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.
It appears you are using N5520 laptop with Switchable Graphics. The Intel HD graphics is the primary video device and is a low power solution for day today activities on laptops like internet browsing, word processing etc. It helps increase the battery life of laptop. The AMD graphics card is high performance solution for gaming, designing etc.
Check if the discrete or integrated GPU is in use
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.
Check if an app is using the dedicated GPU
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:
Learn more
Here are a few examples of apps and accessories that use the higher-performance discrete GPU:
- iMovie
- Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign
- An external display
Mac Software To Check Graphics Card Template
Learn how to use an external graphics processor (eGPU) with your Mac.
Mac Graphics Card
Mac Graphic Software
Learn how to set the graphics performance on your MacBook Pro or MacBook Pro with Retina display computer.