Discrete Graphics Card not Detected

Question

Hello everyone,

I'm having a problem switching, or even, installing, the discrete graphics for my Alienware M17x R2. Every time I try to install the Nvidia driver (nVidia 285M GTX, v.197.52, A00) I get an error message saying "The nvidia setup program could not locate any drivers that are compatible with your current hardware". I've tried completely reinstalling whole computer and installing the Nvidia graphics before and after my AMD graphics (AMD Mobility Radeon HD5870). I've checked the Bios also, and only see my main driver. I don't see discrete like I'm seeing from looking at other people's Bios. Is discrete graphics not allowed for this model anymore, or is there some other problem? If you have any ideas on a solution, or you're in the same boat, please comment below.

Spec:

Alienware M17x R2-

BIOS A10

Windows 7 Home Premium/64-bit OS

Intel(R) Core(TM i7 CPU Q 740 @ 1.73GHz

8GB RAM

Chip Type: AMD Radeon Graphics processor
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5800 Series

Video files that are listed in the drivers and downloads page for my system:

nVidia 285M GTX, v.197.52, A00

AMD Mobility Radeon HD 4870, v.8.763-100810a-104118C-Dell, A01

AMD Mobility Radeon HD5870, v.13B96101.104, A01

AMD Mobility Radeon HD5870, v.8.763-100810a-104118C-Dell, A01

ejn63 · Accepted Answer

Some versions of your system have nVidia cards -- others, AMD/ATI.  There are many versions of the m17x, which was on the market for quite some time.

ejn63 · Answer

Your system has an AMD GPU, not nVidia. You need the AMD Catalyst driver -- not the nVidia Optimus driver.

Mute321 · Answer

I see...I wish I knew this before wasting so many days trying to get this to work. Thank you for the knowledge.

Mute321 · Answer

So why is this in the download page as recommended? What's the point for it, if it's not for my system, but says it is? And I already have the AMD Catalyst driver

Locked Topics – Laptops General

Discrete Graphics Card not Detected

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