Switching graphics chips on newest MBP modles (late 08)

[Dragonlance1561]

I was wondering if anyone has heard anything about apple making it possible to switch chips without having to log off?
It's a real pain since you have to close everything. I end up just running mine with the 9600M all the time because when I remember to switch it I have 3 apps open already and don't want to close them just to change the graphics.

 

[Kronie]

You get used to it.......

 

[designgeek]

As I understand when you switch it has to completely change the way the logic board functions so that necessitates logging off. When I first got mine I figured I would either be able to hot switch them or completely restart, logging off is kind of strange.

 

[magamo]

Yeah, it's not the most convenient way. But to be honest, I don't notice any difference in performance between the two graphic chips, so I always forget which one I'm using now.

 

[maflynn]

The hope is that with the arrival of Snow Leopard we'll be able to switch GPUs on the fly (without logging out) Other then that hope, there' only one option - get used to it as the other poster put it.

I don't switch my GPU that often, It will stay on the 9400 if I think I'll be going mobile and it will stay on that for a long time, until I feel like logging out and then when I do its back on the 9600m.

One thing I found, is the MBP runs maybe about 10c hotter with the 9600m and so if I don't need/want the extra horse power the discreet GPU brings, I'll keep it on the 9400 just to keep the temps down.

 

[alphaod]

Sure when they decide to write drivers with Hydrid SLI (and then you don't get a choice since the computer will auto-choose and decide which one to use).

 

[Shivetya]

I use the 9600 unless I am on battery only.

Not hard for me to know when to swap.

 

[PDE]

Unless I really need power, I just use the 9400. It provides great battery life and less heat generation. Would be nice if I didn't need to log out, but it's not really a big nuisance unless you need to switch between the two all the time.