Windows 8 Power Consumption Draining my Laptop Battery Faster than Normal ?

By ShareShiz
in Microsoft (Windows)

 Share

Recommended Posts

Rising Star

ShareShiz

Posted
Posted

So I have actually noticed the past few days, or kind of for awhile now, that my 9cell battery on my laptop just isn't lasting as long as it use to while using Windows 8. I have Windows 8 and Ubuntu dual boot, and it seems my battery lasts longer while using Ubuntu. My battery use to last around 4 hours, 7 hours if I am on power saving mode. However, now I seem to only get about 1min/percent, so about 100ish minutes worth of battery or ruffly 2 hours.

I was wondering if anyone else has encountered the same or similar problem as I have.

... Please no trolling in this thread.

Grand Master

giantpotato

Posted
Posted

:| how do you do that.

http://www.howtogeek...power-settings/

Should be the same for Windows 8. In the last step, advanced power options, there is a settings for processor power management, and there may be another setting for the GPU if you have a discrete card.

  • 2 months later...
Neowinian

Yves Bruyere

Posted
Posted

It's a old thread but I have the same issue and I think to know why. I can heard my fan spinning on my laptop with windows 8 while doing nothing and my task manager is almost at 0% on the processor. I have an HP Pavilion dv7 with AMD 4 core processor and ATI 2 GPU unit. 2 GPU is for one in low power mode and the other in high power mode. ex: while I'm not plugged, it will use the low power GPU instead of the high one.

My low power GPU is a ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4200.

My high power GPU is a AMD Radeon HD 6300M.

But in Windows 8, these 2 GPU unit seem not to be able to communicate with each other correctly. Each need different instance of the driver. I don't know if it was both the same WDDM version 1.1 in windows 7, but I noticed that my high power GPU was using a WDDM version 1.2 and my low power was using WDDM 1.1. Two different drivers model version.

Currently today, if I have the mistake to update my high power GPU in windows update, my graphics on my laptop will run on it even if it's unplugged but in the both case, very slowly. So I have to keep it disabled and at the old version at all time. It's like to have a big issue with my low power GPU. I have to keep that way to keep high performance graphics with my low power GPU if I want to use Windows 8 correctly but not at full speed. Some games I can't play because of that.

At the end, with all that info, my conclusion is both my GPU is running even if I use only one. That I think explain why my laptop is using double the power than needed for nothing.

I don't know about with your laptop, but if you are using 2 GPU like mine, that can confirm my theory.

I would like some feedback about this. Thank you.

Grand Master

Ambroos

Posted
Posted

It's a old thread but I have the same issue and I think to know why. I can heard my fan spinning on my laptop with windows 8 while doing nothing and my task manager is almost at 0% on the processor. I have an HP Pavilion dv7 with AMD 4 core processor and ATI 2 GPU unit. 2 GPU is for one in low power mode and the other in high power mode. ex: while I'm not plugged, it will use the low power GPU instead of the high one.

My low power GPU is a ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4200.

My high power GPU is a AMD Radeon HD 6300M.

But in Windows 8, these 2 GPU unit seem not to be able to communicate with each other correctly. Each need different instance of the driver. I don't know if it was both the same WDDM version 1.1 in windows 7, but I noticed that my high power GPU was using a WDDM version 1.2 and my low power was using WDDM 1.1. Two different drivers model version.

Currently today, if I have the mistake to update my high power GPU in windows update, my graphics on my laptop will run on it even if it's unplugged but in the both case, very slowly. So I have to keep it disabled and at the old version at all time. It's like to have a big issue with my low power GPU. I have to keep that way to keep high performance graphics with my low power GPU if I want to use Windows 8 correctly but not at full speed. Some games I can't play because of that.

At the end, with all that info, my conclusion is both my GPU is running even if I use only one. That I think explain why my laptop is using double the power than needed for nothing.

I don't know about with your laptop, but if you are using 2 GPU like mine, that can confirm my theory.

I would like some feedback about this. Thank you.

That's a driver issue. If you can't get the configuration-specific driver from HP to work in Windows 8 you're out of luck.

I have a hybrid graphics setup too. I can switch between my Intel HD Graphics and a proper nVidia GeForce card but unfortunately Windows 8 doesn't seem to like the drivers for it. The only option I had was to set switching to static in my BIOS, which means I have to reboot to switch between the two - and even then the nVidia Graphics just won't install since even those drivers are incompatible.

It's a common issue with exotic hardware configurations. When your hardware manufacturer no longer provides updates for new operating systems you're basically screwed - and there's not much you can do about it.

  • Yves Bruyere
  • Like 1
Neowinian

Yves Bruyere

Posted
Posted

That's a driver issue. If you can't get the configuration-specific driver from HP to work in Windows 8 you're out of luck.

I have a hybrid graphics setup too. I can switch between my Intel HD Graphics and a proper nVidia GeForce card but unfortunately Windows 8 doesn't seem to like the drivers for it. The only option I had was to set switching to static in my BIOS, which means I have to reboot to switch between the two - and even then the nVidia Graphics just won't install since even those drivers are incompatible.

It's a common issue with exotic hardware configurations. When your hardware manufacturer no longer provides updates for new operating systems you're basically screwed - and there's not much you can do about it.

I guess more for a Microsoft issues with Windows 8 than a driver issue with Windows 8. Because Windows 8, logically, have to run any driver compatible with Vista and Windows 7. But I think is the difference about the driver WDDM version model that is the big problem. I hope that AMD & ATI will correct that soon.

Thanks for your reply.

Neowinian

Yves Bruyere

Posted
Posted

Run the AMD package installer in Windows 7 compatibility mode. Problem solved.

