Sony Z11 - NVIDIA Optimus

Discussion started on My discoveries on VaioZ's Hybrid Graphics. but I think that it deserves new topic.

Optimus is new technology from NVidia that will greatly simplify hybrid graphics solutions for users and manufacturers.

Here are some links:

http://www.nvidia.com/object/optimus_technology.html
http://www.anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.aspx?i=3737
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdb2VrUdT4k

From my point of view as future Z owner, most important thing about optimus drivers is not been dependent on Sony for NVidia drivers, especialy now when Z is more capable gaming machine.


For start this is what our road worrier Zoinks manage to do so far:

Also here are some advices form Nautis on tweaking inf file:

We are not sure yet but seems like Optimus drivers are working on the new Z.


EDIT: Nautis opened section on LaptopVideo2Go related to Optimus on new Z and other Hybrid Graphic laptop candidates:

http://forums.laptopvideo2go.com/topic/26410-optimus-drivers-on-the-vaio-z/page__pid__128386__st__0

EDIT: Latest, most successful instructions so far from Nautis on optimus enabling for Z11

Download the latest Intel HD drivers: Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator Driver for Windows 7* 64 and Windows Vista* 64 (zip)
Download the Notebook 257.15 drivers: NVIDIA DRIVERS 257.15 BETA
Switch the tri-selector to SPEED
Uninstall the Nvidia drivers, reboot
Install the Intel HD drivers, reboot
Extract the Nvidia notebook drivers, delete all INF files in the Display directory. Download Nautis' modified INF (rename from .TXT) and place in the Display directory
Install the drivers, reboot

Results:
Windows boot - fast, issue resolved
Context menu option - working
Automatic GPU switching - working
Graphics overlay - Demo text remains
Function key brightness - Working

 

Hi, Igorstef!

I think you've unintentionally said even more than you meant. Indeed, nVidia's Optimus is more like "theology" than it is technology, at least for Vaio Z11xxx owners. While it's quite beneficial for folks who don't already have the ability to switch graphics technology on the fly without rebooting, folks who insist on this for the new Vaio Zs surprise me. Reaching all the way across the keyboard (say 3 inches for most folks) and waiting one second are far too annoying? While nVidia's come up with a cool little DMA hack here, was manual switching really that painful for you? Zounds!

Cheers!
Mark

 

Hi, igorstef. Thanks for the detailed instroduction of the optimus driver.

But after installing the Nvidia Optimus driver,

1. Will I have to start the machine in "Auto" mode? Or what will happen?
2. Will the tri-switcher still properly work in Windows 7?
3. CURRENTLY, is the graphic card performance under Optimus driver better than or at least similar to the Sony driver?

 

Sorry Mark my English isn't that good (I am relying too much on spell check ).

Anyway I actually prefer manual switch on new Z since switching GPU based on application is more gimmick that real life feature. If we ever make it work properly on new Z I will set profile to mimic Z auto switch.

But as you probably know Sony will release new hybrid drivers and therefore NVIDIA drivers usually when Microsoft release new OS . You will not be able to use new GPU drivers from NVIDIA site. This is unexceptable if you plan to play some games on Z. This is my main reason for trying to use Optimus drivers so I can avoid playing with ini files in order to make Sony hybrid drivers to work with new NVIDIA drivers.

 

1. I am not sure, Zoinks can tell us this.
2. Nop since Optimus work without using multiplexer. That said, maybe somewhere down the road we will be able to set custom functions for hybrid switch.
3. Curently GPU performs identicly under Sony or optimus drivers but if NVIDIA do any updates on drivers for 330M you will have to wait on Sony or some other 3rd party to update hybrid drivers. With Optimus drivers you dont have that problem.

As I already said we are not sure if Optimus even work with new Z. Zoinks will need to do some more tests for us if we want to find out.

 

Hi, Igorstef!

No sweat (meaning no problem at all - that no apologies are necessary)! I was just yanking your chain (meaning that it was a fun joke with you - not against you)! Indeed, hearing your reasons, this path of exploration makes complete sense, and I completely agree with you on your conclusions. I too prefer manual graphics switching over any program telling me when I should.

With regard to English skills, trust me that whatever your native language is (Russian/Eastern European?), mine are far worse (as in almost none). You're doing great!

Best Wishes!
Mark

 

Didn't see this thread, two more posts. (I'll start feeding into this thread from here on.)

 

1. Nothing, the tri-selector isn't functional but that is kind of the point with Optimus
2. See #1
3. I haven't benchmarked much yet. All I can say is that the auto-switching seems to work.

 

Last post for a while...

The display brightness Fn keys are working.

 

Great, thanks Zoinks

Hm Interesting . Seams like Optimus drivers are ruining in demo mode on vaio Z. Maybe that is also reason why Z is straggling with rebooting.

