Windows 10 and main GPU
Windows 10 and main GPU
System configuration: Asus Prime Z370-A, Intel Core I7 8700 GPU 1: Galax 1080Ti + Kraken X62 GPU 2: Gigabyte Auros 1080ti Waterforce extreme Windows 10 Pro (fully updated). I manage the setup via VNC. Issue 1: The Intel HD 630 isn't installed unless a cable is connected, which triggers Problem 2. Problem 2: Certain processes (Desktop Window Manager – unclear, VNC server) are utilizing GPU0 (Galax). I prefer it to run solely through the HD 630 or via CPU, not dedicated GPUs. I don't want rendering tasks on any of the GPUs, even though no cables are connected. I installed Windows using the HD 630 but lost it after disconnecting the cable. Problem 3: As a Mac user, I’m unfamiliar with Windows and have no preference. I'm sharing a screenshot from this morning, but the issue persists after a fresh Windows install (required).
Ensure your monitor is powered through the motherboard's video connections and inform the rendering software you're using the 1080TI. This typically involves adjusting settings in Blender under file->preferences->system.
I don't need any monitor running, yet without one the HD 630 vanishes from Device Manager and without it certain GPU-related tasks slow down by 10-15% (sometimes more as shown in the screenshot)
You can make your Intel GPU appear active in the BIOS even without a monitor. If it uses the IGPU setting, it only activates when something is connected. This helps me use quicksync encoding without switching monitors. Keep in mind the task manager shows usage based on the GPU’s current clock speed. When idle, it may show high numbers because the card slows down. Try enabling IGPU in BIOS and check if DWM starts rendering on it. I haven’t tested this setup yet, so it might still run on another GPU.
Connected a monitor to verify bios, IGPU was activated. Logged into Windows (monitor still attached), Task Manager still shows DWM using GPU 0, but appears IGPU is handling it. Disconnected the monitor. My rendering feels a bit quicker now, so I won’t restart the system yet. Also, my machine is idle only during maintenance sessions (once a month to clean cats from it).