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    Can you turn on the discrete graphics card when your not plugged in?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Alexlightning7, Jun 2, 2012.

  1. Alexlightning7

    Alexlightning7 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm just wondering, would I be able to use the discrete card when i'm on the go for short periods. I know that the battery wouldn't last as long, but I have heard that laptops will not allow you to enable it when your not plugged in.

    Is this true?
     
    Alexlightning7, Jun 2, 2012
    #1
  2. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    The default configuration is to disable the dGPU when on battery to extend battery life but all switchable/Optimus graphics allows you to re-configure it for when to enable the dGPU.
     
    User Retired 2, Jun 2, 2012
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  3. Syberia

    Syberia Notebook Deity

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    Are you talking about nVidia or ATI? My Y470 has nVidia Optimus and I leave it turned "on" all the time, it doesn't use the dGPU unless I load up a game, though. No experience with ATI since 2009, which was... not the best implementation.
     
    Syberia, Jun 2, 2012
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