In layman's terms, why two graphics cards?

[Widgetal]

Why the need for two, what's the difference and what's the benefit?

Thanks.

 

[colmaclean]

One's faster than the other but uses more power, so sucks more out of your battery.

The faster one also raises the temperature more dramatically, which can be a good thing on a frosty morning.

 

[Ricanlegend]

It only a benefit if you going to be doing alot of heavy graphic works , like gaming , photo editing , if all you do is use the internet and itunes and macbook pro will do it just fine

 

[Bill Gates]

The 9400M is sufficient 95% of the time, and draws a minimal amount of power as an integrated graphics solution.

The 9600M GT provides extra power when needed but has the drawback of drawing extra power when in-use, lowering battery life and increasing heat output.

 

[maflynn]

In layman's terms?

The 9600 is faster but it consumes more power so it isn't great if you're using the battery.

The 9400 is slower but is battery friendly.

 

[Widgetal]

So they never work together?

 

[RKpro]

So they never work together?

No. This may or may not change, it depends on software drivers.

 

[Bill Gates]

No. This may or may not change, it depends on software drivers.

No, it won't change, and isn't dependent on drivers. The 9400M and 9600M GT don't work together on any platform.

 

[reallynotnick]

No, it won't change, and isn't dependent on drivers. The 9400M and 9600M GT don't work together on any platform.

Nope, unless I am reading something wrong:
http://gizmodo.com/5067433/confirme...l-gpu-and-on+the+fly-switching-in-macbook-pro

 

[picklesmand]

Nope, unless I am reading something wrong:
http://gizmodo.com/5067433/confirme...l-gpu-and-on+the+fly-switching-in-macbook-pro

thats talking about switching quickly, without having to log out. you're still using one or the other.

 

[reallynotnick]

thats talking about switching quickly, without having to log out. you're still using one or the other.

Nope read it again, it does talk about on the fly switching but it mentions running both cards at the same time working together.

 

[picklesmand]

Nope read it again, it does talk about on the fly switching but it mentions running both cards at the same time working together.

yeah you're right.

 

[oligore]

Nope read it again, it does talk about on the fly switching but it mentions running both cards at the same time working together.

I can see an advantage here with Open CL but nothing for old apps/games

 

[Bill Gates]

Nope read it again, it does talk about on the fly switching but it mentions running both cards at the same time working together.

Well I suppose it may be possible through a driver update, but it doesn't look like it's even enabled under Windows, so I doubt it will happen at all.

Clicking here takes you to a page on Nvidia's website listing compatible chipsets with GeForce Boost. Note that the 9600M GT unfortunately does not have a check mark next to it.

 

[DAMNiatx]

Nope read it again, it does talk about on the fly switching but it mentions running both cards at the same time working together.

when we can do that ?, its already 6 month from first unibody mbp released.

 

[Tallest Skil]

when we can do that ?, its already 6 month from first unibody mbp released.

That has never been promised or even possible.