Current MBP graphics/processor

[gorichard]

Hi,

If the 13" isn't updated I may get the current version...but was after some advice about the graphics card/processor (I realise I'm probably using the wrong term).

I'd read that users have to log off to switch the graphics option when using the mbp for heavier work.

Can anyone provide an idiot's guide on what this actually means? How often it has to be done, for what tasks (video editing etc) and how long the switch physically takes?

Thanks in advance for any help.

R

 

[spinnerlys]

That only is required when you have an MBP 15" or 17", the ones which have two GPUs, the 9400M (the integrated GPU, shares its processor with the chipset / northbridge) and the 9600M GT (the dedicated GPU with its own RAM and processor).

The 13" MBP does only have the 9400M, so no logging out and in is required.


If you go the route with two GPUs, switching the graphics card is done by going to System Preferences > Energy Saver and choosing either Better battery life (9400M) or Higher performance (9600M), and then you are asked to log out, which after pressing OKAY does that and it automatically logs back in.
It needs to do that to restart the process called WindowServer, which draws the fancy GUI you see instead of the UNIX underlayer.

 

[gorichard]

Very helpful - thanks for that