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10 Wizard
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March 13th, 2012 14:00
x51 Video Technology
Does the x51 use nVidia Optimus Technology (or similar) or are the integrated Intel and nVidia GTX-555 completely separate?
http://www.nvidia.com/object/optimus_technology.html
This independent x51 review talks about "potential to switch" and that all ports can access the discrete nVidia card's power. However, they don't really say which port they ended up using for the benchmarks.
http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/1414/pg1/alienware-x51-desktop-review-introduction.html
Another review hints that it doesn't matter which HDMI connector you use (the full sized one on the machine or the Mini-HDMI on the discrete nVidia card).
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/df-hardware-alienware-x51-review
So, is this really the way it works? Is this Optimus or something else?
Also, the Dell posted downloadable docs and manuals for the x51 show and describe the GTX-555 as having 2 DVI ports and a DisplayPort (no HDMI). However, the above reviews and users posting here describe the GTX-555 as having 2 DVI ports and a Mini-HDMI port. Did Dell make a last minute change on the specs for their OEM GTX-555 card?
The sales pages don't include any additional info. In fact, the video port types for the nVidia card are not even included in the "Ports" section. There are also no actual pictures of the back of the machine, showing the discrete video card. It does describe a lower-end GT-545. I've never really heard of someone ordering that config, but what ports does it have?
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Taomyn
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March 16th, 2012 09:00
As far as I'm aware, yes the X51 uses Optimus but the two distinct GPU systems are separate entities - how that works is beyond me but it's very clever and much better than the hybrid system of my old M17x laptop.
I was under the impression that you could only get the "switching" by using the onboard HDMI i.e. the connector physically connected to the motherboard+Intel HD, and then you can transparently switch between Intel/nVidia. I haven't tried the mini-HDMI or DVIs to see if they allow switching as well.
As for the 3rd connector, it's definitely mini-HDMI on my GTX555. I think it might have been mis-labelled by early reviewers as DisplayPort which would have been a better choice IMHO. Maybe like the wireless not being 5Ghz compatible even though it was advertised and sold as such, the video connectors were a last minute change for production.
Tesla1856
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March 16th, 2012 14:00
@ Taomyn
Did your m17x use Optimus? Do you see anything in BIOS or OS of your x51 that specifically says Optimus?
I was hoping Dell would specifically tell us how it works, exactly. Not only for video signals, but also digital sound routing (since it's HDMI). On HDMI, sound is handled by the video card.
All the Dell PDF manuals show and describe a Display-Port (so I guess they are wrong). All the reviews and users posting here say the 3rd port on the dedicated card is a Mini-HDMI
It seems they have responded with my request (sort-of). Not really what I was looking for, but helpful never-the-less.
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kcs/document?c=us&cs=19&docid=530512
... this is the first Dell docs that finally describes the ports more inline with what users and reviewers are saying it comes with.
jonomacd
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March 16th, 2012 15:00
Hi Tesla1856,
From what I understand, you have to use the HDMI port connected to the motherboard to use Optimus. It then dynamically switches which graphics processor is used based on usage. I do not know how audio is handled.
Personally, I have had many issues with this on the x51. It does not always use what I would consider the correct graphics unit to render to screen. I have had a few games (Dear Ester, Mass Effect) NOT switch correctly. You can set it up manually to switch but this is a hassle and sometimes doesn't work. Further, I had issues getting HD video to use the discrete card regardless of what manual settings I used leading to stuttered playback.
After some struggles, I have now connected my monitor via the miniHDMI cable so as to force it to use the discrete GPU for graphics processing. This has solved basically all my problems with the machine. See here en.community.dell.com/.../19441070.aspx
The benefit of Optimus is power consumption which is of primary concern on a laptop. On a desktop, I want the horsepower with out fussing with IGU's and GPU's.
Tesla1856
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March 16th, 2012 16:00
Good move on your part. Right, you got the dedicated video card ... use it for everything.
Yes, I don't care for Optimus either (even in laptops). But when it gets 'baked-into" all these machines, I have to know how it works to be able to trouble-shoot real-life problems. IMHO, I think it's more trouble than it's worth.