Discrete Graphics Controller Direct Output Mode not working

As far as I understand it, the Nvidia GPU is mainly for external displays but does help supplement the Intel GPU.  If you put the settings back to default, you can check the Task Manager to see if the Discreet GPU is working with an external monitor.

If it doesn't appear to be working, does it show in the Device Manager under Display Adapters?

The Nvidia GPU is not being utilized when connected to an external display. Instead, only the intel one is being used. My issue is that it recognizes any external display I connect it to but doesn't display anything.

Not sure about that option, however ...

In Settings/Display/Graphics ... set the Apps you want to use with Discrete Nvidia card and it should use it (even for external monitors).

And in Default Graphics Settings (at the top of the page), turn OFF HAGS.

Thanks, that's helpful for individual apps but doesn't help for external displays. Also, intensive gpu apps have been using the Nvidia GPU  automatically.

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@Amuzhaqi wrote:

1. Thanks, that's helpful for individual apps but doesn't help for external displays. 

2. Also, intensive gpu apps have been using the Nvidia GPU  automatically.

3. After going into the Bios and enabling Discrete Graphics Controller Direct Output Mode, nothing displays on the external displays.

 

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1. Interesting. Are you running the latest BIOS?

2. Well, at least you know the Nvidia GPU is mostly working.

3. With BIOS option set, have you tried pressing the Function Key Combo that enables the external monitor?

I don't have your system so I can't check, but if you set the Discreet GPU to be dedicated to PhysX, would that keep the external monitor from using it?

I am not really sure what Surround settings are supposed to do unless that is the normal operation of the system, which you are looking for.

Hi

I'm following up to check on the GPU Issue you reported.
I would like to request you to please get back to us via a private note so that we can look into the issue.

The online XPS 17 9720 External Display Connection Guide states that external monitors should be connected to the prioritized left side TB4/USB-C ports.

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@Amuzhaqi wrote:

I am trying to utilize the GPU when connecting to external displays, but it appears not working for me. Maybe I am missing something, but I have tried multiple times and keep getting the same issue. After going into the Bios and enabling Discrete Graphics Controller Direct Output Mode, nothing displays on the external displays. I believe that the 9720 with Nvidia 3060 is supposed to support this. The interesting thing is that the NVidia control panel recognizes the external display and which port is used, but nothing is displayed. 

 

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Did you ever get this working?

I'm trying something similar with an XPS-15 (9520) with 

- Intel i7-12700h (12th-Gen with 14c/20t)
- - Intel Iris Xe graphics (IGP)
- 16gbx2=32gb ram DDR5 4800mhz
- Nvidia GeForce RTX-3050 (Laptop GPU version)

... but I'm not sure the Nvidia card is actually engaged. 

I'm trying to run Farsight's Pinball Arcade (Direct-X 11). It ultimately needs 2 external 1080p monitors via HDMI. For now, I'm just trying to get one to work (temporarily using the laptops internal display for the other). 

It works (displays) it just that it's lagging a bit so I'm not sure the Nvidia RTX-3050 is even being utilized. Looking in Window and Nvidia Control-Panel, it's hard to tell.

I'm using a standard HDMI cable and one of these little hubs.

@Amuzhaqi , did you make any progress?

Hi @Tesla1856 

I do apologize for the late reply but yes. I enabled this feature after the new bios release in January. I am assuming there was something wrong with the settings in the bios that wasn't working. Go to dell's driver website and try to download the driver manually since sometimes it doesn't show on the driver update app.

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@Amuzhaqi wrote:

Hi @Tesla1856 

I do apologize for the late reply but yes. I enabled this feature after the new bios release in January. I am assuming there was something wrong with the settings in the bios that wasn't working. Go to dell's driver website and try to download the driver manually since sometimes it doesn't show on the driver update app.

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No problem what-so-ever on the late reply.

Glad to hear the BIOS/Firmware update helped you to enable the option on the XPS-17_9720 and that it appears to be working.

Back, then ... I downloaded and compared the External Monitor Manuals for both XPS laptops. For whatever reason ... while it IS available on the XPS-17, it does NOT appear to even be available on the XPS-15_9520 with Nvidia RTX-3050 (according to it's manual).