Are you struggling with games using the wrong graphics card on your ASUS motherboard? You’re not alone. The solution is simpler than you think – you need to disable ASUS integrated graphics through your BIOS settings to force games to use your dedicated GPU.
This guide will show you exactly how to enable or disable integrated graphics on any ASUS motherboard, whether you’re using AMD or Intel.
Understanding ASUS Integrated Graphics
Before diving into the settings, let’s clarify what integrated graphics actually means. Integrated graphics (also called iGPU) is a graphics processor built directly into your CPU. Unlike a dedicated graphics card, it shares system memory and offers basic display capabilities.
Most modern processors include integrated graphics, but there are exceptions:
AMD Processors:
- APUs (processors ending in ‘G’ like Ryzen 7 5700G) include Radeon graphics
- Standard Ryzen processors (no suffix or ‘X’ suffix) lack integrated graphics
Intel Processors:
- Most Intel Core processors include UHD or Iris graphics
- Processors ending in ‘F’ or ‘KF’ have no integrated graphics
- X-series processors also lack integrated graphics
How to Disable ASUS Graphics?
If you just want to disable ASUS integrated graphics quickly, here’s the fastest method:
- Restart your computer and press F2 or Del when you see the ASUS logo
- Press F7 to enter Advanced Mode
- Navigate to Advanced tab
- Select NB Configuration (AMD) or System Agent Configuration (Intel)
- Find IGFX Multi-Monitor and set it to Disabled
- Press F10 to save and exit
That’s it! Your system will now only use your dedicated graphics card.
Accessing ASUS Integrated Graphics Settings
Step 1: Enter the ASUS BIOS
First, make sure your monitor is connected to your dedicated GPU, not the motherboard ports. Then:
- Completely shut down your computer
- Press the power button to start
- Immediately start pressing F2 or Del repeatedly
- Stop pressing when you see the BIOS screen
Can’t access BIOS? If Fast Boot is enabled, try this instead:
- From Windows, hold Shift and click Restart
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings
- Click Restart to enter BIOS
Step 2: Navigate to Graphics Settings
The location of ASUS integrated graphics settings varies between AMD and Intel motherboards:
For AMD Motherboards:
- Press F7 for Advanced Mode
- Go to Advanced tab
- Select NB Configuration
- Look for IGFX Multi-Monitor
For Intel Motherboards:
- Press F7 for Advanced Mode
- Go to Advanced tab
- Select System Agent (SA) Configuration
- Enter Graphics Configuration
- Find iGPU Multi-Monitor or CPU Graphics Multi-Monitor
How to Enable ASUS Integrated Graphics?
Want to use both your integrated and dedicated graphics? Here’s how to enable ASUS integrated graphics:
- Follow the steps above to reach graphics settings
- Set IGFX/iGPU Multi-Monitor to Enabled
- Choose your Primary Display option:
- Auto – Let the system decide (recommended)
- IGFX/CPU Graphics – Use integrated graphics first
- PCIE/PEG – Use dedicated GPU first
Some ASUS boards offer a Hybrid mode that automatically switches between GPUs based on workload.
