My discoveries on Vaio Z’s Hybrid Graphics

There is a new setting in 257.15 that may help getting it working with Hybrid Graphics on the Z11. The setting is SwitchToIGPUForInternalDisplay. Not 100% sure where it goes or if it will help.

 

Zomg. I wonder if any of the manufacturers of Hybrid Power notebooks will release a Forceware 2xx.xx driver set. Well, it's still currently in beta, but chances feel very slim.

What's the latest official hybrid graphics driver that we know of?

BenQ: nothing for 64-bit

Fujitsu: 186.84
Asus: 186.88
Sony: 187.35
Dell: 188.55, 197.12

Acer: 187.45

 

The latest Hybrid Graphics driver I know of is 197.12 for the Alienware M11x. 257.15 doesn't seem to work properly with Hybrid Graphics. Fingers crossed that it will still have support built in.

 

197.85 for those who have hybrid graphics and want to test it out. Personally, I don't see any difference.



Screen still flicks even if 257.15 is installed by itself, so it doesn't seem look so pretty.

 

ok. Tried installing them. same deal. I thought that they would work, but I can't switch to 'speed' mode.

I think the highest number driver I could get working on my laptop was Dox 195.62, though 191.97 is newer than that one.

 

Yeah it seems your BenQ may have different switching issues compared to our old Vaio Zs. Only thing I can suggest is to double check HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\NVIDIA Corporation\Global\Hybrid for DsmUseInteger = 1 which seemed to fix the old switching issue for us. EnableGoldOnHybrid under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\nvlddmkm with a value of 1 fixes the new switching issue for us. Not sure what else could be specific to your BenQ I will have to double check the settings.

 

How do I get this to install? Tried running setup.exe and it says my hardware isn't supported (Z116GX)

 

Any luck with Quadro? Since 191.97 worked well.

I tried putting in the reg values for 197.12 from Dell, but I couldn't get it to switch.


For 188.55 - was there any such issue that it takes a couple of minutes after you switch to Stamina for the Geforce GPU to switch off?
For 197.45 - I'm pretty sure it's just not turning off. edit: it does turn off and on after I went to standby.

 

Just for a little off topic (the topic is driver revisions, heh), do any of you use the feature that when you unplug the AC adaptor, the computer automatically switches to Stamina, and when you plug it back in it switches to Speed?

Did you find that feature more useful than annoying?

 

i never use it, its never on auto
i use stamina all the time except when i need the graphic power
less fan noise, less heat, even when on AC

 

I always use this feature. Cause i only game (and do certain heavy video tasks) on power, so nvidia card would be best. But outdoor i would like the best of battery life aka intel card. So auto mode is ideal for me ^_^

 

Oh yeah!

*namaiki high fives hxkclan

Also, if anyone is having lag when playing video on Stamina mode, run the Windows Experience Index when you're on Stamina (rating will be lower, like 3.4) and somehow lag is fixed.

 

Hi, I managed to make work the Forceware 197.85 on Vaio VPC-Z11 with windows 7 64bits ...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...-drivers-update-197-85-gt-330m-10de-0a2b.html

 

I've installed in my VPC-Z11. The installation went fine, but the switching part still does not work.

 

Hello. I encountered a problem on my vaio nvidia gt330m vpc-z11x9.
When you lower the resolution the screen appears blurry, which does not happen with the intel HD ... someone else has the same problem?

 

Your GT 330M seems to have another DEV ID. To make it work you must replace the DEV ID 0A2B by yours in Hybrid_197.85.inf file (use GPU-Z to find the good one). But as I said in another thread the switching works only when done computer halted or from intel to nvidia when started.

 

Do you get working brightness control when using the Nvidia card with these drivers?

 

No one have the same problem?
I've to think that is an hardware problem?

 

Hmm. I've noticed something weird - on both the 197.45 and 197.85, when I'm in stamina mode, the nvidia gpu stays on. The 191.97 drivers work fine.

 

I found that as well. Go into standby mode and after it will turn on and off as usual.

 

Ok thanks.

 

I can't install 197.75 or 197.85 package - both nvidia and intel graphics have an exclamation sign in device manager . The package installs completely: it takes a few minutes to install and asks whether I want to install unsigned driver or not, puts Intel's shortcuts in the autorun. I don't remember what was the problem with intel (but max screen resolution is 1024×768 so driver didn't work), and nvidia's reason was "device cannot start, code 10". It's not a problem of drivers signature - without it there is corresponding error message about signature. I tried to install those packages with different order of reboots, signing, but had no luck, while 191.97 installs and works as expected by tutorial on lv2go.

This happened on both factory OS and clean Windows install. Z890 CTO.

Nautis? Dreamliner? Folks? What am I missing?

Best regards.

 

Which 197.75 is this? Also, what GPU combination?

 

197.75 is from Nautis' site, this one: http://www.nautisiandesigns.com/drivers/testing/HGMS_N19745_I1994_x64_TEST.exe

GPUs are GMA X4500HD and GeForce 9300M GS - it's an old Z.

