Default Alienware to use GTX-970 Dedicated Graphics

Yeah if you right click and select nvidia control panel --> Manage 3D Settings --> Global Settings tab --> Preferred graphics processor dropdown select High Performance Nvidia Processor

Thanks for trying to help but this does not resolve the problem the Intel Intergrated graphics still is on by default so when you try and change the display settings it only changes the settings according to the intel options. Basiclly I have the Alienware connected to a 65 Inch LG 4k TV as well that supports HDMI version 2 and 60hz refresh.

The *** intel graphics cant handle 4k well and does not support 60hz which I know the GTX-970M can.

The Echo 17 runs by default on both graphics cards (mostly the integrated to save power and to avoid stressing the 970M without any need to do so).

The best you can do is ensure that the games or what ever process you're doing is selected on the Nvidia control panel.

The Echoes (13, 15 and 17) were designed to work on Nvidia Optimus.

Thanks for your help. I understand that the battery savings are important however I want the system to default to the gtx970 because when the system is set to the integrated graphics I cannot set my display to 4k 60 hz.

This is my first Alienware can you explain to me what Echoes is and how it can help me with my problem? Thank so much for your help.

Echoes is just the codename for the new laptop lineup.

The iGPU is the GPU that does the display work. The dGPU (Nvidia or AMD) is a render-only GPU. That means the dGPU cannot display anything; it can only do the legwork.

This is usually (or always from what I've seen) the case when the laptop relies and only uses Optimus/Enduro (switchable graphics embedded in Nvidia/AMD GPU drivers) instead of having its own switchable function (like the previous Alienware laptops) and/or having the dGPU act as a display GPU and not render-only.

Thanks for trying to help out but this is pretty terrible to be honest. One of the feature of the GTX-970 is that it supports HDMI 2.0 allowing for 4k at 60hz which was one of the reasons I purchased the device. Not being able to default the display card to the GTX stops the ability for us to use the feature. The Intel graphics struggle with 4k output to my display.

I also checked out the ASUS 751JT and it has no such problem. Both the laptop and external output display can switch from either the Intel Graphics or the GTX-970 and the HDMI supports 2.0 output.

I'm really disappointed that AlienWare wont allow the user to select the option when other manufacturers obviously do.

If I had known I would have purchased the ASUS

The new laptops only have HDMI 1.4, not 2.0. That would have been the first thing to check before anything else (well, there's always the mini display port, but most people seems to forget that it exists).

Thanks for your feedback GAME7A1. But I checked this with Dell online sale support via their chat and they CONFIRMED that the new devices supported HDMI2.0 and that the information on their web page was incorrect have a record of the conversation as well.

As for mini display port despite it producing better visual results than HDMI it still seems to be limited by the fact that you cannot get the PC to default and use the GTX graphics card. So again no 4k at 60hz because it still defaults to the intel graphics. So despite all the cool features of the GTX card for external displays (4k and above) it all means nothing with the AlienWare because we cannot select the graphics card of choice.

Very disappointed. I am sure many gamers will be as well because you cannot get the PC to select 60hz 4k for gaming.

The iGPU should be able to display 4K at 60 Hz through the mini display port. It is a supported feature. You'll need the latest Intel GPU driver.

Oh, and Dell's Sales chat isn't the most reliable way of getting information. They're usually wrong.

Hello,

sorry to insist on subject but the same problem, impossible to manage the nvidia control panel: resolution, multiple diplay, 3d stereoscopic....

Trying to find the latest Intel GPU driver it's not allowed. (message telling that there si a special configuration done by Dell).

Do you have solutions to use the Nvidia GeForce 980 M (wiht alien ware 17 r2)?

People using this laptop and graphic card opiton (not cheap) expects to use ALL the functionalities of this graphic card. Very dissapointed until now concerning this point.

I think I said it earlier, but the GTX 980m is a render-only GPU. It only does legwork, not dsplay work. That's all up to the iGPU. Other gaming laptops do this kind of set up, even the most popular ones.

If you want the latest iGPU driver, you'll have to uninstall both the Nvidia and Intel Graphics drivers. Only then will you be able to install the latest Intel driver. I suggest using  DDU for the uninstallation.

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for keeping this tread alive I haven't been looking at it for a while.

I appreciate the comments Game7a1 but I have to disagree. The Asus ROG devices, the MSI devices do NOT have the same setup. They have the full features of the GTX graphics, HDMI 2.0, and full display rendering. The way the AlienWare setup means the performance in general is poor compared to those of ASUS and MSI. Honestly if this was clear I would never have purchased the AlienWare.

No HDMI 2.0, mean no 4k @ 60fps. Something the terrible Intel Graphics does not support.

I know there are allot of comments about not stressing out the GPU but I wonder why MSI and ASUS have no problems.

Anyway its been really disappointing. Personally I feel it a very very poor choice to restrict hardware capabilities like this.

Never said all gaming laptops, so my statement stands. The ASUS ROG 17" and MSI GT72 have the Nvidia GPU as the display GPU since the displays are connected directly to the Nvidia GPU. The cost for the ASUS laptop is battery life, but MSI does have an alternative to Optimus, the switchblade graphics Nvidia has in their drivers. Even then, some of the MSI and ASUS laptops uses Optimus.

Each laptop has their own flaws if we go down into details. Why the new Alienwares are having them left and right boggles me to, but that's not to say all is sunshine over at ASUS, who I hear has terrible support, and MSI.

The HD 4600 and Iris Pro 5200 support 4k at 60Hz over the mini display port, so you have an option for 4K.  You don't always need HDMi. At least use the mini display port if you have a TV / Monitor that has a (mini) display port on it.

In general, people need to do more research on laptops and such. Doesn't matter if you have regrets or not now, research is a priority or else yo get stuck in situations like these. Forget loyalty or anything like that, find what is best / suitable for you.

Appreciate the reply. But I don't think it's fair to compare to anything but gaming laptops when the Alienware's value proposition is purely around gaming. But I guess I acknowledge that your statement is correct from a board sense.

On you comment of the Intel card supporting 4k @ 60hz. I am connected to a 4k display that supports 60hz in the Intel display control no option to go higher than 30hz.. Have tried both TVs and monitors that support 4k 60hz and no option to switch to 60hz... Have checked both 4096x2160 and 3840x2160.... No luck...