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Using Your XPS Laptop
NVIDIA Optimus Technology
Your XPS laptop is equipped with NVIDIA’s
Optimus technology. The Optimus
technology is designed to maximize
performance and user experience on your
computer, while minimizing the impact
on battery life. It enables you to combine
the graphic processing capability of the
integrated Intel® graphic processing unit
(GPU) with the discrete NVIDIA GPU while
running graphic‑intensive applications such
as 3D games. The NVIDIA GPU is turned on
only for preset applications and thus extends
the battery life.
The Optimus solution is enabled through
an application profile. When an application
is launched, the video drivers check if the
application has an associated application
profile.
If an application profile exists, the NVIDIA •
GPU is turned on and the application
runs in performance mode. The NVIDIA
GPU is turned off automatically when the
application is closed.
If an application profile does not exist, the •
integrated Intel GPU is used.
The default list of application profiles
is updated frequently by NVIDIA and is
automatically downloaded to your computer
when you are connected to the Internet.
You can also create application profiles for
any application on your computer. This
may be required for newly released games
or applications that do not have a default
application profile.