Noob questions on Optimus GPU

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iosappsrock

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Dec 16, 2013
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Well guys, this is probably a really noob question, but I need some answers anyway.

I'm very curious about a few things involving Nvidia Optimus cards. First off, my system: I have a Sager NP7330, with a Geforce GTX 765m installed. My CPU is an Intel i7-4700MQ. I also house 8GB of RAM on board.


So, the questions, in no particular order.

1: Is the Optimus integrated card an actual physical GPU located somewhere on my motherboard? Or is it a simulated GPU? Where the heck is it located?

2: Is the Optimus GPU somehow located/attached to my CPU?

3: Why are my Optimus card temps so high? My 765m idles around 31C, and peaks at about 65C at load (pretty damn good for a laptop if I may say). My optimus card hovers around a freaking 61C at idle! Is that normal?

4: Is there any way to just completely remove all traces of Optimus from a laptop? I doubt it, as it's probably built in, but I'd be interested to know if it's doable.

5: I heard somewhere that the Optimus programming was built into the version of windows that came with your laptop. Sounds a little bogus, but I thought I'd check anyway. I ask mainly because I bought my laptop with no OS installed.

I think that's all the questions I had. I'll probably remember more later... :|

Thanks for the help guys! It's bugging me how mysterious optimus is, especially when it causes me so many problems these days.
 
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tachybana

tachybana

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If your true question is, can you remove your current GPU on your laptop and upgrade it. The answer is no :). Is the GPU on this laptop separate from the CPU (unlike the Intel HD 4000+) Yes.

Also how did you manage to get your laptop without an O/S?

Best Luck
 
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iosappsrock

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Dec 16, 2013
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Thanks for your reply tachybana.

My intention is definitely not to upgrade my GPU. :) I will say however, that this laptop can in fact receive a GPU upgrade. I have seen it done before (765m to 770m, or 780m). I have also removed the GPU myself to reapply thermal paste once, so it comes off easy enough. From what I know, Sager builds their laptops to allow as much user servicing as possible.

I suppose I should have specified that by noob question, I meant on the subject of Optimus. I'm quite well versed with laptops in general. Minus the Optimus of course. :D

I have also taken the CPU out before, so I did know it was separate.

I'm really just curious about what/where the heck the Optimus GPU is.

Cheers!


 
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iosappsrock

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Dec 16, 2013
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Woop, missed the last question about the OS.

I ordered the laptop custom built from Sager, and since I already had Windows 7 on my old laptop, I figured I'd save the $90.00 or whatever. So, I burned windows 7 to a disc, and then installed it on my Primary SSD on the new laptop (NP7330). Worked well, though it took me a few attempts the first time. :pt1cable:
 
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tachybana

tachybana

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With regards to optimus (as with all the fancy titles) its just a way for the GPU to work in tandem with the CPU conserve energy on the most demanding tasks (watch a blu-ray/gaming etc) http://www.nvidia.com/object/optimus_technology.html

With regards to upping the GPU it must cost a pretty penny to find such chips (and you would need to maker certain you have the proper cooling solution)

by the way, nice machine indeeed.

Best luck

 
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iosappsrock

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I suppose a better question would be this:

My computer technically has 2 GPUs. One is the dedicated GTX 765m.

The other is listed as : Intel Integrated HD Graphics 4600. Is this the CPU graphics? If it is, then suddenly my life just made sense. LOL. But seriously, that'd explain a LOT in terms of my laptops performance and heating "issues".

Thanks!
 
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tachybana

tachybana

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Correct. The intel 4600 is the built in with the CPU (you would use this one when you're browsing, and doing the youtube videos. It will extend your battery life tremendously), when you crank up the gaming, then your 765m will take over (or when you out the image to a Larger display for gaming)
 
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k1114

k1114

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Optimus is not a card, it is the name of the technology of nvidia's switchable graphics which switches (in your case) between the igpu on your cpu, the hd 4600, and your discrete gpu, your 765m, which is soldered on the mobo. The np7330 does not have a removable gpu. Either what you removed was not the gpu or the np7330 is not what you have. Optimus is not built into the os. The nvidia driver enables optimus. But if you don't install the intel driver, then it shouldn't switch to it.
 
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iosappsrock

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Dec 16, 2013
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Thank you for the informative post. This makes sense now.

I have to say though, the NP7330 must've received an update, because I definitely can confirm that the GPU is removable. I have removed and held in my hands a GPU with GTX 765m stamped on it. The CPU also comes out too. Check this if you're curious: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo-reviews-owners-lounges/725922-htwingnuts-sager-np7330-clevo-w230st-review.html He shows both of them popped out of the laptop.

This would explain why my Optimus card (technically my CPU) is always overheated, as my CPU is a lemon in this laptop. I just got Xotic PC to send me out a new CPU which should be here soon. Hopefully my temps will go down greatly...
 
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