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    How can I get Nvidia GPU to work with Diablo 2?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by djlenoir, Jul 8, 2010.

  1. djlenoir

    djlenoir Notebook Guru

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    In anticipation of Diablo 3, I started playing Diablo 2 again recently. I started out on a M11x R1 and would turn on the Nvidia GPU before launching the game. It ran great with the 800x600 resolution game stretched to take up the full screen. When I got the R2, I tried the game and it plays in the middle of the screen with black borders on left and right. Research led me to discover it was running using the Intel GPU. I downloaded the test tools and the Nvidia GPU never turns on during game play. I now have the 257.21 drivers installed but it is not helping. How can I force Diablo 2 to run using the Nvidia GPU on the R2?
     
    djlenoir, Jul 8, 2010
    #1
  2. zarzak

    zarzak Notebook Consultant

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    Have you added it to the optimus run list?
     
    zarzak, Jul 8, 2010
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  3. djlenoir

    djlenoir Notebook Guru

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    Yes. I also tried to perform the "Run with graphics processor" right click option, but it still runs using the Intel GPU. When I run the video test, it always shows the Intel GPU, even when trying to force the GPU using the same methods.

    How about this. Is there a way to turn off the Intel GPU so it uses the Nvidia GPU 100% of the time for everything. Forget battery life... I will just leave it plugged in.
     
    djlenoir, Jul 8, 2010
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  4. zarzak

    zarzak Notebook Consultant

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    Short answer: no

    Long answer: How optimus works is that the intel gpu is always on, and it is what displays the picture. When your nvidia card is turned off, the intel gpu does everything as normal. When your nvidia card is turned on, the nvidia card does all the work, but the information is routed to the intel card which displays everything on the screen.

    Now, because of this routing some programs (like diablo 2 perhaps) will see the intel gpu and think that that is what is powering them, even if the nvidia really is. A good method to check is downloading the optimus test tools (there is a link on a thread in the forum) and running that while you run diablo 2 - it will tell you if the nvidia card is on or not.

    Due to diablo's age there might be some compatibility issue with it and optimus, I don't know. However, I'd think that the intel gpu would be enough to run it anyways ... ? (I'm pretty sure that a netbook can run it fine, for instance ... )
     
    zarzak, Jul 8, 2010
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  5. ronnieb

    ronnieb Representing the Canucks

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    An Intel GPU should run D2 just fine. If you can take a screenshot of the blacklines that you are talking about maybe we can help you out better.
     
    ronnieb, Jul 8, 2010
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  6. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    BatBoy, Jul 8, 2010
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