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GPU switching

January 01, 1970

GPU switching is a mechanism used on computers with multiple graphic controllers. This mechanism allows the user to either maximize the graphic performance or prolong battery life by switching between the graphic cards. It is mostly used on gaming laptops which usually have an integrated graphic device and a discrete video card.

A classic motherboard with on-board integrated graphics processors, a discrete graphics card can be installed at a PCI slot

Basic components edit

Most computers using this feature contain integrated graphics processors and dedicated graphics cards that applies to the following categories.

Integrated graphics edit

Also known as: Integrated graphics, shared graphics solutions, integrated graphics processors (IGP) or unified memory architecture (UMA). This kind of graphics processors usually have much fewer processing units and share the same memory with the CPU.

 
Intel Core i5 processor with integrated HD Graphics 2000

Sometimes the graphics processors are integrated onto a motherboard. It is commonly known as: on-board graphics. A motherboard with on-board graphics processors doesn't require a discrete graphics card or a CPU with graphics processors to operate.

Dedicated graphics cards edit

Also known as: discrete graphics cards. Unlike integrated graphics, dedicated graphics cards have much more processing units and have its own RAM with much higher memory bandwidth.

In some cases, a dedicated graphics chip can be integrated onto the motherboards, B150-GP104 for example. Regardless of the fact that the graphics chip is integrated, it is still counted as a dedicated graphics cards system because the graphics chip is integrated with its own memory.

Theory edit

 
Figure 1. Motherboard diagram outlining a structure of modern PC computer architecture (typically x86-64-based). Southbridge, Northbridge and busses are visible.

Most Personal Computers have a motherboard that uses a Southbridge and Northbridge structure.

Northbridge control edit

The Northbridge is one of the core logic chipset that handles communications between the CPU, GPU, RAM and the Southbridge. The discrete graphics card is usually installed onto the graphics card slot such as PCI-Express and the integrated graphics is integrated onto the CPU itself or occasionally onto the Northbridge.[citation needed] The Northbridge is the most responsible for switching between GPUs. The way how it works usually has the following process (refer to the Figure 1. on the right):[1][2]

  1. The Northbridge receives input from Southbridge through the internal bus.
  2. The Northbridge signals to CPU through the Front-side bus.
  3. The CPU runs the task assignment application (usually the graphics card driver) to determine which GPU core to use.
  4. The CPU passes down the command to the Northbridge.
  5. The Northbridge passes down the command to the according GPU core.
  6. The GPU core processes the command and returns the rendered data back to the Northbridge.
  7. The Northbridge sends the rendered data back to Southbridge.

Southbridge control edit

The Southbridge is a set of integrated circuits such Intel's I/O Controller Hub (ICH). It handles all of a computer's I/O functions, such as receiving the keyboard input and outputting the data onto the screen. The way how it usually works usually has two steps:[3]

  1. Take in the user input and pass it down to the Northbridge.
  2. (Optional) Receive the rendered data from the Northbridge and output it.

The reason why the second step can be optional is that sometimes the rendered the data is outputted directly from the discrete graphics card which is located on the graphics card slot so there is no need to output the data through the Southbridge.

Main purpose edit

GPU switching is mostly used for saving energy by switching between graphic cards. The dedicated graphics cards consume much more power than integrated graphics but also provides higher 3D performances, which is needed for a better gaming and CAD experience. Following is a list of the TDPs of the most popular CPU with integrated graphics and dedicated graphics cards.

TDP of Integrated Graphics and Dedicated Graphics Cards[4][5][6][7]
Model Platform
Integrated Graphics Dedicated Graphics Cards
Intel TDP Nvidia TDP AMD TDP
CPU Model & Frequency Intel IGP Serie
Intel Core i7-6700K @ 4.00 GHz Intel HD Graphics 530 91W GTX 1080 180W Radeon R9 Fury 275W Desktop
Intel Core i5-6600K @ 3.50 GHz Intel HD Graphics 530 91W GTX 970 145W Radeon R9 Nano 175W
Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.40 GHz Intel HD Graphics 4600 88W GTX 780Ti 250W Radeon RX 480 150W
Intel Core i7-6700HQ @ 2.60 GHz Intel HD Graphics 530 45W GTX 1080 165W Radeon R9 M485X 125W Laptop
Intel Core i7-6500U @ 2.50 GHz Intel HD Graphics 520 15W GTX 980M 100W Radeon R9 M470X 75W
Intel Core i5-6200U @ 2.30 GHz Intel HD Graphics 520 15W GTX 880M 103W Radeon R9 M470 75W
Intel Core i5-5200U @ 2.20 GHz Intel HD Graphics 5500 15W GTX 870M 103W Radeon HD 7950M 50W

The dedicated graphics cards exhibit much higher power consumption than the integrated graphics on both platforms. Disabling them when no heavy graphics processing is needed can significantly lower the power consumption.

