How To Change Which GPU Is Used For EGPU? Detailed Guide!

When I first got my eGPU, I was excited to boost my laptop’s speed. But it didn’t work at first! After testing different settings, I fixed it. Here’s how you can do it too!

To change which GPU is used for your eGPU, go to Windows Graphics Settings and set your app to High Performance. Use the NVIDIA/AMD Control Panel to force eGPU usage. Restart for changes to apply.

In this article, we will discuss how to change which GPU is used for eGPU.

Table of Contents

Introduction

An external GPU (eGPU) allows you to enhance your laptop or mini PC’s graphics performance by connecting a more powerful GPU externally. However, sometimes the system might not use the eGPU by default. In this guide, we will explore how to change which GPU is used for your eGPU setup effectively.

Understanding eGPU and GPU Switching

Internal to External GPU?

Switching from an internal GPU to an external GPU means using a separate graphics card outside your computer for better performance. This helps with gaming, video editing, and heavy tasks by reducing the load on your laptop or desktop’s built-in graphics.

How Egpu Works?

An eGPU connects to your laptop or PC using Thunderbolt 3/4, USB-C, or PCIe, allowing you to offload graphics processing to an external card. This setup is useful for gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

Internal vs. External GPU

Most laptops have an integrated GPU (iGPU) and a dedicated GPU (dGPU), while an eGPU functions as an additional GPU. Managing which GPU your system uses is key to getting the best performance from your eGPU.

How To Set Up An External GPU For Your Laptop?

To set up an external GPU (eGPU) for your laptop, follow these steps:

1. Check Compatibility:

Ensure your laptop has a Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB-C port that supports eGPUs.
Verify that your operating system (Windows or macOS) is compatible.

2. Choose the Right eGPU Enclosure:

Select an eGPU enclosure that supports your preferred graphics card (NVIDIA or AMD).
Check power supply capacity and size compatibility.

3. Install the Graphics Card:

Open the eGPU enclosure.
Insert the GPU into the PCIe slot.
Connect power cables if needed.

4. Connect the eGPU to your laptop:

Use a Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB-C cable.
Ensure the connection is secure.

5. Install Drivers:

Windows: Download and install the latest NVIDIA or AMD drivers.
macOS: macOS should recognize supported eGPUs automatically, but ensure your system is updated.

6. Configure GPU Settings:

On Windows, set the eGPU as the preferred GPU in Graphics Settings or the GPU Control Panel.
On macOS, assign specific apps to use the eGPU via System Preferences.

7. Test the eGPU:

Run a graphics-intensive application to ensure the eGPU is working properly.
Use tools like Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) to check GPU usage.

8. Optimize Performance:

Set power mode to High Performance on Windows.
Keep drivers updated regularly.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate an eGPU with your laptop and enjoy enhanced graphics performance.

Understanding Egpus And Their Benefits

Sure! Here’s a table outlining the advantages of using an eGPU:

Advantage	Description
Boosted Graphics Performance	Ideal for gaming and creative applications, providing smoother visuals and faster processing.
Upgradability	Easier to upgrade than internal GPUs, especially useful for laptops with limited upgrade options.
Versatility	Can be connected to various devices, enhancing flexibility and allowing multi-device use.

This table offers a clear and organized way to present the benefits of using an eGPU.

Checking Your Current GPU Usage

Windows

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Go to the Performance tab and check GPU activity.
Use GPU-Z or NVIDIA/AMD software to track GPU usage.

MacOS

Open Activity Monitor > Energy tab.
Look for applications that support eGPU acceleration.

When Should You Change the EGPU Settings?

1. Gaming Performance: Ensures games run on the more powerful eGPU for better frame rates and visuals.
2. Video Editing and Rendering: An eGPU can significantly reduce render times.
3. AI and Machine Learning Tasks: Certain applications benefit from dedicated GPU resources.

Changing GPU for eGPU on Windows

Setting Preferred Gpu In Windows Settings

Go to Settings > System > Display.
Scroll to Graphics Settings.
Choose the application and set it to High performance (eGPU).
Restart the application.

Changing GPU in Nvidia Control Panel

Open NVIDIA Control Panel.
Go to Manage 3D Settings > Program Settings.
Select your application and assign it to the eGPU.
Apply changes and restart.

Changing GPU in AMD Radeon Software

Open AMD Radeon Settings.
Navigate to Graphics > Switchable Graphics.
Select the app and set it to High Performance.

Changing GPU for eGPU on macOS

Plug in your eGPU via Thunderbolt.
Open System Preferences > Displays.
Enable Prefer External GPU for apps that support it.

BIOS Settings for eGPU

Some BIOS versions allow eGPU settings:

Restart and enter BIOS (F2/F12/DEL key during boot).
Check for PCIe external GPU settings.
Enable eGPU support if available.

Using Third-Party Software To Control GPU Usage

Tools like MSI Afterburner, GPU-Z, and HWMonitor help track GPU usage and manage power settings.

