Can I disable a GPU in a laptop when I want and wherever

[tjw2811]

Hey guys,

I am getting a gaming laptop for school. The laptop has a GTX 1070 (because my dad wants it so I never have to buy another laptop) which is a very power consuming GPU and I need it to last 7 hours which it won't. This means that I was wondering if I you guys could tell me if I could turn off and on the GPU and use the integrated graphics that my CPU has to consume less power.

Also please make sure this will not damage my components.

If this helps the laptop I am getting is this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LD4MGSK

Thanks to anyone who helps me

 

[Wolfshadw]

As long as you're not gaming, performance-wise, that laptop should last you through college.

Typically, your laptop will only use on-board graphics until such time as the discrete graphics card is required. You should be able to configure your laptop (probably under power and settings), to only use the integrated graphics (power saving?) for the applications you typically use during the school day.

-Wolf sends

 

[SkyNetRising]

If you intend to carry around this laptop every day, then 4kg desktop replacement laptop is not a very good choice. You can hardly call it portable.

 

[Colif]

As long as you're not gaming, performance-wise, that laptop should last you through college.

Typically, your laptop will only use on-board graphics until such time as the discrete graphics card is required. You should be able to configure your laptop (probably under power and settings), to only use the integrated graphics (power saving?) for the applications you typically use during the school day.

-Wolf sends

Shouldn't need to do anything to get it to use the intel igpu given it only uses the GTX 1070 in graphic intensive programs. I don't think you can alter when it uses the GTX 1070, most people asking about laptops like this want to disable onboard and only use the GPU but laptops aren't designed to allow that either

 

[Wolfshadw]

As long as you're not gaming, performance-wise, that laptop should last you through college.

Typically, your laptop will only use on-board graphics until such time as the discrete graphics card is required. You should be able to configure your laptop (probably under power and settings), to only use the integrated graphics (power saving?) for the applications you typically use during the school day.

-Wolf sends

Shouldn't need to do anything to get it to use the intel igpu given it only uses the GTX 1070 in graphic intensive programs. I don't think you can alter when it uses the GTX 1070, most people asking about laptops like this want to disable onboard and only use the GPU but laptops aren't designed to allow that either

Probably laptop specific, but if you can go into the power management window, there may be the following options:

1) High Performance - Anytime your system can use the GTX 1070, it will - High Battery Draw
2) Balanced: Normal setting. If it needs the GTX 1070, it will engage it, if not, it will use the on-board. This is likely the default setting.
3) Power Saver: Unless the app you're using absolutely requires the GTX 1070, it will use the on-board graphics.

Since the laptop battery only has a 3 hour expected life span (guessing under Balanced), it might help to use the Power Saver setting, but I'm not sure even that will get you through a seven hour day.

-Wolf sends

 

[tjw2811]

As long as you're not gaming, performance-wise, that laptop should last you through college.

Typically, your laptop will only use on-board graphics until such time as the discrete graphics card is required. You should be able to configure your laptop (probably under power and settings), to only use the integrated graphics (power saving?) for the applications you typically use during the school day.

-Wolf sends

Shouldn't need to do anything to get it to use the intel igpu given it only uses the GTX 1070 in graphic intensive programs. I don't think you can alter when it uses the GTX 1070, most people asking about laptops like this want to disable onboard and only use the GPU but laptops aren't designed to allow that either

Probably laptop specific, but if you can go into the power management window, there may be the following options:

1) High Performance - Anytime your system can use the GTX 1070, it will - High Battery Draw
2) Balanced: Normal setting. If it needs the GTX 1070, it will engage it, if not, it will use the on-board. This is likely the default setting.
3) Power Saver: Unless the app you're using absolutely requires the GTX 1070, it will use the on-board graphics.

Since the laptop battery only has a 3 hour expected life span (guessing under Balanced), it might help to use the Power Saver setting, but I'm not sure even that will get you through a seven hour day.

-Wolf sends

So on the website it says the battery life is 3 hours (Im assuming this is on the Balnced to Max mode). Do you think that by enabling the power saver mode will increase it to last for the entire day (8am to 3pm) without dying? note that I will not be using it 24/7 during the school day. If not how long would you estimate that it will last?

-tjw2811

 

[SkyNetRising]

If not how long would you estimate that it will last?

3.5h normal use, 1.5h gaming.
https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/acer-predator-17-battery-life-performance-verdict-page-3

 

[Wolfshadw]

If not how long would you estimate that it will last?

3.5h normal use, 1.5h gaming.
https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/acer-predator-17-battery-life-performance-verdict-page-3

Looks like you're going to need to sit next to an outlet during your second or third class. Either that or see if there is a battery upgrade you can do.

-Wolf sends