Thinkpads Forum

I have a new T530, with the i7-3720QM processor, the 1920x1080 display, and the nVidia discrete graphics. It is running 64-bit Windows 7 Professional (as shipped by Lenovo). I was under the impression that this system had switchable graphics -- you could switch between the nVidia graphics adapter and the Intel HD4000 graphics adapter integrated into the motherboard.

But unlike my old T500 (Intel w/ATI discrete), which I right click on the Power Manager icon on the task bar I do not have any option to switch between the integrated and discrete graphics. ??

Is there any option to conserve power when on battery by switching to the integrated adapter? Do I need to enable something in the BIOS (which is another story, since I can't seem to get access to the BIOS)?

Thanks!

To follow up...

It apparently does have switchable graphics, but now (at least with Optimus-capable nVidia hardware) the switching is dynamic rather than binary. When nothing is using the advanced capabilities of the nVidia hardware it transparently lets the integrated graphics service the programs and the display. But when something needs it it will spin itself up on a program-by-program basis.