Modified Pre-Built

[rdiehl104]

Hello,

So I hope that I have not yet made any huge errors. I have a Dell XPS 8940, spec'd with an Intel 11700 (NOT the K version) and using integrated Graphics. At the time of purchase, I did NOT get a GPU since the work for school and cost of the GPU, I thought I could wait for the price to come down and get away without one. Now that I am doing a bit more CAD work, and am more interested in some of the new PC games, I was looking around, found a cheap (used) 3060 12gb GPU for a good deal. I have never built a PC before, used a PC with a GPU etc, so I have it plugged in, but I am now clueless as to how to set up drivers, get it work, etc. I have followed a few tutorials on switching from integrated to the dedicated GPU. I have tried searching for this scenario, but all I have found is how to update the drivers if you upgrade and older GPU, or after a fresh build. I also found a tutorial saying that the NVIDIA control app from the Microsoft store is NOT the one to use? I have to go to a website and select the exact GPU and do it that way? If anyone knows of a dummy proof guide or is willing to help a bit it would be very much appreciated. I had THOUGHT I was capable enough to pull this off, but seem to be stuck. TIA

[Supersonicwolfe]

15 minutes ago, rdiehl104 said:

Hello,

So I hope that I have not yet made any huge errors. I have a Dell XPS 8940, spec'd with an Intel 11700 (NOT the K version) and using integrated Graphics. At the time of purchase, I did NOT get a GPU since the work for school and cost of the GPU, I thought I could wait for the price to come down and get away without one. Now that I am doing a bit more CAD work, and am more interested in some of the new PC games, I was looking around, found a cheap (used) 3060 12gb GPU for a good deal. I have never built a PC before, used a PC with a GPU etc, so I have it plugged in, but I am now clueless as to how to set up drivers, get it work, etc. I have followed a few tutorials on switching from integrated to the dedicated GPU. I have tried searching for this scenario, but all I have found is how to update the drivers if you upgrade and older GPU, or after a fresh build. I also found a tutorial saying that the NVIDIA control app from the Microsoft store is NOT the one to use? I have to go to a website and select the exact GPU and do it that way? If anyone knows of a dummy proof guide or is willing to help a bit it would be very much appreciated. I had THOUGHT I was capable enough to pull this off, but seem to be stuck. TIA

Use the Nvidia App here and it will automatically find the GPU Driver for you. 

https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/software/nvidia-app/

 

If you want to control the fans and potentially get a little bit more boost, try MSI afterburner.

 

But do check the PSU in your XPS 8490, It may not have enough juice (I blowed up a GT550TI years ago,  only to realize later that the OEM system's PSU is only rated for 200W... Still I did got a free replacement.)

 

Typically there is no need to manually change anything, your operating system is smart enough to offload graphics heavy stuff to the dedicated GPU. But it's wise to double check CAD software and others to make sure GPU acceleration is on, especially if you installed them before installing the GPU.

Only thing you need to check is in BIOS, as it's possible that OEM BIOS defaulting output picture through integrated graphics instead though the GPU. (And of course make sure you plug your monitors to the GPU instead of the ports on your motherboard. If you got no display after that, try the aforementioned "default display" option change in the BIOS)

Oh and while in the BIOS, CHECK that in PCIe settings that "above 4K decoding" and "resizable BAR" are in "on/Auto"