15" rMBP keep using discrete chip

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Level 1

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15" rMBP keep using discrete chip

Hi all,

Recently I discovered my 15" rMBP kept using discrete chip even I closed all applications.

Even I used the gfxcardstatus v2.3 to change the option, still I cannot switch it to use the integrated chip.

I have some issue on the motherboard of the rMBP 1-2 months ago and the genius bar replaced it for me. Do you think this is related?

It's now summer and my rMBP easily gets hot and the battery life is not good.

Anyone have the same problem?

Thanks a lot.

Kinson

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on May 30, 2013 9:04 AM

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Answer 1

ds store

Level 7

30,705 points

May 30, 2013 9:11 AM in response to h3i11

You have a Retina display, it generates a lot more pixels and likely OS X is causing it to use the more hefty performance of the discrete graphics.

It might also be the integrated graphics can't handle the higher pixel resolution of the Retina's yet.

It's now summer and my rMBP easily gets hot and the battery life is not good.

Perhaps you have clogged cooling fins located behind the fans, but you not allowed to open the machine up to determine that it being a Retina and all, so take it into Apple for a evaluation/cleaning.

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Answer 2

cbs20

Level 4

2,796 points

May 30, 2013 9:13 AM in response to h3i11

Have you done an SMC reset or PRAM reset? In System Preferences>Energy Saver Settings is automatic graphics switching checked? Have you booted to Safe Mode to see if you still experience these issues?

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