Optimizing Performance for eGPU

Use a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 connection for better speed.
Ensure adequate cooling for your GPU.
Keep drivers updated for stable performance.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

EGPU Not Being Detected

Check cables and ports.
Update Thunderbolt and GPU drivers.
Restart your PC after connecting the eGPU.

Applications Not Using eGPU

Assign the eGPU in Windows or the GPU control panel.
Close and reopen the application.

Driver Conflicts

Uninstall and reinstall GPU drivers.
Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) for clean installation.

How To Test If Your eGPU Is Being Used?

Windows: Use Task Manager > Performance Tab > GPU.
Third-Party Tools: Apps like GPU-Z or MSI Afterburner.

Optimizing Performance After Changing eGPU

Power Settings: Set to High Performance mode.
Driver Updates: Regularly update both internal and external GPU drivers.

Pros And Cons Of Using An Egpu

Pros	Cons
Enhanced graphics performance	Added cost of eGPU hardware
Versatile and upgradeable	Not all systems support eGPUs
Great for professionals	Performance may vary by setup

Real-World Use Cases for eGPU Switching

Professional Workstations: Designers and video editors benefit greatly.
Enhancing Laptop Performance: Turn a lightweight laptop into a powerful workstation.

Future of eGPU Technology

With advancements in Thunderbolt and USB4, eGPUs will become faster and more reliable. Expect broader compatibility and improved performance.

How To Choose Default GPU In A Multi-GPU System?

To choose the default GPU in a multi-GPU system, follow these steps for Windows and macOS:

On Windows:

Open Settings by clicking Start, then navigate to System and select Display.
Graphics Settings: Scroll down and click Graphics Settings.
Choose App Type: Select Desktop app or Microsoft Store app, then browse to add the app.
Set GPU Preference: Click Options for the app, then choose Power Saving (integrated GPU) or High Performance (dedicated GPU).
Save Changes: Click Save to apply the settings.

On Nvidia Control Panel:

Right-Click Desktop: Select NVIDIA Control Panel.
Navigate to the 3D settings section and choose “Manage 3D Settings” from the options. for a few seconds
Access the 3D settings menu and click on Manage 3D Settings.
Global Settings: Under Preferred Graphics Processor, select the GPU you want to use by default.
Program Settings: You Can Also Assign Specific GPUs to Individual Programs.

On Amd Radeon Settings:

Open Radeon Software: Right-Click On The Desktop And Choose Amd Radeon Software.
Switchable Graphics: Go to System > Switchable Graphics.
Assign GPU: Set the desired GPU for each application.

On Macos:

System Preferences: Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Energy Saver.
Automatic Graphics Switching: Check or uncheck Automatic Graphics Switching to use either the integrated or external GPU.

This approach lets you control which GPU handles specific tasks, optimizing performance and power efficiency. Let me know if you need more detailed guidance for a specific use case!

Is My Laptop eGPU Compatible?

To check if your laptop is eGPU compatible, follow these steps:

1. Check For Thunderbolt 3/4 Or Usb-C Port:

Look for a Thunderbolt 3/4 port (typically marked with a lightning bolt icon) or a USB-C port with PCIe support.

2. Verify BIOS and Firmware Support:

Some laptops require BIOS settings to enable eGPU support.
Update your laptop’s BIOS and firmware to the latest version.

3. Operating System Compatibility:

Windows: Compatible with most eGPUs through Thunderbolt or USB-C.
macOS: Supports eGPUs on macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later with specific AMD cards.

4. Check With The Manufacturer:

Visit your laptop’s official website to see if eGPU support is mentioned.
Look through the user manual or specification sheet for details.

5. Test With An Egpu:

If possible, test with an eGPU enclosure to see if your laptop detects it.

6. Research Online:

Look for your laptop model on eGPU forums or communities to see if others have successfully used an eGPU with it.

If your laptop meets these requirements, it’s likely eGPU compatible.

How To Choose An External GPU?

Choose an eGPU by considering port compatibility (Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB-C), graphics card support (NVIDIA or AMD), power supply capacity, and enclosure size. Ensure your laptop’s BIOS and firmware support eGPUs. Look for reliable brands like Razer, ASUS, or Sonnet for quality and performance.

Setting Up Your External GPU Enclosure

Install your graphics card into the eGPU enclosure, connect the power cables, and secure the card. Connect the enclosure to your laptop using a Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB-C cable. Install the latest GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD) and configure GPU settings for optimal performance in your system settings.

Gaming Laptop Recommendations for eGPU Use

For eGPU setups, choose gaming laptops with Thunderbolt 3/4 ports, powerful CPUs, and good cooling systems. Ideal models include the Razer Blade 15, Dell XPS 15, and ASUS Zephyrus G14. These offer excellent portability, performance, and compatibility with eGPUs for enhanced gaming experiences.

