Alienware M17x Slow Graphic Performance

DELL released another update regarding reports of their Alienware M17x systems experiencing slow graphic performance when running graphics intensive programs. This is noticed when booting the system on battery power.

DELL explained that on booting the system thru battery power, the integrated graphics card is automatically enabled, disabling the discrete graphics card(s).

The integrated graphics card remains enabled even after AC power is plugged to the system. The system may only show the “Nvidia Geforce 9400M G” graphics card in Device Manager.

System warning message:

“System is operating on battery power. To maximize battery life, the system will operate on Integrated graphics.
If you would like to use discrete graphics, connect the AC adapter. Press to resume, to setup”

The solution to this issue is to enable the discrete graphics by doing the following:

1. Connect the system to AC adapter. Press 'Fn-F7' key to toggle between integrated and discrete graphics.

2. Choose 'Yes' to enable discrete graphics card on the screen prompting 'BinaryGFX' access detected.

3. Reboot system on AC adapter power. Discrete video card(s) will be listed in device manager.