More Evidence Next MacBook Pros Use Nvidia's Power-Saving Optimus Graphics Tech

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Looks like our hunches about what's inside the next MacBook Pros are panning out: AppleInsider hears that Apple's got new MacBook Pros running that can switch between integrated and discrete graphics automagically, which exactly describes Nvidia's Optimus dual graphics tech.

If you remember, the unibody MacBooks from Oct. 2008 were the first to use Nvidia's GeForce 9400M, a combination chipset/integrated GPU that ridiculously outperformed Intel's own integrated graphics, and the Pro models at the time could switch between power-saving integrated and beefier discrete graphics, though it requires a logout.

Nvidia got cockblocked from making chipsets for Intel's latest-gen chips (read: Core i3, Core i5, Core i7), ruling out using Nvidia's better integrated graphics; Nvidia canned their chipset business entirely. So! Nvidia's Optimus tech works with Intel's crappier integrated graphics that are built onto the same die as the newer Core processors, but even more seamlessly than before—the computer automatically switches between Intel's power-sipping integrated and Nvidia's monster discrete graphics, depending on what you're doing. No logouts required.

In the demo we saw on a Windows machine, the automatic part of the tech has some drawbacks—namely, it's entirely dependent on software to tell your computer which graphics card to run. But Apple's obviously worked pretty closely with Nvidia on graphics before, so it seems logical they're doing so here, too. Though I don't expect we'll know until the new MacBooks finally arrive, whenever that happens (hopefully, soon).

Source:
http://gizmodo.com/5475540/more-evi...se-nvidias-power+saving-optimus-graphics-tech

 

I really, really hope this is true.

 

who knows Intel / ATI on the fly switching has been around quite some time as well ( end of 2008 actually ). will have to wait and see what we have coming

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/video/...echnology_for_Intel_Centrino_2_Notebooks.html

 

That's true, the T500/T400 from late 2008 had that.

 

Yep, my T400 from sept 08 does it quite well

 

*prays Apple finally shoo's away Nvidia and goes with ATi*

 

I don't understand how this technology works. Basically, the two chips work in unison to achieve balance between performance and power consumption?

That's great I guess. I hope the 13" MBP gets some kind of dedicated GPU. Although it seems the 9400M could hold its own in the present line.

 

Idk nvidia has a little more brand strength than Ati, still I think ati's mobile cards are much better than nvidia's.

 

I guess this means I'll have to upgrade all my software?

Does this mean that my old MB will run my "legacy" (CS4, etc) software faster than a new MBP?

 

Even if you got your wish, it may be a mixed blessing.

While ATI/AMD is winning the top-end battle for now... the middle-ground cards are still better off nvidia.

We both know apple isn't going to use top-end enthusiast cards...

 

For sure I'm going to buy that sticker when I get my Macbook Pro.

 

Ohhhh fancy! I must upgrade to the newest MBP! (maybe this month!).

 

I smell nvidia geforce 100 series... DX 11 cards...

http://www.nvidia.com/object/gf100.html


Score: http://www.madsmik.dk/wordpress/2010/01/benchmark-test-on-the-fermigf100-gf300/

 

it'll be a shame if ATI isn't used. the 5xxx series will pwn anything nvidia has.

oh and what idiot said nvidia has better name branding/recognition in the mobile arena? that's just plain stupid.

 

tell that to HP, Dell, Sony, Asus and other owners of medium-range Nvidia-based chipsets and GPUs who've been experiencing death across entire product lines.

Nvidia isn't who they used to be, it seems. I trust ATi more right now to deliver a product that will last.

 

No.

Fermi is so far away from being an actual product shipping in stores, some have suggested it may be several months away.

Nvidia's laptop offerings won't go DX11 for some time AFTER Fermi. if the new MBP refresh features Nvidia chips, they will be DX10.1.

With ATi, we get extremely well performing ATi cards already on DX11 right now. ATi is way ahead of Nvidia right now.

 

"nvidia got cockblocked"

 

*sigh* i wish apple would just release the new macbook pro already instead of having us "guessing"

 

I agree, i want ATI 5xxx series GPU.