Seams like task for Nautis . We need to find what is forcing optimus to demo mode when those drivers suppose to be production version.

 

For mine, I must remove password login on welcome screen althrough the screen will get blank.

I have 2 question
1. Can i get "Run with graphics processor" on right click menu as you screenshot?
2. Now we can't remove "Optimus Demonstration..." text yet ?

PS.
- My windows user profiles have lost on first reboot.
- After second boot everything seems fine but the fan get very loud and speaker have some noisy sound on windows startup
- Sometimes the system hangs after around 5 minutes
- Mine is Z117GG (1920x1080 screen)

 

Thanks for your answers.

So I decide to learn how to install the optimus driver first so that later I could try. But I won'd actually do that until some newer drivers in the future are approved to be better (in terms of function/performance) than the SONY one.

 

1. Read this: http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=868&type=expert&pid=4
2. Not yet, I'll try some stuff when I leave the office

On the PS's:

• I don't have a password on my machine
• No extra fan noise on mine
• I ran with the Optimus/Intel drivers all day yesterday, no problems or hangs
• I have the 1600x900 screen until the VPCZ11FHX/XQ ships

 

Ok since this seems to be the new topic on Optimus Technology working on the new Vaio Z I will continue posting here about it.

I have seen a lot of talk recently on the benefits of Nvidia Optimus vs Hybrid Graphics (aka Switchable Graphics). A fantastic video put out by Nvidia showcasing the differences can be seen here. Optimus is basically Nvidias evolution of what they were trying to accomplish with Hybrid Graphics technology.

One of the largest differences between Hybrid Graphics and Optimus on the driver side is one of its greatest benefits. Optimus drivers are stand alone drivers released by Nvidia. No more smuged together Intel/Nvidia drivers in one package. What this means is no more waiting or having to rely on the notebook manufacturer to release new drivers. With over 20 notebooks announced using Optimus technology and it being a core feature of a few of their newer GPUs (ION2) Optimus will (hopefully) be a focus for Nvidia rather than just an afterthought (like Hybrid Graphics.) I predict most new drivers released by Nvidia will have Optimus support built in. All that may be needed is a simple modified INF like most are using for their notebooks already.

--

Modding the INF the way it says in the first post forces the drivers to use settings configured for Asus/Medion notebooks. Since as far as we can tell Optimus seems to be working I will look at creating a new INF with settings geared towards the Vaio Z. Chances are the issues you are seeing now are due to settings in the INF not for the Vaio Z.

 

Thanks Nautis. Changing inf files should be all we need to do since I don't think NVIDIA is planing to build drivers for each laptop, that would defeat the purpose of Optimus drivers

 

This information is redacted (for now)

 

So Optimus is something like Add on to Intel and NVIDIA GPU drivers. Great work Zoinks.

Yes we need to see if you can achieve same battery life with optimus as with Z hybrid drivers.

 

This should be running with just the Nvidia GPU and not the Intel one. Interesting though. I will explain more later, I am putting finishing touches on a new INF. Optimus may be included in future LaptopVideo2Go INFs but as of right now the proper strings are not there to enable it.

EDIT: I am going to take a look at 197.15 and see if it includes all the proper files. If it does there shouldn't be a problem enabling it.

 

Thanks

Looks like I spoke too soon. 197.15 left the context info there, but killed switching.

I'm back to the original Optimus for now.

Slow boots and Demo overlays are back for now.

 

I uninstall all old drivers then install intel HD graphics follow by Nvidia 197.15_desktop_win7_winvista_64bit_international and path INF from LaptopVideo2Go from here http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/infs/195series/19715_win7x64/nv_disp.inf

When right click on desktop it show both vga menu but in nvidia control panel i don't see optimus menu like before

 

Wow, this is exciting stuff. Can you see how the HDMI output is affected by this? With the inbox Hybrid drivers, the HDMI port is seemless -- audio reroutes correctly, resolutions switch to appropriate values, etc.

Does all this still work with the Optimus experiments?

As for the switch, it would be fun if ultimately someone was able to write a utility to allow the switch to act as a temporary override to the software settings in Optimus...

 

Sorry I edited with more info above. Beyond not including the proper strings for enabling Optimus the 197.15 drivers also are missing the shim and init files. Based on this and what b_ambee has said I believe you are running with just the Nvidia GPU.

 

EDIT: Sorry bout the multipost. I am getting ahead of myself.

I am sure all of this will be tested in due time. Exciting for sure. Right now I think we are just focused on figuring out the ins and outs of the new Vaio Z and figuring out how to get Optimus working properly (and test it).

--

So it seems the new Vaio Z can run with just the Nvidia GPU, Just the Intel GPU, Hybrid Graphics (Intel/Nvidia Driver) or Optimus.

EDIT2: BTW Zoinks if you really want 197.15 working with Optimus we can try a custom modified driver in a bit. Still finishing the custom INF for 189.42

 

You are correct. I removed the prior info and am back to 189.42

 

We both seem to like the edit button today.

