Confusion around XPS17 (9710) graphics cards is common.
Confusion around XPS17 (9710) graphics cards is common.
Hello, I just bought an XPS 17 9710 from Dell. The system comes with an i7 processor and RTX3060 graphics. Before anything else, I tried live chat with Nvidia and spoke to a representative. They asked about my GPU load and simply replied "ok" without following up much. I'm really hoping for some guidance, so I'll post here in case anyone can help. I've looked into similar issues online, but the only relevant information was about an Intel Optima setting in BIOS. My main concern isn't boosting FPS—I care more about battery life, which is already a problem. I just want to confirm everything works properly when I arrive.
Problem/Situation: During CPU-heavy games like Valorant, I manage around 200 FPS with low settings, and the Intel graphics appear to be handling it well. The Nvidia 3060 seems to be struggling only slightly. However, when I run more demanding tasks such as "Fall Guys," both GPUs show full load in Task Manager. Upon closer inspection, each GPU has its own graphs: one labeled "3D" and another "Copy." The Intel UHD (GPU 0) is fully loaded on the 3D graph with minimal activity on the Copy graph. Conversely, the RTX3060 (GPU 1) shows full load on the Copy graph while the 3D graph remains idle. I’m wondering if using both GPUs during a demanding game is normal and what it means for my setup. I’m worried there might be an issue with my graphics card. In Windows 11, I can choose which GPU to use in Apps & Features or let it auto-select. It’s worth noting that some users select the Nvidia GPU automatically, but I suspect the 3D and Copy graphs should only apply to the Nvidia card when it’s active. This is quite confusing. Apologies if this post isn’t clear—I’m not the most precise in describing the issue.
The menu in Windows 11 for choosing a graphics card was under (Windows > Display > Graphics). It wasn't found in Programs and Features.
According to what I understand, it's unusual. A Windows 10/11 interface should allow you to choose whether to turn off the integrated graphics in the BIOS for a premium laptop.
The system features one configuration named "direct graphics controller direct output mode" in the XPS Dell BIOS. Activating it causes Intel graphics to be used less while still being active. The cooling fans become noticeably louder, especially during GPU-intensive tasks. When playing Rocket League with this setting enabled, I achieved approximately 360 FPS. The NVIDIA GPU peak at 100% in the 3D graph and near idle in Copy Graph were observed, whereas Intel 3D Graph showed around 20% usage at idle and similar peaks in Copy Graph. In summary, both GPUs experienced higher load during 3D rendering (Intel ~20%, NVIDIA ~100%), but idle times in Copy Graph remained consistent. When the setting is off (default), I maintain the same 360 FPS on the same map, though fans operate more quietly initially and only increase noise after prolonged use. The Copy and 3D graph appear identical under these conditions.
I’m using an XPS display with no external monitors. My setup includes just the power supply, a USB-A mouse hub, and a USB-C Ethernet adapter for Gigabit connectivity. This might seem redundant, but it’s useful for testing.
Noticing a pattern: both GPUs struggled under 3D load (Intel ~20%, NVIDIA ~100%), yet idle performance in Copy Graph stayed stable. When the mode is disabled, I still get around 360 FPS on Rocket League, matching my previous results. The visuals and performance remain consistent.
This behavior suggests the game is CPU-heavy rather than GPU-intensive, as expected for Fall Games. Rocket League maintained steady 360 FPS in both modes, but fans felt louder when under load. In Valorant, low settings gave 200–220 FPS with the mode off and 300 FPS with it on—an unusual variation.
I’m currently trying to replicate both scenarios simultaneously to compare performance benefits. It seems CPU games only gain from enabling GPU output, which is unexpected since I wouldn’t anticipate a GPU boost for CPU titles.
Do you have the games open in full screen or a windowed/borderless mode? Because using windowed settings would make it hard to combine GPU performance across multiple screens.