gpu-switch

Simple CLI shortcut to manually hot-switch between integrated and discrete GPUs for dual-GPU MacBooks by running a few selected pmset commands

Usage

After successful installation, make sure "Automatic graphics switching" option is enable in "Engery Saver" in System Preferences under Energy Saver.

Type gpu-switch commands in Terminal app as follows:

• To use iGPU in both battery and charging modes: gpu-switch -i
• To use dGPU in both battery and charging modes: gpu-switch -d
• To use automatic graphics switching in both modes: gpu-switch -a
• To use iGPU in battery mode and dGPU while charging: gpu-switch -bc
• Reset to default settings: gpu-switch -r
• View list of all commands: gpu-switch -h

Installation

Installation:

Copy gpu-switch executable file to usr/local/bin directory manually or by running install file

Uninstallation:

Delete gpu-switch executable file from usr/local/bin directory manually or by running uninstall file

Warnings

• This script only works if Mac is dual-GPU and works with pmset commands.
• For compatibility check: run pmset -g in Terminal.
• This script is simply a shortcut for pmset commands which requires root permission as does pmset.
• Remember to go back to automatic switching or discrete graphics in newer Mac models to use external displays.

Recommendation

gfxCardStatus is recommended regardless to keep track of which GPU is activated at all times

Tested

on a 15'' MBP 2018