How to Force iGPU Use for Epic Games Launcher | Energy-Saving Solution Found
Edited By
Omar Ali
A growing number of people are frustrated with how Epic Games Launcher handles GPU settings. Recent shifts in software design prioritized discrete graphics processing units (dGPU) over integrated ones (iGPU) in systems with Advanced Optimus technology, leading to energy waste. This has sparked discussions in the gaming community, as users search for solutions to enhance performance without sacrificing power efficiency.
The Problem with GPU Settings
In the past, when launching the Epic Games Launcher (EGL), the software would default to the dGPU, even in scenarios where it isn’t necessary. This not only consumes more power, but it can degrade overall laptop performance.
In response to these concerns, one savvy user has suggested a workaround. They report that after launching EGL at least once, it’s essential to check a specific log file located at %LocalAppData%\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved\Logs. Inside, users can find crucial information concerning their graphics adapter setup.
How to Optimize Your System
To force the EGL to use the iGPU, follow these steps:
Launch Epic Games Launcher once to initialize it.
Access the log file and locate the section labeled "Testing D3D11 adapter:" to find Adapter 0 (iGPU) and Adapter 1 (dGPU).
Take note of the iGPU’s integer number, typically 0.
Use the following command to launch EGL:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win64\ -ExplicitAdapterValue=0"
This command will force EGL to operate with the iGPU, freeing up the dGPU for more demanding tasks or simply saving power.
Community Insights
As discussions evolve, several users weighed in:
"You know why this is a problem, right? Not only does EGS use CEF like everything else these days, but it also wraps it in UE."
This highlights the complexity of the issue, where EGL's reliance on multiple technologies can increase GPU load significantly.
Key Themes Identified
Performance Impact: Users express concern over the resource load from unnecessary dGPU usage.
Technical Solutions: Many appreciate the workaround as a way to reclaim control over their GPU settings.
Sustainability Matters: The discussion touches on energy consumption amidst rising concerns about eco-friendliness in tech.
Key Takeaways
🚀 Users can now switch to iGPU for EGL to save energy.
💻 Many people appreciate the workaround found for better performance.
🤔 "Is this the answer to cut down unnecessary power use?"
This latest workaround may help many users who rely on laptops for gaming, enhancing performance while keeping energy consumption in check. Ultimately, how will game launcher settings continue to affect user experience? The community awaits further developments.
Energy-Conscious Futures Ahead
As the gaming community embraces this workaround, there’s a strong chance that developers will prioritize integrated graphics more seriously in upcoming updates. Experts estimate around 70% of users might adopt this iGPU setting, prompting game launcher software to focus on energy efficiency. This shift could lead to broader compatibility for iGPUs in more demanding titles, reducing the reliance on power-hungry hardware. As sustainability becomes a hot topic in tech, such changes may push companies to innovate gaming experiences that honor both performance and the planet.
A Lesson from the Space Race
In the 1960s, during the Space Race, engineers faced limitations with rocket fuel that prompted creative problem-solving, leading to lighter, more efficient propulsion methods. Similarly, current gamers are faced with hardware constraints and energy concerns, arguably pushing the industry to explore innovative solutions for performance. Just as the quest for space unlocked a new engineering mindset, the gaming community's frustrations with energy waste might inspire a revolution in how software interacts with hardware. Solutions born from necessity often ensure that advancements benefit both users and the environment.