Why does the new MacBook Pro need 2 graphics cards?

The new MacBooks upgraded graphics dramatically, abandoning Intel's old-integrated chipset to come with the GPU combination "two in an Nvidia" GeForce 9400M and powerful 9600M GT discrete graphics card. But why need 2 graphics cards at the same time?

The most notable point about the new MacBook configuration is that the graphics array has been upgraded to another level. Apple has completely abandoned Intel's slow, integrated graphics and chipset, and instead Nvidia's new chipset integrates GPU graphics processor and single-chip chipset - GeFore 9400M. Look at the integrated 2 GeFore 9400 M graphics cards and leave the GeForce 9600 M GT active at the same time giving the MacBook Pro what.

The idea that two integrated and discrete graphics cards on the same computer seem unreasonable. But no, the MacBook Pro is not the first device to have two parallel graphics cards. Previously, Nvidia's "hybrid" SLI for desktops did the same thing. Users can choose a less-expensive integrated graphics card when used normally and switch to a discrete card when processing video or design that requires high-end graphics power.

Nvidia's "hybrid" SLI technology for desktops uses both discrete and integrated GPUs simultaneously while operating in turbo mode. Users can manually switch or set the automatic switch according to the power source. However, Apple's MacBook Pro only allows to select 1 of 2 manually in System Preferences, then exit and log back in is quite annoying. Time to use is really a problem for the new MacBook Pro when the integrated card 9400M for 5 hours operating time, equivalent to the previous 8600M GT card, while 9600M GT only 4 hours.

Another reason for MacBook and Pro to be upgraded to a higher graphics card is by using Snow Leopard operating system, capable of handling parallel tasks and shifting workloads - not just rendering - for graphics card. Graphics cards are ideal candidates for handling parallel tasks, and the fact that graphics processors are getting closer to conventional processors.

Nvidia has invested heavily in GPGPU graphics processing - taking advantage of GPU power for conventional applications instead of just graphics tasks. In fact, it has its own set of tools, called CUDA, that allow developers to leverage the power of graphics processors with the usual programming language. PhysX, the mechanism for handling physical effects in video games, must be the best known CUDA application today. CUDA version for Mac was "released" last August. Nvidia's graphics card also supports Apple's own graphical programming language, called OpenCL.

Whoever you are, using a computer for simple purposes such as editing, surfing, Photoshop or playing games, watching and cutting video, the graphics card also plays an important role - not just for products technology in the next few years but also with the operating system of future operating systems.