New dv7-tqe 6100 CTO - Will Not Switch to ATI Graphics (6770M 2GB)

[dave1812]

Trevor, I will pass that on to the people at forum/notebook.

My problems were with the 2GB, HD screen version of the DV6.   but it was made later (more than a few weeks) than the first DV6 which had 1GB video memory and the 720 screen.   I've no idea what HP changed that is the root cause of the problem, but as we poor customers all know, there is no way to revert the newer DV6's to the old drivers from late Decemeber, 2010, which worked like a charm.   HP needs to get on the ball or they are going to find they'll be getting back most of their new DV6's that can't switch to the Radeon.

[mike1anime]

oh mann I just talked to tech support again and they told me that I can't use any 3rd party software to prove that the switchable graphic isn't working properly. Then goes and tells me that I should call my 3rd party software manufacturer for their updates instead of HP basically. 

Isn't that nuts? I mean nothing in the factory installed software would really push and use the Radeon 6770m card so of course it runs smoothly. I'm starting to get pretty frustrated with HP.

[dave1812]

I wonder if they consider games to be "third party software" also???   I didn't use any graphics utilities to know I had a problem--all I had to do was try to run FSX...  I'm losing more faith in HP by the day, since the double fiasco with the two units I purchased recently.

[TrevorW]

If they say you can't use "third party software" to determine whether switchable graphics are working you can simply on the reading from HP Support Assistant.  If you go to "Troubleshoot" and choose "Graphics, Video and Display" in the upper right and you should get a screen that shows which adapters are available and which are being used.  Tell them to remote into your computer and show you something that causes HP's own software to indicate the ATI adapter is being used...It's no shock that they won't be able to.

Please make sure you give kudos to the posts above you whenever you post.  Not sure why but it seems to have some effect on topics being featured and noticed.  I also think I'll reach out to some of the tech blogs who covered the release of this new revision with the 1080p screen and most importantly the 2GB ATI card (which I believe is the issue).  I know engadget covered it in the past...hopefully they'll cover it again.

[Techmedic]

OK, are you ready for this one?  I spoke with tech support in India and after spending over a half hour of explaining my situation once again, she could help me no longer.  At that point I asked to be bumped higher and was told that for $59 I could talk with a "Smart Friend" which I was told is the pinnacle of Tech Support at HP.   After convincing the tech that I should have access for free I was passed along.  Net result, not so smart.  One of the last recommendations he offered was to bring it to a local shop or even "Geek Squad" to see if they could resolve the switching issue.  I was silently in shock at that suggestion.   I am awaiting for a chance to talk to the Smart Friends located in Nova Scotia since the Malaysia location was of no help.

[mike1anime]

in my previous dicussion w/ HP they also mentioned about pay 59 dollars to have a special tech person help me. I think that's insane and I refuse to do that. I'm dealing w/ this til the end of the week and if it isn't going to get fix by then I'm trying out xps 15. There's no way I'm going to keep this machine past my 21days if I can't use my ati graphics card.

[dave1812]

Dang! I've never heard of paying HP to troubleshoot a BRAND NEW computer.  that sounds pretty freaky.  I'd have laughed in the guy's ear, and then told him "you have GOT to be kidding--I'm having trouble with a new computer, and you expect me to PAY for the privilege of the techs wasting more of my time and likely not being able to fix my issue, when all is said and done, because this is now a known problem with the graphics drivers???"

[CS777]

I'm curious if anyone is experiencing this problem with an i5 processor? Something tells me that it's limited to the i7s. Does that help anyone with troubleshooting? Also, for what it's worth, the ENVYs seem to be having the same issue.

[DJ_Diggy]

I have a HP Pavilion dv6t-6100 CTO Quad Edition Entertainment Notebook PC. I has the 1920x1080 HD anti-glare screen and the 2GB HD6770 GPU. I just got it the other day and as mentioned by others, i  use a program that tests the video card and will not function correctly since it will only see the intel built-in card. I have used the "Configure Switchable Graphics" from the catalyst as listed in the first post and it will not switch.

I have noticed that the Radeon card is not capable of 1080HD and beleive that this has something to do with the issue. I just don't understand why they offer/put a video card in a 1080hd capable laptop that won't do 1080hd.

I called and talked to HP support for almost 2 hours and she finally said there was nothing else she could do. I was told to check with my 3rd partry software manufacturer. I know it's not their issue. The issue is the GPU set up in the laptop not functioning correctly.

I think HP needs to provide GPU high performance cards with 1080hd capability.

[dave1812]

I don't know what to say about your 1080p issue, but I can confirm that I also had a recent DV6 that failed to ever switch to the Radeon, including with many fruitless hours spent with HP tech support.   I was promised by the 2nd level tech (roughly a week ago) that he had forwarded the issue to the engineers.    I've got money burning a hole in my pocket to buy another DV6 the MINUTE I hear they have fixed the issue.    today I found I can get one nearly alll tricked out for just over a grand with the 33 percent coupon...