What is MUX Switch? How to turn on MUX Switch on laptop

Surely for those who use laptops like Acer Nitro, Asus TUF Gaming, … have also heard of the MUX Switch feature. So do you know exactly what MUX Switch is? Follow along here to learn more about the benefits that this feature brings!

What is MUX Switch?

First, we need to know that the discrete graphics card on the laptop is responsible for handling complex tasks and then transmitting them to the integrated graphics card to display on the screen. When you play heavy games, due to the performance difference between these two cards, it often leads to a situation called “bottleneck”.

This situation appears mainly because the integrated graphics card on the laptop is too weak compared to the performance of the discrete card. Therefore, you will see lag, frame lag when playing games at high graphics levels.

To overcome the “bottleneck” situation, manufacturers have researched the MUX Switch. The main function of the MUX Switch is to create a connection that allows the discrete graphics card to directly output the image on the screen.

MUX Switch will usually be equipped on gaming laptops. This feature enhances performance and minimizes latency when fighting high-profile games. Although it offers smooth gameplay, this feature will also drain the laptop’s battery more .

How to know if a laptop has a MUX Switch?

Laptop manufacturers often do not advertise nor mention the MUX Switch feature in the machine’s specifications. The easiest way for you to know exactly if your laptop has a MUX Switch or not is to ask the seller directly for advice.

You can also access the control software of each company such as: Lenovo Vantage (Lenovo), Armory (ASUS)… Then, go to GPU switch (GPU working mode) and ask to restart. If the options appear: dGPU Mode , Discrete Graphics , then determine that the laptop has a MUX Switch.

Besides, if you have a certain understanding of computers, you can try tinkering in the BIOS/UEFI section to check if your laptop has the MUX Switch feature.

How to turn on MUX Switch on laptop

How to enable the MUX Switch feature as follows:

• Step 1: You access the control software of the device
• Step 2: You select the icon MUX Switch, MS Hybrid
• Step 3: After the machine reboots, it means you have successfully enabled this feature.

After you turn on the MUX on your laptop, the machine will automatically allow the discrete video card to process and output the image directly on the screen if the machine detects that you are performing complex tasks such as playing games, or designing. Graphics.

Performance test

Test the performance of the MUX Switch feature with a Lenovo Legion 5 Pro laptop, with heavy games like: Horizon: Zero Dawn , Shadow of the Tomb Raider , Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker , all at 1920 x resolution settings. 1080 .

According to the results of the scores measured on Unigine , turning on the MUX Switch feature will change with the average frame rate increasing from 99.28 to 103.72 fps. However, this change is not too different from the default mode.

Conclude

From the results of the above test, it can be seen that the performance difference when turning on and off the MUX Switch is difficult to discern without using specific measurement tools. This may also be the reason why this feature is not promoted by the manufacturer much.

When you turn on the MUX Switch, there is a big minus point that is the battery life is significantly reduced . Therefore, trading battery life for a negligible change in performance is clearly not really appropriate .

Besides, turning on the MUX Switch on the laptop is also quite inconvenient when you have to wait for the machine to restart the system. However, if you like tinkering with new features or want to evaluate the effectiveness of this feature, you can completely try it and feel it.

Tnhelearning.edu.vn has just sent you an article explaining what the MUX Switch feature is. If you still have any questions, leave a comment for advice!