 

Are you installing in Speed mode?

 

I am almost sure that I tried in both modes. I'm sure I tried to install in Stamina, because I've installed 191.97 successfully in it and tried with the same conditions to install 197.75. If 197.75 needs Speed and 191.97 doesn't, and this must be the matter, I'll try in Speed now.

 

Seems strange if the same thing happened with a clean install of windows. Device can not start errors on HG are usually due to driver conflicts or drivers installed over ones that have not been removed. For example if you install standard Intel graphics drivers with the Hybrid Graphics it could cause an issue like that. In that case I usually recommend a program like driver sweeper, drivercleaner, or doing a manual reinstall and proper (uninstall) removal of all graphics drivers.

I assume that you put windows into test mode and signed the drivers using something like NGOs DSEO.

 

Nautis, yes, I put windows into test mode and signed drivers using dseo13b. I installed 191.97 this way. But the same way doesn't work with 197.75.

Maybe I should somehow restrict windows to install default windows driver for intel graphics? Because when I uninstall your HG package and reboot, default driver restores and hence my next attempts to install your pack are made over installed intel driver.

I'll try to clean out intel drivers with driver sweeper before installing your 197.75 and post the result. Thank you for feedback. I'll be back yet

 

Oh yes! DriverCleaner helped, now it works! Thank you, Nautis, and namaiki too. I'm happy now . Nautis, I think it would be good to mention possibility of such an issue in your guide on lv2g.

 

Great to hear. Glad it worked for ya.

--

I have been playing with Ubuntu here lately and was mentioned previously there is a black screen issue that may be similar to what is happening with the Intel drivers. Will be trying out newer 256 series drivers released today and try to force the output of the intel drivers to the notebook screen.

 

Still no go with the newer Intel drivers. Frustrating as all hell really.

Currently testing Nvidia 258.49/Intel 1994 and on the first boot as I type this. They seem to be working ok, just switched back and forth between gpus. Gonna test sleep in a sec and double check a few more things. Currently running on an older INF base. Will post a package soon.

EDIT: Sleep & Resume works. Checking a few settings to fix the flicker.

 

Peculiar thing are, Dell's drivers for the M11xR1 which move away from 1994.

Initial release: 188.55/1994
DriverVer = 12/28/2009, 8.16.11.8855
Intel DriverVer=11/06/2009,8.15.10.1994

Beta: 197.12/1892
DriverVer = 03/16/2010, 8.17.11.9712
Intel DriverVer=09/02/2009,8.15.10.1892


Oddly enough, for Dell's 197.12, I couldn't get it switching with enablegoldonhybrid, but when I replaced the files with 197.85, it worked fine. (as fine as the others - nvidia GPU was still drawing power until I went into standby) I didn't try switching the intel files, though.

 

Yeah I noticed that too when the were released. I haven't had any issues with 1994 so I am not sure why thy moved away from them with the 197.12 release.

Some fun info for ya. The M11xR1 seems to have the same issue with not powering down the Nvidia part. They even have this issue with their official drivers. Might take some heavy digging to come up with a solution.

Important info for fellow Hybrid Graphics mod'ers: The recent releases coming from Microsoft for Windows Update have actually been including nvbridge_int.kmd and a bunch of other files (including both english and international control panel packages). This means they should be easily modifiable for Hybrid Graphics use.

Windows Update Catalog - Nvidia Windows 7 (Best to use IE *Yeah I know ick*)

If you click the "Latest Updated" header you can sort the list by date. You will download a cab which can be easily extracted. The latest version as of this post is 198.05. Note: The nvbrige_int.kmd file from this 198.05 package is the one I will be using in 258.49.

Good Luck Modding.

 

Having backlight control issues and the screen flickering is an annoying little bugger on 258.49. Screen flicker seems to be random definitely has something to do with powermiser or something going on in the background.

-

Sill problems on the new Intel side. This is what is affecting Z11 users. I keep jumping back and forth thinking it is an Intel issue and then jumping to thinking it is an Nvidia issue. Here is essentially what seems to be happening for me when I put the newer Intel drivers in the mix:

1.) Windows boots but does to essentially a black screen. (This is usually when it is still using the Intel GPU)
2.) A few seconds latter the screen comes on as well as the light on the speed side of the switch (Basically saying that once the nvidia drivers and therefore GPU is loaded the screen turns on fine and is useable)
3.) Switching to the Intel GPU (Stamina) causes the black screen again but if I plug in a VGA monitor I can see the output to that display.
4.) The only output that seems to be detected on the Intel side is the VGA connector. I also notice that both devices are still listed in device manager. (Meaning the Nvidia part may still be active.) I also noticed that there is a output on nvidia or something when looking at and trying to mess with the multimonitor configuration settings. Configuring this stuff ends up with no new results.
5.) Switching back to the Nvidia GPU (Speed) the display comes back up on the laptop screen.

