rMBP Low FPS on Discrete Graphics

Question

Level 1

0 points

rMBP Low FPS on Discrete Graphics

I have noticably lower performance on my 2012 Nvidia 650. I have also tested the issue on another 2012 model and a 2013 model.

Using gfxCardStatus to switch to integrated improved performance drastically. I have been using the game Minecraft as my FPS test. Descrete has arond 10-25 FPS and integrated has aroung 70-120 FPS.

I have seen a few other posts on the issue. Unfortunatly I need to use an external display as well as other programs and so integrated graphcs will not do.

If anyone can help with this issue I will be very happy.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Mar 8, 2014 4:19 AM

Reply

Answer 1

AussieDJ

Level 4

1,445 points

Mar 8, 2014 5:48 AM in response to henrydennis

Try an SMC reset first and see if that helps.

Reply

Answer 2

henrydennis Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 8, 2014 5:52 AM in response to AussieDJ

Thanks but have already tried both SMC and PRAM resets. I also recently completly reinstalled OS X. As I mentioned the same issue happens on another 2012 and a 2013.

I have a feeling it may be a Nvidia driver issue in Mavericks.

Reply

Answer 3

AussieDJ

Level 4

1,445 points

Mar 8, 2014 5:58 AM in response to henrydennis

Yeah ok that's weird. Is it just the one program you are using for the FPS test? It may be that the code doesn't work very well with your GPU. Try another program to test FPS and see if that makes any difference.

Reply

Answer 4

henrydennis Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 8, 2014 6:03 AM in response to AussieDJ

Just tried Xbench. OpenGL 311 FPS on Integrated and 260 on Discrete.

Reply

Answer 5

AussieDJ

Level 4

1,445 points

Mar 8, 2014 6:15 AM in response to henrydennis

Have you turned off Automatic Graphics Switching?

Reply

Answer 6

henrydennis Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 8, 2014 6:19 AM in response to AussieDJ

Unfortunatly. Same Result. I just cannot work it out. The only logical explanation now is that Mavericks is poorly optimised for external graphics cards.

Also, there are noticeable graphics slowdowns when using programs such as photoshop.

Reply