JaLooNz the Webbie

Exploring Lenovo Thinkpad T400's switchable graphics

While most people know about switchable graphics on the Lenovo Thinkpad T400, most do not know about how the software works, or how it visually looks.

First of all, the switchable graphics is a switchable option in the BIOS, where you can either opt for discrete (ATI HD3470) or integrated (Intel X4500). This setting is more for Windows XP and other operating system which cannot switch graphics card on-the-fly yet.

Next, for switchable graphics to work, Vista SP1 must be used (either x86 or x64). RTM will not work. You must then install a proprietary driver (a mutant of ATI and Intel drivers AFAIK) to enable the feature, and must also install the Lenovo Power Manager (to have the UI to switch).

You simply left-click on the Power Gauge that comes with Power Manager (not the Vista one) to get access to the relevant menu (shown on right) and switch to energy saving (Intel X4500) and high performance (ATI HD3470). Right-clicking does not bring up the same menu, it brings up different ways to show the battery life left.

The difference between integrated graphics only vs switchable one can be illustrated by the following device manager screenshot, and perhaps also the mutant driver details.

GASP... AMD and Intel together!?!







Lastly, I would like to introduce the more differentiated features of the mobile graphics control panels.

For the Intel one, it is basically the same as any other version, except that it now comes with ClearVideo playback enhancements.

For the ATI one, it is also basically the same, but with the mobility "PowerPlay" setting. And for fun I have also attached the information screen.

Posted by JaLooNz at 5:07 PM

Labels: driver, lenovo, software, switchable graphics, t400, thinkpad