Chapter 2. Learning the basics

Enabling NVIDIA® Optimus™ (on select models)-----------------------------------------

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.

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Lenovo Y470, Y570 manual Enabling Nvidia Optimus on select models