Priorizing Integrated GPU over dedicated GPU for low performance applications.

[Hoplite_LTT]

Hello,

TLDR : Is there a way to use integrated GPU all the time (on a desktop PC), and to switch automatically to dedicated GPU, only when gaming or using other graphically demanding applications ?

I've built a computer last year, with an i5-12600k and an RTX-3080.
The i5 has integrated graphics so I thought my computer was going to use those in applications with low graphics requirements.
But it turns out it always uses the RTX-3080, no matter what.

Most of the time I use my computer to read pdf, use Word, Excel or surf internet.
I only need the 3080 for gaming and other applications like 3D modeling, but that's not the core of what I do with my computer.

I may be mistaken, but I feel I don't need the 3080 to be permanently running.
I think that just increases power consumption and decreases its lifespan uselessly.

So, I'm trying to find a way to use my Intel integrated GPU all the time, and to switch automatically to the RTX-3080, only when I really need it. In order to save power and avoid killing my 3080 too fast.
I know it's possible on laptops, so I think it should be possible on a desktop too.
Does anyone knows how to do that ??

Until now I've tried this :
- Asking Google
- Asking ChatGPT
- Updating all the drivers --> No Change
- Tweaking the Windows Power Plan --> No Change
- Using Nvidia Control Panel to change preferred GPU --> I don't have this option in the control panel.
- Checking if I have Nvidia Optimus set up --> Not compatible with RTX 3080.
- Looking into the UEFI --> I didn't find any relevant setting, but I'm not sure what to look for.
- Looking into my Motherboard controlling App --> Nothing here.
- Changing custom applications settings to "Power Saving" in the windows Graphics Settings --> Kinda worked, but not the way I want.

The only thing that made the integrated graphics work was the last try.
But I'm not happy with this method because it requires me to set what GPU to use manually for each application, which is tedious. I'd like it to be automatic.
Plus, the dedicated GPU is still running all the time by default. So that does not really economize. 

My specs :
- OS : Windows 11
- Motherboard : ASUS TUF GAMING B660-PLUS WIFI D4
- CPU : I5-12600k (1.45 Ghz integrated graphics)
- GPU : RTX-3080 (10Gb Vram)
- RAM : DDR4 32 Go, 3200 MT/s 
- Storage : 2To NVMe SSD + 4To HDD
 

[will0hlep]

3 minutes ago, Hoplite_LTT said:

Is there a way to use integrated GPU all the time (on a desktop PC), and to switch automatically to dedicated GPU, only when gaming or using other graphically demanding applications?

Probably not,

 

there might be but...

3 minutes ago, Hoplite_LTT said:

In order to save power and avoid killing my 3080 too fast.

I doubt you'd actually save much power, or meaningfully increase your GPUs lifespan.

[Hoplite_LTT]

Quote

I doubt you'd actually save much power, or meaningfully increase your GPUs lifespan.

Thanks for your answer. I was wondering the same.
My computer is running almost 24h/24, 7d/7. That's why I am worried about that.

Could you explain more in detail why you think the benefit wouldn't be meaningful ?

 

[jaslion]

You'll have 2 gpu's active instead of just the 3080 which means more idle power draw. The igpu is off off when nothing is plugged in to it when booting but the dgpu is always on.

 

So basically dont you wont save power and you wont extend the life of your gpu since its on anyway

[ki8aras]

the 3080 isn't stressed rendering a 2d desktop anyways, plus i'm pretty sure it will last for as long as you need to use it(as modern electronics tend to do) until you consider it obsolete and upgrade