Failed! Same thing than updating driver whit Windows Update. Graphics run very slowly.

I have to Refresh my Windows again, thank you for that.

Mentor

+Neyht Subscriber²

Posted
  • Subscriber²
Posted

I use some modded drivers on my laptop to get the hybrid (or switchable) graphics working. HP has yet to release proper windows 8 drivers for my computer. Which is odd because they have already released some windows 8 drivers for my computer along with a bios update. Trying to install switchable graphics in compatibility mode for windows 7 fails. Windows update will install the latest drivers, but that won't install the components necessary to make them switch back and forth.

Grand Master

Detection

Posted
Posted

Here's a strange thing, my laptop battery is as good as dead, it has around 18% capacity left, which is just about enough keep it in sleep mode for about 1-2 days

With Windows 7 and 8, if I leave the power settings to default, which is the middle option (normal/average) the battery will be dead when I come to use it again the next night, if I set the power options to "High", it will happily stay sleeping for a day or two

Work that one out

Neowinian

Yves Bruyere

Posted
Posted

I use some modded drivers on my laptop to get the hybrid (or switchable) graphics working. HP has yet to release proper windows 8 drivers for my computer. Which is odd because they have already released some windows 8 drivers for my computer along with a bios update. Trying to install switchable graphics in compatibility mode for windows 7 fails. Windows update will install the latest drivers, but that won't install the components necessary to make them switch back and forth.

I look at leshcat and after trying X, Y, Z solution I found at least an half solution to my problem with your suggestion.

The solution I found the most usefull to me now is that:

After installing Windows 8, erase atiilhag.inf and atiilhag.pnf file in C:\Windows\Inf folder.

Uninstall both device in Device Manager, with the first that is not used and the used one after so windows will replace it with his one default.

Install the leshcat driver, a version which is compatible with Windows 8 and the only ones is with a stupid Intel Graphics Unit which it's not my case.

I guess we must stay plugged in or it will select the poor GPU by default which it's not a good idea.

After it's installed and it using the High Performance GPU, don't switch your GPU or we are gonna to get back to the same problem.

You can update your driver with Windows Update so you can have more feature than the driver provided with leshcat.

After all of this, I just have to make sure to not switch my GPU with the Switchable Graphic Application and make sure that the automatic Switch is not checked.

The good point is I can have my High Performance Graphics working correctly.

The bad point, I still have a power consumption problem.

My Low Power GPU unit is under control of the Basic Graphic Driver from Windows, and I think, it is still running even if I don't use it.

Thank anyway Mr. Android. :) It's a good start.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Posts

    • Why you need to take back control of your synced passwords and how to go about doing that

      By datacenter · Posted

      There is a saying in my country: "The wolf has a thick neck because he does his own work." Let that sink in
    • The Light of Life? We actually do glow till our Death, study finds

      By Liberi_Fatali · Posted

      Interesting image choice... reminds me of the human centipede poster
    • Why you need to take back control of your synced passwords and how to go about doing that

      By +Warwagon · Posted

      I love syncback!
    • Politically funny images of the World

      By +primortal · Posted

    • Get $50 of aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler eSim credit for just $24.97

      By News Staff · Posted

      Get $50 of aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler eSim credit for just $24.97 by Steven Parker Today's highlighted deal comes via our Apps + Software section of the Neowin Deals store, where you can save 50% off aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler Lifetime eSim Credit: Pay $24.97 for $50. Stay connected affordably in 120+ countries/regions with your own lifetime eSIM! An eSIM is a digital SIM card. It's basically just mobile data. Once it's activated on your device, it can connect you to data networks in other countries – giving you an internet connection with NO roaming charges. With aloSIM, you can load prepaid eSIM data packages onto your phone, tablet, or computer. Your lifetime eSIM never expires, so it's yours forever and there are never any monthly charges. You'll get $50 in eSIM data credit, which is almost always enough to cover all your data roaming needs for a full year. But if you run out of data, you can always top up your lifetime eSIM and stay connected internationally. Pay $24.97 for a lifetime eSIM with $50 in travel data credit Use your eSIM to join data networks in 120+ countries Install your lifetime eSIM on a compatible device to roam on local data networks Your lifetime eSIM never expires, and can be topped up with more data anytime Many data packages cost as little as $4.50 and last 7 days. Depending on the package you choose, the length of time varies. Good to know Length of access: lifetime For NEW customers only Instant digital redemption Once you add your $50 credit to your aloSim account you have up to 12-months to use it — after that your credit will expire When you pay for a data plan you also get a free phone number (via Hushed) for the same duration of your plan that was purchased - IE 7 day eSim plan gives you a free 7-day phone number Purchased coupon must be redeemed and used within 12 months This deal is not stackable (one offer per aloSIM account) A $4.50 data package will last 7 days The data DOES expire, and you WILL NOT have any leftover data for your next trip unless it takes place within the validity period. While the eSIM never expires, the actual data package is only valid for the length of time stated at purchase (i.e. seven days after activation, 30 days after activation, etc.) So if you buy a seven-day package and only use a tiny bit, that package is still going to expire after seven days. Access options: mobile (check compatibility) Max number of device(s): 1 Updates included Here's the deal: This aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler eSim $50 Credit normally costs ... $50, but it can be yours for just $24.97 for a limited time, a saving of $25 (50% off). For specifications, and license info please click the link below. Get this aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler eSim for just $24.97 (was $50) Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.

  • Recent Achievements

    • First Post
      DrWankel earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      DrWankel earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Week One Done
      Supreme Spray LV earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Genuinetonerink- Dubai earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Genuinetonerink- Dubai earned a badge
      Week One Done

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      498
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      158
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      90
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      74
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      72
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!