gpuswitch-cli🔀 GPU Modes
The three GPU modes — integrated, discrete, and auto — and what each one does under the hood.
gpuswitch exposes three modes, each mapping to a single pmset gpuswitch value.
Under the hood the tool runs sudo pmset -a gpuswitch <value>, so switching
always prompts for your password.
| Mode | pmset value | What it does |
|---|---|---|
integrated | 0 | Force the integrated Intel GPU only |
discrete | 1 | Force the discrete dedicated GPU only |
auto | 2 | Let macOS switch GPUs dynamically (default) |
🔋 Integrated
gpuswitch integratedForces the Intel integrated GPU. The discrete GPU is powered down, which is the biggest single win for battery life on long unplugged sessions. Use this when you're working untethered and don't need GPU-heavy graphics.
🎮 Discrete
gpuswitch discreteForces the dedicated discrete GPU on permanently for full graphics performance. Use this for gaming, rendering, or driving external displays where you want maximum throughput and don't mind the extra power draw and heat.
🔄 Auto
gpuswitch autoRestores the macOS default — the system switches between the integrated and discrete GPUs dynamically based on what apps demand. This is the factory behaviour; switch back to it when you no longer want a forced mode.
🔍 Checking the current mode
gpuswitch statusPrints the active mode by reading pmset -g and parsing the gpuswitch line.
If the setting can't be read (for example on a Mac without switchable graphics),
it reports unknown.
A mode change applies immediately and persists across reboots until you switch again. Some applications may need a restart to pick up the new GPU.