Yes, please.

 

Ok I will post both the modified 189.42 INF and a INF and missing files for 197.15. I am working blind here not being able to test this stuff myself so things may or may not work correctly at first.

 

If you get nVidia optimus (or even just hybrid graphics) working with post 190.00 forcewares, I will declare you both my gods on earth .

 

That's looking pretty good, since you've been able to run programs with both Intel and Nvidia. Performance: check. I would assume that the automatic switching also works, though it would be interesting to test it with something a little trickier like HD flash videos.
Now what about battery life? Is the Nvidia card switching off and not eating power when you're running on the IGP, and hence is the battery life as good as it was before?

 

Nautis and I are trying some driver combos now. Give us a bit, we both have day jobs

 

No worries. I'm just here for the ride, out of interest in Optimus.
I'm probably not going to buy a Z since I wouldn't get warranty coverage in Australia, which is a serious issue in a laptop that's almost $2000.

 

The 1 year international Warranty included is international, and Australia is on the list. I was in the same boat, but have decided on getting the 192GB SSD version of the silver model from PortableOne. Seems to be an awesome unit from all reviews.

 

You have to buy it in your home country to be covered, and I'm in the US which isn't my home country.

 

Optimus Identifiers

Code:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\NVIDIA Corporation\Global\NVTweak]
"NVShowCoProcTrayIcon"=dword:00000001
"NvCoProcBalloonPopup"=dword:00000001

Copy the above and paste into a text file and then save as optimus.reg and run the file to import it into your registry. For the more experienced you can input the entries manually.

Let me know if the above does anything. I think NVTweak is the proper section, though I could be wrong. I will post more as I find it.

 

Done.

There is an Icon for the Nvidia control panel in the tray now.

Not sure what the balloon popup entry did. No popups

 

Try right and left clicking the icon in the taskbar to see if anything pops up. Screenshot would be good if you can too.

 

How do they know if you buy it in your home country? If you take it to the service centre do they ask you for a passport? I am confused???

 

I don't know what they do when you try to get service, but the (Asia Pacific) IRSP site says this:

 

Here you go



Any ideas on the slow boot or demo watermark?

 

Which drivers version that you use to mod .reg
original sony drivers, optimus 189.42, or nvidia 197.15 ?

 

189.42

Attempts on 197.15 are failing. We haven't been working withe the Sony drivers.

 

I understand that, but I am still buying mine from the US. I will save $1000 and if I need to get it repaired I will take to a service centre here and put on an American accent (I won't because I'm confident they won't ask).

 

I agree. If I wanted a VAIO Z enough I'd definitely rather buy in the U.S. than in Australia; the thing is I'd rather get something else to avoid warranty trouble. Good luck; I think that's enough off topic for now.

 

Hello all,

Just finished trying this out on my VPCZ118GX/S, and sure enough, the performance boost definitely shows once you make sure your game of choice (Oblivion, in my case) isn't defaulting to the Intel graphics.

However, it appears that the card isn't "turning off," if you will. GPUZ still shows clock speeds for the 330m after I unplugged the laptop and let it sit for a few minutes with nothing running, after I noticed the estimated battery life (from a full charge) hovering at about 3 hours.

Other than that (and the little problem of prolonged boot and watermark,) it seems to actually kind-of works.

Let me know if any of you would like me to try something or if you would like screenshots of anything.

 

Thanks for trying it out.

I'm not sure how the muxer handles turning things off and on or how to verify either way. Nautis mentioned a Nvidia app that is only given to reviewers. This would help us greatly.

The reboot problem is the real game stopper. It delays returning from standby and hibernation as well.

This tweak won't be acceptable until the reboot problem is resolved.

Nautis and I haven't had any success thus far.

 

Ran down the processes list in the task manager to see if some random process might've been flagged in the Nvidia driver for using the 330m, to no success. Nothing else obvious in the registry or whatnot. Looks like it's time to shelf this one for now, for me anyway.

 

Maybe aero itself gets flagged as an application that should run on the 330m and since it never closes, Optimus never stops runnings...

 

Tried both aero basic and windows classic to test this. No deal.

 

Don't Optimus profiles work based on the executable name? What's the name for the aero process? Maybe you can add an Optimus profile that sets it to run on the intel iGP...

edit: dmw.exe is the executable for Aero (Windows Desktop Manager). Try checking if setting that to start on the iGP solves the issue of the 330m not powering down.

 

I just sent ya an email ZoinksS2k.

Something to try:
There is a setting "EnableCoprocPowerControl"
located at
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E968-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}\000# (The one for nvidia of course)
I would try deleting it or setting it to something lower than 4.

 

We were robbed

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/nvidias-optimus-uncovered-in-sony-vaio-z-along-with-trim-suppo/