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Optimus, a technology introduced by nVidia, aims to replace Intel's outdated Switchable Graphics technology. So what is Optimus and why is it a must-have feature on laptops? Find out more in the article below.
1. What is Switchable Graphics technology?
Switchable Graphics is Intel's (later inherited by AMD for further development) technology that allows switching between integrated graphics chips and dedicated graphics cards to deliver optimal performance. However, this technology is far from perfect and still has many weaknesses that make users feel uncomfortable:
- Users have to manually switch between the 2 graphics card modes, and every time they switch, the computer needs to restart or log off.
- If not restarting, it still takes around 5-10 seconds to switch between these 2 modes.
- The computer screen flickers during the switching process, causing discomfort for users.
- Some applications also need to be closed before users can switch graphics cards.
- Manufacturers also have to incur additional costs to add more circuit boards, display interfaces,... resulting in an increase in product prices.
2. The Emergence of Optimus and Elimination of Previous Generation Inconveniences
With Optimus, it provides the ability to operate automatically without user intervention. Whenever the machine runs applications requiring heavy graphics processing capabilities such as 3D gaming or HD flash video playback, the dedicated graphics card will be activated, while light tasks such as typing use the integrated graphics chip.
Error fixing, updating,... all come from a single source: nVidia helps make this convenient, simple, and fast.
When using Optimus, it's not mandatory to use 2 Nvidia graphics cards; instead, you can combine them as follows: 1 Nvidia dedicated graphics card and 1 integrated graphics card from another manufacturer (e.g., Intel Graphics).
The switching process occurs smoothly without any obstacles such as screen flickering or the need to close applications before switching, thanks to the Optimus Core Engine technology.
The prominent advantages of Optimus:
- Automatically toggles GPU for tasks.
- Exceptional battery life thanks to IGP usage for simple tasks.
- Instantaneous switching time, almost instantaneous.
- No screen flickering phenomenon during switching.
- Switching even while running 3D applications.
- Fully supported by NVIDIA.
- Utilizes NVIDIA's standard drivers.
3. Some drawbacks of Optimus
When Optimus is in dedicated graphics mode, both cards operating simultaneously can cause unnecessary battery drain.
Some software may not autonomously decide when to switch but rely on Nvidia's metrics. However, Nvidia meticulously tests these metrics, so users need not worry too much about this potentially reducing graphics card performance.
4. Checking Optimus settings
For laptops equipped with Nvidia dedicated graphics cards, Optimus is pre-installed by default.
Step 1: Right-click on the desktop screen.
Step 2: Select NVIDIA Control Panel.
Step 3: Click on Manage 3D Settings in the left-hand menu.
Step 4: Click on Preferred graphics processor from the Global Settings tab.
Step 5: Choose High-performance NVIDIA processor from the list.
Step 6: Select Apply to save the changes.
For common issues, you can find more information at:
https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2615/kw/nvidia%20control%20panel/related/1
Check out some laptops currently available at Mytour
This article has provided you with some insight into Optimus technology from the nVidia brand, as well as how to check its basic settings. If your laptop's dedicated graphics card is AMD, consider looking into AMD Switchable Graphics technology for more information. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment, and Mytour will assist you.
