One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for dynamically switching between a power-saving integrated graphics processing unit (IGPU) and a higher-performance discrete graphics processing unit (DGPU). This technique uses a single graphics driver and a single digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and leverages the GPU switching capability of the operating system to ensure a seamless transition. When additional graphics performance is desired, the system enters a hybrid graphics mode. In this mode, the DGPU is powered-up, and the graphics driver maintains the current display, while the operating system switches applications running on the IGPU to the DGPU. While in the hybrid graphics mode, the DGPU performs the graphics processing, and the graphics driver transmits the rendered images from the DGPU to the IGPU local memory and, then, to the IGPU DAC. This image transmission allows applications to fully exploit the processing capabilities of the DGPU, while using the display device connected to the IGPU.