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[Solved] Low FPS in Games on Dual Graphics Card Laptop: Impact of i5 Processor and 4GB RAM

Vafik 11268 12
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  • #1 17355929
    Vafik
    Level 6  
    Posts: 44
    Rate: 3
    Hello, I have a laptop with two graphics cards, I'm a bit green in this topic and maybe this will be a silly question, but can these two cards be a problem of low FPS in games? The i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, e.g. Fortnite in full screen, cuts down terribly, you can't even play. Does turning off one of them make any sense? Or not enough RAM?
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  • #2 17355972
    deser1
    Level 12  
    Posts: 227
    Help: 3
    Rate: 24
    The question that 3D graphics uses when playing because it is supposed not Intel.
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  • #3 17355991
    kiss39
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5333
    Help: 397
    Rate: 635
    Hello

    The laptops have two integrated graphics cards integrated Intel (low performance) and dedicated (strong playing card). Laptop, ie. Windows will automatically switch "Automatically" to the appropriate card, but not always. In Bios, you have the option to enable called "Enable Optimus" - this option enables / disables Nvidia Optimus technology (only WIN7 systems). In your laptop you can enable the appropriate card from the Control Panel - Screen.

    Integrated HD Graphisc 5500 (inefficient) - for displaying images e.g. on the desktop *)

    Geforce 920M - a more powerful card
    parameters:
    Memory Size: 2048 MB
    Memory Type: DDR3
    Memory Bus: 64 bit
    Bandwidth: 14.40 GB / s
    info. https://www.techpowerup.com/gpudb/2646/geforce-920m
  • #4 17356017
    Vafik
    Level 6  
    Posts: 44
    Rate: 3
    deser1 wrote:
    The question that 3D graphics uses when playing because it is supposed not Intel.


    How who to check?
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  • #5 17356022
    deser1
    Level 12  
    Posts: 227
    Help: 3
    Rate: 24
    Vafik wrote:
    deser1 wrote:
    The question that 3D graphics uses when playing because it is supposed not Intel.


    How who to check?

    And 3DMark11 Proffesional doesn't show you what graphics it tests in the test?
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  • #6 17356048
    Vafik
    Level 6  
    Posts: 44
    Rate: 3
    deser1 wrote:

    And 3DMark11 Proffesional doesn't show you what graphics it tests in the test?


    I was doing just now and both were displayed

    Link to results: https://www.3dmark.com/3dm11/12863954
  • Helpful post
    #7 17356049
    Dra98
    Moderator of Computers service
    Posts: 9177
    Help: 1316
    Rate: 1066
    You can preset the high performance mode in power management.
    In addition, in the graphics properties -> graphics settings -> classic application -> indicate the game exe file -> options - you can choose - check with what card the application is run.
  • #8 17356059
    Vafik
    Level 6  
    Posts: 44
    Rate: 3
    Dra98 wrote:
    You can preset the high performance mode in power management.
    In addition, in the graphics properties -> graphics settings -> classic application -> indicate the game exe file -> options - you can choose - check with what card the application is run.


    I turned off the Intel card and started the game, I have the impression that it works even worse, i.e. I load more slowly. Gameplay itself is now virtually impossible. He throws 80 FPS every now and then, but after a second he falls to 3-4, and again he goes to 80, and all the time, maybe it's something else?
  • #9 17356161
    deser1
    Level 12  
    Posts: 227
    Help: 3
    Rate: 24
    Vafik wrote:
    He throws 80 FPS every now and then, but after a second he falls to 3-4, and again he goes to 80, and all the time, maybe it's something else?

    And anti-aliasing on how much multiplier?
    What is the temperature on the card and cpu core?
  • #10 17356169
    Vafik
    Level 6  
    Posts: 44
    Rate: 3
    deser1 wrote:

    And anti-aliasing on how much multiplier?
    What is the temperature on the card and cpu core?


    I set the nvidia card to run only it and increase performance to the max, for now the game starts faster and the FPS is 60, it does not fall down.
  • #11 17356176
    deser1
    Level 12  
    Posts: 227
    Help: 3
    Rate: 24
    Vafik wrote:
    deser1 wrote:

    And anti-aliasing on how much multiplier?
    What is the temperature on the card and cpu core?


    I set the nvidia card to run only it and increase performance to the max, for now the game starts faster and the FPS is 60, it does not fall down.

    To play at ease or continue problems?
  • #12 17356646
    Vafik
    Level 6  
    Posts: 44
    Rate: 3
    deser1 wrote:
    Vafik wrote:
    deser1 wrote:

    And anti-aliasing on how much multiplier?
    What is the temperature on the card and cpu core?


    I set the nvidia card to run only it and increase performance to the max, for now the game starts faster and the FPS is 60, it does not fall down.

    To play at ease or continue problems?


