Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250 and 18 Area-51 AA18250 Refresh Rate Does Not Change When the Graphic Mode is Switched in the BIOS

Summary: Information about the refresh mode not changing after switching from the Hybrid Graphics mode to the Discrete Graphics mode in the Alienware BIOS.

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Symptoms

The refresh rate stays at 144Hz when switching from the Hybrid Graphic mode to the Discrete Graphics mode in the BIOS (by disabling Hybrid Graphics or Advanced Optimus).
Alienware BIOS, Hybrid Graphics/Advanced Options

Max Refresh Rate Support:

  • Hybrid Graphic Mode: 144Hz
  • Discrete Mode: 300Hz

Affected Systems:

  • Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250
  • Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250

Cause

Windows maintains the last setting, supporting 144Hz in hybrid graphic mode with the Intel driver, and retains 144Hz when switched to discrete mode from the BIOS.

Resolution

To resolve this behavior, you will need to manually select 300 Hz.
Windows System Settings, Display, Advanced Display Menu


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Affected Products

Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250, Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250
Article Properties
Article Number: 000303535
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 13 May 2025
Version:  2
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