How do I Configure a MacBook GMA X3100?

The Intel GMA X3100 is an integrated video chipset included on 2007 and 2008 Apple MacBook portable computers. The GMA X3100 mobile graphics processor was fairly limited compared to graphics processors in similar vintage MacBook Pro models. The GMA X3100 is designed to allocate system memory for video processing at system boot, and systems with the X3100 do not perform well for gaming or intensive video graphics work, such as video editing or animation. You configure the graphics on a MacBook equipped with a GMA X3100 from the Mac System Preferences.

Instructions

1. Open the System Preferences on your MacBook. You can find these by clicking on the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen and looking for the "System Preferences..." option in the drop-down menu.

2. Open the Displays preference pane. This will be under "Hardware" and have an image of a monitor.

3. Adjust the display resolutions. On the left side of the Displays preference pane you will see a list of available resolutions. The higher the numbers, the more detailed the display and the smaller the icons will appear.

4. Adjust the brightness with a slider at the bottom of the Displays preference pane.

5. Adjust your color preferences. By default, you will have the option to display "Millions" of colors and should not need to adjust this.

References

• Apple Support: About Integrated Video on Intel-based Macs
• Apple: Mac 101: Set Your Preferences