Nvidia GTX 555/ Intel HD Graphics Issue

I have an issue, everywhere I try looking at my gfx card (CpuZ, canyourunit.com etc.) My gfx card shows up as Intel (R) HD graphics card. This is the gfx card that comes integrated on the mobo right? Well why isn't my laptop using the nvidia gfx card or is it that cpuZ and other programs don't recognize the nvidia card so it's labeled as intel graphics?

If the problem is that the nvidia card isn't being called upon how can I make this happen?

Sorry if this is a noob question. I have had the laptop since it came out, never had a problem with it, have oC's to test but I run on stock speeds.

 

It's alright, it's mainly because you were using the intel 3000hd graphics at the time. There are two graphics card's on the m14x. The intel 300 hd from the sandy bridge processor, and the gt555m. Basically, the intel hd 3000 is what you use normally for regular tasks. But for watching videos, playing games, or any other program you set to use it in the white list in the nvidia driver, it's using the gt555m. That's how optimus works. You can tell if you're using the gt555m by enabling the tray icon in the nvidia driver software. My opinion on why the card wont be detected by cpu-z is because the pci lanes aren't powered when you arent using the gt555m, so it saves power by acting like it isnt even there, till of course it's turned on.

Both gpu's are integrated. The intel is in the processor, the nvidia is in the motherboard.

 

Thanks for the information. I haven't done any driver updates to the gt555 can you post links on where I can get them? Also after I download them then I will have this "whitelist" you are talking about? Sorry if I'm misunderstanding.

 

You should have the driver by default, even if it's old. Right click the desktop and you should see Nvidia control panel. Click on manage 3d settings. then add programs and set to whether or not you want that program to use the nvidia or integrated intel 3000 hd. Make sure you locate the .exe for the certain game or program. click desktop on the top and check display gpu activity so you can see if you're using the gpu. You can also check "add run with graphics processor to context menu" Which means when ever you right click a program on the desktop or anywhere, it'll give you the option to run it with the gt555m. So like if you want to run firefox or ie with the gt555m, like for playing browser based games, you can.

 

Use GPU-Z, it has a drop down at the bottom that allows you to pick which graphics card to use?