MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010 and later), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010 and later), and MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012): How to set graphics performance
Summary
Learn how to adjust graphics performance on your MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010 and later), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010 and later), and MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012).
These MacBook Pro models include a feature in the Energy Saver preferences to adjust graphics performance, as below.
- MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
"Automatic graphics switching" is enabled by default to allow your computer to automatically switch to the best graphics system for the applications running on your computer. Using this option may also maximize battery life. Deselect this option to use the higher-performance discrete graphics processor at all times.
Some circumstances will always activate high-performance graphics:
- When your computer is connected to an external display, high-performance graphics will remain on until you disconnect the display.
- When your computer is using Rosetta to run PowerPC applications, high-performance graphics will remain on until you close all PowerPC applications.
Additional Information
You can also learn about setting the graphics performance on earlier models, or learn more about determining which graphics card is in use on your MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010 and later) and MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010 and later).
Learn more about applications that use OpenGL technology and engage the discrete graphics card.
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