Asus X556UA with Intel HD 520 - graphics disappointing

[TTim]

A friend of mine recently bought the above laptop model and I've got to honestly say that we have found the graphics disappointing. First and foremost the font and most of the GUIs (especially Microsoft Word) were very small. We increased the text, apps and other items size from 125% (recommended) to 150% (and even tried 175%) in Windows. Of course the brightness level can be adjusted. I was advised NOT to use the Intel HD Graphics Control Panel but must look into this now (the driver is Intel HD Graphics 520). The laptop screen is matte and I just looked at this article which has given me an additional explanation about this potential dullness problem: http://www.howtogeek.com/181727/glossy-vs.-matte-lcds-which-should-you-choose-when-buying-a-display/ http://www.howtogeek.com/181727/glossy-vs.-matte-lcds-which-should-you-choose-when-buying-a-display/

Nevertheless I have a Samsung SMB1930N monitor which is also matte and do not have any complaints about resolution, brightness, contrast etc.

In many ways the decision has now been made but is there a way to improve things using the Intel HD Graphics Control Panel? I don't have any instructions for this and just don't want to take a 'boys with toys' approach to this problem. I am no expert in this at all but have seen a video on youtube showing tuning for maximum performance. It's a little fast and I would need an explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKZsKPzDBIc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKZsKPzDBIc

I also understand that that Intel has a Driver Update Utility. Is this the correct link to use and an advisable action: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/detect.html http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/detect.html

Many thanks for any advice as I am no expert in adjusting graphics drivers. Also I would be looking for a solution that is reversible. My experiences with adjusting DPIs in Windows XP/7 were not good and in one case I had to do a clean install which needs to be avoided at all costs.

[idata]

Thank you for letting me know about this matter, I will try to help as much as possible.

At this point, I will need some information about your computer configuration, please run the following utility and attach the report. https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25293/Intel-System-Support-Utility Intel® System Support UtilityThanks.Allan.

[TTim]

Can I just do this through the Customer Support site on the link that you gave me? I would rather that all these details are not listed here...

[idata]

Yes, no problem at all, you can use our web ticketing service at https://customercare.intel.com/?lang=en-US https://customercare.intel.com/?lang=en-US

Or contacting our live chat support http://intelsupportchat.force.com/icslivechat/ics_tech_graphics_ww_english_Chat http://intelsupportchat.force.com/icslivechat/ics_tech_graphics_ww_english_ChatAllan.

[TTim]

Will do. Thanks for letting me know the options.