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    How can Optimus switch to Intel HD if cpu doesn't have it?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by Nalada, Sep 12, 2011.

  1. Nalada

    Nalada Notebook Evangelist

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    According to Intel site:
    Compare Intel Processors
    It seems the i7-2760QM cpu does not support Intel HD.

    I thought the Optimus technology switched between the NVIDIA graphics and Intel HD according to the needs of the application. Does choosing this cpu option mean that there is no Intel HD and that the NVIDIA graphics is used all the time - presumably with an impact on battery life?
    or more likely... that cpu does still have Integrated Graphics (without "Intel HD" name and lower max freq)... so I guess it uses that?
     
    Nalada, Sep 12, 2011
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  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    namaiki, Sep 12, 2011
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  3. Nalada

    Nalada Notebook Evangelist

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    Curious - that conflicts with
    Intel Processor Specifications

    I also notice that in the link you reference it has a warning triangle to say that ".... may not be available on all computing systems..."
     
    Nalada, Sep 12, 2011
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  4. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    Intel® Core? i7-2760QM Processor (6M Cache, 2.40 GHz)

    Same for the other CPUs previously used in the M14x with Optimus.
     
    namaiki, Sep 12, 2011
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  5. niko2021

    niko2021 Notebook Evangelist

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    All sandy bridge processors has some type of gpu built in. Whether it is the 2000 or 3000 hd graphics. That's why optimus only works with them. Basically, the nvidia goes through the cpu to deliver better graphic performance when needed. That's how it changes gpu seamlessly without interrupting anything, rather than old m11x that had to switch manually, which took time.
     
    niko2021, Sep 12, 2011
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  6. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

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    Yep. EVERY Sandy Bridge CPU has an IGP built in. On most desktop SKUs, and on the Pentium line, it is the HD2000 (roughtly the same performance as the GMA HD of last gen), and on the desktop "K" chips and almost all laptop chips, it's the HD3000, which is roughtly twice as powerful.
     
    jeremyshaw, Sep 13, 2011
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