Switchable Graphics

With newer laptops based on the Intel Centrino 2 platform (codename Montevina) switching between a weak, low power consumption integrated GPU and high performance dedicated GPU is possible with laptops with the feature enabled. Some examples are the R400, T400, T500, W500. Note that this feature is not available on any X or SL series laptop.

In Linux, switching graphics has to be done in the BIOS. In Windows, only Vista currently has drivers that allows on the fly switching. To do so, you need to have the power manager installed and running (Version 2.41a tested), then right-click on the green battery simbol (not the one from Vista) and choose the high or low power gpu under Switchable graphics.

On Ubuntu Intrepid Xorg wouldnt work at all ( vesa, intel and radeon drivers ). BIOS setting has to be either on Internal or External, not Switchable. On Karmic the Integrated Intel card works with both Integrated or Switchable set

Switchable Graphics and Docks

T400 (and probably other, not verified) laptops with switchable graphics can only drive DVI output in Advanced Mini-dock by using discrete graphics card, integrated GPU is just not attached to DVI output (though VGA output through dock is possible).

Development status

David Arlie has been working on switching between GPUs without having to reboot, and changing BIOS settings. An initial version of a new driver (vga_switcheroo) has been merged in the 2.6.34 kernel. This driver allows switching between graphics cards, but requires that the Xserver is restarted. Full seamless runtime switching support will require significant Xserver work.

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=ODAyMg

ThinkPad models which may have this feature

• R400
• T400, T500
• W500