HP Envy Laptop for Creative Professionals

The HP Envy is perfect for creative professionals, offering strong performance, a high-quality display, and port options for eGPU use. Its Intel Core i7 processors and NVIDIA GTX graphics provide excellent power for photo and video editing, graphic design, and 3D rendering.

HP Envy X360 for Versatile Performance

The HP Envy X360 delivers versatile performance with its 2-in-1 design, AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors, and touchscreen display. It supports eGPU connections via USB-C, boosting graphics performance for creative tasks, light gaming, and everyday productivity, making it a solid all-rounder.

Force Windows to Use External GPU

To make Windows use your external GPU, go to Settings > System > Display, then select Graphics Settings. Choose your app, click Options, and select High Performance. You can also set it through the NVIDIA or AMD software. for 9 seconds

To force Windows to use an external GPU, open Settings > Display > Graphics Settings. Pick your app and choose “High Performance.” Adjust your GPU control panel. This ensures your computer properly uses the external card for demanding graphics tasks.

Use an External Graphics Processor With Your Mac

To use an external graphics processor with your Mac, ensure your system runs macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 or later and has a Thunderbolt 3 port. Connect a compatible eGPU enclosure, install necessary drivers or firmware updates, and assign the eGPU for demanding applications and games to improve overall graphics performance.

EGPU Support in Apps and Games

Many modern applications and games support eGPUs by detecting and utilizing external graphics hardware for enhanced performance. Verify compatibility on the software’s support page, update the eGPU’s drivers, and configure graphics settings within the app. This ensures smoother gameplay, faster rendering, and a more responsive creative workflow across various programs.

External GPU Priority Over Integrated GPU

To prioritize an external GPU over an integrated one, adjust your system’s graphics settings. In Windows, open Graphics Settings to assign the eGPU as high performance for apps. Alternatively, use your GPU control panel to force external GPU usage, ensuring demanding apps utilize the external card over the integrated chip.

My laptop has a discrete graphics card. Can I replace the discrete GPU with an eGPU?

Replacing your laptop’s discrete graphics card with an eGPU is generally not possible. Laptops typically have soldered GPUs that cannot be removed or upgraded. Instead, you can connect an external GPU via Thunderbolt or USB-C, which supplements performance but does not replace the built-in discrete card permanently in most cases.

FAQ,s

How Do I Change Which GPU Is Being Used?

Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics Settings. Select an app, click Options, and choose High Performance for the external GPU. You can also set preferences in the NVIDIA or AMD control panel to force a specific GPU.

How To Select An External GPU?

Choose an external GPU based on your laptop’s Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB-C compatibility, required power supply, and graphics card support. Brands like Razer, ASUS, and Sonnet offer reliable eGPU enclosures. Ensure the enclosure supports your preferred NVIDIA or AMD GPU for the best performance.

Can I Choose Which GPU To Use?

Yes, you can choose which GPU to use by adjusting settings in Windows Graphics Settings, NVIDIA Control Panel, or AMD Radeon Software. Assign specific applications to use either the integrated GPU (power-saving mode) or external GPU (high-performance mode).

How To Switch From External GPU To Internal GPU?

Unplug the eGPU and restart your laptop to switch back to the internal GPU. Alternatively, go to Windows Graphics Settings, select the app, click Options, and choose Power Saving. You can also configure it in your GPU control panel settings.

How to Change Which GPU Is Used for eGPU on Windows?

In Windows, go to Graphics Settings and set your eGPU as High Performance for specific apps. Also, open your GPU control panel (NVIDIA/AMD) and configure global settings to prefer the external GPU for better performance.

How to Change Which GPU Is Used for eGPU Laptop?

Ensure your laptop recognizes the eGPU. Go to Device Manager and check under Display Adapters. In Graphics Settings, select your eGPU for high-performance applications. You may also need to disable the internal GPU in BIOS settings if supported.

How To Change Which GPU Is Used For eGPU Gaming?

Open your game’s graphics settings and select the external GPU if available. In Windows Graphics Settings, set the game to use High Performance. Use the NVIDIA or AMD control panel to assign the eGPU to the game for better FPS and smoother performance.

How to Change Which GPU Is Used for Egpu Mac?

On macOS, go to System Preferences > Displays and check if the eGPU is detected. Assign apps to use the eGPU by right-clicking the application, selecting Get Info, and enabling “Prefer External GPU” for improved performance in supported macOS applications.

How Do I Permanently Enable the External Video Card in Windows?

Open Device Manager, find your internal GPU, and disable it (if possible). Set your eGPU as the preferred GPU in Windows Graphics Settings. In the NVIDIA/AMD control panel, configure global settings to always use the external GPU for all applications.

Conclusion

Using an eGPU can greatly improve your laptop’s graphics performance for gaming, video editing, and creative work. By adjusting Windows or macOS settings, updating drivers, and optimizing power settings, you can ensure smooth performance. Follow the steps in this guide to maximize your eGPU’s potential and enjoy a better experience.