vliebingerx-s : Hello. Thank you for using the Intel Customer Support chat service. We are glad to be of service. How can I help you today?
you: Hello
you: I have a general question which I cannot seem to find the answer anywhere.
you: It is about the new Arrandale Core i5 processor family.
you: The mobile version.
you: The processor has an integrated GPU on the die package as far as I know correct?
vliebingerx-s : It will depend on the specific model of processor.
you: Alright
you: Well lets take Core i5 520m for an example.
you: It has an integrated Intel HD graphics on the CPU die.
you: So my question is the following
you: Let's say that a notebook manufacturer such as HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc, decides to use one of your Core i5 520m CPU chips with built in Intel HD graphics. If they, the notebook manfucaturer, decides to use an additional dedicated GPU, are the consumers going to be able to switch 'on the fly' between the Intel HD graphics and the discrete one?
you: I haven't found any documentation about that on your website, nor on any of the above mentioned manufacturer websites.
you: I have read the press release of the Arrandale notebook processor family and Intel states that consumers will be able to switch between graphics 'on the fly'.
vliebingerx-s : That will depend on the design. If the system manufacturers decide to use another GPU or to have a port for a video card on the system, they will be able to choose which one to use. This will be in a BIOS level so it wont be on the fly.
you: I see, so technically they can completely disable the integrated GPU in the Core i5 ?
you: So technically the $250+ I spent on a processor with an integrated GPU is actually $250+ for a processor only?
you: My question is, will the consumer be able to switch between them, or is it a manufacturer's decision to allow the consumers the choice of switchable graphics?
vliebingerx-s : The system manufacturers have to design it. If they decide not to allow the customers to change this, then you wont be able to change it. If they do decide to have the support for choosing then you will have the option. In other words this will depend entirely on the system manufacturer.
you: I see.
you: So it's not like Intel can just release a driver to support switchable graphics on Arrandale?
vliebingerx-s : Not for changing the options from the system manufacturer.
you: What does the statement from the official press release mean then?
you: "Another intuitive feature available to mainstream notebook buyers includes Intel Switchable Graphics, which allows users who play very graphics-intense games to automatically switch between Intel's integrated graphics to a discrete version on the fly, without having to re-boot, for optimal battery life and performance."
you: Source:
http://www.intel.com/pressroom/archive/releases/20100107comp_sm.htm
vliebingerx-s : This will work if the system manufacturer adds the support. As I tried to explain before, the system manufacturer will need to add the support thru BIOS. If it is supported then you will be able.
you: I see your point.
you: Now my question is
you: how hard is 'adding the support' for switchable graphics for the manufacturer?
you: Is there any additional hardware involved? Or is it simply using an HM55 chipset + Core i5 + correct BIOS settings ?
vliebingerx-s : Basically it is the compatible chipset, the processor and the correct programming of the BIOS to enable this. Remember that the system builders will design or develop their BIOS.
you: So any system manufacturer with a clear mind would always support switchable graphics because of the advantages of Intel Switchable Graphics?
you: I'm asking for your personal oponion if you don't mind ofcourse vliebingerx-s.
vliebingerx-s : Correct, usually they will try to sell the best for you, but sometimes we have seen some system manufacturers that will limit the system to meet their needs and limit other features.
you: I see.
you: vliebingerx-s thank you for being such a great source of information, and thank you for your profesionalism.
vliebingerx-s : In other words we cannot guarantee that they will add the support. Most likely they will.
you: I see, so technically you have given them, the manufacturers, everything that they need to enable switchable graphics on a plate, and it's down to the manfucaturer's personal ego if they will support it or not.
vliebingerx-s : Basically yes.
you: vliebingerx-s, can I ask you one more question.
vliebingerx-s : Yes.
you: I hope I won't offend you by asking you this question, but lately it has been a nightmare trying to get the right answers and asking four different people the same question would typically result in four different answers.
you: How credible is the information that you have given me?
vliebingerx-s : Well, the OEM processors are subject to numerous changes as we create the majority of them to meet the system builders requirements. The information can be found on the datasheets or you can contact your channel representative so that you get confirmed information and the supporting documents. It is very hard to be able to have a definitive answer with a customer as the system manufacturer will have a such a big role on the final product.
vliebingerx-s : Usually it is easier when requesting the information to provide an example of the specific item and computer that you are talking about as they may change depending on the design and manufacturer.
you: Of course.
vliebingerx-s : Note that the information that we have here is for the stock processors. The system manufacturers should be able to provide more detailed information regarding their own systems as they had to design the BIOS and motherboards to match the processors.
you: I see, but the biggest difference is when trying to get answers from 'the manfucaturer' I would never end up speaking with a knowledgable person.
you: >_<
you: vliebingerx-s thank you once again!
vliebingerx-s : You are welcome and thank you for contacting Intel Customer Support.
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