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    How do you force programs to use discrete video card?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by Rogue-OP, Apr 11, 2015.

  1. Rogue-OP

    Rogue-OP Notebook Consultant

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    What in Windows determines when the on-board Intel video card should switch to the discrete graphics Nvidia card? I'm trying to pinpoint this location because I would like to adjust which programs trigger this switch.

    I know that I can force disable the Intel video card in the BIOS, but I'd rather leave it on as when I just browse the web on this laptop I want the longer battery life.

    I have an Alienware 14 with Windows 7 64bit and the Intel HD Graphics 4600 and an NVidia card that I can't tell what it is and it's not "on" at the moment and not showing in device manager currently.

    Cheers to anyone who can help.
     
    Rogue-OP, Apr 11, 2015
    #1
  2. cookies981

    cookies981 Notebook Evangelist

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    Nvidia control panel -> manage 3D settings -> select app / game
     
    cookies981, Apr 11, 2015
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    Rogue-OP likes this.
  3. Rogue-OP

    Rogue-OP Notebook Consultant

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    YES! Thank you!
     
    Rogue-OP, Apr 11, 2015
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  4. cookies981

    cookies981 Notebook Evangelist

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    Anytime =)
     
    cookies981, Apr 11, 2015
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  5. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Did that work for you?

    There's an article posted here.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Apr 13, 2015
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  6. Motoyuki

    Motoyuki Notebook Enthusiast

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    I think you can also right click on the program and choose from the menu which graphics you would like to run the program with.
     
    Motoyuki, Apr 19, 2015
    #6