Users Guide
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP
50
nVidia Optimus Technology (Optional)
NOTE: e nVidia optimus technology is not supported on computers that use nVidia 3D
vision.
Your Alienware M17x laptop is equipped with the nVidia Optimus technology. e Optimus
technology is designed to maximize performance and user experience on 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 GPUv
while running graphic-intensive applications such as 3-D games. e nVidia GPU is turned on
only for preset applications and thus extends the battery life.
e Optimus technology is enabled through an application prole. When an application is
launched, the video drivers check to see if the application has a prole associated with it.
• If an application prole exists, the nVidia GPU is turned on and the application runs in
performance mode. e nVidia GPU is turned off automatically when the application is
closed.
• If an application prole does not exist, the integrated Intel GPU is used.
e default list of application proles is updated frequently by nVidia and is automatically
downloaded to your computer when you are connected to the Internet.