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    Switching between dedicated and integrated

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Dirxess, Apr 12, 2007.

  1. Dirxess

    Dirxess Notebook Consultant

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    Hello,

    Can I switch from a dedicated graphics card to the integrated graphic unit when I am only doing word processing, for example (or another non graphical intensive activity).

    I heard one of Sony's models was able to do this right from the factory. Is this also possible with other notebooks? Or could I install software for it?

    Thanks for your replies.
     
    Dirxess, Apr 12, 2007
    #1
  2. neosenate

    neosenate Notebook Geek

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    As far as I was aware (and I could be completely 100% wrong on this) notebooks mostly come with either dedicated OR integrated graphics.

    The Sony notebooks you mention have both installed on the motherboard.
     
    neosenate, Apr 12, 2007
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  3. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The SZ is the only one that can do that at the moment, nothing else.
     
    coriolis, Apr 12, 2007
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  4. Dirxess

    Dirxess Notebook Consultant

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    Ah, thank you for your answers.

    I have always thought an integrated graphic processor is always on the motherboard, even when a dedicated card is present too.
     
    Dirxess, Apr 12, 2007
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  5. SideSwipe

    SideSwipe Notebook Virtuoso

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    that probably depends on the motherboard used
     
    SideSwipe, Apr 12, 2007
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  6. Cheffy

    Cheffy Notebook Evangelist

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    You can always underclock the GPU using software to decrease power consumption if you want. The software will depend on the type of GPU (ATI or NVIDIA).
     
    Cheffy, Apr 12, 2007
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  7. Elminst

    Elminst Some Network Guy

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    There's a 15.4 " uniwill Pentium-M chassis that has this ability also.
    Was resold by alienware and several others round summer last year.

    Edit: This one- http://www.uniwill.com/products/other/259en3/259en3_print.php

    But there isn't a current model on the shelves that can do this that i've seen.
     
    Elminst, Apr 12, 2007
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  8. mujtaba

    mujtaba ZzzZzz Super Moderator

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    And I think that a restart is also essential for switching.
     
    mujtaba, Apr 12, 2007
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  9. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Yeap, you needed to completely turn off the notebook, flip the GPU switch, then boot it up again, no hibernation nor sleeping.

    And yea, the SZ is the only currently available model(well, only one worth purchasing) right now.
     
    coriolis, Apr 12, 2007
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  10. Dirxess

    Dirxess Notebook Consultant

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    Is underclocking effective? I mean: does it effectively decrease power usage and doesn't it increase the risk of crashing your computer?

    Edit: and is it possible to underclock with OVERclocking programs, so i can use the same program for overclocking (when on AC) and underclocking (for when taking notes in college)?
     
    Dirxess, Apr 12, 2007
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  11. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Very much so. And yes, you can change your clocks either way with most overclocking programs.
     
    Pitabred, Apr 12, 2007
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  12. Dirxess

    Dirxess Notebook Consultant

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    All thank you for your answers! I now know exactly what i wanted to know.
     
    Dirxess, Apr 12, 2007
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  13. Cheffy

    Cheffy Notebook Evangelist

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    I should add, you may also consider undervolting the GPU. A little more tricky, but will also decrease power consumption. Too low affects stability, but a little tweaking can take care of that. A quick search here should reveal some more detailed info if you're interested.

    Best of luck

    Chef
     
    Cheffy, Apr 12, 2007
    #13