Dell XPS 14 (L401X, Late 2010) - Manual (Page 56)

54
Using Your XPS Laptop
nVidia Optimus
Technology (Optional)
NOTE: The nVidia Optimus Technology is
optional and may not be available on all
computers.
Your XPS laptop is equipped with nVidia’s
Optimus technology. The Optimus
technology is designed to maximize
performance and user experience on your
computer, while minimizing the impact on
battery life. It enables you to combine the
graphic processing capability of the integrated
Intel
® graphic processing unit (GPU) with the
discrete nVidia GPU while running graphic‑
intensive applications such as 3‑D games.
The nVidia GPU is turned on only for preset
applications and thus extends the battery life.
The Optimus solution is enabled through
an application profile. When an application
is launched, the video drivers check to see
if the application has an application profile
associated with it.
If an application profile exists, the nVidia •
GPU is turned on and the application
runs in performance mode. The nVidia
GPU is turned off automatically when the
application is closed.
If an application profile does not exist, the
•
integrated Intel GPU is used.
The default list of application profiles
is updated frequently by nVidia and is
automatically downloaded to your computer
when you are connected to the Internet.
You can also create application profiles for
any application on your computer. This
may be required for newly released games
or applications that do not have a default
application profile.