Using Dynamic Mode switchable graphics
A notebook with Dynamic Mode switchable graphics will use the integrated, or low-power, graphics chipset for most applications by default. The notebook will automatically switch to the high-performance chipset when the application requires more performance. Users can configure which applications require the high-performance chipset by selecting the application in the ATI Catalyst Control Center. When an application is configured by the user to use the high-performance chipset, the notebook will switch graphics solutions when the application is started or closed.
Change the switchable graphics settings in Dynamic Mode
You can change the default switchable graphics settings with the ATI Catalyst Control Center software installed on your notebook PC. (If you do not have this software, or if you previously uninstalled it, see Notebook PCs - Locate and Install Updated BIOS, Drivers, and Software to learn how get the latest version.)
If you want to maximize the notebook's energy efficiency or if you typically use programs that have slight graphical requirements (such as word processing or spreadsheet programs), you do not need to make any changes to the settings in the ATI Catalyst Control Center. The notebook will use the power-saving chipset by default for all applications. You can still run high performance programs, videos and games in this mode but you may notice lower frame rates, dropped frames, and choppy animations and transitions.
If you use applications that have heavier graphical requirements (such as 3D video games), then you can try using the high-performance chipset for those applications . This allows graphics intensive software, videos and games to run at their optimum settings.
Note. Using the high-performance graphics chipset on battery power will shorten the battery's effective usage time. The high performance chipset generates a noticeable amount of heat while running graphics intensive programs. You may also notice increased activity from the notebook fans.
ATI Catalyst Control Center window
To change the switchable graphics settings in the ATI Catalyst Control Center:
1. Click Start , type CCC in the search field, and then select CCC - Advanced from the search results list.
2. Select Switchable Graphics from the menu in the Catalyst Control Center.
3. Select a Recent Application and click the green or red button to change the default graphic solution from power-saving to high-performance. Or click Browse to find the executable file for the application you need to configure.
4. Click Apply to save the new settings.
The specified changes take place immediately.
Dynamic Switchable Graphics: OpenGL applications cannot be configured to use the discrete GPU
When configuring the Dynamic Switchable Graphics in the Catalyst Control Center, some notebook PCs may not permit any OpenGL applications to be associated with the Discrete (dGPU) or high-performance GPU. The OpenGL applications will work using the power-saving or Integrated GPU (iGPU) but the performance levels may be lower than expected. An updated BIOS and AMD Graphics driver to enable Fixed Mode Switchable Graphics functionality for certain notebook models originally configured with Dynamic 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
A notebook with Fixed Mode switchable graphics has the following default settings:
- AC adapter connected - The notebook uses the high performance ATI chipset to more easily handle graphically intense activities such as watching an HD movie or playing the latest 3D video game. The low power Intel chipset is only used for displaying the operating system's windows and animations.
- AC adapter disconnected - The notebook uses the low power Intel chipset to display all graphics, videos, and animations. This provides longer battery time, and the notebook generates less heat. The high performance ATI chipset is turned off completely.
We can change them to meet more specific needs.
Change the switchable graphics settings in Fixed Mode
You can change the default switchable graphics settings with the ATI Catalyst Control Center software installed on your notebook PC. (If you do not have this software, or if you previously uninstalled it, see Notebook PCs - Locate and Install Updated BIOS, Drivers, and Software to learn how get the latest version.)
If you want to maximize the notebook's energy efficiency or if you typically use programs that have slight graphical requirements (such as word processing or spreadsheet programs), you can try using the low power chipset exclusively. You can still run high performance programs, videos and games in this mode but you will notice lower frame rates, dropped frames, and choppy animations and transitions.
If you run programs that have heavier graphical requirements (such as 3D video games), and you keep the notebook plugged in most of the time, then you can try using just the high performance chipset. This allows graphics intensive software, videos and games to run at their optimum settings.
Note. Using the high-performance graphics chipset on battery power will shorten the battery's effective usage time. The high performance chipset generates a noticeable amount of heat while running graphics intensive programs. You may also notice increased activity from the notebook fans.
To change the switchable graphics settings in the ATI Catalyst Control Center:
1. Click Start , type CCC in the search field, and then select CCC - Advanced from the search results list.
2. In the ATI Catalyst Control Center , click the Graphics menu and select Switchable Graphics.
3. In the Switchable Graphics window, choose a Selectable Graphics Setting:
- To select a specific graphics processor, uncheck Automatically select power-saving GPU when on battery , and then select either High Performance GPU or Power-saving GPU .
- To allow the computer to switch between graphics processors as needed, check the Automatically select power-saving GPU when on battery option. The selectable GPU settings are now unavailable.
4. Click OK to save your settings and close the configuration utility.
The specified changes take place immediately.
To disable the ATI PowerPlay settings for higher performance or longer battery life, perform the following steps:
1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2. Click the ATI Catalyst Control Center icon. The ATI Catalyst Control Center window opens.
3. Click the Enable PowerPlay check box to remove the check mark.
4. Click the Apply button.
5. Click the OK button.
The ATI PowerPlay settings for higher performance or longer battery life are now disabled.