How do i choose to use integrated or discrete graphics?

At The Gates · 25 Jan 2012 at 13:01

Hi,

I have a Dell XPS15 with a Core i7 so it has an inbuilt HD3000 (or 2000, i cant remember) GPU, but the laptop also has a discrete GT540M too.

Now, in 3D apps i can easily choose which card to use by choosing it in the Nvidia control panel for each app, or by right clicking the exe and choosing to start the app with the 540M.

But what about the desktop? As far as i can tell it always uses the HD3000, even for things like Media Centre, MPC Home Cinema and Lightroom, even though i choose to run those apps with the 540M.

I want to play videos using the 540M so i can use PureVideo etc but it doesn't seem to be doing anything. Is there anyway to turn off the HD3000 completely in a laptop?

Thanks

Tee Hee Johnson · 25 Jan 2012 at 18:37

I don't think there is... :/ If you can, I wouldn't expect amazing battery life!

The HD3000 is great on the desktop, I can't think of mines ever struggling!

Maybe some knowledgeable chap will be along soon

jackocurly0074 · 28 Jan 2012 at 19:11

If you are able to disasble the onboard I would think it can be done from bios? Though I wouldn't want to, as it will vastly decrease battery life and for certain tasks using the on die GPU is much faster than a discrete card!

Link below may be of some use -> looks like there is indeed an option to disasble "hybrid graphics".

http://askubuntu.com/questions/15694/how-do-i-disable-intel-graphics-in-a-hybrid-graphics-setup

Cleeecooo · 29 Jan 2012 at 22:47

With desktops, the option to choose which GPU to use is in the BIOS.

You can also use the control panel in Windows (right click, screen resolution)

Or you can do it with the nvidia control panel. Make sure you have the latest drivers

But the HD 3000 is really decent. Used it for dual 1080P monitors!