Apple Planning Smoother Transitions Between Graphics Processors in Upcoming MacBook Pros?

[MacRumors]

AppleInsider reports that it has received information that Apple is planning an enhancement to its next-generation MacBook Pros that will allow for automatic switching between integrated and discrete graphics processors based on whichever is the more optimal technology (power consumption vs. performance) at any given time.

Since October 2008, Apple has offered two NVIDIA graphics processors in its 17" and higher-end 15" MacBook Pro models, one discrete processor and one integrated processor. Users of these machines have been able use the Energy Saver pane in System Preferences to select whether they prefer "better battery life" with the integrated graphics or "higher performance" with the discrete graphics, although switching between the two requires users to log out of their accounts temporarily.

Apple's rumored plans appear to be based on NVIDIA's Optimus technology, which allows for seamless switching between graphics processors based on automatic software settings. NVIDIA reportedly developed the technology in response to a dispute with Intel over NVIDIA's ability to build chipsets for Intel's latest processors, a dispute that has led to NVIDIA exiting the chipset business. NVIDIA's Optimus technology offers computer manufacturers an enticing means to pair NVIDIA's well-regarded discrete graphics processors with integrated processors provided by Intel as part of its chipsets.

Today's report notes that the source is not 100% certain that the change will be made in time to appear in Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro, which is widely expected in the near future. Apple's pressing need for a solution to the situation presented by the Intel-NVIDIA dispute, however, makes it very likely that the technology will be included in the forthcoming models.

Article Link: Apple Planning Smoother Transitions Between Graphics Processors in Upcoming MacBook Pros?

 

[gfiz]

Doesn't ATI/AMD have "ATI Switchable Graphics", which also switch between the integrated GPU or discrete on the fly? It would have to be updated to work on OS X I think, but then again, technically so does Optimus as officially it doesn't support OS X right now.

 

[Luman]

HA!

I placed my bets on this 3 days ago:

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/9284617/

This would really rock on if true. This would totally make the wait worth it.

 

[ghostface147]

Just stick a powerful GPU in there and have it be smart enough to throttle based upon needs. No need for two GPUs.

 

[Robert M.]

Sounds good to me! I wonder if the 13 inch models will have this option. I hope so, since that's the one I'll be buying. I'm ready to upgrade my Oct 2008 unibody Macbook.

As long as they don't have Core 2 Duo I'm in!

 

[BlizzardBomb]

Just stick a powerful GPU in there and have it be smart enough to throttle based upon needs. No need for two GPUs.

That's what I think as well. It's just hassle from a software point of view and is also something else to go wrong and given NVIDIAs recent track record, I'm not so sure.

 

[guzhogi]

This would make it a whole lot easier. Only thing better would be if we could use both at the same time, but I doubt that'll happen.

I really hope nVidia can make integrated graphics for Nehalem. Intel's offerings are pretty bad in comparison. Intel needs the competition.

 

[NeuralControl]

I always felt the Unibodies should have head automatic switching. It's good that future generations will have this feature.

 

[cmaier]

Just stick a powerful GPU in there and have it be smart enough to throttle based upon needs. No need for two GPUs.

No way to make an external chip as energy efficient as internal (or at least in the same package), as communications off-package need to use bigger drivers that require more current.

 

[SteveSparks]

Please update them already!

I just got the OK to get a new MBP, so my wife can have my old system...

 

[BlizzardBomb]

No way to make an external chip as energy efficient as internal (or at least in the same package), as communications off-package need to use bigger drivers that require more current.

Core i3s, i5s and i7s already have a GPU with them. Why do we need three or a custom design? Surely that would push up prices more than it's worth?

 

[newdeal]

...

Does this mean they won't be updated until 10.6.4 hits since noone has mentioned this change from the 10.6.3 betas

 

[Michael73]

I would like a status bar icon at the top that lets me switch between the two rather than having to go through the preferences panel.

 

[cmaier]

Core i3s, i5s and i7s already have a GPU with them. Why do we need three or a custom design? Surely that would push up prices more than it's worth?

We don't need three. We need two. Because the GPU in the Core i3/i5/i7 is horrible.

 

[diamond.g]

We don't need three. We need two. Because the GPU in the Core i3/i5/i7 is horrible.

Now I am all for discreet GPUs, but for your average user that is probably overkill. Plus Apple seems to only boast the great battery life when running on the IGP.
My other pet peeve is Apple offering Pro notebooks without offering Quadro or FirePro graphics.

 

[mserrano303]

...although switching between the two requires users to log out of their accounts temporarily.

Which is better than logging out permanently, I suppose.

 

[hob]

I always hoped some driver update would make this possible... I guess I'll have to wait till my next MBP for this functionality...

 

[BlizzardBomb]

We don't need three. We need two. Because the GPU in the Core i3/i5/i7 is horrible.

Yeah, it is "horrible", that's why for games and GPU intensive things you switch to dedicated. Chances are even if you were doing something remotely GPU intensive, you'd use the dedicated card, making the IGPs weakness a null point. Why pay NVIDIA twice for a GPU when one GPU is already included in Intel's processor price?

 

[diamond.g]

Yeah, it is "horrible", that's why for games and GPU intensive things you switch to dedicated. Chances are even if you were doing something remotely GPU intensive, you'd use the dedicated card, making the IGPs weakness a null point. Why pay NVIDIA twice for a GPU when one GPU is already included in Intel's processor price?

But they aren't paying nvidia twice. This new "tech" allows automatic switching between the intel igp and the nvidia gpu.

 

[0092762]

We don't need three. We need two. Because the GPU in the Core i3/i5/i7 is horrible.

The "GPU" in the Arrandale CPU also includes the memory controller for the CPU. There is no easy way to not include it. Not to mention it's been benchmarked to be about equal to the 9400M, and supports full screen video acceleration and other good features such as an audio output!

 

[Scdavis23]

The "GPU" in the Arrandale CPU also includes the memory controller for the CPU. There is no easy way to not include it. Not to mention it's been benchmarked to be about equal to the 9400M, and supports full screen video acceleration and other good features such as an audio output!

Could you (or anyone else) provide a link with the benchmark info for the Arrandale GPU?

 

[Eidorian]

Could you (or anyone else) provide a link with the benchmark info for the Arrandale GPU?

A Clarkdale is fine too.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/intel-hd-graphics.html

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2010/01/25/intel-gma-hd-graphics-performance/1

 

[niuniu]

Would Optimus settings work in Bootcamp? Would you get a little Optimus menu on the taskbar or whatever there to play around with?

 

[t0mat0]

Maybe some will wait for the Sandy Bridge "Optimus Prime" update...

 

[Rubydoppler]

well what ever these MBP's are powered buy, have in them etc, im blowing $2,200, so whatever that gets me. (in a 15 inch)

hopefully a 5 series ATI or a 3 series Nvidia card.