Dual monitors using wrong graphics cards

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  1. Posts : 5,915
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #11

    I cant seem to find the bios, but found this

    Optimus

    Reading through it it would seem that you would have to use my suggestion in the nvidia control panel to force a certain game to use either the IGPU or the nvidia. Somewhere you have settings for switchable graphics.

    Your processor has Intel HD3000, and you also have the Nvidia GT 525m. Out of those two the 525m will do better in games. Maybe some one else can find your BIOS and help you with the settings.

    I think your problem is neither gpu is powerful enough to run the game (not sure which, you haven't said that yet) at the resolution and settings you are trying to run it at.


    bobkn said:
    The XPS L502X laptop uses an nVidia Optimus setup. I think that may not be controlled through BIOS settings.

    See the manual:

    ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-produ...uide_en-us.pdf

    There's not a lot of detail there, but I hope that you find it helpful.
    Thankyou bobkn, didn't notice you posted.


    from page 56 of BOBKN's link

    NVIDIA Optimus
    Technology (Optional)
    Your XPS laptop is equipped with NVIDIA’s
    Optimus technology. The Optimus
    technology enhances the performance of
    your computer, while minimizing the impact
    on battery life. It enables you to combine the
    graphic processing capability of the integrated
    Intel graphic processing unit (GPU) with the
    discrete NVIDIA GPU while running graphic‑
    intensive applications such as 3D games.
    The NVIDIA GPU is turned on only for preset
    applications and thus extends the battery life.
    The Optimus technology is enabled through
    an application profile. When an application
    is launched, the video drivers check if the
    application has an associated application
    profile.
    • If an application profile exists, the NVIDIA
    GPU is enabled and the application
    runs in performance mode. The NVIDIA
    GPU is disabled automatically when the
    application is closed.
    • If an application profile does not exist, only
    the integrated Intel GPU is used.
    The default list of application profiles
    is updated frequently by NVIDIA and is
    automatically downloaded to your computer
    when you are connected to the Internet.
    You can also create application profiles for
    any application on your computer. This
    may be required for newly released games
    or applications that do not have a default
    application profile.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17
    windows 7 home premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #12

    nothing relevant in it
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5,915
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #13

    Mauvai said:
    nothing relevant in it
    Please explain
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17
    windows 7 home premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #14

    The information provided was relevant to making individual programs run a certain graphics card, which i have set up already. i am trying to prevent the second monitor from EVER running the dedicated card, which it does even when running things which normally on the laptop would not use the dedicated card
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 5,915
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #15

    Mauvai said:
    The information provided was relevant to making individual programs run a certain graphics card, which i have set up already. i am trying to prevent the second monitor from EVER running the dedicated card, which it does even when running things which normally on the laptop would not use the dedicated card
    That is what the info was telling you. that is how optimus works. If you want that you have to disable the discrete card. Sorry if I caused any confusion.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 17
    windows 7 home premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #16

    Missed your long post: let me clarify again.
    The problem arises when i am playing minecraft on the laptop screen and watching a video on the spare. The dedicated card is capable of running minecraft (on high) when the second monitor is NOT connected, but when it is, the dedicated card has to render 2 displays, which it struggles with (as minecraft is relatively taxing). The secondary monitor should be running on the integrated card, but it doesn't, even when its not showing anything other than the background.

    From what i read about the optimus in that document, it should be possible, with the correct setting, though you may well know more than me about this.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 5,915
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #17

    Mauvai, I am trying to figure it out too. I think playing minecraft and watching a video on your spare might be too much for your system. Let's see if someone else with more knowledge on the subject can help.

    I am not familiar with optimus so I don't have the answer for you.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 17
    windows 7 home premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #18

    ok, thanks. I highly doubt its too much, im using an i7 after all, and i can run 2 instances of the game on one screen quite comfortably. Thanks anyway
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  9. Posts : 5,915
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #19

    Mauvai said:
    ok, thanks. I highly doubt its too much, im using an i7 after all, and i can run 2 instances of the game on one screen quite comfortably. Thanks anyway

    I see your point. I have asked for help from someone. Hopeful to hear something soon.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 544
    Windows 7 64bit
       #20

    Hi Mauvai,

    You may not be able to run the external display with the 'integrated GPU'. This is functional as per the notebook design. The HDMI port on XPS L502 is built on the dedicated nVidia GPU; therefore the external display runs only through the discrete card.

    The laptop is designed to run on the integrated graphics by design; and switch to the discrete graphics, based on the demands of the application in use. This is in harmony with the Optimus technology that intends to save battery power whenever possible.

    Unfortunately, what you are trying to achieve may not be possible with this system model. Usually, basic systems with 'Optimus technology' seldom allow selection of desired graphic card through BIOS (System Setup). 'bobkn' has correctly stated that BIOS in this system will not support custom graphic card choices. It is logical for the discrete GPU to under-perform if exposed to heavy pressure (due to the external display & the game on the notebook at the same time).

    The notebook is designed to auto-switch when needed; you may not be able to control its functionality. However, apart from the 'HDMI port', it is built with a mini-display port also. I tried, but could not find enough information (so far) to verify if it is connected to the 'integrated GPU'. You may want to try using the external display with that port to see if that helps.

    Hope you find the information useful. Do reply if you have any further questions; would be glad to assist.

      My Computer


 
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