Why does the iGPU consume power even when it's not being used?
Why does the iGPU consume power even when it's not being used?
GPU 0 seems to be the built-in graphics from the CPU.
GPU 1 is the PCI-E device acting as the graphics card.
Every time I start a game, in MSI Afterburner I can see that the integrated graphics are running at 0% usage but still consume power.
What makes sense here?
Please check the attached image for more details.
Is it a laptop or a desktop computer?
If it's a desktop, you need to turn off the built-in graphics in the BIOS settings.
This action will release memory allocated for the integrated graphics unit.
You won't have to worry about the integrated graphics consuming power.
Desktop PC. How can I turn off the built-in graphics in AMD/ASUS BIOS? It's hard to explain yet, but by then someone should know. The iGPU is always using no power, yet it still draws current—could MSI Afterburner not showing the right data?
As part of the CPU, there are several options:
Use Device Manager - Display adapters
Right-click on your integrated graphics (such as Intel HD Graphics) and choose "Disable device."
NVIDIA Control Panel/AMD Radeon Settings
Global Settings: Within "Manage 3D settings" (NVIDIA) or comparable settings (AMD), you can typically set the "Preferred graphics processor" to "High-performance" or "Integrated Graphics" to ensure the dedicated GPU is used.
Specific program settings
Individual programs can also have their preferences adjusted by selecting the .exe file of the desired application and opting for "High performance."
Keep in mind, disabling the integrated graphics (iGPU) is usually not advised for regular use, as it may reduce performance and cause display problems if the system depends on it. It could even lead to boot failures. Additionally, turning off the iGPU for power conservation does not significantly improve efficiency because it consumes very little power.
I would leave it as is.
Only a proper method in the BIOS can fully turn off integrated graphics. Various motherboards use distinct BIOS configurations. It's necessary to consult the BIOS manual tailored to your particular motherboard. You can locate this information on the manufacturer's support website.
As I mentioned, there are numerous options. Ultimately, the choice belongs to the OP, since it's their system. Personally, I wouldn't turn it off. 14W of power is hardly much.
Other methods you mentioned aren't correct. Turning off in Device Manager only stops the driver, the iGPU will still function with little power usage.
Nvidia Control panel and power options - just choose your preferred GPU. It doesn't turn off iGPU.
The right way to disable iGPU is through BIOS settings.
I turned off integrated graphics in device manager and it disappeared from msi afterburner and hardware monitor. If it still consumes power, I can’t detect it. Which BIOS setting is responsible?
EDIT: It appears in the BIOS settings, where integrated graphics were disabled. Now it doesn’t appear in devicemanager at all, and it’s completely removed from the hardware monitor as well. I’ll check for any problems now that integrated graphics are off.
Curious question: does disabling integrated graphics only affect the operating system or also the BIOS? The BIOS still shows a GUI on the monitor, so how is that displayed? With integrated graphics enabled? If I remove my GPU while integrated graphics are disabled in the BIOS, would the screen remain black?
Do you have any updates from AMD regarding keeping integrated graphics active alongside an AMD GPU? I’m still puzzled about the power consumption from integrated graphics even when it’s not being used. Can someone clarify?