My discoveries on Vaio Z’s Hybrid Graphics

Thank for your responses so I presume the issue is hardware related. I ordered an intermediate price solution between usb and the vidock, a matrox dual2go digital, I hope it will work and will inform you if it's the case.

 

anyone want to give this INF a try?

NVMVSZ.INF

Note:
Reset Color settings
No Optimus Switching style
modded from sony vpcz1 188.80 inf and dell vostro 3700 189.99 files
brightness key functioning

edit:
found a string @ 259.xx

Code:

HKLM,"Software\NVIDIA Corporation\LDDM\Umode\video",OverlaySetBuffers,%REG_DWORD%,7

 

Really appreciate your works, but wouldnt it be best to start a thread and bombard sony with emails askign for updated drivers from the Verde range?
They should be the ones to do this, we paid for the notebooks.

 

LOL... you know something called standard answer?

evertime you asked the question you will notice that they answered with the same answer...

let me show you the answer...

189.99/2141 is the best for me...
my notebook is more silent now...
or it's just my feelings...

note: i didn't face any bsod, kernel error, or error, swithching took less than 4seconds

 

Hi all, this is my 1st post.

I've learned a ton reading this forum and am looking for learning more.

Quick question: can the graphics notification be disabled? every time i plug or unplug the charger, the notification asks me if I wanna "make the changes", can't it be set to accept automatically?
Thanks

 

This is what I am working on now.

Glad to see others jumping in modding Andrew and glad to hear 189.99 is working well on the Z11/12. Gonna take a look at your INF. You should be able to update the Intel side but you would then need to sign the drivers. The latest Intel seems to be 2189 I found at stationdrivers. I am also going to look at these Intel drivers and see if they fix the black screen issue with newer Nvidia drivers.

-
I am going to continue to keep a list of the latest Official releases for both Hybrid Graphics and Optimus here. You can download the 189.99 package there and then it should just be a matter of extracting the drivers placing Andrews INF and installing. Signing should not be required as this is already a Hybrid Graphics package.

There should be, let me find it for you.

 

getting install error:

several files are missing?! iglhxs64.vp and further... actually i dont know why that is happening. searched for the files in the inf and the lines are actually the same to the original inf. (still, inf names were different)

EDIT:

Ok I downloaded the 2141 intel package, took all the missing .vp files into the installation folder. works now without flaws. Deinstall old drivers first! (will mess up without)

THANKS!

 

Nautis i remembered that your file is totally different from mine, your file is somehow mixed... i mean compared to the dell vostro 3700...

this following code is inside your 189.99/2141 inf

Code:

HKLM,"Software\NVIDIA Corporation\Global\Hybrid",DeepIdleTimer,%REG_DWORD%,0
HKR,,FastResume,%REG_DWORD%,0x1
HKLM,"Software\NVIDIA Corporation\Global\Hybrid",HybridPlatformRole,%REG_DWORD%,2
HKLM,"Software\NVIDIA Corporation\Global\NVTweak",NvCplEnableAdvancedTimingPage,%REG_DWORD%,0
HKLM,"Software\NVIDIA Corporation\Global\NVTweak",NvCplDisableSmartDimmerPage,%REG_DWORD%,1
HKLM,"Software\NVIDIA Corporation\Global\NVTweak",PhysXShowUI,%REG_DWORD%,1

and you totally removed the following code

Code:

HKR,,_Default_PanelID_STR,%REG_SZ%,"00000000;00000001;00000002"
HKR,,_Default_PanelID_VAL_Brightness,%REG_SZ%,"fffffff2;fffffff2;fffffff2"
HKR,,_Default_PanelID_VAL_Contrast,%REG_SZ%,"00000068;00000068;00000068"
HKR,,_Default_PanelID_VAL_Hue,%REG_SZ%,"00000000;00000000;00000000"
HKR,,_Default_PanelID_VAL_RGB_Gamma_B,%REG_SZ%,"00000064;00000064;00000064"
HKR,,_Default_PanelID_VAL_RGB_Gamma_G,%REG_SZ%,"00000064;00000064;00000064"
HKR,,_Default_PanelID_VAL_RGB_Gamma_R,%REG_SZ%,"00000064;00000064;00000064"
HKR,,_Default_PanelID_VAL_Saturation,%REG_SZ%,"00000078;00000078;00000078"

i tried 258.96/2141 it's a total black screen with intel...

edit:
found intel hd graphic that you said
15.​17.​10.​2189
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=19291&lang=eng

edit2:
downloading and trying..

