Many 15-inch MacBook Pro notebooks have two graphics processors (GPU)—a discrete GPU and an integrated GPU. The discrete GPU provides substantial graphics performance but uses more energy. The integrated GPU optimizes battery life by using less energy.
Apple MacBook Air MJVM2LL/A 11.6 Inch Laptop (Intel Core i5 Dual-Core 1.6GHz up to 2.7GHz, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Integrated Intel HD Graphics 6000, Mac OS) (Renewed) 4.3 out of 5 stars 910. Screen Resolution. Show Screen Resolution filter description. 1440 x 900 (WXGA+) 1440 x 900 (WXGA+) Current Deals. Free Shipping Eligible Free Shipping. Intel HD Graphics 4000 Intel HD Graphics 4000. Processor Brand. Ethernet Ports Input(s) Ethernet Ports Input(s) Number of Ethernet. Graphics are provided by integrated Intel HD Graphics 6000. The computer features all the amenities you expect on a Mac - a FaceTime HD webcam, dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi (also compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0 and built-in stereo speakers.This MacBook Air comes preloaded with the user-friendly Mac OS X operating system.
To see which graphics cards are in use, choose Apple () menu > About this Mac. The graphics cards currently in use appear next to Graphics. Learn which integrated GPUs your Mac might have.
To see if an app is using the higher-performance discrete GPU, open Activity Monitor and click the Energy tab. If you don't see the Requires High Perf GPU column, your computer only has one graphics processor.
In this example, iMovie and Final Cut Pro are using the higher-performance discrete GPU:
Here are a few examples of apps and accessories that use the higher-performance discrete GPU:
Learn how to use an external graphics processor (eGPU) with your Mac.
Learn how to set the graphics performance on your MacBook Pro or MacBook Pro with Retina display computer.