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June 20th, 2017 19:00
Problem with switchable graphics
Hello,
I got a refurbished Alienware 15 R3 today, when i placed the order i made sure to look for one which doesn't have a g-sync display so i can switch off the dedicated gpu in order to save battery, however when i got the laptop and tried switching to the internal gpu it doesn't give me the option and only lets me use the dedicated one.
At first i thought that maybe i was sent a laptop with a g-sync display but when i checked in device manager the display is listed as "generic pnp display" no mention of g-sync yet i cant seem to be able to turn off the gpu and whenever i press fn+f7 i get the following message "not supported with g-sync ips display" even though the display is not a g-sync display.
Please Help.
Carbon Based Lifeform
2 Intern
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872 Posts
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June 21st, 2017 04:00
i don't know exactly what Display Model you have but it's actually easy to figure it out.
open Nvidia Control Panel. is there G-Sync listed in the left Columne? if yes, then you have a Monitor with G-Sync.
you can disable G-Sync and then try to switch the Cards. no Idea if it works or not.
Edit:
another Option is the Hardware ID for the Display. open Device Manager, double Click on Generic PNP Device, Details Tab, pick Hardware ID from the Dropdown List. then please post the ID here.
Eimy_B
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4.4K Posts
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June 21st, 2017 08:00
Hi ,
Send me a private message with the service tag so I can check your account.
ymd236
5 Posts
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June 21st, 2017 11:00
the hardware id i - lgd049b
ymd236
5 Posts
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June 21st, 2017 14:00
so in the newer models the gpu is not switchable even if one has the non g-sync display
Carbon Based Lifeform
2 Intern
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872 Posts
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June 21st, 2017 14:00
Alienware-Eimy was already here, so we don't have to guess anymore.
but just for fun, you have a G-Sync compatible Motherboard and 60 Hz IPS Monitor. if the Laptop is one of the latest Models then you have a Laptop with G-Sync enabled, but if it's an old one, then you have the right Screen but wrong Motherboard installed which wont let you switch the GPUs.
Carbon Based Lifeform
2 Intern
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872 Posts
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June 21st, 2017 16:00
as far as i know Dell considered to drop the Optimus Feature. apparently Optimus caused too much Troubles. i'm sure Alienware-Eimy can tell you more about it.
the Laptop is not what you wanted anyway, is it possible to return it?
ymd236
5 Posts
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June 22nd, 2017 10:00
yes, i can still return it, but i got a very good deal on it so i would like to keep it.
Carbon Based Lifeform
2 Intern
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872 Posts
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June 22nd, 2017 11:00
well if G-Sync works, then keep it ofcourse. i thought you are aiming for longer Battery Life. to be honest i would choose G-Sync IPS Display over Optimus . have Fun my Friend.
Eimy_B
4 Operator
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4.4K Posts
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June 22nd, 2017 16:00
ymd236,
If you're getting the "not supported with g-sync ips display" message with Fn+F7 that means the system does have
G-sync. As you mentioned, the system will only have Switchable/Optimus if is not a G-sync display.
And yes, unfortunately in this model the GPU can not be changed, since it is soldered to the motherboard.
Carbon Based Lifeform
2 Intern
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872 Posts
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June 23rd, 2017 06:00
Hi Alienware-Eimy.
Thank You for the Response.
i thought the G-Sync Compatible Motherboard would not allow to switch the GPUs even if a non G-Sync Compatible Display is installed and that would be the Reason why Dell made a non G-Sync Motherboard. it makes no Sence to me. why create two different Types of Motherboards if the G-Sync capable Board can do both, Optimus and G-Sync if it only depends on the installed Display?
all i learned about the Alienware Laptops in the past 6 Months is they are Pure Confusion.
a bit Off Topic:
the Forum was extremely laggy in the past 72 Hours. not just Browsing but even Typing this Post was a Challenge.
Carbon Based Lifeform
2 Intern
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872 Posts
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June 23rd, 2017 15:00
lol
ymd236
5 Posts
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June 23rd, 2017 15:00
I ended up returning it since it was G-sync
thank you for all your help