EUROCOM Nightsky RX415z User Manual page 236

Video Driver Controls
NVIDIA Advanced Optimus Capable Technology
Most notebook computers come with either a discrete or integrated graphics solu-
tion. The system features both an Intel's Integrated GPU (for power-saving) and an
NVIDIA's discrete GPU (for performance). You can switch display devices, and
configured display options as long as the video drivers are installed.
Discrete graphics solutions feature a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
which are capable of playing games, watching HD video or running GPU-based ap-
plications. However computers with discrete graphics solutions tend to be heavy in
power consumption, and slightly larger in size in order to incorporate the dedicated
discrete GPU.
Integrated graphics solutions usually feature memory sharing technology to help
save power consumption and allow for longer battery life. However computers with
integrated graphics solutions will not usually run games, HD video or GPU-based
applications without severe limitations.
B
How Switchable Technology works
When the system is powered up and is displaying just the desktop, the dGPU will be
powered off. In this case the system is running in the same way as a system without
a discrete graphics solution. However when an application that requires use of the
dGPU is run (e.g, a game or HD Video), the dGPu is powered on and takes over the
processing duties. If the program is closed, then the dGPU will be powered back
down again until required.
B - 2 Overview