iGPU and dedicated GPU fight: force the correct GPU per app and avoid stuttering

After installing a new graphics card, you'd expect everything to run smoothly. However, sometimes it can be the opposite: FPS drops, image stuttering... a far from fluid experience. The reason? silent struggle between two components: the newly arrived card and the integrated graphicsHow to fix this? Let's talk about why iGPU and dedicated GPUs fight each other and how to force the correct GPU for each app to avoid stuttering.

Why iGPU and dedicated GPUs are at odds

The reason iGPU and dedicated GPUs are at odds has to do with the design of modern computers. All of them, but especially laptops, are built in such a way that prioritize energy efficiencyThe idea is to maximize autonomy and reduce resource consumption in all possible scenarios.

For this reason, The system comes configured to use the iGPU, or integrated card, for almost everythingIt makes sense, since this graphics card consumes very little power and is perfect for running basic tasks: browsing the internet, using Office, or watching videos. But what happens when you install a discrete graphics card?

The newcomer, like an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon RX, offers brutal performance. Consequently, consumes much more energy and generates more heat. Therefore, the system only uses it when it detects a heavy application, such as a game. In theory, it should automatically switch from the iGPU to the dedicated GPU, but sometimes the mechanism fails. Why?

Why does the automatic transmission fail?

Sometimes The system does not correctly identify which applications need the power of the dedicated GPUFor example, a game launcher, such as Steam or Epic Games, may not be detected as demanding. Consequently, the system runs it on the iGPU, and the same goes for the game inside.

The same thing happens with applications that have lightweight interfaces but run complex processes in the background. The iGPU may be able to handle the interface of a 3D rendering engine or a video editor. But when it comes to run a computationally intensive process, is not able to support it. This duality causes the automatic transmission to fail, not to mention that it can also shorten the lifespan of your graphics card.

In any case, the result of this failure is stuttering: Image flickering due to sudden drops in FPSThey arise when the system tries to switch from one GPU to another, or because part of the rendering is being executed by an iGPU that can't handle the load. The solution? Force the correct GPU per app, that is, designate which GPU will be responsible for managing the demands of a particular application or program. Let's see how to do it.

iGPU and dedicated GPU fight: force the correct GPU per app

The solution when the iGPU and the dedicated GPU are fighting is to assign each one its own job. do it manually to avoid any potential errors that may occur during automatic switching. Doing so is quite simple from Windows Graphics Settings: you can configure it globally or, even more effectively, on an application-by-application basis.

The advantage of This method affects both NVIDIA and AMD cards.. Plus, it's very easy to implement, even for users with little or no experience. Let's walk through the steps to force the correct GPU per app when the iGPU and dedicated GPU are fighting:

1. Go to Configuration Windows (Windows key + I).
2. In the menu on the left, choose System - Screen.
3. Low Related configuration options, click on Graphics.
4. Here we are interested in the section Custom settings for applications. Below you'll see a list of apps. If you don't see any, click on Desktop application aggregation To add a classic .exe, you'll need to navigate to its installation directory and select the main executable file (.exe). For example, for Cyberpunk 2077, it would be Cyberpunk2077.exe.
5. Once added, look for it in the listing and click on it.
6.  A menu is displayed with the option GPU Preference, followed by a tab with three options:
   1. Let Windows decide: This is the default option that causes the problems.
   2. Energy saving: Forces the use of the integrated GPU (iGPU).
   3. High performance: Forces the use of the dedicated GPU.
7. Then, select High Performance for demanding games and apps. For those that don't need it, you can choose Power Saving. It's that simple! Repeat this process for each game or app that's causing problems.

Also check your dedicated card app

In addition to the above solution, It is advisable to look in the dedicated card app to check its preset settings.. This way you can ensure that the most demanding applications are assigned. Depending on the graphics model, you'll need to go to the NVIDIA control panel or the AMD Adrenalin softwareLet's see what to do in each case if the iGPU and the dedicated GPU are fighting.

Solution on an NVIDIA graphics card when the iGPU and the dedicated one fight

1. Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA control panel.
2. In the menu on the left, go to Manage 3D settings.
3. under the tab Program Settings, click on Select program to customize and choose the .exe of your game or application.
4. Below, in the option Preferred graphics processor, select NVIDIA High Performance Graphics Processor.
5. Apply the changes and close the panel. This fixes the errors that arise when the iGPU and the dedicated GPU are fighting.

In AMD Adrenalin software

1. Open the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition application.
2. Go to the tab Games.
3. Select the game or app from the list. If it isn't there, add it.
4. Within the specific settings of that game or app, look for an option called Working GPU or similar.
5. Change it from Global or Integrated to High performance (or the specific name of your AMD GPU).
6. Save the changes and that's it.

As you can see, the problems that arise when the iGPU and the dedicated GPU fight have a simple solution. And the best part is that you don't need to be an expert to take control. Just assign each one their task so that the rivalry between them ends and you can enjoy a smooth experience.