Configure your computer for best graphic performance
Some PC desktops and most all high-quality laptops are equipped with two separate GPU’s a general purpose Integrated one that is basically a subcomponent of the actual CPU chip and a much more powerful Discrete one. The discrete GPU in a desktop is typically a separate graphics card. However, for laptops, manufactures acquire a chip from Nvidia or AMD and embed it directly into their motherboard design.
In the wild-wild west of laptop manufactures, system architecture can vary significantly, but one thing though that is pretty much a given, especially in older ones, is that the laptop’s own screen is directly wired to the integrated GPU and any external outputs (DP & HDMI) are fed from the discrete one. Beware, most USB-C / Thunderbolt adaptors are handled via the CPU and its integrated GPU.
The operating is now responsible for choosing which one to use for each application. Most of the time it chooses based on which display is the primary desktop, because that is the domain in which the OS resides in. So, if we keep the primary desktop on the laptop’s integrated monitor, by default when an application is launched, the OS assigns the integrated GPU to support the app’s graphics needs.
Since we are working with high resolution videos with minimal compression, the integrated GPU in most situations can’t handle these large bitstreams the way a discrete one can. This may result in poor playback performance. Previously both Nvidia and AMD had offered a way to forcefully assign applications to run on either the Discrete or Integrated GPU. However, since Windows 10 version 1803 and later now provide the ability to set graphics performance per application internally, both manufactures has begun to stop including this feature in their driver set.
Customizing Graphics Performance Preference for a Desktop App
Right-click on the Desktop and select Display settings.
Select Graphics settings
Under "Choose and app..." Click the down arrow.
Specify the app type:
- Microsoft Store app – Universal applications installed from Microsoft Windows Store.
- Desktop app – Classic applications not installed from Microsoft Windows Store.
NOTE! On systems running Windows 10 version prior to 1903, Desktop app and Microsoft Store app will be listed as Classic app and Universal app, respectively.
For us we need to choose "Desktop app".
Next click on the "Browse" button.
In File Explorer, select the desired application’s executable file and click Add. There are three executable files we need add, “LegionII.exe”, “LegionProgram.exe” and “LegionStream.exe”. You will need to do each one at a time.
Now one at a time, select one of the three and click Options.
The Graphic preference menu should appear, with the following options to choose from:
- Let Windows decide – Automatically selects the Integrated GPU when running 2D apps and the Discrete GPU when running 3D apps. This is the default setting.
- Power saving – Selects the integrated GPU, which provides lower performance but consumes less power.
- High performance – Selects the discrete GPU, which provides better performance but consumes more power.
In our case, be sure to choose the “High Performance” setting and click Save.
After all three have been set Legion will now have the discreet GPU handle most of the rendering needs.
