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    T400 switchable graphics

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by spellbinderx, Jun 3, 2009.

  1. spellbinderx

    spellbinderx Notebook Guru

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    which do u recommend using as default??
     
    spellbinderx, Jun 3, 2009
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  2. Th1nkpad

    Th1nkpad Notebook Consultant

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    Definitely the Radeon 3470. It scores 2.5x higher than the 4500MHD on 3dmark06.
     
    Th1nkpad, Jun 3, 2009
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  3. pacmandelight

    pacmandelight Notebook Deity

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    When on battery, use the Intel graphics. When gaming or watching DXVA videos, use ATI graphics.
     
    pacmandelight, Jun 3, 2009
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  4. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    I would only recommend using the ATI graphics for gaming and other 3D accelerated applications.

    The x4500 is more than adequate for desktop level applications, windows Aero, and DXVA (h264 and VC-1). Additionally, the x4500 generates less heat and should result in a cooler/quieter laptop even when plugged in.
     
    jonlumpkin, Jun 3, 2009
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  5. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    With my T500, I stick on integrated most of the time, switching to discrete to game or use other 3D-graphics programs.
     
    MidnightSun, Jun 3, 2009
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  6. willinja

    willinja Notebook Geek

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    does we must switch the graphics from the bios ?
    or the thinkpad has another way to change it ?
     
    willinja, Jun 3, 2009
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  7. streamna

    streamna Newbie

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    yep, Lenovo has Driver for that called "ThinkPad Switchable Graphics Driver "
    U can switch the graphics just in the Windows Vista or Windows 7(not in the XP)
    Also U can switch it from the bios. U can choose "Integrated Graphics; Discrete Graphics; Switchable Graphics". Choose Switchable Graphics, and install the drive above, if u wanna switch it from the Windows.
     
    streamna, Jun 3, 2009
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  8. streamna

    streamna Newbie

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    So do I, that's an ideal way
     
    streamna, Jun 3, 2009
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  9. Thaenatos

    Thaenatos Zero Cool

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    If mine is ever delivered, I plan to only use the ATI when I game. For the remainder of its life ~90% will be on the intel IGP.
     
    Thaenatos, Jun 3, 2009
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  10. larkin

    larkin Notebook Guru

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    Can the graphics be automatically selected based on power source/power plan?

    I would like it to auto switch to ATI when I am on battery power.
     
    larkin, Jun 3, 2009
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  11. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Set the graphics in the BIOS for "Switchable". Then, when you boot into Windows Vista (only works in Vista, not XP or, I believe, 7), right-click the battery gauge of PowerManager, go to "switchable Graphics," and choose either one. "High Performance" refers to the ATI graphics, while "Energy Saving" refers to Intel integrated.

    Unfortunately, no, and there are no plans to implement that behavior (due to some difficulty, which I forgot).

    And when you are on battery power, wouldn't you want it to switch to Intel integrated, not ATI...?
     
    MidnightSun, Jun 3, 2009
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  12. zillal

    zillal Notebook Consultant

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    Lenovo discontinued that functionality in their driver. I downloaded the Catalyst Center (at the time) 9.4 from the ATI site and used it successfully together with the Lenovo switchable graphics driver.

    I was then able to set the automatic switching when changing from power to battery and back in the ATI version of the Catalyst Center.

    But after running like that for a while I decided Lenovo made the right design decision -- it does not make sense to switch automatically -- at least I move my T500 around to much just switching it from one power location to another.

    If you want to try it you need to do a selective install of the download from ATI just installing the Catalyst Center and nothing else.

    For 9.4 I had to use the Mobility Modder on the ATI drivers before I could do the install. I have seen one report that 9.5 from the ATI site actually installs without modding. Can't confirm if that is true or not.
     
    zillal, Jun 3, 2009
    #12