How to Enable the GPU Direct of NVIDIA Discrete Graphics Card on Lenovo Legion

When we are buying laptops, especially gaming laptops, It's not uncommon to see computer businesses advertise that their computers have a gpu direct to a dedicated graphics card. So, what exactly is gpu direct? What is its purpose? This article will help you understand discrete graphics GPU direct and provide steps on how to enable it on Lenovo Legion laptops. Let's take a look!

• Part 1: What is GPU direct
• Part 2: Why open GPU direct
• Part 3: How to open GPU direct

What is GPU direct?

Commonly, when we are using our computer, our GPU need to writes to pinned SysMem1(System Memory), then CPU copies from SysMem1 to SysMem2, finally the network driver copies from SysMem 2. "GPU Direct" generally refers to technologies developed by NVIDIA that allow GPUs to communicate directly with each other and other system components, such as network interfaces or SysMem, bypassing the CPU and avoiding unnecessary memory copies. This results in significant performance improvements for tasks that require high-speed data transfer and low latency, such as in high-performance computing (HPC), AI, and data analytics.

Why open GPU direct?

Enabling "GPU Direct" (or a similar feature for direct GPU connection) on your laptop, especially for gaming or high-performance tasks, can significantly enhance your system's performance. The discrete GPU (NVIDIA graphics card) has its own dedicated resources, including memory (VRAM), which are optimized for rendering graphics and processing visual data. GPU direct ensures that games run smoother, with higher frame rates, better graphics quality, and reduced lag or stutter.
After open GPU direct, your computer will analyse data bypassing Integrated Graphics with higher efficiency, full utilization of GPU capabilities and faster data transfer.

How to open GPU direct?

Way 1: Open GPU direct via BIOS.

Step 1 Access the BIOS/UEFI Settings:

Restart your Lenovo Legion laptop.

During the startup process, repeatedly press the BIOS/UEFI access key (usually F2, F10, or Delete) until the BIOS/UEFI menu appears.

Step 2 Navigate to the Graphics Settings:

In the BIOS/UEFI menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to the "Configuration" or "Advanced" tab. The exact names of the tabs and options can vary by model.

Look for a setting related to "Graphics" or "Display."

Step 3 Enable Discrete Graphics:

Within the graphics settings, find the option for "Graphics Mode" or "GPU Mode."

Select "Discrete Graphics" or "NVIDIA Graphics" to force the system to use the NVIDIA GPU directly.

If there is an option for "Switchable Graphics," set it to "Disabled" to ensure the laptop uses the discrete GPU only.

Step 4 Save and Exit:

Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. This is usually done by pressing F10 and confirming the save.

Your laptop will restart with the new settings applied.

Step 5 Check NVIDIA Control Panel:

After the system restarts, right-click on the desktop and open the NVIDIA Control Panel.

Go to "Manage 3D settings" under the "3D Settings" category.

Ensure that the "Preferred graphics processor" is set to "High-performance NVIDIA processor."

Way 2: Use Lenovo Vantage:

Open the Lenovo Vantage application, which is often pre-installed on Lenovo laptops.

Go to the "Hardware Settings" section and look for graphics settings.

Ensure that the discrete graphics option is enabled here as well.

By following these steps, you can enable the GPU direct of the NVIDIA graphics card on your Lenovo Legion laptop, ensuring better gaming and graphical performance.

Conclusion

Enabling the GPU direct of your NVIDIA graphics card on a Lenovo Legion laptop (or any compatible system) is crucial for unlocking the full potential of your discrete GPU. This feature optimizes graphics performance, reduces latency, and improves overall system efficiency, making it particularly beneficial for gaming, content creation, and other graphics-intensive tasks. You can also check the performance of your GPU via MSI Afterburner, click here to get further information about how to use MSI Afterburner to monitor your GPU. Hope this article can help you!