Inspiron 15r SE graphics problems

Do you mean you have a 17R SE? 'Cause the 15R SE doesn't have a 650m :P

Maybe try using something like GPU-Z or MSI Afterburner to see if you graphics card is in use, and if it's being used to its full extent (both programs can monitor GPU load, core clock, memory clock, temperatures etc.).

If it's not being used, try running the program with right click > run with high performance graphics processor

You are correct, it's a 17r SE, not a 15r. Of course I incorrectly list the most foolproof spec of all, monitor size literally stares you in the face!

I'm using MSI Afterburner now and the GPU usage percent is high during the running of games (around 99%), however core clock and memory clock are flat-lining. Memory usage (using data from one game here) jumps from around 240 before running the game to a value of 860, but doesn't get anywhere near the max of 3072.

I'm well outside of my knowledge level here, can anyone provide some suggestions?

The core clock on the 650m while gaming should be something like 745 mhz ('power state') or 835 mhz (turbo boost), depending on temperatures and whether it's plugged in and other things, and the memory clock should be at 2,000 mhz

If the clocks are right, and the GPU is at 99% load, then it sounds like it's working properly...

Maybe you could try running a benchmark like 3DMark Vantage, you should be able to get a graphics score of 8,500 or so.

I just ran 3DMark, and the score was atrocious.

3DMark Score       1487 3DMarks

Graphics Score         1134

CPU Score         21940

Jane Nash    3.02 FPS

New Calico     3.64 FPS

AI Test           2987 operations/s

Physics Test       30 operations/s

I'm certain that this computer should be capable of much better. Thanks so much for the help so far, any suggestions?

Hmm.. I wonder if the GPU is failing to switch from its idle state... is the clock speed 135 mhz while running games/benchmarks? There are ways to manually 'force' the card to the gaming state, but it's tedious and you shouldn't have to. Even if it did work.

Maybe at this point it'd be best to phone Dell and try to get the motherboard replaced, or something. You can tell them about all the troubleshooting you've done, also!

Yes, the clock speed is a steady 135Mhz.

That's unfortunate, I guess I'll have to give Dell a ring when I have the time to sit through the phone queues.

Thank you again for all of your help!