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Manually switch graphics processors on new Core i5, i7 MacBook Pros with gfxCardStatus

We’ve seen that the new 15 and 17-inch MacBook Pros are a bit strange about when they decide to turn on their heavy-duty, power-sapping discrete video chips.

For those who don’t think they need discrete graphics for Tweetie, or want to be in full control of what graphics card their MacBook is using, gfxCardStatus by Cody Krieger might be something to consider.  It has a simple menu bar toggle (‘N’ and ‘I’ below) that overides the OSX’s choice of chip.  Engadget says it is a “little bit buggy” so proceed with a “little bit” of caution.

 

gfxCardStatus is an open-source menu bar application that keeps track of which graphics card your 2010 MacBook Pro is using at any given time, and allows you to switch between them manually.

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Avatar for Seth Weintraub Seth Weintraub

Publisher and Editorial Director of the 9to5/Electrek sites.


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