Technologies edit

Main articles: Nvidia Optimus and AMD Hybrid Graphics
 
A classic graphic rendering process with multiple GPU cores

Nvidia Optimus edit

Nvidia Optimus™ is a computer GPU switching technology created by Nvidia that can dynamically and seamlessly switch between two graphic cards based on running programs.

AMD Enduro edit

AMD Enduro™ is a collective brand developed by AMD that features many new technologies that can significantly save power. It was previously named as: PowerXpress and Dynamic Switchable Graphics (DSG). This technology implements a sophisticated system to predict the potential usage need for graphics cards and switch between graphics cards based on predicted need. This technology also introduces a new power control plan that allows the discrete graphics cards consume no energy when idling.[8]

Manufacturers edit

Integrated graphics edit

In personal computers, the IGP (integrated graphics processors) are mostly manufactured by Intel and AMD and are integrated onto their CPUs. They are commonly known as:[9][10]

Dedicated graphics cards edit

The most popular dedicated graphics cards are manufactured by AMD and Nvidia. They are commonly known as:

Drivers & OS support edit

Most common operating systems have built-in support for this feature. However, the users may download the updated drivers from Nvidia or AMD for better experience.

Windows support edit

Windows 7 has built-in support for this feature. The system automatically switches between GPUs depending on the program that's running. However, the user may switch the GPUs manually through device manager or power manager.[11]

Linux support edit

In the Linux systems, a patch named vga_switcheroo[13] has been added to the Linux kernel since version 2.6.34 in order to deal with multiple GPUs. Here, the switch requires a restart of the X Window System to be taken into account.

Ubuntu Control Center allows the user to access vga_switcheroo functionality through a GUI.

Mac OS support edit

Mac OS has built-in support for this feature since v10.5 Leopard. Since OS X Mountain Lion, Apple has integrated the GPU monitor into the Activity Monitor.[14]

Existing troubles edit

  • System incompatibility or unstable power supply may cause Blue Screen of Death or other bugs
  • Unable to switch if the system wrongly estimated the required computing resource
  • Switching may cause unstable voltage which can lead to flashy screen
  • Inconsistent drivers across vendors for smooth switching

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "What is northbridge?". Retrieved 2016-11-06.
  2. ^ "How Motherboards Work". HowStuffWorks. 2005-07-20. Retrieved 2016-11-06.
  3. ^ "What is southbridge?". Retrieved 2016-11-06.
  4. ^ "ARK | Your Source for Intel® Product Specifications". Intel® ARK (Product Specs). Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  5. ^ "What's New | GeForce". www.geforce.com. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  6. ^ "Notebook / Laptop Reviews and News". www.notebookcheck.net. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  7. ^ "Graphics, Processors and Immersive VR Solutions | AMD". www.amd.com. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  8. ^ "Enduro™ Power Management Technologies | AMD". www.amd.com. Retrieved 2016-11-06.
  9. ^ "The History Of Intel CPUs". Tom's Hardware. 2016-06-11. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  10. ^ "The History Of AMD CPUs". Tom's Hardware. 2016-04-25. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  11. ^ "Manually activating power management in Windows 7". www.energystar.gov. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  12. ^ "VGA Switcheroo — the Linux Kernel documentation".
  13. ^ "HybridGraphics - Community Help Wiki". help.ubuntu.com. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  14. ^ "MacBook Pro: How to determine which graphics processor is in use". Apple Support. Retrieved 2016-10-24.