 

yeah, thats the problem, all newer drivers with version higher than 189 will give black intel... just not useable

 

yeah 189.99 with 2189 works for me...
i am going to mod 258.96 2189...
i will report as soon as possible

edit:
25896 2189 failed with black screen

18999 2141 new inf

18999 2189 inf need to be signed...

you can download it below...

edit2:
anyone give a try on this
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...vaio-z-s-hybrid-graphics-171.html#post6571201
this method failed

edit3:
my modified version of 258.96 with 2189 is available below...
i really don't know what is error in it, i tried every single thing that i can think...
this INF only show black screen.

edit4:
i will be back on 27/08/2010

edit5:
i know what is wrong with NVMSZ 28596 2189, i will repair it on 27/08/2010, and post the result.

edit6:

Code:

FeatureScore = E6

what is the function of this code

edit7:
NVMVSZ 25896 2189.zip removed
too dangerous to try

edit8:
after NVMVSZ 25896 2189 repaired 2189 driver still display black screen if switched to intel...
i will try 19x driver instead

 

Love the persistence Andrew, if things are to work properly on the Z11/12 it will take persistence like this.

The Intel drivers are buggy and will give a black screen for all drivers above 2020. The problem is 2020 does not work with Intel HD. I am not sure why the newer Intel drivers work with 189.99 with the Intel HD but as far as I have found they are the only ones they seem to work with (you may try others, I do not have a Z11/12 so this is just an assumption of mine.) Oddly I can not get the newer Intel drivers working even with 189.99 on my old VGN Vaio Z (same black screen always).

Intel just fixed this black screen issue for a number of other notebooks that have been having this issue. (see the thread here) I have contacted them about all Hybrid Graphics notebooks having this issue and I suggest more people do so. I am not sure Intel will do anything about it until the OEMs contact them about it though. Especially since there are no official drivers other than the 189 series released with newer Intel drivers. (In other words, we really shouldnt know about this bug. )

As for what E6 is.. see here ( basically E6 = Windows 7, F6 = Vista).. also for any other area and the INF overall here ya go. Happy Modding.

 

thanks for the reply...

NVIDIA 189.99 works with 2189 without any problem...
but any 2xx driver will not work with 2189...
maybe you would like to see what is inside my 285.96 with 2189 for vpcz1 the password is "1234", i am sure that i didn't miss a single important line.

and i can tell you that nvidia 258.96 will not work with intel 2141...

intel side for vpcz1 and vgnz1 is different
iILKM0 = vpcz1(intel hd graphic)
iCNT0 = VGNZXXXX(intel GMA)

edit:
can you update the first page with the latest graphic set available?

 

NVIDIA 189.99 works with 2189 with any overlay or any problems switching from stamina to performance?

 

189.99 works 100% well with 2189 no issue no error no switching problem

you can download the inf here
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...vaio-z-s-hybrid-graphics-176.html#post6621624

 

No overlays, the switching button to Speed, Auto and stamina works too?

Also whats the best way to install this? Uninstall the current Intel/Nvidia first?

 

How to Install 189.99 with 2189 x64 to VPCZ1:

1st Step
Dell Vostro 3700 Driver Page
or if you trust my link
Direct Download

2nd Step
Intel® Desktop Board DB43LD Driver Page
or if you trust my link
Direct Link

3rd Step - if you have WinRAR installed you can skip this
Use Winrar
available at
WinRAR website
or if you trust my link
Direct Link

4th Step
Right Click on "R277438.exe" > WinRAR > Extract to R277438\

5th Step
Right Click on "GFX_Vista_Win7_64_15.17.10.64.2189_PV_Intel.exe" > WinRAR > Extract to GFX_Vista_Win7_64_15.17.10.64.2189_PV_Intel\

6th Step
copy everything inside GFX_Vista_Win7_64_15.17.10.64.2189_PV_Intel\Graphics
except:
"lang" folder
igdlh.cat
igdlh64.inf

7th Step
paste it inside "R277438\Display" and replace everything

8th Step
-edited-
extract my "NVMVSZ 18999 2189.zip" provided at the end of this post and copy "NVMVSZ 18999 2189\NVMVSZ.INF" to "R277438\Display"

9th Step
at "R277438" folder run setup.exe

10th Step
After the setup completed Restart the computer

option1: temporary test
before booting to windows press F8 > Disable Driver Signature Enforcement
Note: this only works with the current boot.

option2: permanent use
if you wan't to use the driver permanently do the following steps
-1. left click on windows start menu
-2. type "cmd" without "
-3. press and hold ctrl+shift then press enter before releasing the whole 3 buttons
-4. if there is a uac press yes
-5. type "bcdedit.exe -set loadoptions DDISABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS"
-6. you will see "The operation completed successfully"
-7. next type "bcdedit.exe -set TESTSIGNING ON"
-8. you will see the same message "The operation completed successfully"
-9. Restart and Enjoy.

Q&A
Q: The driver provided by both vostro and intel page support 32 bit, will i be able to install it to 32 bit system?
A: I have never try this before, you may try but the inf could be different.

