Switchable Graphics Technology from Nvidia

Notebooks with switchable graphics have been shipping for years, but they haven't lived up to user expectations. Nvidia hopes to change that with their new Optimus technology.
Optimus promises to make things much easier. When the system detects a 3D application or video (if it's decoded using the DirectX Video Acceleration plugin, as most are), the GPU simply turns on. When you're done with the 3D app or video, it goes back to the integrated GPU. There's no screen blanking, no buttons to hit or switches to flip. The technology promises discrete GPU power when you need it, integrated graphics when you don't, automatically.

Posted in: computer, graphics, hardware