Question Disable integrated graphics when gaming

[Freddolam]

Hi! I read somewhere that when gaming, my integrated graphics usage should be at 0% which is not the case for me. Is it normal for it to be at around 10-40 during gaming or should it be completely off?
If it should be at 0%, how do I set it so it will not be working during gaming? I changed the setting under nvidia control panel and armoury crate. I don't want to completely disable it under device manager because I still want to use it when I am trying to save battery.

Thanks!

ROG Zephyrus g15
3070 5900HS

 

[Lutfij]

Some percentage of the iGPU does get used when you're on your laptop doing tasks gaming or not. You could try and make sure that the BISO on the laptop is to the latest. The next thing to look for is see that you're on the latest version of Windows 10, we're on version 21H1, at the time of writing. You can then use DDU to uninstall your GPU drivers(both integrated and discrete) and then manually reinstall your GPU drivers in an elevated command, i.e, Right click installer>Run as Administrator.

 

[geofelt]

Are you gaming while plugged in?
If on battery, you are likely using the integrated graphics to save battery run time.

 

[nfsking2]

I know it sounds ridiculous, but the newest ASUS ROG gaming laptops don't have the so called 'discrete GPU direct link' function, these laptops are using 'hybrid link' instead.

It means when you are running applications like games, the discrete will do the computing, but it's integrated GPU to do the graphic output job. This is the reason that the iGPU usage will not be at 0% in the most of cases. And because the iGPU is responsible for video output, you can never disable it.

There is still a way to make these laptops running with only discrete GPU, but it requires you to connect an external monitor by using the USB Type-C port with Display Port output function (it's the one next to the 3.5mm jack on ASUS G15 2021), and close the build-in screen lid. In this case, the iGPU will be bypassed and only dGPU is used.