Q: why you never provide full package?
A: I have very slow dsl connection, maybe it will take 1 day to complete

Q: Can I install this driver to other computer?
A: No this driver is only for New Sony Vaio Z (VPCZ1)

Edit:
Thanks Nautis For Informing me about the INF file...

edited inf file

 

EDIT: For those looking for the INF Andrew put together for 189.99 / 2189 (8th step) you can find it at the bottom of this post.

Good instructions.. nice job Andrew08. I am working on a brand new first post but in the mean time posted up a link to your post here. EDIT: You might want to edit that post and link to the proper INF you made.

Note: 32bit windows will not work with 64bit drivers even with 32bit support in the drivers.

For option 2 the alternative is to use NGO Driver Signature Overrider.

1.)Download Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider
2.)Disable UAC (Can usually be done by typing MSCONFIG in run and going to the Tools tab. You can re-enable it after installing the same way.)
3.)Run the Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider and choose "enable test mode"
4.)Reboot. (You should see Test Mode at the bottom right corner after reboot.)
5.)Run the Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider again and choose "Sign a System File"
6.)In the box type "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\nvlddmkm.sys" and click ok (do not include the quotes.)
7.)Click "Sign a System File" again and this time put "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\igdkmd64.sys" (do not include the quotes.)
8.)Reboot and all should work.

 

Nautis do you think we can use nvlddmkm.sys from 189.99 for 258.96?

 

I installed the driver provided and it is working flawlessly..

 

yeah because i am also using vpcz1

 

Thanks!!

Could I enlighten the other VPC users with ur driver?

(I am going to translate it into my first language and post them on a vaio blog.)

 

I don't think it is a good idea, because we can always discuss here...
why not invite them here, so we can mod the driver together?
more manpower = more driver released
LOL

 

Sure I provide them with links to this post with comments on how hard the people are working on it... and lure them to NBR forum... (sometimes it's tough for some to read posts in English)

There's one VPCZ user who installed voice recognition system for brief command like sleep, wake up, reboot, and etc.

Sometimes VPCZ user change the color of LED (power button) too...

 

For Nautis only, I think you shouldn't change anything inside Intel Graphic like you did before
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...vaio-z-s-hybrid-graphics-174.html#post6577696

why not change nvidia side instead?

edit:
see attachment
it is vostro 3700 separate hybrid installer
for intel side there are only some line different and it is not the user gui thing
also note the driver build date.

 

Thanks a lot Andrew.
For some reason, the setup doesn't work for me though

I followed your instructions and now the Setup errors with:
"The installation will now be terminated without installing the software because setup has failed to find the core file(s) from these folder(s):
Display:OpenCL.dll,OpenCL64.dll,dbInstaller.exe,nvcompiler.dll,nvcompiler32.dll,nvcuvenc64.dll,nvdrsdb.bin,nvinfo.pb,OpenCL.dll,OpenCL64.dll,dbInstaller.exe,nvcompiler.dll,nvcompiler32.dll,nvcuvenc64.dll,nvdrsdb.bin and nvinfo.pb"

Any ideas what that may be caused by?
I'm on a VPCZ11, Windows 7 64bit.

Thanks!

 

Ooops, apologies. I used the wrong NVMVSZ.INF... should've read Nautilus' comment first!

On a somewhat related note: the primary reason I want to update the drivers is so I can use OpenCL.
I don't assume the newer Verde drivers can be made to work on the VPCZ1 based on this now working?

 

One last thing:
if 258.96 isn't going to fly, the 190.89 beta drviers may be lower hanging fruit?
They can be found here: September 2009 OpenCL Public Downloads

 

tciny you mean
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...vaio-z-s-hybrid-graphics-177.html#post6646713
not working for you?

hmm for 258.96 i still can't find a way to mod it with 2189, i realized that my previous 258.96 wrongly modded , i wrote section007 instead of section038
and i tried to separate vista hybrid file also, but still wont work...

the main problem is the intel won't load, is like the driver dead...
i tried any driver above 189.99 and they all wont work...

if you still wanted to try it try the following inf
note that i never try it before...

 

Black screen on login... what is wrong?
I've followed the installation guide but... nothing...

 

Thanks Andew,
I accidentally used the INF file from: http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...vaio-z-s-hybrid-graphics-177.html#post6646243
The one I got it working with is: http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...vaio-z-s-hybrid-graphics-176.html#post6621624

Regarding the 258.96 drivers: personally, I would be perfectly fine with sacrificing the Intel GPU if it meant I could get that driver to run. Are you saying then that should be possible?

If so, I'd be happy to help out with the testing. I'm just no good at editing INF files

 

@tciny : you should throw an eye to the Z11 optimus thread to get 258.96 working. I think it might work just with installing 258.96 on speed with the modded inf

 

No luck... :/
Half way through the install I got an error message saying that the NVidia control panel could not be installed and the last known to be working driver would be restored.
Now I'm actually back on 188.80...

