Is there a switchable GPU software for the Core i3/5/7 laptops?

Since all the new Core chips already have an integrated GPU built in, wouldn't it make sense to be able to turn off the discrete GPU via software? I know that, with the exception of the new Vaio Z laptops, all switching were done via a press of a button. Since the new Vaio Z, which isn't even in the market yet, can do the switching automatically, do you think Sony made it possible via software? If it is possible, anyone knows how?

 

They don't. That's for next generation.. or is is next generation already?

 

The Lenovo Thinkpad T410s will allegedly have switchable graphics. There is ongoing debate as to whether or not the Thinkpad T410, T510, and W510 have switchable graphics as well, but the answer seems to be no.

 

Most notebooks don't support switchable graphics due to the motherboard (PM55 not supporting it) despite it being on the CPU. You'll have to wait for the HM/QM55 and 57.

 

Well, the Sony laptop that I just ordered contains the i5-520m. If wikipedia is to be trusted, it should have an integrated GPU on the same chip. You never know tho, wikipedia has screwed me up more than once already lol

Thank you for notifying me of available laptops with switchable GPU, however, my question was whether or not current techniques in switching can be done via software. It's clear that, since all new Core i3/i5/i7 chips already have an integrated GPU, all laptops with dedicated solutions should have two GPUs in the same system. My guess is that it's just a matter of time before a software shows up.

 

Like sgogeta4 wrote, CPU has GPU on package, but chipset does not have support for the integrated graphics on the CPU.

http://ark.intel.com/chipset.aspx?familyID=42692
http://www.anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.aspx?i=3705

 

Damn it!!! So much for expecting software awesomeness. Oh well...

 

The old P45, Pm965, Pm945 (or something) all had the intel GPU build into the northbridge chip. But on the notebooks that had a dedicated GPU, the intel GPU was disabled.

I think it's the same thing now. The GPU is there on the chip, but disabled.

 

asus ul30 jt will have core i7 with switchable graphics with a press of a button or through software.

 

My HP DM3-1100 Series with SP9300 and NVidia 105/Intel 4500 switches between GPU's automatically. You can configure when to use which GPU in the power settings in Windows 7.
Seems trivial to add it to the new i3/i5/i7, so I think most of them will have this feature.

 

ceejay_be, what chipset does your laptop feature?

You can use CPU-z to find out (on the 'Mainboard' page listed as 'Chipset' and 'Southbridge').

 

GS45 with ICH9-M

 

Wait a tic.. isn't that one Core 2 Duo, not Core i3/5/7?

edit: Oh, right.. SP9300