Adding a Dedicated GPU to an APU: Understanding the Impact on Integrated Graphics

When you add a dedicated GPU such as an RX 560 to a system with an APU like the Ryzen 5 2400G, the integrated graphics do not necessarily go unused but they typically become inactive for rendering tasks. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happens:

Primary Graphics Source

When a dedicated GPU is installed, the system usually defaults to using it as the primary graphics source. This means that the dedicated GPU will handle all graphical tasks including gaming and rendering.

BIOS Settings

In some cases, you may need to adjust the BIOS settings to ensure that the dedicated GPU is recognized as the primary display output. This setting can vary by motherboard. Proper configuration ensures that the system correctly identifies and utilizes the dedicated GPU.

Integrated Graphics Functionality

The integrated graphics can still be used for other purposes, such as:

Multi-Monitor Setups: You can use the integrated graphics to drive additional monitors if your motherboard supports it. Power Saving: Some systems may switch to integrated graphics for less demanding tasks to save power. Software Configuration: Applications can be configured to use either the dedicated GPU or the integrated graphics depending on your needs.

In summary, while the dedicated GPU will take over the primary graphics duties, the integrated graphics can still have roles in specific scenarios but they are not typically utilized for heavy graphical processing tasks once a dedicated GPU is present.

Memory Utilization

It's important to note that the integrated graphics do have an impact on the memory configuration. When you have an integrated GPU with, for example, 500 MB of memory and a dedicated GPU with 2 GB of memory, the total memory can be distributed between the two. In this case, the dedicated GPU memory would be the primary, resulting in a total of 2 GB 500 MB of dedicated memory.

Role of Integrated Graphics

For most applications, the integrated graphics will work primarily as a display manager and display handler. During gaming or other high-demand activities, the integrated graphics can aid the CPU in rendering tasks. However, adding a dedicated GPU like the RX 560 will take control away from the integrated graphics. You can't utilize both GPUs simultaneously as the CPU architecture is not designed for this parallel operation.

Historical Context and Technologies

It's worth noting that previously, technologies like Nvidia SLI or AMD Crossfire configurations allowed the use of multiple GPUs for parallel processing. However, these configurations required specific hardware and software support, and were not the norm for most users.

In conclusion, adding a dedicated GPU to an APU significantly impacts the role of the integrated graphics, but it also opens up new possibilities for system performance and flexibility. Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing your system performance and choosing the right hardware for your needs.