MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) and later: How to set graphics performance

Summary

Learn how to adjust graphics performance for the MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) and later portable computers with NVIDIA 9400 and 9600 graphic cards.

The MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) and later include a feature in the Energy Saver system preference pane for adjusting graphics performance. You can select "Better battery life" or "Higher performance", as shown below.


 

  • Select "Better battery life" for situations where heavy, graphic-intensive applications are not being used or use of the MagSafe adaptor is limited.
  • Select "Higher performance" if playing games or carrying out other tasks which involve heavy graphics processing.

Additional Information

When choosing a different graphics setting in the Energy Saver system preference pane, you will be required to log out for the new settings to take effect. After clicking Log Out (shown in the message below), you will have an opportunity to save any open documents or other work.

By default, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) and later use the Better battery life option.

See MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009): Cannot select GeForce 9400M graphics in Windows for more information about selecting graphics performance with Microsoft Windows.

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
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