FAQ
TL;DR: On HP 460‑p202nw with 2 GPUs, games default to Intel HD 630; fix by forcing apps to High performance. "The problem is that all games run on this integrated Intel ... and the Radeon 520 is not used at all." [Elektroda, Enytjoo, post #18195561]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Windows users with dual‑GPU HP desktops make games and apps use the dedicated Radeon for better performance.
Quick Facts
- This HP setup has Intel HD 630 (integrated) plus Radeon 520 (dedicated) graphics. [Elektroda, Enytjoo, post #18195561]
- Windows Graphics settings provide three modes per app: Let Windows decide, Power saving, High performance. “Graphics settings for apps in Windows”
- Some UEFI designs can’t disable the iGPU; dGPU output may pass through it. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #18195782]
- Java‑based games like Minecraft launch via another executable; target that runtime, not only the launcher. [Elektroda, Enytjoo, post #18195812]
- Plug your monitor into the discrete GPU’s port, not the motherboard, to ensure dGPU output. [Elektroda, bumble, post #18195593]
How do I force a game to use the AMD Radeon 520 on Windows 10/11?
Use Windows Graphics settings. It’s a three‑mode, per‑app control.
- Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings.
- Add the game’s .exe, click Options.
- Choose High performance, Save, then restart the game. These preferences override automatic selection for that executable. “Graphics settings for apps in Windows”
Do I need to move my HDMI cable to the Radeon 520?
Yes, when your PC has both motherboard and GPU outputs. Plug the monitor into the discrete card’s HDMI/DP port on the expansion slot bracket. This ensures the display pipeline uses the dedicated GPU. Avoid the motherboard video port for gaming. [Elektroda, bumble, post #18195593]
Can I disable the Intel HD 630 iGPU in BIOS/UEFI on this HP?
Often no. Many OEM designs route the dGPU through the iGPU (muxless). As one expert noted, "It is rather impossible to disable the integrated UEFI card, since the image from the radeon probably goes through it." Use per‑app selection instead. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #18195782]
Will disabling the integrated GPU reduce performance or cause issues?
It usually won’t boost performance and can cause recovery headaches. If the dGPU fails or loses drivers, you may have no display until you reset BIOS/CMOS. Keep the iGPU enabled and control usage per application instead. [Elektroda, bumble, post #18195593]
Why do Minecraft or GTA still use Intel after I assign High performance?
Launchers often start a different executable. Minecraft Java runs via a Java runtime (e.g., javaw.exe), not just the launcher. Add the actual runtime or game process in Graphics settings or Radeon Software. Then set it to High performance. [Elektroda, Enytjoo, post #18195812]
How do I add the right executable when a launcher uses another process?
Add the real game binary, not the launcher. In Graphics settings, click Browse and select the game’s actual .exe from its install folder. If the game uses a runtime, add that file too. Pick High performance for each entry and restart the app. “Graphics settings for apps in Windows”
How can I verify which GPU my game is using?
Open Task Manager > Processes. Right‑click the header and enable the GPU Engine column. It shows which GPU (e.g., GPU 0 iGPU, GPU 1 dGPU) each process uses. The Performance tab labels GPUs so you can match engine numbers. “Task Manager GPU performance”
Is there a global switch to make Radeon 520 the default for everything?
No universal toggle exists on modern hybrid systems. Windows offers per‑app Graphics preferences with three modes. Assign High performance to games and heavy apps. Leave everyday apps on Power saving or Let Windows decide. “Graphics settings for apps in Windows”
Can BIOS switch the primary display to the dedicated GPU?
Some BIOS menus expose a primary graphics option. If available, select PCIe/PEG/Discrete as the primary. Not all HP consumer desktops provide this. If absent, use Windows Graphics settings and correct monitor cabling. [Elektroda, bubu1769, post #18195583]
Fullscreen still uses Intel. What else should I try?
Update AMD Radeon drivers, then set your game to High performance in Radeon Software or Windows Graphics settings. Add every related .exe the launcher spawns. Restart the game after changes. This resolves most hybrid‑GPU routing issues. “AMD Switchable Graphics Application Settings”
Does HDMI vs DVI matter for GPU selection?
Port type does not decide GPU selection. Port location does. Use the discrete GPU’s video outputs on the expansion card, not the motherboard’s ports, to ensure the Radeon handles rendering. [Elektroda, bubu1769, post #18195600]
Why doesn’t a UEFI toggle to disable the iGPU appear on this PC?
Many prebuilt systems use a muxless design, where the iGPU stays in the display path. In such systems, the firmware hides full disable options to keep the pipeline functional. Use per‑app controls instead. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #18195782]