Another thing to note is that if the newer Intel drivers are installed on their own (essentially disabling Hybrid Graphics) they work fine. So this is something to do with the newer Intel drivers in the Hybrid Graphics configuration. Odd thing here for me is that the Z11 drivers seem to have the same issue for me on my VGNZ. This means you Z11 guys may see different results with the same tests.

Sorry I have not been able to do anything more for you Z11 people. We shall keep trying though.

 

I guess something interesting might come up when M11xR1's new drivers come out of beta.

 

Do you guys think Sony will at least update the drivers with the release of the z12?

 

Sony usually doesn't update drivers unless they have to. This means hardware issues, serious bugs, or if something in the hardware revision is drastically different. I wouldnt get my hopes up but you never know.

 

Excuse me, Hi all

For now, what are the latest unofficial hybrid drivers working on the VAIO Z11?

Thanks

 

No, so far only the ones released by Sony are properly working on the Z11 AFAIK for Hybrid Graphics.

 

Sounds like a multiplexer problem to me. Just brainstorming: Is there a way to strip off the multiplexer part of the Sony drivers and integrate it into newer versions?

 

Not sure. I am trying any and everything at this point.
Most definitely a multiplexer issue, though it seems to be on the Intel side. Either that or it is something in the Nvidia driver that is breaking the Intel side.

I am putting finishing touches on 3 master set packages right now and 2 new optimus INFs. 257.21/1994, 258.49/1994 & 258.49/2119 (still broken, putting it up for testing).

 

I was really trying to finish the Hybrid Graphics Toolkit before I released these. Ah well, been to long and need help on what works and doesn't on these.

Hybrid Graphics Master Set for Windows 7 / Windows Vista 64bit
Beta 1: Nvidia 258.49 / Intel 1994 (Quadro Desktop Base) (RECOMMENDED)
Beta 1: Nvidia 257.21 / Intel 1994 (WHQL Notebook Base) (NOT RECOMMENDED, SWITCHING DOES NOT WORK)
Alpha 1: Nvidia 258.49 / Intel 2119 (Probably doesn't work fully, not up yet.)

 

downloading and installing 257.21.. will let you know about
VGN Z21VN @ 7 64bit

EDIT:


Stamina switch and soft switch works bad, even on reboot.
It's possible to switch to Stamina from Speed, but when you switch to nvidia, the LED doesn't go to SPEED and driver will inform you about the switch every 30 seconds.. even with board already switched to nvidia (and driver working good)

Need to do:

Install manually Intel driver
Install manually NVIDIA driver
SIGN BOTH DRIVER
reboot
Soft switch from NVIDIA to STAMINA mode (then your Stamina LED Switch will start to work)
that's all

 

--- was expecting it were VPCz11 drivers, but too bad

 

Testing 258.49. No flicker on Geforce card as of yet.
Same thing with Geforce card stays on after switching, until you go into standby.

How often does the screen flicker for you? Is it easily noticable?

edit: I can't switch from intel to geforce with 257.21 either. The switch thing will come up and off instantly.

 

realogic, I will double check the 257.21 driver.

hxkclan, Yeah no fully working Z11 drivers still AFAIK. The 2119 drivers will be able to install on the Z11 but I expect it to have the same black screen on Intel that it has in the past. I forgot to add back the info for the Z11 which is why I haven't posted it yet. Will post it in a little bit.

Namaiki, So all in all its pretty much the same as the recent previous sets for the BenQ. Guess we will have to play with some settings some more to see if we can get it working properly.
The flickering for me is very random, it isn't a constant flicker and just sort of a quick flash every so often.

Trying to finish up adding the Z11 stuff back and will upload the 2119 Alpha set and then retest 257.21.

 

Hmm.. it appears the Acer Aspire 5745g has Hybrid Graphics similar to the VPCZ11. Looks like one I missed that I will have to add. If there are any other Hybrid Graphics (Intel & Nvidia) notebooks anyone knows of that I may have overlooked let me know. Each one gives a little bit more insight into the workings of HG.

Acer Aspire 5745g = 188.99/2021
Vaio Z (VPC-Z11) = 188.80/2021

EDIT:

 

I was testing on Nvidia 257.21 / Intel 1994 (WHQL Notebook Base)
and i found some problems
- cann't switch back to Nvidia GPU after switch from Nvidia GPU to Intel GPU
- Clone Display and Extend Display not working on Nvidia GPU

^^

 

Loading up that 257.21 driver now to take another look at it.

The latest official Hybrid Graphics driver posted yesterday from Lenovo for people who have the Z11/12 to test.
Nvidia 189.94 / Intel 2104 64bit (Vaio Z notebooks only)
No guarantees it will actually work. I still get the same blackscreen issue on my older VGNZ but of course I get that with the Vaio Z11/12 driver also. The Inf used with this is the one from the official Sony Vaio Z11/12 188.80 driver, lightly modded, so no other HG notebooks were added.

 

I also tried the 257.21 drivers and they don't switch from stamina to speed mode.