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    Windows 8.1 and nVidia Optimus - Can't select dedicated GPU

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Ramzay, Jun 26, 2014.

  1. Ramzay

    Ramzay Notebook Connoisseur

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    So I updated my Windows 8 Pro to 8.1, and downloaded the latest nVidia software/drivers.

    Now, whenever I go into the nVidia control panel and the 3D settings tab, the option to choose which GPU (integrated or dedicated) I want each program to use is greyed out.

    I found a workaround that involves downloading nVidia inspector and playing around with and saving custom profiles and adding it to the Windows startup folder and whatnot...but that is just a workaround.

    My computer detects all the hardware just fine, all the graphics drivers are updated. All my software is legit and validated. I can add programs to the 3D settings in the nVidia control panel. But the drop-down menu that (normally) allows you to choose which GPU each program will use is just greyed out.

    Anybody else have this issue?
     
    Ramzay, Jun 26, 2014
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  2. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    No, this is by design. Optimus (Nvidia) and Enduro (AMD) are designed to force use of the iGPU during not graphics-intensive processes. Then switch to the dedicated GPU when an application specifically calls for it. I know there are some workarounds. Specifically, techies who take the Nvidia driver package and remove the automated hybrid graphics controlling module(s). How well it works is anyone's guess.
     
    radji, Jul 1, 2014
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