Ramifications of disabling switchable graphics

[smc333]

Hi everyone, so I just picked myself up a 15" Macbook Pro 2010:

i5 2.4
8GB RAM
500GB 7200RPM
330M/256MB
15" 1440x900

Anyway, I do the following:
-Use this on my desk (70%)
-Use this at work (25%)
-Bring it to the lab(5%)

I almost never run on battery. Would it (heat?) hurt anything to disable switchable graphics while it is plugged in (256mb more ram free, plus transitions are a little smoother this way).

Thanks,
smc333

 

[got2go]

It wont hurt the system any, but it is not recommended to leave it plugged in all the time. That will effect the life of the battery. Its a laptop so the battery is designed to be cycled.

 

[axu539]

Hi everyone, so I just picked myself up a 15" Macbook Pro 2010:

i5 2.4
8GB RAM
500GB 7200RPM
330M/256MB
15" 1440x900

Anyway, I do the following:
-Use this on my desk (70%)
-Use this at work (25%)
-Bring it to the lab(5%)

I almost never run on battery. Would it (heat?) hurt anything to disable switchable graphics while it is plugged in (256mb more ram free, plus transitions are a little smoother this way).

Thanks,
smc333

You'll probably end up running 10C or so higher on average, with the maximum temperature being the same as on integrated graphics. If you're not planning on running it from battery or actually on your lap, turning off graphics switching is probably better, as it'll eliminate random issues with certain programs when your graphics are switched.

 

[axu539]

It wont hurt the system any, but it is not recommended to leave it plugged in all the time. That will effect the life of the battery. Its a laptop so the battery is designed to be cycled.

I believe if he leaves it plugged in most of the time, and just fully discharges it once a month, the battery will be fine. I did this with my last MBP for 2.5 years, and when I sold it, the battery was still at 96-97% health (fluctuated a little).

 

[mschissler]

pro: the 6750 is much better in displaying fine gradients. so the overall appearence will improve.

 

[smc333]

I generally cycle the battery once every two weeks for just that reason. And when on battery, I will switch back to Intel graphics.

But its good to know it won't hurt anything, so I will keep it this way, smoother transitions, smoother everything. Plus as someone said, no worrying about any software related glitches.

Good to know, more info always welcome.

Thanks.