Speed vs. Stamina - heat, fan and why?

Ok, sorry for the newb questions. This SZ430 is only a day old. On speed mode the fan is almost nonstop and the heat is a bit much. Seems fine on stam mode.

Aside from gaming, are there any benefits from having it on speed mode? Does it function any better/faster/clearer in this mode for normal office/internet operations? How about general movies/web based videos?

I tried to fiddle w/the Nvidia control panel but only get options for 3d settings and multiple monitors - seems like there should be more there?

Thx!

 

Not really, the main purpose of speed mode is if you're doing something that specifically uses the dedicated GPU (like gaming). The Intel GMA950 graphics are more than suitable for the uses you described (even movie watching).

 

As well, you can also game with the Intel GMA. I have tried and tested using PoP Two Thrones. It's good but you will be able to use the center portion of your screen like having a 800x600 screen resolution with this large black border not being utilized for the game. same thing with other games i tested.

it's normal to have heat issues when gaming in speed mode. this is of course expected for every dedicated graphics card.

 

My SZ more or less lives in Stamina mode, unless I have a specific need for the dedicated card (like gaming!).

A nice option to have, but deifinitely not necessary for day-to-day use!

 

I rarely EVER venture from stamina. Occasionally if I am utilizing a graphics intensive program or 3D rendering software, but otherwise, I have superglued my switch to the stamina side. I need battery stamina primarily on long flights and lots of traveling.