enhanced 3D Performance: Not applicable
Smooth display: Not applicable
Gooch shader: Software emulation only
Per-pixel lighting: Not applicable
Full-shadow display: Not applicable
Texture compression: Not applicable
Advanced material effects: Not applicable

Autodesk driver: Not Certified
Effect support:

Enhanced 3D Performance: Available
Smooth display: Available
Gooch shader: Available
Per-pixel lighting: Available
Full-shadow display: Available
Texture compression: Available
Advanced material effects: Available

 

You got a sample file I can use that renders something in 3D? Right now it's not working for me either.

 

Which program are you using?

I saw that the 7970M works on 3DS MAX only with OpenGL and Autocad never use it..

 

I downloaded AutoCad, does that really even need GPU?

 

Autocad needs a really powerful GPU, especially when you draw in 3D.

I emailed AMD too, and if I can't solve this situation maybe I will change the GPU installing a 670MX/675MX...

 

Switching GPUs won't make a difference. The problem lies in switchable graphics. The reason AoutCAD is detecting the HD 4K is because it's the master display adapter in the system and you need Enduro or Optimus to switch. AutoDesk is horrendous with their support. They will tell you, we only support and recommend Quadro.

 

So, changing the video card from AMD to Nvidia won't solve the problem and Autocad will continue to use the integrated HD 4000. Is that correct?

I'm in the return period so I can change my notebook.. can you give me an advice about which computer (without Optimus or Enduro) I should buy? (Alienwares cost too much for me..)

 

Running MSI Afterburner when I use Autocad, it seems that the GPU is working even if the program says that it's using HD4000... Is that possible?

 

I think it´s possible. Same thing as using HWMonitor.. You see HD4000, but it´s 7970m.

 

I think it works in that way.. and maybe there will be a solution in the future.

I have another problem with Photoshop OpenCL, only one time Photoshop has seen the OpenCL of 7970M and so it used the acceleration.

Probably, reading in Abobe forum, it's a driver problem of our cards. Anyone with this problem?

 

I wouldn't say a driver problem per se. I have been using (and developing) OpenCL based application (more recently, using Bullet Physics) and have had no issue in getting very good results (The GPU goes to very high levels of utilization, and the simulations are insane!). The problem with Photoshop most likely lies in seeing the integrated graphics first. Try the following: open a graphical application, such as a game, that you know uses your 7970m, and then, without closing the application, open Photoshop, and see if OpenCL is still borked.

On another note, I am really happy in seeing OpenCL gaining some serious supporters! Unlike CUDA, I do believe that OpenCL is the way to go ^^!

 

I've been debating exchanging my 7970m for a 675mx too. But I'm on the fence as I think Premiere will go OpenCL with their next version. Doesn't 7970m kill the 675mx in all the professional programs?

 

7970m on a 150em Maya 2012 no problem in viewport 2 / 3ds max 2012 same no problem at all
UDK / Cryengine / C4D / Sketchup all fine
I'm running 12.6 beta cuz I don't have time to install new drivers

Edit: wait it's not 12.6 it seems to be 13.2 beta 6 ? Since I installed it a long time ago I don't remember.

 

Does it work if you right-click on your autocad/ 3dMax shortcut, there should be one option for you choosing the application run by high performance device > AMD chipset (I could not tell the exact terms because my windows is not in English)

this work for me where i'm using GT540M for all the time gaming and some CUDA-required video compression tools

 

That is the procedure for Optimus-enabled devices. For Enduro ones, you do not do it like so. You have to go into the catalyst menu and add the applications to a list. Once added to that list, you may choose the graphics card to use. The result is similar to the Nvidia method, albeit not as user-friendly...

 

Ummm.... it sounds pretty trouble

 

It isn't, at least not that much. I just use two profiles: all aplications use the 7970m when on AC and all aplications use the HD4000 when on battery. Also, I've been working with both Unity3D and 3ds Max 2012 with no problems whatsoever!

 

Hi, in 3DS MAX the 7970M seems to work but, when I choose Direct3D or Nitrous in Viewport settings, it shows the HD4000 drivers (only with OpenGL it shows AMD drivers) even if monitoring applications show that 7970M is working. Can you see if you have the same "problem"? Thanks!

 

I do have that same problem. However even when running dxdiag, the HD4000 is reported and there is no mention to the AMD 7970m. I actually find it funny that the 7970m is reported when using OpenGL for rendering. Directx always reports the HD4000 as being used (same thing for games) even though the 7970m is active and being used. I have had no performance problems (quite au contraire) in both games and professional applications. I expect you have had the same experience, no?

 

I have the same experience, the applications see the HD4000 but the 7970M seems to be used. No performance problems, only Photoshop doesn't recognise OpenCL. Maybe this will be fixed on future driver and application's updates.

 

Regarding Photoshop, it seems a bit weird. I can't help you there, as I use GIMP. It is possible that since it detects the HD4000 first you don't get to use OpenCL. This means that Adobe is somewhat to blame, as OpenCL can run via CPU if the GPU is unsupported. I have ran some benchmarks and OpenCL applications with no problems :S . I advise you to contact Adobe or check around if there is a workaround available...

 

https://www.evernote.com/shard/s260...ecdee5d1433e/2b6d2ecd80c28d7571ad57c83dc0ff16

 

Photoshop recognises 7970M but not OpenCL, maybe it's a driver problem (only one time I managed to use OpenCL on it)...

Which driver version are you using?

 

I believe it's 13.2 beta 6 since I don't have the time to install the new drivers.