Switchable Graphics on Notebooks Configured with

Intel and ATI GPUs

Understanding Dynamic and Fixed Mode switchable graphics
Using Dynamic Mode switchable graphics with default settings
Changing Dynamic Mode switchable graphics default settings
Using Fixed Mode switchable graphics with default settings
Changing Fixed Mode switchable graphics default settings
This document contains information pertaining to specific HP notebook PCs configured with dual Intel
and AMD graphics adapters.
Notebook computers with a switchable graphics feature have two graphics processing units (GPUs) - a power-
saving, integrated GPU and a high-performance, discrete GPU. Computers with an Intel power-saving GPU and
an ATI high-performance GPU combine the low power advantages of an integrated GPU with the maximum
performance of a discrete GPU. Use this document to understand the difference between Dynamic and Fixed
Mode switchable graphics and to learn how to use and configure switchable graphics on computers with dual
Intel and ATI GPUs.
Understanding Dynamic and Fixed Mode switchable graphics
Depending on the model, HP computers with Intel and ATI switchable graphics will operate in one of two
modes: Dynamic Mode or Fixed Mode. Earlier models supported Fixed Mode while later models support
Dynamic Mode. Using the Fixed Mode drivers on a computer that supports Dynamic Mode will not work.
Using Dynamic Mode drivers on a computer that supports Fixed Mode switchable graphics will not work. For
the best performance in all configurations, keep your graphics drivers and software updated. See Obtaining
Software and Drivers for more information.
You can determine whether your computer has Dynamic Mode or Fixed Mode switchable graphics by
reviewing the available options on the Catalyst Control Center software switchable graphics screen. Read a
section below for more information.

note:

Information and graphics contained in this document are current at publication. Your Catalyst Control Center
Software graphics may be different due to differing versions of the software.
Dynamic Mode
Computers with Dynamic Mode switchable graphics switch between the integrated, or power-saving, GPU and
the discrete, or high-performance, GPU based on application needs. Specific applications are configured using
the Catalyst Control Center software. If the Switchable Graphics screen allows application level settings,
your computer has Dynamic Mode switchable graphics.
See the Changing Dynamic Mode switchable graphics default settings section of this document for more
information on accessing the Catalyst Control Center software.
Figure : Catalyst Control Center - Dynamic Mode Switchable Graphics configuration screen
note:

Dynamic Mode switchable graphics were introduced in HP computers because Dynamic Mode preserves
maximum battery life and is configurable based on your preferences. Dynamic Mode enables the computer to
use both the integrated and discrete graphics processors without restarting or resetting the display. Some
computers with Dynamic Mode switchable graphics can be set to operate in Fixed Mode by selecting Fixed
Mode in the BIOS settings. See the OpenGL Applications Cannot Be Configured to Use the Discrete GPU
support document for more information on changing BIOS settings on supported models.
Fixed Mode
Using Dynamic Mode switchable graphics with default settings
By default, a computer with Dynamic Mode switchable graphics uses the integrated, or power-saving, GPU for
most applications. The computer will automatically switch to the discrete, or high-performance, GPU when an
application requires more performance. Customers can configure which applications require the high-
performance GPU by selecting the application in the Catalyst Control Center software. When an application is
configured to use the high-performance GPU, the computer switches graphics solutions when the application is
started or closed.
Changing Dynamic Mode switchable graphics default settings
On computers with an Intel power-saving GPU and an ATI high-performance GPU, Dynamic Mode switchable
graphics is configured using the Catalyst Control Center software. If you do not have this software, or if you
previously uninstalled it, see Obtaining Software and Drivers to learn how get the latest version.
To maximize the energy efficiency or if you typically use programs that have lower graphical requirements
(such as word processing or spreadsheet programs), you do not need to make any changes to the settings in the
Catalyst Control Center software. The computer uses the power-saving GPU by default for most applications.
You can still run high-performance programs, videos, and games in default mode but you are likely to notice
lower frame rates, dropped frames, and choppy animations and transitions.
Applications that have higher graphical requirements (such as 3D video games), work better using the high-
performance GPU. Graphics intensive software, videos, and games run at their optimum settings using the high-
performance GPU.

caution:
Using the high-performance GPU on battery power will shorten the battery's effective usage time. The high-
performance GPU generates a noticeable amount of heat while running graphics intensive software and, to keep
the computer from overheating, the fan noise increases with increased fan use.
To change the default switchable graphics settings in the Catalyst Control Center software, follow the steps
below.

1. Click Start, type CCC in the Search field, and then select CCC from the search results list.
2. On the Welcome screen, click Power, and then click Switchable Graphics.

Figure : Catalyst Control Center - Welcome

3. Select a Recent Application and click the green or red button to change the default graphic solution
between power-saving and high-performance.

Or click Browse to find the executable file for the application you need to configure.

Figure : Catalyst Control Center - Dynamic Mode Switchable Graphics

 4. Click Apply to save the new settings.

The changes take place immediately.

Dynamic Mode switchable graphics: OpenGL applications cannot be configured to use the discrete GPU
When configuring the Dynamic Mode switchable graphics in the Catalyst Control Center, some computers do
not permit any OpenGL applications to be associated with the discrete, or high-performance, GPU. The
OpenGL applications will work using the integrated, or power-saving, GPU, but performance levels may be
lower than expected. HP has released an updated BIOS and AMD Graphics driver to enable Fixed Mode
switchable graphics functionality for certain models originally configured with Dynamic Mode switchable
graphics.
To find more information about the OpenGL limitations and to obtain the updated BIOS and driver see OpenGL
Applications Cannot Be Configured to Use the Discrete GPU.
Using Fixed Mode switchable graphics with default settings
A computer with Fixed Mode switchable graphics default settings automatically prompts to switch between the
high-performance and power-saving GPU when the power source changes. Read one of the following sections
for more information.
External power (AC adapter connected)
Battery power (AC adapter disconnected)
Changing Fixed Mode switchable graphics default settings
The default switchable graphics settings can be changed in the Catalyst Control Center software installed on
your computer. If you do not have this software, or if you previously uninstalled it, see Obtaining Software and
Drivers to learn how get the latest version.
Available options in the Catalyst Control Center software vary based on whether the computer is on external
power (AC adapter connected) or on battery power (AC adapter disconnected). Read a section below for more
information.
External power (AC adapter connected)
Battery power (AC adapter disconnected)