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Windows 11 and High Performance mode (dedicated GPU)

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by varval761

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Hi!

I'm on a newer laptop with an AMD CPU (with its own integrated GPU) and an Nvidia GPU.

When changing Firefox to "High performance" mode in the Windows 11 settings (System > Display > Graphics), it is said to use the dedicated Nvidia GPU. However, to my surprise, this is noticeably more stuttery and laggy than having it use only the integrated AMD GPU ("Power saving" mode).

Additionally, Firefox's hardware acceleration (General > Performance) is set to "use recommended", and my Windows 11 Power mode (System > Power & Battery) is set to Balanced.

I was wondering what the best way to configure all these settings is, such that it takes advantage of my hardware as much as possible? I wish to understand more than simply switching options until Firefox looks the smoothest to my eye --- what do these settings actually do, and how should they be configured idealistically?

I also sometimes run Linux, where things are a bit more complicated (e.g. Nouveau vs proprietary drivers, PRIME, etc) so I understand if the answer is less certain in that environment, but any info for it would be great as well.

Thanks!

Hi! I'm on a newer laptop with an AMD CPU (with its own integrated GPU) and an Nvidia GPU. When changing Firefox to "High performance" mode in the Windows 11 settings (System > Display > Graphics), it is said to use the dedicated Nvidia GPU. However, to my surprise, this is noticeably more stuttery and laggy than having it use only the integrated AMD GPU ("Power saving" mode). Additionally, Firefox's hardware acceleration (General > Performance) is set to "use recommended", and my Windows 11 Power mode (System > Power & Battery) is set to Balanced. I was wondering what the best way to configure all these settings is, such that it takes advantage of my hardware as much as possible? I wish to understand more than simply switching options until Firefox looks the smoothest to my eye --- what do these settings actually do, and how should they be configured idealistically? I also sometimes run Linux, where things are a bit more complicated (e.g. Nouveau vs proprietary drivers, PRIME, etc) so I understand if the answer is less certain in that environment, but any info for it would be great as well. Thanks!

All Replies (2)

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varval761 said

However, to my surprise, this is noticeably more stuttery and laggy than having it use only the integrated AMD GPU

If you are running an intensive graphics application at the same time like a modern game, using a separate GPU may give better results than sharing the same GPU.

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zeroknight said

If you are running an intensive graphics application at the same time

I am not. These results are seen with only Firefox running, no other app. :)