Search

Question:

How can Allplan detect the Nvidia Optimus system correctly?



Answer:

Every time Allplan starts, it checks which graphics card is available to the graphics engine (hardware-based graphics accelerator for designing in Allplan). If there is a hybrid chip set such as the Optimus system, Allplan can choose between the integrated graphics card (not suitable for 3D applications) and the "real" graphics card that meets the requirements. As the integrated graphics card does not meet the system requirements, Allplan starts in GDI+ mode. In this mode the entire calculation of the on-screen display is diverted to the processor, which considerably increases the computation time as particularly older processors have problems with large volumes of data. However, this also applies to some series of current processors.

If you use a Dell Precision M4600, HP or LENOVO device and the procedure described in this FAQ does not produce the desired result, please contact us again by sending an email including a precise description of the device to support.de@allplan.com


General procedure

Please make sure that Allplan 2012-1 is installed as earlier versions do not provide a routine for detecting the Optimus system.

The following link takes you to the latest Allplan 2012 version in the Connect forum:https://connect.allplan.com/en/support/downloads.html


To inform the graphics engine of the Optimus system, do the following:

Start by downloading the latest Nvidia graphics card driver, which you can find at the following link:

http://www.nvidia.de/Download/Find.aspx?lang=de

Install the driver with administrator privileges and restart the computer after the installation.

Switch off vertical synchronization in the Nvidia Control Panel:

Click on the desktop with the right mouse button -> NVIDIA Control Panel -> 3D Settings -> Manage 3D Settings -> Global Settings -> Basic Profile.

You can find vertical synchronization at the bottom. Set "Vertical Synchronization" from "Use the 3D application setting" to "Off". To save the settings, click "Apply". Close the Nvidia Control Panel.

When running Windows 7, you need to set the Windows Power Options to "High performance". Open the Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Power Options -> Select a power plan, Show additional plans -> High performance and close the Control Panel.


Now you have configured the Optimus system and Windows for Allplan 2012 and the graphics engine uses the Nvidia graphics card.


Note:

The "High performance" power option applies to the entire system. This may affect battery life. When working on site or out of the office, you are advised to set the power option back to "Balanced" or "Power saver" to prolong battery life. This increases computation time as the system addresses the processor, memory and graphics card at slower clock rates to save power.