gpu New Dell XPS L502X - Use NVIDIA instead of Intel Integrated - Need Help

[WizardCM]

I got a new Dell XPS L502X for Christmas, and love it. However, it has two graphics cards (a 60MB Intel Integrated card and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M), and while for most games the NVidia software switch works, for others, like Minecraft, it seems to be using the wrong one.

Now, I've tried setting all the Java processes to use the NVidia card, and even setting the NVidia card as default for everything, but Windows decides to still boot using the integrated one which can't handle games properly (obviously). I've also checked the BIOS, and it doesn't mention anything about graphics.

What I want to do is force Windows into booting with the NVidia card instead of the Intel one by default. I have one idea, but if it goes wrong there's probably no going back: disable the Intel card via device manager and reboot.

But for this totally insane idea, I need to know how the hardware is set up. If it can't find the Intel card, will it boot at all? Or will it just break completely? If it doesn't work in Windows, would Startup Repair automatically re-enable the Intel one?

If there is some fix that's specific to Java/Minecraft, maybe I'd be better off trying their forums, but I thought I'd ask you guys first.

Thanks for any suggestions in advance, and Merry Christmas.

[srjallan]

javaw.exe is what you need to set to run with the "High performance NVIDIA processor" in the NVIDIA control panel. javaw.exe can be found in C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin (may differ depending on whether you're on 64 bit or not, or if you're using Java 7).

[nekkidtruth]

You might want to look up info on "Optimus". That is what the technology is called. Might be able to find info about properly configuring your machine using Optimus.

[WizardCM]

javaw.exe is what you need to set to run with the "High performance NVIDIA processor" in the NVIDIA control panel. javaw.exe can be found in C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin (may differ depending on whether you're on 64 bit or not, or if you're using Java 7).

I tried this, however the game still decides to not run at the best levels (what I mean by that is I've installed a 128x texture pack [default is 16x], and those require a powerful card). Any idea to make sure it's using the right one?

You might want to look up info on "Optimus". That is what the technology is called. Might be able to find info about properly configuring your machine using Optimus.

Thanks, I'll look into this.

Edit: I just switched from using both the laptop's monitor and an external one (Over HDMI/DVI) to just the external (22"), and it works perfectly. This is obviously something to do with the GPU not being assigned correctly.