New MacBooks to use NVIDIA Optimus Dual Graphics?

[Paul Daniel Ash]

Apple is testing NVIDIA's Optimus switchable graphics to improve performance, according to a leak reported by AppleInsider. Currently, switching from the energy-efficient Intel integrated graphics to the dedicated card requires users to log out and log back in. The Optimus technology would allow this switchover to happen in the background. The next refresh to the MacBook Pro line is anticipated to use new NVIDIA chipsets that enable this functionality, according to AppleInsider's sources.

Since the changeover from integrated Intel graphics to NVIDIA's CPU-supporting chipset in 2008, MacBook Pro users have had to make a selection in the Energy Saver pane in System Preferences to switch between the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor - which offers longer battery life - to the high-performance GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics processor. As Intel began rolling out chips based on its Nehalem architecture, which includes integrated graphics processors, it sued NVIDIA to prevent it from developing compatible chipsets. As a result, NVIDIA halted all development until the case is resolved. The US Federal Trade Commission took Intel to court in December for allegedly using its dominant position in the market to stifle competition. AppleInsider's source asserts that this uncertainty is the cause of the lack of major updates to the MacBook Pro line since the unibody models with NVIDIA graphics appeared in October 2008.

"Just as a Hybrid car chooses between the gas-powered and electric car engine on-the-fly and uses the most appropriate engine, Nvidia Optimus technology does the same thing for graphics processors," according to NVIDIA's white paper. Any application that is graphics-intensive and taxes the integrated graphics will trigger the high-performance discrete processor. If the leak holds water, it's likely that new MacBook Pros will use the GeForce 300M series, which is the follow-on to the GeForce 9600M GT chipset in current MacBook Pros and supports Optimus technology. The GTS 360M has 96 cores with a 128-bit bus width and 2GHz memory clock, and is rated at 413 gigaflops. The midrange GT 335M has 72 cores and the 330M and 325M have 48 cores, while the low-end 64-bit GT 310M and 305M both have 16 cores.

Neither Apple nor NVIDIA would comment on the reports.

[moon#pie]

This would make me happy.

[alz0rz]

awesome image haha

[lolcats1]

man. that means that my macbook is soon to be considered. "old ****"

[steve-z17]

I was hoping they'd use the Bumblebee Dual Graphics

[Nehal3m]

If MacBook Pros actually have these, I would get one (Hopefully) but wouldn't there be a chance where Apple may raise the price a bit? Honestly, I think they would.

Btw, nice picture!

[tudtran]

LOL. Love the pic.

[rhekt]

a goood...a gooood

[dhruvmalik]

If MacBook Pros actually have these, I would get one (Hopefully) but wouldn't there be a chance where Apple may raise the price a bit? Honestly, I think they would.

Btw, nice picture!

No Apple wouldn't change the price as its a market trend pattern that they must follow. Its not the consumers responsibility to pay the difference for a standard feature. Meaning you an I dont have a choice with the type of GPU/Chipset technology they are providing, hence its not my responsibility to pay for you spending more or less for it.

[adrian1480]

I'll be pretty disappointed if this is true. Not because background switching isn't awesome...but because Apple is again working with Nvidia. they are now far behind the technology curve. ATi is where it's at.

Sigh.

[flippy]

i only went to this link cos of the pic

[dale1v]

I'll be pretty disappointed if this is true. Not because background switching isn't awesome...but because Apple is again working with Nvidia. they are now far behind the technology curve. ATi is where it's at.

Sigh.

I was thinking this. No DX11 cards yet, and their upcoming DX11 card is proving to be a shambles...

[darkcloud28]

I was thinking this. No DX11 cards yet, and their upcoming DX11 card is proving to be a shambles...

i never try ATI , i use Nvidia for 3D glasses with games , no one does this ....right ?

[hollow0]

I'll be pretty disappointed if this is true. Not because background switching isn't awesome...but because Apple is again working with Nvidia. they are now far behind the technology curve. ATi is where it's at.

Sigh.

ATi? pfft those video cards don't even work well with intel motherboards. ATi is not where it's at. NVIDIA is not behind the curve in video technology.

I was thinking this. No DX11 cards yet, and their upcoming DX11 card is proving to be a shambles...

So what games and videos do you have that use DX11?

[dale1v]

ATi? pfft those video cards don't even work well with intel motherboards. ATi is not where it's at. NVIDIA is not behind the curve in video technology.



So what games and videos do you have that use DX11?

Bad Company 2 uses it. I'll probably be buying Crysis 2 as well once I get my new PC... Medal of Honor will probably have it as well...

[MetallicaFan1991]

Nvidia, I think are awesome and better for the MBP than ATi!!
Anyway I use a PS3 for gaming.

[pyromcr]

cool, my laptop is getting old anyway...