M11x R1 drivers

Hey, im about to do a clean install on my 11x r1, and just wondering if anyone has an updated driver list as the ones on dells site are at least a year out of date

 

You don't need up to date ones, you need stable ones which you know are going to work without question or issue, and those are the ones on the Dell site. If you upgrade your graphics drivers past the ones on the Dell site, you will lose the ability to switch between GPU's.

Drivers are updated to resolve compatibility or stability issues, if there are no issues then there is nothing to upgrade, i don't understand why people get so retentive over having the absolute "up to date" stuff. Ironically, these are the people who later make help threads because their stuff doesn't work anymore.

What's the saying - "If it's not broken don't fix it"?

 

The drivers are out of "date" because Dell tests drivers out, and officially releases stable versions. And as Rishwin stated, using official Nvidia Forceware drivers will cause you to lose the ability to switch cards or even manually control screen brightness, my Latitude 13 had it when I used official Intel GMA drivers. When I reverted back to the Dell driver, it started to work again.

 

OP is ok, it happens often enough that newer drivers exist (historically) so as a question its fine. Its also true in this case that WYSIWYG and not much is lacking for driver refinement on R1.

I agree with Rishwin on the repeated complaints on drivers, especially video. At least to the exclusion of other brands, aka "Dell sucks". They might, but so do all the switchable 335 based systems. /yawn.

Let us know if looking to solve a particular issue though - updates or downgrades can sometimes help.

 

The only exception to the rule (the old drivers are fine) is the Realtek audio driver for the M11xR1. It had some small issues with audio quality.

It's the only one I can remember fishing around for. See Realtek tw for update.

AND if you attempt to upgrade the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) beyond those supplied by Dell... the Intel integrated GMA dies. Even when Microsoft Update invites you to upgrade...DON'T. There is an existing match between the Nvidia and Intel GMA drivers.

 

which intel are you using? I assume you went back to 197/263 nvidia?

 

Here is the link on how to do the Windows installation and at the bottom you'll see the drivers and downloads links for your computer.

 

ace thanks a lot, i always assumed newer drivers are better, thanks a lot for the info guys will be doing the re install tonight, and hopefully my killer 1102 turns up soon !

 

Was that direct to me or the OP?

I'm using an Intel 2020 GMA and a 260.63 Nvidia driver. A bespoke creation by Nautis when he was around.

There is a reason for this.

Alienware did a great job of updating the Nvidia driver for the M11xR1 Hybrid graphics setup. And we thank them for that.

The one 'smallish' thing is the Intel integrated Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) was overlooked and wasn't updated.

M11xR1 - Browser GPU acceleration

Guessing I'm the only one that really cares, so it's no big deal in the wider scope of things.

Windows update (Windows 7) may attempt to update your Intel GMA as part of it's general software update process (may be seen in the optional category) as it rightly believes that no modern web browser now supports the Intel GMA at such a low revision level.

Don't let it update your Intel GMA driver as this will destroy your Nvidia hybrid graphics setup, which is purposefully built with the current version of Intel GMA and Nvidia drivers.

I noted this years ago, so the M11xR1 and Microsoft may be wise to this and it won't attempt to update it, but just a heads up in case.

 

I remember that somewhat... Im using the modded optimus setup (w/8.15.10.2413) though so it hasn't been on my radar.

I'm getting ~55 w/500fish 8)

 

Hi there
I would like to re-install the graphics driver from Dell. What should I set in the BIOS before installing - discrete or switchable ?

 

Switchable.