Question
I just bought a W520, i7-2620M, 4G, 2000M 2G, 320G
Win7 Performance Score as following:
CPU: 7.1
Memory: 5.9
Graphics: 4.6
Gaming Graphics: 6.9
Primary Hard Disk: 5.9
I feel that Graphics Score at 4.6 is less than expected, since I checked some test blog and Graphics Score should be 6.9, the same as Gaming Graphics Score. I understand that this may due to the Optimus technology at work and as the benchmark runs it is returning different scores, but if I want to ensure I am getting 6.9 scores or maximum at all times, how can I configure?
Answer
When the GPU function in BIOS is set to Optimus, the system will automatically determine which card to use. The Desktop Graphics assessment is for Aero and normal productivity use, which uses the Intel GPU instead of the Nvidia GPU, which results in a lower score.
This is as expected and reflective of the generally desired function to maximize battery life, while switching to the Nvidia dedicated GPU when under high graphic demand.
If you wish to lock in high performance GPU all the time, at the expense of reduced run time on battery, Press F1 when booting to enter BIOS.
1) Under Display options, set the GPU to Discrete Graphics
2) Set the OS detection option under it to Disable
3) Save and Exit settings.
4) Reboot, let Windows install drivers
Run the assessment again. That should get you 6.9 on both graphics and gaming graphics although the battery run times will be much less than previously experienced.
