Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Question for Retina MBP owners with discrete GPUs

espressoroast

espressoroast

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 3, 2008
86
0
Amsterdam
Hello all,
Can you let me know whether these apps trigger the discrete graphics on your Retina Macbook Pros? Thank you.

-1 Password (and its helper app)
-Chrome
-Omnifocus 2
-Reeder 2

p.s. We used to have a thread where we listed all the apps that triggered the dgpu but I can't seem to find it.
 
Tbh, I don't usually look at what GPU is being used and I think since I have it hooked up to an external monitor it's on the dGPU at that point so my answers will be useless.

For what purpose are you asking this? Why not use gfxCardStatus to switch the GPU if you want or need too.
 
Thanks for the reply.
I am asking because I currently have a 2010 MBP with graphics switching and all the apps I mentioned trigger the discrete GPU which slaughters the battery life. I am planning to upgrade to a new retina 15" and if these apps that I use daily and in the background still trigger the dGPU, I will seriously consider going with an integrated only model.

I use gfxCardStatus but it is wonky and requires monitoring.
 
I will say given the performance of the Iris pro you may not need a dGPU.

The next MBP I get won't have it, From what I've read the iGPU satisfies many people's needs. You didn't really specify how or what you'll be using the laptop for so I can't say for sure but it may be an option to consider.
 
maflynn said:
I will say given the performance of the Iris pro you may not need a dGPU.

The next MBP I get won't have it, From what I've read the iGPU satisfies many people's needs. You didn't really specify how or what you'll be using the laptop for so I can't say for sure but it may be an option to consider.
Click to expand...
I'm thinking the same for my next rMBP. I'm sure Iris Pro would be enough for my uses and it's a headache less too (for Bootcamp at least).
 
espressoroast said:
Hello all,
Can you let me know whether these apps trigger the discrete graphics on your Retina Macbook Pros? Thank you.

-1 Password (and its helper app)
...
Click to expand...


1Password 4 does not trigger the discrete graphics card. I don't know about the rest since I don't use them.
 
I have the iGPU only model and I use the following programs:

chrome
pixelmator
iDraw
world of warcraft
adobe suite
ms office
pages, numbers, keynote


never had any problem, never seen a glitch or too slow, glad I bought the iGPU model as I don't need to worry about switching.
 
Chrome often times uses dGPU for me. I think it's caused by the extensions I am running versus chrome itself. I have not noticed one password, but that is also an extension I use in chrome. So maybe.
 
Apple should allow users to disable the discrete GPU, or only allow certain programs to trigger it. They usually care so much about battery life, but for some reason they don't mind the GPU firing up for some simple video playback.
 
thundersteele said:
Apple should allow users to disable the discrete GPU, or only allow certain programs to trigger it. They usually care so much about battery life, but for some reason they don't mind the GPU firing up for some simple video playback.
Click to expand...

It's fine is programs were coding to make use of the API correctly. It's more about that then anything else.

Also it depends on the case. It could be a case that a job may but a heavy load on the intel GPU, but for the dGPU is could be a minor task, and take less power draw.
 
They are only in the 15" is that right? What is the difference between the pro and not pro?
 
espressoroast said:
Thanks for the reply.
I am asking because I currently have a 2010 MBP with graphics switching and all the apps I mentioned trigger the discrete GPU which slaughters the battery life. I am planning to upgrade to a new retina 15" and if these apps that I use daily and in the background still trigger the dGPU, I will seriously consider going with an integrated only model.

I use gfxCardStatus but it is wonky and requires monitoring.
Click to expand...

I've had the Iris Pro model for 9 days now. I think I'm taking it back next week. In VMWare with Windows 7 and also in PDFpen Pro, the integrated graphics get choppy. I think the Iris Pro is good for browsing and running standard utilities and apps, like 1Password, mail apps, task apps, and so forth. When you do any graphics to any moderate degree, it's time for a dGPU.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back