Acer Laptop: Switchable Graphics using i7 & AMD Radeon

popeye1953 said:

The only drivers I've found that install correctly and provide the switchable graphics are the ones on the Acer site. The Catalyst Control Center has no option to select the 6650m as the main graphics though. Only get the pop-up asking which GPU I want to use when first running a program.

For those interested the XML files containing the choices for GPU selection are located in C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Local\ATI\ACE

I came across your post then realize i did used the Ati Catalyst Mobility drivers start from version 11.2 with the ability of keeping the INTEL switchable Graphics working while switching wired to the battery power on Acer Laptops. I've stop inquiring at version 11.6. :)

Actual drivers are v11.12.

There's a very good tutorial HERE
PS: To grab those drivers Ati 11.12, you'll have to go to page 8 (first page is broken link)!

Hello folks.

I am setting up a new Asus laptop with Intel mobil graphics (i7) and dedicated nVidia Geforce 610m graphics. Running graphics driver 8.17.12.8564.

I have found in the nVidia Control Panel (version 3.9.760.0) an easy way to manually select the graphics processor for any program.

• Open the Control Panel > Manage 3d Settings
• Go to the Program Setting Tab
• Select the Program to Customize (click ADD to find the exe of the program if it is not already listed)
• Select the Graphics Processor to set as default for that program.

Can others confirm that these settings are available and work with other graphics chips and drivers?

Thanks, since that post I've found drivers modded by a gentleman named Leshcat which work quite well and are current.
They are here: leshcat blog IT Tips & Tricks: Catalyst 12.3 Pre-WHQL UnifL for Switchable Graphics

Those drivers won't work with my Ati & Intel HD Graphics. My card & processor are outdated for those drivers.... That's why i stopped installing them!

TVeblen said:

Hello folks.

I am setting up a new Asus laptop with Intel mobil graphics (i7) and dedicated nVidia Geforce 610m graphics. Running graphics driver 8.17.12.8564.

I have found in the nVidia Control Panel (version 3.9.760.0) an easy way to manually select the graphics processor for any program.

• Open the Control Panel > Manage 3d Settings
• Go to the Program Setting Tab
• Select the Program to Customize (click ADD to find the exe of the program if it is not already listed)
• Select the Graphics Processor to set as default for that program.

Can others confirm that these settings are available and work with other graphics chips and drivers?

That's nice but I really don't think nVidia Control Panel is going to work with AMD GPU. Call me crazy.
I'm not even going to attempt because even if I get it to install who knows what problems it may cause.
Sorry.

Besides that, what you are describing is what the AMD switchable graphics panel does also.
I can select which card I want to use just fine with the software. I want to be able to set the AMD GPU as primary in BIOS.

There are times when the software setting just doesn't do the job as far as kicking in the better GPU.

[QUOTE=popeye1953;1832437]

NoN said:

Thanks, since that post I've found drivers modded by a gentleman named Leshcat which work quite well and are current.
They are here: leshcat blog IT Tips & Tricks: Catalyst 12.3 Pre-WHQL UnifL for Switchable Graphics

Those drivers won't work with my Ati & Intel HD Graphics. My card & processor are outdated for those drivers.... That's why i stopped installing them!

I have i5-2430m with integrated HD 3000 graphics and AMD 6650m discrete GPU. How old are you talking? I thought leshcat drivers would work on most switchable intel/amd systems.
Are you sure you removed old drivers completely before installing?

Yes its outdated!!
See my specs...Ati Mob Radeon Hd4330 + Intel Gma 4500Hd on a pentium dual core.

Intel stopped drivers to v15.17.18.64.2555 on their site for the GMA serie 4,

For core i3, i5, i7 version are v15.22.50.64.2509 (8.15.10.2509)


Well, this on Acer is very tricky install, and not all versions works like a charm!

popeye1953 said:

Ah, that GMA 4500 and pentium dual core is the show stopper for sure. Mine is Acer too but the newer i5 with the built in HD3000 instead of the GMA chip.
Yea, the newer switchable drivers are written for the i-series CPUs and newer GPUs. I'm afraid you are hosed when it comes to anything past 11.2 or so.
I'm at 12.3 unsigned with leshcat drivers now.

yep!:)