If you’re a gamer who’s doubting their potential because their GPU is playing tricks on them, we hear you. It’s normal for a GPU to induce input lag, buffering, and blur; what’s not normal is for you to let that happen. And this is where the MUX switch makes an entry!
This feature is an underrated weapon for rising gamers. It cuts the crowd between your GPU and display, ensuring you get every bit of graphical detail you paid for. An MUX switch will give you the ultimate edge over your competitors in high-profile gaming.
This blog breaks down all about this switch, with no fluff, and only facts; so, let’s begin.
What is an MUX Switch?
The MUX, which is short for multiplexer, is a component that is found in some advanced gaming laptops. As you know, a discrete mode laptop with a dedicated GPU also has an integrated GPU inside the CPU. Sometimes, by default or otherwise, the integrated GPU (IGPU) can perform the functions of a dedicated GPU (DGPU), negating the purpose of a discrete card. That’s when the multiplexer steps in to enable the DGPU over the IGPU.
Think of it like this: the multiplexer controls the data paths and shifts the data from the IGPU to the DGPU channel. It bridges the gap between the DGPU and display, sidelining the integrated graphics card. The multiplexer works in Hybrid mode as well, where the integrated GPU gets preference over a dedicated GPU due to power efficiency.
Features of MUX Switch | Hybrid Mode | Discrete Mode |
Frames per Second | Low | High |
Heat Emission | Low | High |
Fan Noise | Low | High |
Input Lag | High | Low |
Display Output | Above Average | Very Good |
Gaming Performance | Slight buffer | Smoother Gameplay |
Battery Life | Highly Durable | Average |
How MUX Switch Works in NVIDIA Optimus?
The Optimus technology by NVIDIA is the best portrayal of hybrid mode, where both integrated and dedicated graphics cards work in harmony. In this technology, the integrated graphics card chips are used to generate graphics for all the lightweight tasks, also contributing to low power intake. For graphic-intensive tasks like gaming, the Optimus activates the dedicated chip. But there’s a catch; the task distribution is not that straightforward.
Once the dedicated GPU processes the visual data, instead of sending the output to the display, it sends it to the main GPU. The IGPU then forwards this output to the display, acting as an intermediary or more of an obstacle. Even though this connection saves battery, it leads to significant FPS loss.
By activating the multiplexer, you can pass your visual data directly to the DGPU without any disruption. It temporarily disables the integrated chip, so you can enjoy games buffer-free. New generation laptops like the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and ASUS ROG Strix G17 feature Advanced Optimus. This technology saves you from manually activating the multiplexer and instantly shifts the mode according to task difficulty.
How to Enable a MUX Switch in a Gaming Laptop?
There are two methods to enable or disable the multiplexer in hybrid and discrete mode GPUs.
Method 1: Using BIOS (General Method)
- Restart your laptop, and while it’s at it, press one of the keys: F2, F10, or Delete.
- Go to Advanced Settings and then the Graphics Configuration section.
- There you’ll find multiple options, including ‘DGPU’ and ‘Hybrid’.
- Opt for ‘DGPU’ and save the changes.
Method 2: Using Support Software
- Refresh your laptop and open the pre-installed manufacturer software (example: Lenovo Vantage, Acer PredatorSense)
- Go to the Device Settings and then the ‘Systems Configurations’ tab.
- Search for the Graphics Switch, which could also be named ‘GPU Mode’.
- Depending on the software configuration, opt for ‘Hybrid Mode Off’ or ‘Ultimate DGPU Mode’.
- Save the changes and reboot to launch the new settings.
Importance of MUX Switch in Gaming
Here is why MUX switch is important in gaming.
Enhanced System Performance
Without MUX, the FPS of laptops is significantly low, thanks to the unnecessary intervention of the IGPU. This results in the obvious screen stuttering, but more than that, it adds excessive strain to the system. Apart from the visual mess and unstable gameplay, the low FPS will also cause thermal throttling and hardware degradation. But with the multiplexer, there is going to be no gaps, choppy motion, or inaccurate aiming while you're playing games.
Complete Control
One of the best parts about multiplexer is that it hands you control of your graphical performance. Instead of automatically shifting to a certain GPU, it allows you to make that choice. So, whether you’re streaming movies or simply web browsing, you get to pick the quality of visuals. Even in Advanced Optimus, where the multiplexer is automated, it shifts between GPUs based on the graphical intensity of the program. This makes it a win-win situation for you.
Rapid Responsiveness
In high-profile games like Fortnite or Call of Duty, you can not afford to lose even a millisecond. However, system lags can happen to anyone, no matter how critical the game point is. Even though the dedicated GPU renders the frame rates even without the activation of MUX, it passes those frames to the GPU first. With a multiplexer, those frames are passed straight to the screen without losing any milliseconds, leading to flash-like visual feedback.
Enhanced Future Potential
The future of gaming is more graphics-intensive than it is now, that's for sure. It brings the challenges of bypassing integrated graphics, which the multiplexer is capable of handling. The multiplexer delivers maximum performance when you need it; plus, it ensures that your system stays in touch with the upcoming technology. With a multiplexer, your gaming laptop stays relevant for a long time.
Final Word
Even though MUX isn’t a mandatory feature in gaming laptops, it can make a whole lot of difference for you. Consider it a direct but invisible connection between your screen and the graphics machine. If you haven’t yet been convinced why the multiplexer is such a lifesaver, here goes nothing.
It doesn’t matter how good your dedicated GPU is or how advanced your game is; as long as you don’t activate the multiplexer, your visuals will be shitty. Not to mention, your entire experience with that particular laptop would be ruined.
So, this is your sign to get your hands on a laptop that has either MUX or Advanced Optimus.
