Multiple GPUs - how do they work?

This may be a silly question but here it goes. I have a laptop with a Core i5 with Intel HD graphics 4000. It also has an AMD Radeon HD 7650M. Both appear installed as Display adapters in Device manager / Speccy. DXDIAG shows the device name as being Intel HD graphics 4000 with AMD as the manufacturer. The Catalyst Control Center is installed and when right clicking on it on the tray area, the menu reveals the Intel HD 4000 with a submenu for options.

• Are both of these being used simultaneously?
• Does your computer decide which one to use based on what you're doing?
• Do people ever turn one or the other off for any reason?

Normally the Intel graphics would be used for general purposes and the AMD Radeon for more demanding tasks. The system chooses which one to use and there is usually no means provided to override this. They are not used at the same time. When it is possible to disable one (unusual) you need to understand the implications before making any changes. If you have any doubts, leave it alone.

LMiller7 said:

Normally the Intel graphics would be used for general purposes and the AMD Radeon for more demanding tasks. The system chooses which one to use and there is usually no means provided to override this. They are not used at the same time. When it is possible to disable one (unusual) you need to understand the implications before making any changes. If you have any doubts, leave it alone.

Good advice, and leave it alone I shall! Thanks for the input.