Double GPU on a laptop?

[Ozpa]

Hi guys!

So today I got my moms new value browsing laptop delivered (Intel Pentium P6200, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 1,3mgpix webcam yada yada..). I don't know why, but I was told not to get one with an Intel GPU, so this laptop had GeForce 610M (with 1GB VRAM) listed as the video card.

Long story short, I had to first install the Intel HD graphics drivers then the Nvidia drivers. GPU-Z states I have 2 graphics cards, what the hell? I've never seen 2 cards in on laptop. Can anyone comment if it's bad/good or just any info would be helpful really.

 

[sneekypeet]

one is a card and one is the on board chip?

Also you can buy laptops with SLI, but that isn't the same as what you are seeing.

 

[D4S4]

it would seem the intel one is integrated into the cpu. kill it in bios if possible.

 

[cheesy999]

read this, it is what your laptop has and uses: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nvidia_Optimus

 

[Fourstaff]

My laptop comes with 2 graphics chip too, the onboard 4200 and the discrete 4570. Use the 4200 when I need battery (I almost never do), and the 4570 if I don't. I have to switch it manually (unlike Nvidia Optimus), but it gives me 30% more battery life so I am not complaining.

 

[Ozpa]

Oooh ok. I'd like to test and see how the chips compare in 3DMark for example. Otherwise I'd just like the Nvidia GPU run all the time cause the laptop is staying plugged into the socked for most of the time. Thanks guys!