What Is NVIDIA Optimus Technology? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Accessories & Hardware

What Is NVIDIA Optimus Technology?

An explanation of NVIDIA's hybrid graphics platform

By Christine McKee Christine McKee Writer Brevard College Christine McKee is a former Lifewire writer covering PC video gaming gear and technology. She's also written for other top news sites. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 22, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware Cards The Quick Guide to Webcams Keyboards & Mice Monitors HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi When looking at a laptop's technical specifications, you may notice that some NVIDIA graphics cards feature something called Optimus technology. What is Optimus? Why is it important? And is it worth prioritizing when looking for a new laptop?

What Is NVIDIA Optimus

Optimus is a technology developed by NVIDIA that automatically adjusts graphics based on how you use a device. This optimization better conserves battery power on a laptop computer. It is sometimes referred to as a hybrid graphics system. Optimus automatically transitions between integrated graphics and a discrete GPU based on the applications you use. This allows you to use high-performance graphics during gameplay or when watching an HD movie. When you're done or are surfing the web, Optimus-enabled systems can switch to integrated graphics to prolong battery life.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Laptop With Optimus Technology

The key benefit of using a notebook with Optimus technology is better battery life, as the system doesn't run a power-demanding discrete graphics card all the time. By automatically switching between integrated graphics and a dedicated graphics card, battery life improves in mixed usage situations. Since the function is performed automatically, it also improves upon previous hybrid graphics systems that required you to manually switch between the two graphics systems.

How to Find a Laptop With Optimus Technology

Any Optimus system must have a compatible NVIDIA graphics card and clearly state that Optimus technology is supported. Not all modern laptops with the latest NVIDIA graphics cards have this feature. Two similar laptops in the same manufacturer series may not have it. FAQ How do you know if your laptop is using NVidia Optimus? There are several ways to find out what video card your computer uses. An easy method is to go to Device Manager > Display Adapters and see an NVidia option is listed. Can you disable an NVidia Optimus graphics card? To disable a graphics card, go to Device Manager > Display Adapters, right-click the graphics card and select Disable. Do not select Uninstall, as this could lead to more problems. How do I roll back to an old Nvidia Driver? You can easily roll back a driver in Windows. Go to Device Manager > Display Adapters. Then, right-click the graphics card, select Properties > Driver tab> Roll Back Driver, and select Yes when prompted. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Increase FPS on PC How to Connect Three Monitors to a Laptop What To Look For in a Gaming Laptop How to Find Out What Graphics Card You Have on a Windows 11 Computer Which Microsoft Surface Is Best for You? NVIDIA GeForce Video Card Drivers v517.48 (2022-09-27) How to Buy a Graphics Card 6 Things to Consider Before Buying a Laptop What Is a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)? The 6 Best 17-Inch and Larger Laptops of 2022 The 9 Best Laptops of 2022 The 6 Best Gaming Laptops for Battery Life in 2022 What to Look For in a Gaming Monitor The 7 Best Game Recording Software of 2022 The 8 Best Gaming Laptops for Under $1,000 in 2022 The 8 Best Gaming Laptops of 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies