My 2012 15" uses discrete graphics whenever an external display is connected, even on battery. Is this supposed to happen? The Intel 4000 is quite capable of driving two displays.
MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), 2012 15" 16GB
Yes, this is supposed to happen. The MacBook Pros are all designed to use the discrete graphics when connected to an external display.
Personally, I'd rather have it use discrete graphics, since it delivers far better performance. Integrated chipsets give me headaches 😐
Yes, I can see why it is the default. I was just a little surprised that you couldn't force it using gfxCardStatus, which is a great program by the way. There are a surprising amount of programs that use discrete graphics for no reason, like VLC and Handbrake.
Thanks
Why does an external display use discrete graphics?
