Just bought a new laptop and realised it would probably run FSX which I already run on a performance desk top. Only problem seems to be that within FSX it only seems to recognise the onboard grapics and ignores the card. Device manager shows both and that driver for Nvidia is ok.Any ideas anyone?Martin Madden

Go into the BIOS on boot-up and disable the on-board video card... The OS will then recognise and use the addon.

Just bought a new laptop and realised it would probably run FSX which I already run on a performance desk top. Only problem seems to be that within FSX it only seems to recognise the onboard grapics and ignores the card. Device manager shows both and that driver for Nvidia is ok.Any ideas anyone?Martin Madden

Martin,My guess is that your computer does not have a dedicated NVIDIA graphics card. You have a laptop with that has a graphics card with NVIDIA Optimus Technology. It is a hybrid graphics card. It is like having two cards in one and the purpose is to conserve battery power. The Intel GPU uses less power than the NVIDIA GPU. The Optimus Technology automatically switches between GPUs and of course you can force applications to use the NVIDIA GPU via the NVIDIA control panel. You can rest assured that FSX is using the NVIDIA GPU when running FSX else your performance would be abismal. FYI....there is nothing you can disable in your bios it is the way the technology works.You can read up on NVIDIA Optimus Technology here: http://www.nvidia.co...technology.htmlRegards,Bob

Edited January 16, 201214 yr by sargeski

You're just too darned smart, young Bob!

Paul,Evidently you have me confused with someone else! :(

Edited January 17, 201214 yr by sargeski

Thanks GuysI am consulting Dell but I have found in the booklet reference to the nVidia card which is a GeForce GT525M shown as " discrete" suggesting that it is hiding behind the Intel HD Graphics which is what is appearing in FSX settings. This would in some way appear to be of the nature of what Bob has said.Martin

Just to complete the info I have spoken to Dell and they have confirmed that Optimus Technology is in operation. Basically the nVidia card only kicks in on demand. The Intel Graphics 3000 on board has 1.6 GB which with the nVidia 1GB gives quite a performance. Given that the laptop was bought for routine plus a bit of video I am very impressed. in case anybody is interested the model is Inspiron 17R.Martin