ProBook 470 switch graphics card

[Petruts]

Hi Winos!

I would try your solution with the fixed mode (it should work) but on my HP 470 G0 BIOS as it is right now does not allow to change the Switchable Graphics to Fixed or Dynamic mode but just enable/disable discrete GPU which I think it is an idiotic option - why on earth would you want to disable your dGPU?

Without fixed mode, one could try to disable the iGPU from Device Manager but then Windows (be it 7 or 😎 will give you a Code 43 error on the dGPU which is because Amd did not released Digitally Signed Drivers for the Intel iGPUs which makes them not recognize the Switchable Graphics technology and therefore will not pass on the graphical responsability of your laptop to your dGPU.

Also, OpenGL support for the Switchable Graphics technology is not properly given (ironically, as stated in a footnote for the dGPU in the HP 470 series description) which means that all OpenGL applications (like CAD programs and most or latest 3D games) will not recognize your dGPU and will run only on your iGPU. Although the Switchable Graphics technology does kick in and while in a graphical demanding game the dGPU starts working you will not have access to the high graphical settings (because the game will see only the iGPU which has Shared Memory) and all you are left with is games that will run blocked on medium graphics with very good FPS.

Even if the dGPU kicks in in games it does not run at its full potential because it is used as a support GPU and will not enable all its capabilities. To prove yourself that, use fraps to see what FPS you have in a game and then go online and check the benchmarks your dGPU has fo that game and you will see that the online benchmarks made with the dGPU as the primary GPU will be much greater than what you get with your dGPU running with Switchable Graphics Technology.

All in all, this technology is just a pain in the ass for the everyday consumer and just for longer battery life you should not be forced to give up the dedicated graphical capabilities of your machine.

EDIT: I tried everything possible - latest thing was leshcatlab drivers and they did not work either. The stupid AMD Dynamic Switch GFX Tech simply renders your dGPU as a simple backup GPU... I give up.

Worse thing is that this thread is a HOT TOPIC in the HP Display and Video Support forums and ABSOLUTELY NO HP REPRESENTATIVE has given a reply on this issue!!! WHY? At least an insurance that we will get the so much needed BIOS update like the Pavilions and Envys have!

Ubelievable!

Please moderators, bring this up to one of the HP staff and ask them to give us an answer. We ran out of trials and errors and all roads lead to HP and the much needed BIOS Fixed Mode for the dGPU.

[Winos]

"Amd did not released Digitally Signed Drivers for the Intel iGPUs which makes them not recognize the Switchable Graphics technology and therefore will not pass on the graphical responsability of your laptop to your dGPU."

That is no problem. Which windows do you have?

Winos.

[Petruts]

I know that that should not be a problem and it is not one for me but I have seen other people having it and it was brought up in the HP forums.

The big issue is that graphical demanding games and CAD programs do not read your dedicated GPU and they block your access to higher graphical settings because of the OPENGL not being supported by the AMD Dynamic Switchable Graphics technology. E.G. In a game that should run with acceptable FPS in ultra settings you are stuck with medium graphics even if the game itself is taken over by the dGPU.

[Winos]

I'm trying to contact some people who might be able to help, I or maybe  the one which i asked will soon post a reaction.

[Petruts]

Well, just as a reminder, the problem is that games do not recognize the dedicated GPU and even though the dGPU do kick in in games is just to help the iGPU, not to take over from the iGPU which results in a rather poor performance than what should be expected.

[Winos]

Thank you.

[ano456]

Thx Winos!

We will be waiting for your response with solution.

[Winos]

I'll hope that they will respond.

Winos.

[Petruts]

Well, I have 15 more days until my return policy still stands. If I cannot fix this until then, I will return this laptop. I cannot have a machine that does not work as I want it to.

[Winos]

Hello all,  there is a little progress in this situation but i'll need a product number. 

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00033108

Please send me a product number of a laptop bought in the U.S.A or any other english speaking country.

Winos.