Does using integrated GPU increase laptop battery life?

Question

I'm using an Asus ROG GL552VX which has a GTX950M as well as an Intel HD graphics 530. The battery life of my laptop is barely an hour and half with normal use (Browsing, word, student stuff).

My laptop has a 48000MA while my friend's HP Specter has a 38000MA battery. His hardware is better than mine except the GPU which I think is what's eating my battery so much.

I wanted to know if I can switch between the two graphics options. If yes, then can I use the intel HD graphics for work and gtx 950m for gaming?

Is that possible? The laptop is great, its just the battery that's very frustrating as a student. The laptop is already heavy enough and carrying its charger only adds to the weight.

Solution

Yes this is possible. You can set the laptop to use the intergrated GPU in the Nvidia Control Panel.

1. Right-click the blank space of the desktop.
2. Select NVIDIA Control Panel to switch between two graphics manually under Manage 3D Settings > Preferred Graphics Processor.

Your intergrated GPU will perfectly work for your work.

Comments

[Admin]

If you are using windows you can try disabling the graphics card via device manager. I have not tested so i'm not sure if it will actually help battery life.

[Admin]

There should be an icon that indicates whenever Optimus is using the dedicated card or not. If it is, that's what's eating your battery. If it is not, your battery might be faulty. You can use the Nvidia Control Panel to setup preferences and I believe it's also possible using the context menu.

[Arehandoro]

If Optimus is working correctly the option "Auto-select" should swap between the dedicated and the integrated cards transparently to the user.

[RamonRobben]

@Karasu-O-Matic I know but just in case someone doesn't want to use optimus but completely only use the intel graphics temporarily.

[Arehandoro]

oh I see, that's an option too of course :)

[User561237]

So auto select switches between the two? and does the integrated gpu use less battery power? do i get more life out of my batter using the integrated gpu?

[RamonRobben]

@MahanNoorbahr I think when you are at school you can use the Intergrated graphics to get the most out of your battery. If you feel like getting performance issues use the Auto-Select it will sometimes enable the external gpu and use a little bit more power.