Alienware Support: nvidia graphics mode

It seems that the new driver for the 8800m gtx allows the user to switch between discrete mode and any nvidia graphics card installed. My question is, is alienware going to put out another version that accommodates this useful feature? The problem is that the new feature only works on notebooks whose power plans are controlled through windows vista. Since alienfusion.exe AND alienfx.exe must be shut down to use this feature, I am wondering if m15x as well as newer alienware owners will be seeing a new version of the proprietary alienware software?

I just downloaded this driver today for the 8800m gtx 186.03.

Here is the text for the help file:

FAQ: NVIDIA Hybrid Graphics How do I change the Hybrid Graphics mode?


Non-Windows Vista Power Plan Method

Consult the documentation that came with your notebook computer to see if you can switch graphics modes using one of the following methods:

• By using a special button on your notebook computer
• By using a keyboard shortcut (hot keys)
• By using the Hybrid graphics icon in the notification area of the Windows Vista taskbar: Click the icon and then select the Hybrid graphics mode you want to use - Save power or Increase performance.

Windows Vista Power Plan Method

If these options are not available, then you must use the Windows Vista power plan to switch graphics modes as follows:
Click the Power Options battery icon on the notification area of the Windows Vista taskbar to open the battery meter, then select the Windows Vista power plan you want to use.
You control performance or power savings through the power options in each Windows Vista power plan. The notebook manufacturer may set unique defaults, but the typical NVIDIA default Hybrid Graphics modes and save-power options corresponding to each power plan are as follows:
Typical Default Hybrid Graphics Modes Windows Vista Power Plan
Battery
Plugged In
Battery
Plugged In
Balanced
Save power
Increase performance
15 minutes
Never
Power Saver
Save power
Save power
Never
Never
High Performance
Increase performance
Increase performance
Never
Never

Depending on the Windows Vista power plan, your computer can automatically switch to a particular graphics mode in response to the following actions:

• Unplugging your notebook from AC power so that it runs on battery power
• Plugging your notebook computer into an AC power supply
• Letting your computer remain idle for the time specified by the Windows Vista power plan.

To configure your own settings, see How do I change the default Hybrid Graphics settings in the Windows Vista Power Plan?
NOTE: This method is not available if your notebook computer supports one of the non-Windows Vista power plan methods.

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How do I change the default Hybrid Graphics settings in the Windows Vista Power Plan?

On systems that use the Windows Vista power plan to switch graphics modes, you can customize the Hybrid Graphics settings for each power plan as follows:

1. Click the Power Options battery icon on the notification area of the Windows Vista taskbar to open the battery meter, then click the More Power Options.
2. From the Select a power plan page, under the power plan that you want to customize, click Change plan settings.
3. Click Change advanced power settings.
4. In the Advanced settings tab categories box, expand the GPU settings category.
5. To change the graphics mode, expand the NVIDIA Hybrid Graphics category and then make your changes as follows:
   
   1. Click the On battery list arrow and then select the graphics mode you want to use when your computer is running on battery power under this power plan.
   2. Click the Plugged in list arrow and then select the graphics mode you want to use when your computer is plugged into AC power under this power plan.
6. To change the automatic save-power settings, expand the Put the discrete GPUs to sleep after category and then make your changes as follows:
   
   1. Click the On battery list arrow and then select the option you want to use when your computer is running on battery power under this power plan.
   2. Click the Plugged in list arrow and then select the option you want to use when your computer is plugged into AC power under this power plan.
7. If you want to change the settings for other power plans, click the power plan list arrow located above the categories box, then select the power plan you want to customize and repeat steps 4 - 6.
   TIP: You can set your computer to always be in Increase Performance mode by selecting that setting for both power sources under all three power plans - Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance.
8. Click OK, then click Save changes.

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How do I enable Save power mode?

There may be conditions that are blocking the change to Hybrid Graphics Save power mode. To remove those conditions, do one or both of the following:

• Make sure you are using only the built-in display or a display connected to the primary VGA connector. Detach all other displays.
  All other displays require the discrete GPU to be active. When the discrete GPU is active, you are not in Save power mode..
• Click the Hybrid Graphics icon in the notification area of the Windows Vista taskbar, then click Switch to Save power mode.

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My screen flickers when the Hybrid Graphics mode changes.

It is normal for your screen to briefly freeze or flicker when the graphics mode changes. During this time, the graphics hardware does not update the display. Nevertheless, your computer and its applications continue to operate normally, and the applications will be available once the mode change is complete.


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Why do I get the "!" warning symbol?

Why does the Hybrid Graphics mode differ from the one specified by the Windows Vista Power Plan?

The "!" warning symbol next to the Hybrid Graphics notification icon indicates that the actual graphics mode is out of sync with Windows Vista power plan.
Some applications do not support changing the graphics mode while the application is running. If you change power plans while these applications are running, the graphics mode remains unchanged and the notification icon displays a "!".
NOTE: Only NVIDIA Hybrid Graphics modes are affected by applications that do not support mode changes. All other power plan settings are set.
See also:

• Why am I asked to quit my application?
• How do I change the Hybrid Graphics mode?

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Why am I asked to quit my application?

Some applications do not support changing the graphics mode while the application is running. If you attempt to change graphics modes in this case, a dialog box appears that lists the applications you must close before you can switch modes.

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I'm asked to quit an application, but I don't see it open on my desktop.

If you cannot locate a blocking application on the Windows desktop, task bar, or by pressing [Alt+tab], close the application using the Windows Task Manager:

1. Press [Ctrl+Alt+Del] , then click Start Task Manager.
2. From the Windows Task Manager Applications tab, click the blocking application, then click End Task.
   You may need to locate the blocking application from the Processes tab.

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How do I enable additional displays on my notebook computer?

You can connect an external display to the primary VGA connector without affecting the Hybrid Graphics mode. No special action is required other than enabling the display using the Windows Display Settings page or the NVIDIA Control Panel.
All other external displays are driven by the discrete GPU. In this case, the first time you connect the display, Windows Vista asks whether you want to activate the display. If you select Yes, then the Hybrid Graphics Increase performance mode will be activated and the display will be lit.
If you select No and then later wish to use the display, you must switch to a power plan that specifies Increase performance mode and then enable the display using the Windows Display Settings page.

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©2005 - 2008 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. 3D Settings





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Yes I have an m15x. But this new driver allows for the switch with NO reboot.

Thanks! Now if only AW support would chime in! I can post pictures of the icon and the pop screen that allows for one click switching. Thing is, if you have some program running that is blocking the usage of this feature it shows a box telling you what tasks to eliminate before using the feature. I eliminated them and it didnt work. So I'm not really sure what to do at this point. I may or may not have tweaked my vbios at some point. Maybe if I did, hypothetically of course, I would maybe try flashing back to original.