To overcome these limitations, if you have a multi-GPU MacBook Pro, try installing the utility " gfxCardStatus", which is a small free tool that allows you to specifiy which GPU you would like to use. The gfxCardStatus preferences have options for managing the onboard and discrete GPUs that are not available in Apple's Energy Saver preferences. Additionally, even though Apple does not support auto-switching on 2009 and earlier multi-GPU MacBook systems, technically this can be done to prevent the need for logging out and back in every time you want to change your GPU settings. While Apple's settings may be convenient for most people, there are times when you may want more control over which GPU you are using. Unfortunately Apple's options for this are to either have auto-sensing on, or when it is off then only the discrete GPU is used, so there is no way to force the system to use the onboard GPU. On 2010 MacBook systems and later, Apple includes support for auto-switching, and as a result the energy saver options have changed to a selection for turning on auto-sense, or to have the discrete GPU on at all times. Apple does not support auto-switching on these systems, so to change the GPU with the Energy Saver preferences you will have to log out and log back in. On 2009 MacBook Pro systems there is the option to choose "Better battery life" or "Higher performance" in the Energy Saver settings, which tell the system to use either the onboard or discrete GPUs, respectively. Apple's GPU settings are in the Energy Saver system preferences. To specify which GPU to use, Apple has some settings in the Energy Saver system preferences, though these may differ depending on the system you have. As a result it is a slower graphics processing option, but when used the system can turn off the discrete GPU and thereby save more battery life. On the other hand the onboard GPU is an embedded graphics option that shares system RAM and other resources. Verdict:Ī must for MacBook Pro users who want to remain in control of their system and how GPU selection takes place, helping to balance performance and battery life.In the latest MacBook Pro systems from Apple (including some before the aluminum "Unibody" design), many models contain two GPUs: a discrete GPU and an "onboard GPU." The discrete GPU is a dedicated high-performance graphics chip for processing graphics data without impeding on the system's RAM and other resources. gfxCardStatus is useful for the switching abilities it provides you with, but it can also be helpful for determining which of the apps you are running is causing your MacBook Pro to switch GPUs and override the setting if you disagree. The app can be used on MacBook Pro 2008 onwards, but the big news in the latest version of the program is the addition of support for the retina display of newer MacBook Pros. If you want to save a little battery when you are away from a power source, you might want to switch to the integrated GPU, while if you want to ensure that you are getting the best graphical performance, switching to the discrete GPU is just a couple of clicks away. Manual switching is a great feature of the app, and it is something that can be done on the fly without the need for a restart or log out. One of two icons appears in the menu bar indicating whether you are using the integrated or discrete GPU – expect to see an i or a d accordingly.Should you find that these small icons are not obvious enough for you, there’s support for Growl notifications so you can be alerted when GPU switching takes place. Used as an information tool, gfxCardStatus is incredibly unobtrusive, but in addition to letting you know which GPU is in use, you are also given the option of manually switching. If you have a MacBook Pro with a dual GPU, gfxCardStatus is a handy tool that enables you to quickly see which of them is in use and also to switch between them at will.
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