 

ANDREW,

After updating the driver, I get weird overheating when I launch itunes. the temp on intel gpu gets upto 85C.

That's as hot as when I am playing SC2.

so I am rolled back to the oldies... 8880

 

@tciny : did you change the .inf after the install faillure and then re-install ? (without coming back to previous driver) it's the way M11x r2 can upgrade to the latest drivers for optimus, and when I tried it I got 258.96 installed (no optimus but 258.96).

 

@Andrew: why don't you make an installer like 189.92|2104 ?
i've tried to follow your instruction, but whan i reboot the login screen is black...
what i've done? nobody have the same result?

 

i will try to make one...

 

This is my first post, although I've been following this thread for some time.

Unfortunately, the new update didn't work for me. My model is a VPCZ129GG.

I tried it once in "stamina" mode and appeared to be working fine. However, after switching to "speed", all the colours were changed. Blue became pink and red became green. NVIDIA control panel wouldn't load.

I tried reinstalling the drivers in "speed" mode and the NVIDIA driver didn't work at all. Resolution would only go up to 1280x800 and the 330M had an exclamation mark by it in device manager. The message was that there was a problem with a driver.

So I rolled back using system restore and now everything is working ok.

I have to say this problem with the VAIO Z is really frustrating and certainly not what you expect for such a pricey laptop. It seems absurd that a simple procedure like updating the graphics drivers - something I've taken for granted on every computer I've used over many years - is impossible on this machine.

It's not just about getting the best frame rates. It's about using basic features that you take for granted on lesser hardware.

This machine should be just made to run Adobe Premiere Pro CS5. Powerful CPU and GPU, and wonderful screen. But unbelievably, it doesn't work properly because it's impossible to install up to date drivers. This is something that people with kit costing a third of the amount can do without issue. P Pro gives the error message "Cuda driver too old 2020".

I wish there was an easy way to disable the Intel GPU so I can just install the NVIDIA drivers. It's not ideal but it's a compromise I would accept. I'm not interested in hacking the bios as I don't want to brick my machine or invalidate my warranty.

Is there any way to update the CUDA driver to enable the GPU in premiere pro CS5?

Come on SONY, sort it out! This is a great piece kit but ruined by single, ridiculous problem and shoddy software support.

 

Didn't optimus suits your needs ? You should be able to use CS5.

 

good point, will give it a try

 

Hi BWRlane,

Did you manage to solver your problem? I have exactly the same model, and my software will not function unless the CUDA drivers work.

 

Does the Z model use nvidias optimus drivers?? or hybrid drivers?

 

Hey guys,

I followed the steps to install 189.99 a week ago but have been experiencing problems with it - the computer actually freezes up quite often.

How would I go about rolling back? I originally just had the factory default drivers beforehand, thinking it might be best just to stay with something stable.

Cheers!

 

@thomaskc.dk : just read a thread before posting, it's written everywhere... it's written in the FAQ thread.

 

Any drivers higher than 195.81 for vgn-z? These are the min drivers to enable hardware decode with flash (think HD from youtube etc)

 

Same answer for Brody : read the thread before asking please... (first page)

 

I can see the first page says 191 but it may not have been updated? I've skimmed this thread and can't see any mention/demand for gpu enabled flash - which im surprised at.

 

The first page is up to date from the 29-08.
There is no newer driver available for VGN-Z because of intel graphic driver compatibility, 2000 serie don't work with old Z and I think the last nvidia driver that work with 1994 intel driver is 191.26

You might be able to use a newer driver sacrifying switchable graphic, but I'm not sure of this

 

This is available in the 'extended' bios right? Do you happen to know if the disabled card does not chew power? IE if I was to boot using intel, the nvidia card would be powered off and vice versa?

 

I think you can just install nvidia driver over the hybrid graphic driver, which would mean you will not be able to use intel graphics at all. I don't know if it is possible to boot with one or another, even with extended bios, but AFAIK the only method that bring a doubt on power consumption when a card is disable is unofficial optimus.
Maybe Nautis would know about this.

 

@Crus-T

Well its not just THAT simple, there is a reason why I asked.

Because there is a HUGE difference between hybrid graphics switch or Nvidias new (super faulty) Optimus system.

And the FAQ

"24. Question: Where can i find updated graphics card drivers to have Optimus support? Will there ever be working drivers?
Answer: There aren't any fully working drivers yet. But you can support the efforts in creating one by joining this thread. The Z11 complies with all the hardware requirements for Optimus, so - yes, we might see Optimus support somewhen."

Does not really give you a strait answer on those two. So ill try poletely again.. does the vaio Z have hybrid switch and drivers or does it use the new Optimus?

Thanks.