External links edit

  • AMD official website
  • Nvidia official website
  • Intel official website
  • Notebook Check official website

January 01, 1970
switching, mechanism, used, computers, with, multiple, graphic, controllers, this, mechanism, allows, user, either, maximize, graphic, performance, prolong, battery, life, switching, between, graphic, cards, mostly, used, gaming, laptops, which, usually, have,. GPU switching is a mechanism used on computers with multiple graphic controllers This mechanism allows the user to either maximize the graphic performance or prolong battery life by switching between the graphic cards It is mostly used on gaming laptops which usually have an integrated graphic device and a discrete video card A classic motherboard with on board integrated graphics processors a discrete graphics card can be installed at a PCI slot Contents 1 Basic components 1 1 Integrated graphics 1 2 Dedicated graphics cards 2 Theory 2 1 Northbridge control 2 2 Southbridge control 3 Main purpose 4 Technologies 4 1 Nvidia Optimus 4 2 AMD Enduro 5 Manufacturers 5 1 Integrated graphics 5 2 Dedicated graphics cards 6 Drivers amp OS support 6 1 Windows support 6 2 Linux support 6 3 Mac OS support 7 Existing troubles 8 See also 9 References 10 External linksBasic components editMost computers using this feature contain integrated graphics processors and dedicated graphics cards that applies to the following categories Integrated graphics editAlso known as Integrated graphics shared graphics solutions integrated graphics processors IGP or unified memory architecture UMA This kind of graphics processors usually have much fewer processing units and share the same memory with the CPU nbsp Intel Core i5 processor with integrated HD Graphics 2000 Sometimes the graphics processors are integrated onto a motherboard It is commonly known as on board graphics A motherboard with on board graphics processors doesn t require a discrete graphics card or a CPU with graphics processors to operate Dedicated graphics cards edit Also known as discrete graphics cards Unlike integrated graphics dedicated graphics cards have much more processing units and have its own RAM with much higher memory bandwidth In some cases a dedicated graphics chip can be integrated onto the motherboards B150 GP104 for example Regardless of the fact that the graphics chip is integrated it is still counted as a dedicated graphics cards system because the graphics chip is integrated with its own memory Theory edit nbsp Figure 1 Motherboard diagram outlining a structure of modern PC computer architecture typically x86 64 based Southbridge Northbridge and busses are visible Most Personal Computers have a motherboard that uses a Southbridge and Northbridge structure Northbridge control edit The Northbridge is one of the core logic chipset that handles communications between the CPU GPU RAM and the Southbridge The discrete graphics card is usually installed onto the graphics card slot such as PCI Express and the integrated graphics is integrated onto the CPU itself or occasionally onto the Northbridge citation needed The Northbridge is the most responsible for switching between GPUs The way how it works usually has the following process refer to the Figure 1 on the right 1 2 The Northbridge receives input from Southbridge through the internal bus The Northbridge signals to CPU through the Front side bus The CPU runs the task assignment application usually the graphics card driver to determine which GPU core to use The CPU passes down the command to the Northbridge The Northbridge passes down the command to the according GPU core The GPU core processes the command and returns the rendered data back to the Northbridge The Northbridge sends the rendered data back to Southbridge Southbridge control edit The Southbridge is a set of integrated circuits such Intel s I O Controller Hub ICH It handles all of a computer s I O functions such as receiving the keyboard input and outputting the data onto the screen The way how it usually works usually has two steps 3 Take in the user input and pass it down to the Northbridge Optional Receive the rendered data from the Northbridge and output it The reason why the second step can be optional is that sometimes the rendered the data is outputted directly from the discrete graphics card which is located on the graphics card slot so there is no need to output the data through the Southbridge Main purpose editGPU switching is mostly used for saving energy by switching between graphic cards The dedicated graphics cards consume much more power than integrated graphics but also provides higher 3D performances which is needed for a better gaming and CAD experience Following is a list of the TDPs of the most popular CPU with integrated graphics and dedicated graphics cards TDP of Integrated Graphics and Dedicated Graphics Cards 4 5 6 7 Model Platform Integrated Graphics Dedicated Graphics Cards Intel TDP Nvidia TDP AMD TDP CPU Model amp Frequency Intel IGP Serie Intel Core i7 6700K 4 00 GHz Intel HD Graphics 530 91W GTX 1080 180W Radeon