Does better graphics card use more battery and generate more heat?

[ArcticBlue00]

Hi all, I'm going to get a new MBP 15" and considering upgrading graphics card to 460. But I'm hesitant because some people say 460 could use more battery and generate more heat than 450/455. Is that true? Anyone has any information on this or test results of 15" models with different graphics cards?

 

[JackieInCo]

I have the 2015 MBP with the Radeon dGPU. I never have a use for it but the few times I did notice the MBP was using that card, the fans would spin up to the maximum RPM. Obviously, it's generating more hear using that card.

I only have one app that would use the dGPU and that is the included photos app. Not sure if this will help you or not.

 

[dk808]

bump

 

[Chupa Chupa]

The 15" have both integtrated and discrete graphics and automatically switches to what it needed to be the most effecient. So I wouldn't fret over heat or battery if you have a need for the higher card. There are apps that you can use to force into discrete or integrated if you don't like what the computer is picking.