 

Does ATi have a hybrid GPU system? I haven't been keeping up in the GPU news since the nvidia 9xxx series then all the naming systems went crazy and I gave up...lol

Personally I would rather have the integrated/dedicated GPU I have now for better battery life vs a single high end card with less battery life.

 

Yes ati does have hybrid tech. The Acer 4810tzg has intel 4500hd and ati hd4330

 

Hybrid ATI has been alive for around 18mos. my T400 has it from mid/late 2008. see earlier posts

 

They'll probably use the 330m/nvs5100/880m GPU.

That's a slight let down, the 335 is 30 watts, the 5650 is 20 watts. Would have preferred either of those. I am in the small minority of Mac users that wants a decent gaming option on the bootcamp partition. The 9600m was not quite fast enough for me.

I guess I'll find out soon.

 

I'm thinking more toward into Quadro cards... they have devices to play games ... iPod/iPhone/iPad...

but this doesn't make sense.. unless if PC games are really dying. I heard that long time ago...


iBox anyone? Apple gaming console! --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_KxN0Nepus

 

Apple does not care about DX11. I am very sure we'll end up with mediocre 3xxM cards. In this case, it is very annoying because it is obvious that ATI's lineup is much better at the moment, in terms of performance, and TDP. In fact, ATI's lineup is simply superior. Can't say I feel for spending premium on a new MacBook Pro if they don't use the best available tech.

 

Well, the MBP lineup has been languishing technologically for some time now. This is just the final nail in the coffin, if they actually do use the 330m.

Apple's new "performance isn't the main selling point" approach is a bit disappointing though, since the MBP was actually performance-competitive up until about a year ago.

 

The Optimus Graphics and similar recent technology is different than what is inside the T400/T500. It intelligently switches on the fly very rapidly, instead of requiring some sort of restart like other laptops (older MBPs, IIRC) and unlike the T400/T500, it does not require the user to manually switch.

In fact, the user might as well be unaware that the laptop he/she is using is running hybrid graphics - all he/she will know is that it is 'pretty powerful' yet offers better battery life.

 

So will the Optimus be lauched in all the MacBook Pros...?!?

 

Looks like 15" and 17" only

 

Why not 13"?

 

Cost... and secondly marketing.

Who in the world would use 13" for graphic design and media editing? I can only see people who wants Unibody + small portable. 13" is not a powerhouse laptop. Also to cut down the price by a chunk for casual users. Want to spend $2000 for a daily use laptop to check emails and documenting? That is going to be expensive...

If you are comparing to 13" Sony Z... forget it, I wouldn't want a small tiny screen even with high resolution. Producer/Designers wants big screen 15"+ most likely 17" and up.

i may be wrong but that's just my 2 cents.

 

You can always just connect the laptop to a big external monitor to do design work or anything that benefits from having a big screen. That's what I do. It's the best of all possible worlds. You get a very portable laptop when you need to carry it around, and use a big screen when you are at a workstation. So it's perfectly reasonable to want a powerful 13" laptop. Casual users can get the MB if what they want to do is just checking emails and writing documents. The 13" MBP should rightfully be a powerhouse.

 

Exactly. 10 chars

 

I know many people who use the 13 inch macbook for photoshop and final cut pro editing, especially students. It's the only one in a reasonable price range, especially for individuals outside the US where the student discount isn't always recognized.

 

Yes I agree, this is actually my situation now. Looks like I might have to get a Mac for my next laptop, and there's no way I'm spending $1600-1800 for something with the same specs as a $700-1000 laptop.

 

I am NOT hoping Apple will get this into the Macbook Pro...

http://gizmodo.com/5483233/next+generation-nvidia-ion-powers-up-netbooks-with-10x-faster-graphics

 

LOL, already do, the Ion is based of the 9400m, Ion 2 is supposedly 2 of them technically in SLI but sofar a huge fail.

 

Engadget quote:

Meaning, 2nd Gen Ion is not the only nor most powerful Nvidia gpu to use Optimus.