R9 Fury 275W Desktop Intel Core i5 6600K 3 50 GHz Intel HD Graphics 530 91W GTX 970 145W Radeon R9 Nano 175W Intel Core i7 4790K 4 40 GHz Intel HD Graphics 4600 88W GTX 780Ti 250W Radeon RX 480 150W Intel Core i7 6700HQ 2 60 GHz Intel HD Graphics 530 45W GTX 1080 165W Radeon R9 M485X 125W Laptop Intel Core i7 6500U 2 50 GHz Intel HD Graphics 520 15W GTX 980M 100W Radeon R9 M470X 75W Intel Core i5 6200U 2 30 GHz Intel HD Graphics 520 15W GTX 880M 103W Radeon R9 M470 75W Intel Core i5 5200U 2 20 GHz Intel HD Graphics 5500 15W GTX 870M 103W Radeon HD 7950M 50W The dedicated graphics cards exhibit much higher power consumption than the integrated graphics on both platforms Disabling them when no heavy graphics processing is needed can significantly lower the power consumption Technologies editMain articles Nvidia Optimus and AMD Hybrid Graphics nbsp A classic graphic rendering process with multiple GPU cores Nvidia Optimus edit Nvidia Optimus is a computer GPU switching technology created by Nvidia that can dynamically and seamlessly switch between two graphic cards based on running programs AMD Enduro edit AMD Enduro is a collective brand developed by AMD that features many new technologies that can significantly save power It was previously named as PowerXpress and Dynamic Switchable Graphics DSG This technology implements a sophisticated system to predict the potential usage need for graphics cards and switch between graphics cards based on predicted need This technology also introduces a new power control plan that allows the discrete graphics cards consume no energy when idling 8 Manufacturers editIntegrated graphics edit In personal computers the IGP integrated graphics processors are mostly manufactured by Intel and AMD and are integrated onto their CPUs They are commonly known as 9 10 Intel HD and Iris Graphics also called HD series and Iris series AMD Accelerated Processing Unit APU also formerly known as fusion Dedicated graphics cards edit The most popular dedicated graphics cards are manufactured by AMD and Nvidia They are commonly known as AMD Radeon Nvidia GeForceDrivers amp OS support editMost common operating systems have built in support for this feature However the users may download the updated drivers from Nvidia or AMD for better experience Windows support edit Windows 7 has built in support for this feature The system automatically switches between GPUs depending on the program that s running However the user may switch the GPUs manually through device manager or power manager 11 Linux support edit This article needs to be updated The reason given is vga switcheroo is intended only for muxed systems 12 For muxless systems the vga switcheroo takes care of power switching only rendering is offloaded via DRI PRIME without the need to restart userspace programs Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information August 2020 In the Linux systems a patch named vga switcheroo 13 has been added to the Linux kernel since version 2 6 34 in order to deal with multiple GPUs Here the switch requires a restart of the X Window System to be taken into account Ubuntu Control Center allows the user to access vga switcheroo functionality through a GUI Mac OS support edit Mac OS has built in support for this feature since v10 5 Leopard Since OS X Mountain Lion Apple has integrated the GPU monitor into the Activity Monitor 14 Existing troubles editSystem incompatibility or unstable power supply may cause Blue Screen of Death or other bugs Unable to switch if the system wrongly estimated the required computing resource Switching may cause unstable voltage which can lead to flashy screen Inconsistent drivers across vendors for smooth switchingSee also editGraphics processing unit GPU Nvidia Optimus ATI Hybrid GraphicsReferences edit What is northbridge Retrieved 2016 11 06 How Motherboards Work HowStuffWorks 2005 07 20 Retrieved 2016 11 06 What is southbridge Retrieved 2016 11 06 ARK Your Source for Intel Product Specifications Intel ARK Product Specs Retrieved 2016 10 24 What s New GeForce www geforce com Retrieved 2016 10 24 Notebook Laptop Reviews and News www notebookcheck net Retrieved 2016 10 24 Graphics Processors and Immersive VR Solutions AMD www amd com Retrieved 2016 10 24 Enduro Power Management Technologies AMD www amd com Retrieved 2016 11 06 The History Of Intel CPUs Tom s Hardware 2016 06 11 Retrieved 2016 10 24 The History Of AMD CPUs Tom s Hardware 2016 04 25 Retrieved 2016 10 24 Manually activating power management in Windows 7 www energystar gov Retrieved 2016 10 24 VGA Switcheroo the Linux Kernel documentation HybridGraphics Community Help Wiki help ubuntu com Retrieved 2016 10 24 MacBook Pro How to determine which graphics processor is in use Apple Support Retrieved 2016 10 24 External links editAMD official website Nvidia official website Intel official website Notebook Check official website Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title GPU switching amp oldid 1196227481, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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