Do Intel CPUs with integrated graphics waste power if not being used?

[DougoMan]

I'm thinking of getting a laptop that has no sort of graphics switching solution. do the intel graphics eat power while not in use?

That kind of wastefullness would drive me insane!

 

[hans007]

I'm thinking of getting a laptop that has no sort of graphics switching solution.. do the intel graphics eat power while not in use?

That kind of wastefullness would drive me insane....

i would assume if its a core i3/i5 laptop that the graphics portion would just power off. intel in the lga775 chipsets, just disabled the igp part of the die in non igp chipsets anyway so generally it is there all the time to begin with (for example a G33 and P35 chipset are the same chip , the p35 has the igp turned off)

 

[ViRGE]

Yes, the IGP on the Core iX processors still consumers power even with a discrete GPU present. The IGP is part of the memory controller, so it's not possible to shut the IGP off.

 

[kalrith]

I'm pretty sure this is only possible with the nVidia chipsets.

 

[piasabird]

You might be better off researching this on a site that reviews laptops. You would have thought the Intel Engineers would have thought about this already. I could have sworn there were some BIOS options where you can use both integrated and non-integrated video and the BIOS was smart enough to be able to switch back and forth depending on what program you were running.

We got some new Dell Desktop, Win 7 computers in our office and there was a button on the side of the monitor to switch between different video inputs. I thought that was a bit odd. You never know what those engineers are up to. So some worker moves their monitor and the monitor says there is no VGA Signal.

 

[aigomorla]

Yes, the IGP on the Core iX processors still consumers power even with a discrete GPU present. The IGP is part of the memory controller, so it's not possible to shut the IGP off.

actually i heard if you have a gpu connected in the P55, it disables the IGP.
Not to sure about this, but it was suposed to be one of the things sandy bridge migrated from that platform.

I'm pretty sure this is only possible with the nVidia chipsets.

no sandy bridge as shown by anand allows you to switch on the fly from igp to dedicated to conserve power.


Guys i really dont understand the whole point in being nit picky about every last voltage.
Honestly the difference between a full on power saving system and a medium level desktop is small.

Were talking about small voltages on stock.
Lets think about it... CPU TDP's on average is around 65-90W.
The LV TDP's start @ 40-65W
The ULV's go lower to 15-45W.

In idle, im sure its even smaller then that.
On load, it wouldnt be something breaker breaking.

On a Laptop i can see this being important.
On a Desktop, not unless your grid is on a solar array.