I'm having trouble selecting my discrete GPU as the main one in the BIOS settings.
I'm having trouble selecting my discrete GPU as the main one in the BIOS settings.
Hi
In short, I own an HP Z230 SFF workstation equipped with an i5 4570 processor. Because my discrete GPU doesn’t support certain features, I had to rely on the iGPU’s encoding options. I opened the BIOS, went into the advanced settings, turned on Intel Integrated Graphics and adjusted its dedicated VRAM. I also switched the Primary VGA Adapter from my Nvidia GPU to Intel’s HD graphics. As a result, the iGPU now acts as the main adapter. When I power on the PC, it initially shows a black screen connected to my discrete GPU, but once Windows boots, a picture appears on the monitor.
This situation prevented me from restoring the BIOS settings because I couldn’t see what was happening. After resetting the BIOS, I could still access the advanced tab, but the option to select my discrete GPU as the primary adapter is now missing. I can only turn it on or off and adjust its VRAM settings. Keeping it disabled makes my discrete GPU the default, which works fine. The toggle for Integrated Graphics used to be right below that option—has it been removed? Is this normal behavior?
If I connect a monitor and enable BIOS while the iGPU is active, will the option reappear?
BIOS version: v01.62 6/10/2019
Welcome to the forums, new member! You might try resetting the CMOS, which should restore everything to its original state. Check it out.
Thank you, I managed to clear the CMOS, but the choice for my discrete GPU isn't available. If I turn on integrated graphics, it would become the main adapter, which isn't what I need.
I might attempt to physically detach the dGPU and connect your motherboard's HDMI output directly to the monitor. Restart and initiate Windows via the iGPU. After establishing that setup, power it down and reinstall the dGPU, connecting another HDMI from the dGPU to the second monitor input. This should assist in re-establishing the dGPU connection. I expect this process will allow you to switch Windows' video source to the GPU, restart, and potentially restore BIOS functionality. It’s similar to resetting CMOS; the goal is to return the system to iGPU mode before proceeding normally.
Thanks, I'll give it another shot later. Right now I don't need to reach into the BIOS, so I'll wait until I have a display port connected to an HDMI adapter. The motherboard only provides three display ports, which is why I'm concerned. I just want to know why clearing CMOS didn't fix this issue—I see my GPU is still recognized and working properly.