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Chapter 2. Learning the basics
25
Enabling NVIDIA
®
Optimus™ (on select models)
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Optimus is a GPU switching mechanism which automatically switches the active GPU to
perform image-rendering tasks. If no graphics-intensive programs are running, the integrated
GPU will be selected as the active GPU to preserve battery life; if you start high-definition
movie playback or a 3D game, the image-rendering task is automatically switched by Optimus
to the discrete GPU to produce high graphics performance.
Check the GPU indicator: if the indicator is off, slide and release the GPU switch to enable
Optimus.
When Optimus is enabled, switching between integrated and discrete GPUs is performed
automatically without user intervention. However, you can customize settings through the
NVIDIA control panel to make the desired GPU active to perform image-rendering tasks for
certain programs. For details, search for Optimus in the help system of the NVIDIA control
panel.
Notes:
• Optimus is not supported by all operating systems. Currently, Optimus is supported by Windows
®
7. If
you are using another operating system, such as Windows
®
XP, it may not be able possible to enable
Optimus.
• Optimus is not supported by all media players and video compression standards.
• If your computer is running a graphics-intensive game, it is recommended to connect the AC adapter
to your computer.