Mac App Swithcing Graphics
To see if an app is using the higher-performance discrete GPU, open Activity Monitor and click the Energy tab. If you don't see the Requires High Perf GPU column, your computer only has one graphics processor. In this example, iMovie and Final Cut Pro are using the higher-performance discrete GPU. Although Mac OS X has yet to add this support, the gfxCardStatus menu bar application offers support for switching between dedicated and integrated graphics on the 'Late 2008' and 'Mid-2009' models without having to logout. Both Graphics Processors Simultaneously. To switch back to dynamic switching, select Dynamic Switching. If you try to switch to integrated graphics when an app that requires the discrete GPU is running, gfxCardStatus will throw up a warning. There isn’t much to configure with gfxCardStatus. It just sits in the background doing its own thing. This makes switching automatic, but forces a user to rely on integrated graphics when using the battery—a problem if you need to, say, run Final Cut Pro while away from an outlet. Why does the app go back to dynamic switching when a display is plugged in? Unfortunately your mac is designed such that in order to use an external display, it has to use the discrete graphics card. And since you plugged in the cable I’m assuming you want to use the display. What is a dependent process vs a hungry process?
Many MacBook Pro models have two graphics systems — an integrated graphics processor and a discrete graphics processor — and a software feature that optimizes graphics performance between them.
On these computers, the 'automatic graphics switching' option is turned on by default to allow your computer to automatically switch to the best graphics system for the applications running on your computer. Using this option may also maximize battery life.
When your computer is connected to an external display, high-performance graphics remain on until you disconnect the display.
If you want to use the higher-performance discrete graphics processor at all times, choose Apple menu > System Preferences and click Energy Saver. Then deselect the automatic graphics switching checkbox.
If you don't see the automatic graphics switching option, your computer has one graphics system. To confirm, choose Apple menu > About this Mac, press the System Report button, and select Graphics/Displays on the left. The graphics system or systems are listed under Video Card.
Mac App Switching Graphics App
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Learn about setting the graphics performance on earlier MacBook Pro models and how to determine which graphics card is in use on a 15' or 17' MacBook Pro.