    Everything is fine, thanks a lot :)
  • Helpful post
    #13 17356815
    deser1
    Level 12  
    Posts: 227
    Help: 3
    Rate: 24
    Cool little detail, probably to close although I do not know what the author and moderator thinks :)
    Ps. I helped give a plus ;)

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a laptop equipped with dual graphics cards, specifically an integrated Intel HD Graphics 5500 and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce 920M. The user experiences low FPS in games like Fortnite, attributing the issue to the i5 processor and 4GB of RAM. Responses suggest that the laptop's automatic switching between graphics cards may not function optimally, and enabling Nvidia Optimus in BIOS could help. The user initially disabled the Intel card, resulting in worse performance, but later configured the Nvidia card for exclusive use, which improved FPS to 60. Additional suggestions included adjusting power management settings and checking anti-aliasing and temperature levels of the GPU and CPU.
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FAQ

TL;DR: On dual‑GPU laptops, forcing the GeForce 920M (2048 MB VRAM) can fix low FPS; "Geforce 920M - a more powerful card". Windows may auto-switch GPUs, but not always, so select the right one manually. [Elektroda, kiss39, post #17355991]

Why it matters: Picking the wrong GPU tanks performance; choosing the right one restores smooth, playable FPS.

Quick Facts

How do I fix low FPS on a dual‑GPU laptop in Fortnite?

Force the Nvidia GPU and set High performance power mode. "You can preset the high performance mode in power management." Then assign the game to the High performance GPU in Windows Graphics settings. Test again in-game.
  1. Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings.
  2. Add the game .exe (Classic app), click Options.
  3. Choose High performance (Nvidia), Save. [Elektroda, Dra98, post #17356049]

Should I disable the Intel integrated graphics to boost FPS?

No. Disabling the Intel iGPU worsened performance here. After disabling it, Fortnite oscillated wildly from 80 FPS to 3–4 FPS. Re-enable the iGPU, and instead force the Nvidia GPU per‑app. That restored stability later in the thread. [Elektroda, Vafik, post #17356059]

How can I check which GPU my game is using?

Run 3DMark11 and see which GPU it reports during tests. If it shows the Intel adapter, your game likely uses the iGPU. Configure the app to High performance to switch to Nvidia. This quick check verifies your dGPU is active under load. [Elektroda, deser1, post #17356022]

What is NVIDIA Optimus, and does BIOS "Enable Optimus" matter?

Optimus switches between Intel iGPU and Nvidia dGPU automatically. Some BIOSes expose "Enable Optimus" to toggle this feature. On the referenced laptop, that applied to Windows 7 systems. If auto‑switch fails, use Windows Graphics settings to choose the dGPU. [Elektroda, kiss39, post #17355991]

Does 4 GB RAM cause low FPS or stutter in Fortnite?

Yes, it can. Fortnite’s recommended memory is 8 GB. With 4 GB, Windows may page to disk, causing stutters and frame drops. Upgrading to 8 GB or more helps frame pacing and reduces hitching. Keep background apps closed to free RAM. [Epic Games, 2024]

What FPS can a GeForce 920M deliver in Fortnite after proper setup?

In this thread, forcing the Nvidia GPU and High performance mode stabilized Fortnite at about 60 FPS. Results vary by resolution and settings. Ensure the game’s .exe is set to High performance in Windows Graphics settings first. Then measure in a match. [Elektroda, Vafik, post #17356169]

Which GPU should handle desktop versus 3D apps on my laptop?

Use Intel HD Graphics 5500 for desktop tasks to save power. Let the GeForce 920M handle games and 3D workloads. As one helper put it, "Geforce 920M - a more powerful card." Assign games to the High performance GPU if needed. [Elektroda, kiss39, post #17355991]

Why does my FPS jump between 80 and 3 FPS repeatedly?

That pattern appeared after disabling the Intel iGPU on this system. The change caused severe instability and massive frame swings. Re‑enable the iGPU and force the Nvidia GPU per‑app instead. That approach stabilized performance later. [Elektroda, Vafik, post #17356059]

How do I set Windows to High performance power mode for gaming?

Open Power options and select High performance. Then set the GPU per‑app in Graphics settings. This combination prevents aggressive power saving that can downclock the Nvidia GPU. It also ensures games use the dGPU. [Elektroda, Dra98, post #17356049]

Is the i5 CPU the main limiter with a 920M?

In this case, no. Once the Nvidia GPU was forced and High performance set, stutter disappeared and FPS stabilized. That suggests GPU selection and power policy were the real constraints, not the CPU. Confirm by retesting after the change. [Elektroda, Vafik, post #17356169]

What specs of the GeForce 920M affect game performance?

Key limits are its 2048 MB DDR3 VRAM, 64‑bit memory bus, and 14.4 GB/s bandwidth. These constrain texture sizes and throughput. Use lower textures and resolutions for smoother play. The Intel HD 5500 remains for desktop work. [Elektroda, kiss39, post #17355991]

Can I lock a specific game to always use the Nvidia GPU?

Yes. Use Windows Graphics settings. Add the game’s .exe as a Classic app. Click Options and set High performance. Windows will remember this per‑app choice for future launches. Recheck after driver or OS updates. [Elektroda, Dra98, post #17356049]
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