Resolved: Laptop Keeps Reverting to Onboard Graphics

[Deactivated] on 29/09/2018 - 09:14
Last edited 30/09/2018 - 06:01

My laptop has a nvidia gpu and intel onboard graphics. I keep telling it to use the nvidia gpu, but unless I have a device plugged into the hdmi (which I am assuming plugs straight into the gpu), it will just use the intel onboard graphics.

Things I have tried that do not work:

  • Choosing nvidia gpu in device manager.
  • Choosing nvidia gpu in display settings.
  • Using Geforce experience to control settings.
  • Uninstalling and reinstalling gpu
  • Uninstalling and reinstalling drivers.
  • Troubleshooter

Things I have tried that do work:

  • Plugging an external monitor into the hdmi port.

Does anyone know how I kick this rig in the azz and make it do what it is told? The external monitor is a Cintiq like screen I share, so the extra monitor is not a perma-fix.

OS: Win 10
Laptop Model: Dell XPS L702X

Computing 17inch Computer Dell Laptop

Comments

  • altomic on 29/09/2018 - 09:35
    +2

    have you tried turning it off and on again?

    bios.

  • JimmyF on 29/09/2018 - 09:51
    +10

    Did you google it? Seems some say this

    Unfortunately, I believe there is some confusion on how the video works on the Dell XPS L702X. The Intel HD video card drives the laptop display and the Nvidia GT 555M video card drives an EXTERNAL monitor connected via the HDMI 1.4a port on the laptop.

    Which seems a little odd, but lots of people with your issue.

    • theknight27 on 29/09/2018 - 15:36

      That seems like the solution to his problem, how odd though.

    • FireRunner on 29/09/2018 - 18:47

      I had the same laptop and could run video games off the main display so the graphics card and onboard screen are connected. Unless there was some sort of revision, it is fixable.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2018 - 06:32

        I have an overseas build, it has a slightly different keyboard and is about 2-3 years old, so it may well be built differently, to different standards.

    • Randxyz123 on 29/09/2018 - 20:26

      This would make sense.

      I'm sure you can confirm it with a quick call to support on Monday.

    • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2018 - 05:56

      I am glad it is not me, very frustrating though.

  • hawkeye on 29/09/2018 - 11:12

    nvidia icon near time open and go to 3D settings/manage 3D settings then you will see global settings and program settings.

    select each program for integrated settings Nvidia high performance settings or global settings

    • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2018 - 06:07

      On the list of things I have already done.

  • ssx on 29/09/2018 - 16:10

    I've been having the same problem with the Dell XPS 15. I've tried (and it didn't work for me):
    - disabling the Intel Graphics
    - using an external monitor plugged directly into the HDMI port
    - updating all the drivers
    - opening the Nvidia settings and trying to force all applications to use the Nvidia card

    I gave up in the end.

    • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2018 - 06:09

      Looks like you need to plug in an external straight into that gpu to unlock the nvidia goodness.

    • reactor-au on 30/09/2018 - 10:50

      My 9560 had this problem with much older games, where the games would try find rendering devices before starting up but would only find the Intel GPU active (because the Nvidia one only kicks in when needed) and would then select the Intel as it's rendering choice.

      For newer games it's fine, make sure you pickup the latest drivers from the Nvidia website.

  • poohduck on 29/09/2018 - 16:51

    Well if JimmyF is correct then I doubt there is a software fix for it. The nvidia probably can't communicate with the local screen at all - no hardware for the signals to output to the onboard screen. It could be a way of maintaining performance while running an external display. Is it a laptop aimed at business? ie presentations etc? It could also prevent heat buildup.

    • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2018 - 05:58

      Once an external monitore is plugged in the whole system uses the nvidia card, it is weird.

  • FireRunner on 29/09/2018 - 16:55

    Had this exact model of laptop. Never really paid attention to what was being used.
    It was able to run games without the use of an external monitor so it definitely utilising the nVidia graphics card.
    What are you trying to do and what happens?

  • mellisasharapova on 29/09/2018 - 19:54

    Did you try the method of Disabling Hard Disk Hibernation. It worked for me.

    • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2018 - 06:00

      I can see how that would stop the setting resetting, I might give it a go.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/09/2018 - 21:18

    Can you run dual monitor on both at the same time?

    • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2018 - 06:01

      Yes, I can extend or duplicate the monitor. The solution is I buy another monitor, or another Bosto HD.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2018 - 06:11

    Thank you for your help guys, and special thanks to JimmyF for the solution. The card will not work without being plugged into an external monitor due to a manufacturers swerve from the normal way of building.

  • TheGMan on 03/10/2018 - 07:59

    My razer laptop is the same. The nvidia gpu kicks in to 3D accelerate programs that require it. It’s a very old school way of doing things like back when 3dfx voodoo I and II where the 3D acceleration was passed back through the 2D card. In this case the nvidia card is passed back through the intel.

    The reason for the external hdmi port being listed as being on the nvidia gpu is due to the fact that nvidia gpus naturally come with dual outputs where as the intel only has the 1 output.

    Dunno just my thoughts on things

  • cassiegriffin on 05/10/2018 - 09:31

    This is a good laptop which has a configuration for gaming but It should be taken care of its touchpad because it is seen an issue in it while playing a game. Check it https://babasupport.org/hp/hp-laptop-touchpad-not-working/ for more info.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/10/2018 - 13:00

      Thanks for the heads up, I use a mouse, I could not stand to game on a touchpad!

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