Switchable graphics

as the title suggests. how do i spot switchable graphics on laptops? looking for the new SB laptops and if permitted i'd want one with switchable graphics

 

I'm not sure I understand your question.

Switchable Graphics (or Hybrid) are always advertised and listed as a feature.

And what is "SB" laptops?

 

You can spot switchable graphics on laptops because it will be clearly advertised with the laptop.

It is important to note that all laptops with SB (Sandy Bridge) will all have switchable graphics. Just like the previous generation of Arrendale-based Core iX CPU's, all Sandy Bridge CPU's will come with an Intel GPU in the processor package.

Previously, laptop manufacturers had to decide whether they wanted to design a laptop around Intel GPU *OR* AMD / nVidia GPU. Now with Sandy Bridge (and Arrendale), they must decide:
1) Whether they want Intel GPU *AND* AMD / nVidia GPU
2) Whether those GPU's should be manually switchable (e.g. Sony Vaio Z) or automatically switchable through nVidia Optimus (e.g. Alienware M11x R2)




Gracy: SB = Sandy Bridge, Intel's latest CPU architecture for Core iX CPU's that was released a week or two ago. It brings a very nice bump in performance over the previous generation of Core iX CPU's (based on Arrendale and Clarksdale architectures), includes an integrated Intel GPU, and a includes a few other nice features with it like hardware-accelerated media decoding and hardware-accelerated data encryption.

 

This is misleading and untrue! Correction:

One of the many examples: Sony Vaio S featuring Arrandale and NVIDIA = No switchable graphics!

And yes, I'm aware what Sandy Bridge is, just didn't think of it under SB SB can mean many things But thanks for the explanation.

Agree You can't miss it, don't worry. If it is not advertised - it is not featured

 

i see thanks! but advertised how? by labeling it with something like optimus or hybrid or just simply switchable?

 

You won't miss it, don't worry )) No manufacturer would miss the opportunity to make a big deal out of this "new, modern thing"

It is usually called either "Switchable Graphics" or "Hybrid graphics".

 

This is actually simpler than you thought it would be. You find a laptop that you like (which you think it might have the switchable graphics) or a list of laptops and you bump up this thread and we'll be here for you.

 

Theoretically, and ideally, yes. But many manufacturers have not been enabling switchable graphics between the onboard integrated graphics in Arrandale-CPU-equipped systems (even the dual core models - one example is the dual-core HP Envy 15), even though it would technically work. I'd imagine that with SB, more manufacturers would support switchable graphics in their machines, as the downsides are comparably minor for the great benefits that switchable graphics brings.

Even so, it's important to verify whether or not a laptop really has switchable graphics before assuming one way or another... and that's where we come in

 

Thanks a lot! i was thinking of on the lines of Asus G73SW and MSI GT680r? i need it not only for gaming but for classes so i'd want longer battery life when needed.

 

I found no evidence or information of the Asus having or going to have switchable graphics. You may want to have a look HERE.

Same for the MSI.

p.s. Seriously? That MSI? looks very kitschy...

 

Traditionally the ASUS G line and MSI GT line have been for enthusiasts/gamers.

Kent, though all Core i series have IGP, I don't believe you HAVE to use the GPU core, I can't imagine a G7x being bogged down by IGP.

 

Just as the above posts, look for 'switchable graphics' and not for 'optimus'. Because optimus maybe supported by everything in the laptop BUT it's not being implemented, therefore, no switchable graphics.

 

From previous trends, if you're going to be getting a "gaming" notebook with a higher end nVidia GPU, you're not going to get Optimus. Optimus seems to be pretty much limited to mid-range GPUs, possibly because trying to force the feed from a high-end GPU through the Intel GPU bottlenecks (speculation). Regular old switchable graphics are still possible, but would require hardware vendor support, which, as noted previously, will depend heavily on the model. Basically, if you're going to get a high end GPU, the chances of getting Optimus are slim to none, and switchable graphics will be a big question mark.

 

haha yeah the msi doesn't look very attractive but it has some good specs and said to be the fastes laptop out now.

anyways thanks for the help guys!