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    CPU-Z not detecting NVIDIA 525M graphics card

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by toronto, Dec 10, 2011.

  1. toronto

    toronto Notebook Deity

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    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, Service Pack 1
    XPS 15 L502x
    NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 1GB graphics card


    I want to test to see if there's any performance difference when running the XPS 15 on 90W adapter versus 130W adapter. I'd like to know if the system runs more slowly, or any difference with the lower wattage.

    Someone here said to use CPU-Z, run some intensive tasks and see if the CPU run at the maximum speed.

    I'm running CPU-Z, but CPU-Z's "Graphics" tab lists only the Intel HD Graphic 3000. It's not even detecting the NVIDIA card. What am I doing wrong?
     
  2. conscriptvirus

    conscriptvirus Notebook Evangelist

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    nothing is wrong. this is just the way optimus works. the intel graphics card is the main card and some programs will only detect the intel card, such as dxdiag, however, I'm 99% sure that your video card is there. btw CPU-Z doesnt tell really tell you any information about the graphics card. the first tab should tell you everything about CPU speed.

    if you want to look at graphics speed, i would download GPU-Z and you should be able to select between the intel and nvidia graphics card. the sensors tab is really nicefor telling you the speed of your card and GPU load.

    also, there shouldnt be any noticeable performance difference. if your laptop charges while you are using the 90w adapter then your laptop is getting enough power. the 130w will probably just allow you to charge your laptop faster.
     
  3. toronto

    toronto Notebook Deity

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    Thanks. I definitely know that the graphics card is present, because Belarc Advisor detects and reports it.

    I want to use some tool to compare speed/performance when using both adapters. When using the 90W a warning appears that the XPS 15 may run more slowly. I'd like to confirm or refute that with some concrete evidence.
     
  4. palap

    palap Notebook Enthusiast

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    You don't see NVIDIA because onboard Intel graphics is active. Go to the NVIDIA control panel, set Global setting to use NVIDIA card for everything, and try to run CPU-Z again.
    Cheers
     
  5. toronto

    toronto Notebook Deity

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    Thanks. I finally figured that out, still learning the ins and outs of this hardware.
     
  6. darthvader45

    darthvader45 Newbie

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    Still not working for me. I dunno what to do now.