Cerebro

Q: MacBook Pro Was Stuck on the Discrete GPU

I just had an issue, this evening, with my 2010 MacBook Pro running 10.11.4.  I use gfxCardStatus in my menubar to see which GPU is active at any given time.  I noted that it was stuck, for a while, on the Discrete GPU.  The problem is, I don't know what was using it.  gfxCardStatus was showing NO dependencies.  I quit all of my applications, and the GPU was still Discrete.  I logged out and logged back in.  Still Discrete.  Not sure what else to do, I rebooted my MacBook.  After reboot, I was back on the Integrated GPU.  The problem, appears, to be solved, but there is no indication, to me, as to what might've caused it.  Has anyone else ever had this problem and could shed some light on what might have been going on?  Thanks.

MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2010), OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on Apr 1, 2016 9:09 PM

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Q: MacBook Pro Was Stuck on the Discrete GPU

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  • by sterling r,

    sterling r sterling r Apr 3, 2016 9:11 AM in response to Cerebro
    Community Specialists
    Apr 3, 2016 9:11 AM in response to Cerebro

    Hi there Cerebro,

     

    It sounds like your graphics card seems to be unable to switch from the discrete graphics card to the onboard hardware. Without knowing the troubleshooting that has been done, I would reset your PRAM first:

     

    How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac

     

    If the issue persists after that I would boot to safe mode to clear some system level and kernel caches and perform a disk check and repair if needed to help troubleshoot a software issue:

     

    Try safe mode if your Mac doesn‘t finish starting up

    Follow these steps to start up into safe mode.

    1. Start or restart your Mac. 
    2. Immediately after you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Shift key.
    3. Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

    After the Apple logo appears, it might take longer than usual to reach the login screen or your desktop. This is because your Mac performs a directory check of your startup disk as part of safe mode.

    To leave safe mode, restart your computer without pressing any keys during startup.

    If you don't hear a startup chime after pressing the power key, see what to do if your Mac won't turn on.

    Then leave safe mode with a normal restart and try it again. Now, if the issue still isn't resolved I would reset the SMC on your computer and, you guessed it, test it all out again:

     

    Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac

     

    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities, all the best!