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    What is Intel HD Graphics?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by Hemiolia, Mar 15, 2011.

  1. Hemiolia

    Hemiolia Notebook Enthusiast

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    And what is its relationship to nVidia?

    I realize it's a basic question - a question which hasn't been asked (since I searched the forums).

    I have an m15x, which never had this in my system tray.

    So I'd like to know if I need to download both the Intel and the nVidia drivers from nVidia's site. I'm confused why nVidia is showing i have "installed version 00" when I did their automatic version checker.

    Can anyone clarify this for me please?
     
    Hemiolia, Mar 15, 2011
    #1
  2. thegh0sts

    thegh0sts Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    there are no intel drivers on the nvidia site!
     
    thegh0sts, Mar 15, 2011
    #2
  3. Hemiolia

    Hemiolia Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thank you for your reply. I really would love to know what this Intel HD Graphics is.

    As I do my automatic version checker on nVidia, I have two entries that come up as choices for downloads (cut and pasted below):

    Product Current
    Installed Driver Latest Driver
    Update
    Intel(R) HD Graphics 0.0 GeForce/ION Driver v266.58
    Version: 266.58 WHQL
    Release Date: January 18, 2011


    and


    NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M 0.0 Verde Driver v266.58
    Version: 266.58 WHQL
    Release Date: January 18, 2011


    So I would like to know if I need to download and install both? What is the relationship between this Intel graphics and the nvidia I supposedly have installed on this unit.

    Thanks again in any advice anyone can provide.
     
    Hemiolia, Mar 15, 2011
    #3
  4. i has m11x

    i has m11x Notebook Evangelist

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    Do you have an R1 or R2 M11x? The Intel graphics are the integrated graphics. It can play HD videos but isn't good for gaming. It offers much better battery life than the Nvidia dedicated graphics, the Geforce 335m. If you have an R1, you should use the Intel graphics when you aren't playing games, the Nvidia when you are. If you have an R2, it will automatically switch from the Intel graphics to the Nvidia if the system needs to.
     
    i has m11x, Mar 15, 2011
    #4
  5. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

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    You have a R2 unit, I assume.
    The Intel HD graphics are the integrated GPU right next ot the Intel i5/i7 CPU. It typically draws much less power at idle and at load, so the nVidia GPU is switched off when you are not gaming, and the Intel GPU is used for the basics, like video playing, and web surfing, etc.

    You can download the Intel HD GPU drivers from the Intel support site, but they aren't really important. The nVidia drivers, simply download the ones for the "gt355m," and you will be fine :)
     
    jeremyshaw, Mar 15, 2011
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  6. Hemiolia

    Hemiolia Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thank you guys for your thoughtful response. I didn't see anything that explained this mechanics in my manual or previous posts.

    Is there a way to switch off this automatic switching? I'm thinking what I'm experiencing with the horrible frame rates and the jumpiness in my game is as a result of the system not recognizing the game needing the graphics card.
     
    Hemiolia, Mar 15, 2011
    #6
  7. thegh0sts

    thegh0sts Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    you need to manually whitelist the game exe for it to work properly.
     
    thegh0sts, Mar 15, 2011
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  8. ajslay

    ajslay Overclocker, PC Builder

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    lol its intels igp gpu, its there to save power, but when you want games you use the nvidia card. kinda simple couse most laptops sold come with an intel graphics solution.
     
    ajslay, Mar 15, 2011
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  9. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Perhaps a quick read on Optimus will help.
    Optimus Technology

    Info on Intel HD Graphics can be found here:
    Intel HD Graphics

    As to installing, when performing a clean install, always install the Intel HD driver first. Once installed, follow with the NVIDIA driver. On Opitums based systems, you always want to install the Intel driver first. :)

    The General Info sticky in the main Alienware forum has links to 11xR2 drivers as offered by Dell on the Dell support site.
     
    BatBoy, Mar 15, 2011
    #9