Setup Guide

56
Using Your XPS Laptop
NVIDIA Optimus
Technology (Optional)
Your XPS laptop is equipped with NVIDIA’s
Optimus technology. The Optimus
technology enhances the performance of
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 3D games.
The NVIDIA GPU is turned on only for preset
applications and thus extends the battery life.
The Optimus technology is enabled through
an application profile. When an application
is launched, the video drivers check if the
application has an associated application
profile.
•If an application profile exists, the NVIDIA
GPU is enabled and the application
runs in performance mode. The NVIDIA
GPU is disabled automatically when the
application is closed.
•If an application profile does not exist, only
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.