Summary

This article explains how switchable graphics technology works on laptops and how to configure GibbsCAM to use the dedicated graphics processor for the best graphics performance.

Many modern laptops include both an integrated graphics processor (GPU) and a dedicated graphics processor. While this design improves battery life, it can sometimes cause poor graphics performance, display issues, or instability when running graphics-intensive applications such as GibbsCAM.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Symptoms

You may experience one or more of the following:

  • Slow graphics performance

  • Choppy model rotation or zooming

  • Poor frame rates during simulation

  • Graphical display corruption

  • Blank or black graphics window

  • GibbsCAM appears to be using the integrated graphics adapter instead of the dedicated GPU

Cause

Many laptops include two graphics processors:

  • Integrated Graphics – Built into the CPU and designed for low power consumption.

  • Dedicated Graphics – A higher-performance NVIDIA or AMD GPU designed for graphics-intensive applications.

Windows and the graphics driver automatically determine which GPU an application uses. In some cases, GibbsCAM may be assigned to the integrated GPU instead of the dedicated GPU, resulting in reduced graphics performance.

Objective

Configure your laptop so that GibbsCAM uses the high-performance graphics processor whenever it is running.

Procedure

Step 1 – Verify Your Laptop Has Switchable Graphics

Open Device Manager > Display adapters or Task Manager and confirm that your system has both:

  • An integrated graphics adapter (such as Intel Graphics or AMD Radeon Graphics)

  • A dedicated graphics adapter (such as NVIDIA GeForce, NVIDIA RTX, or AMD Radeon)

If only one graphics adapter is installed, this article does not apply.


Step 2 – Configure Windows Graphics Settings

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Navigate to System > Display > Graphics.
     

  3. Add Virtual.exe if it is not already listed.
    Located in:
    C:\Program Files\Gibbs\GibbsCAM\<version>\Bin

  4. Choose High Performance.

  5. Save the changes.

Windows will attempt to use the dedicated GPU whenever GibbsCAM is launched.


Step 3 – Verify the Graphics Driver

Install the latest graphics driver provided by your laptop manufacturer or graphics hardware vendor.

Avoid relying solely on generic Windows display drivers, as they may not provide optimal performance or support all graphics features.


Step 4 – Restart GibbsCAM

Close GibbsCAM completely and restart the application after making graphics changes.

Some graphics configuration changes do not take effect until the application has been restarted.


Step 5 – Verify GPU Usage

Launch GibbsCAM and open a part containing a solid model.

While GibbsCAM is running, open Task Manager and verify that the dedicated GPU is being utilized during graphics-intensive operations such as rotating, panning, zooming, or simulation.

Expected Result

GibbsCAM uses the dedicated graphics processor, resulting in improved graphics performance, smoother model display, and better simulation responsiveness.

Troubleshooting

Problem: GibbsCAM Still Uses the Integrated GPU

Possible Causes

  • Windows Graphics preference not applied

  • Graphics driver outdated

  • Laptop manufacturer's graphics management software overrides Windows settings

Resolution

Update the graphics driver and review any manufacturer-specific graphics utilities supplied with the laptop.


Problem: Poor Graphics Performance Persists

Possible Causes

  • Outdated graphics driver

  • Power-saving mode enabled

  • Unsupported or entry-level graphics hardware

Resolution

Connect the laptop to AC power, select the High Performance Windows power plan, and ensure the latest graphics drivers are installed.


Problem: Graphics Become Worse After a Driver Update

Possible Causes

  • Incompatible graphics driver

  • Driver installation issue

Resolution

Install the graphics driver recommended by your laptop manufacturer or roll back to a previously stable version.

Best Practices

  • Keep graphics drivers up to date.

  • Connect the laptop to AC power when using GibbsCAM.

  • Use the High Performance Windows power mode during machining or simulation.

  • Avoid running multiple graphics-intensive applications simultaneously.

  • Verify that your laptop meets the recommended graphics requirements for the version of GibbsCAM being used.

Video Tutorial

The following video demonstrates configuring a laptop to use the dedicated graphics processor with GibbsCAM via the Nvidia Control Panel:

GibbsCAM, using Switchable Graphics - YouTube 

Related Articles

Keywords

Switchable Graphics, NVIDIA Optimus, AMD Switchable Graphics, Hybrid Graphics, Dedicated GPU, Integrated Graphics, Laptop Graphics, Graphics Performance, Slow Graphics, Graphics Driver, Windows Graphics Settings, GibbsCAM Graphics