Memory Allocation Settings
When enabling integrated graphics, you can adjust memory allocation:
AMD Systems:
- Find UMA Frame Buffer Size
- Set to Auto or choose a manual size (512MB-2GB)
- Match this to your RAM capacity
Intel Systems:
- Find DVMT Pre-Allocated
- Select memory size from the list
- 64MB is usually sufficient for basic use
Troubleshooting ASUS Integrated Graphics Not Working
Missing NB Configuration Menu
If you can’t find the integrated graphics options:
- Clear CMOS to reset BIOS to defaults:
- Turn off power supply
- Remove CMOS battery for 5 minutes
- Reinstall battery and power on
- Check CSM Settings:
- CSM (Compatibility Support Module) can hide iGPU options
- Go to Boot > CSM > set Launch CSM to Disabled
- Save and check if NB Configuration appears
Integrated Graphics Still Shows in Device Manager
Even after disabling in BIOS, Windows might still detect the iGPU:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Display Adapters
- Right-click the integrated graphics
- Select Disable device
- Restart your computer
For permanent removal:
- Uninstall the integrated graphics driver
- Download your chipset drivers from ASUS
- Reinstall without the graphics component
No Display After Disabling Integrated Graphics
If your screen goes black after disabling iGPU:
- Connect monitor to dedicated GPU ports only
- Clear CMOS to reset BIOS
- Ensure dedicated GPU power cables are connected
- Try different PCIe slots if available
ASUS Integrated Graphics Advanced Mode Settings
The ASUS integrated graphics advanced mode offers additional options:
Power Management (Intel Only)
- RC6 (Render Standby) – Reduces iGPU power when idle
- Enable this to save power and reduce heat
Multi-Monitor Configuration
When iGPU Multi-Monitor is enabled:
- Use motherboard ports for secondary displays
- Reduces load on dedicated GPU
- Ideal for productivity setups
Primary Display Selection
This determines which GPU initializes during boot:
- Important for accessing BIOS
- Set to your most-used display connection
ASUS Integrated Graphics Manual Configuration Tips
For advanced users wanting full control:
- Dedicated GPU Only Setup:
- Disable iGPU Multi-Monitor
- Set Primary Display to PCIE
- Maximum performance for gaming
- Dual GPU Setup:
- Enable iGPU Multi-Monitor
- Set Primary Display to Auto
- Connect gaming monitor to GPU, work monitor to motherboard
- iGPU Only Setup (for troubleshooting):
- Remove dedicated GPU
- Enable iGPU Multi-Monitor
- Set Primary Display to CPU Graphics
Common Issues and Solutions
Games Using Wrong GPU
To disable integrated graphics for specific games:
- Right-click desktop > NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Software
- Go to 3D Settings > Manage 3D Settings
- Add your game to Program Settings
- Set preferred graphics processor to dedicated GPU
BIOS Update Removed Settings
After updating BIOS:
- Load optimized defaults (F5)
- Re-enable/disable iGPU settings
- Save custom profile for future use
Laptop Considerations
ASUS laptops handle graphics differently:
- Check Armoury Crate for GPU mode settings
- Eco Mode forces integrated graphics
- Standard Mode enables GPU switching
- Turbo Mode prioritizes dedicated GPU
Performance Impact of Integrated Graphics
Disabling integrated graphics can:
- Free up 64-512MB of system RAM
- Reduce CPU heat output
- Eliminate GPU switching delays
- Improve gaming consistency
Enabling integrated graphics allows:
- Video encoding acceleration
- Lower power consumption for basic tasks
- Additional monitor support
- Quick troubleshooting option
Best Practices for ASUS Integrated Graphics
- For Gaming PCs: Disable integrated graphics completely
- For Workstations: Enable for multi-monitor productivity
- For Troubleshooting: Keep enabled as a backup display
- For Streaming: Use iGPU for encoding to reduce game impact
Remember to save your BIOS profile after making changes. This lets you quickly restore settings if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find integrated graphics settings in my ASUS BIOS?
The integrated graphics menu can disappear for several reasons. First, check if CSM is enabled in your Boot settings – this often hides the iGPU options. Try disabling CSM and the menu should reappear. If that doesn’t work, your CPU might not support integrated graphics (check for ‘F’ suffix Intel CPUs or standard Ryzen processors). Clearing CMOS can also restore missing BIOS options.
How do I stop games from using integrated graphics on my ASUS system?
Games defaulting to integrated graphics is a common issue. Start by disabling integrated graphics in BIOS using the steps above. Then, in Windows, go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings. Add your games and set them to “High performance” mode. You can also use NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Software to force specific games to use your dedicated GPU. Make sure your monitor is plugged into the graphics card, not the motherboard.
Can I use both integrated and dedicated graphics at the same time?
Yes, ASUS motherboards support using both GPUs simultaneously through the iGPU Multi-Monitor feature. Enable this in BIOS to run multiple monitors – connect your main display to the dedicated GPU and secondary monitors to the motherboard ports. This setup reduces the load on your gaming GPU and is perfect for streaming or productivity tasks. Just remember that monitors connected to integrated graphics will have lower gaming performance.
Why does my ASUS integrated graphics disappear after enabling CSM?
CSM (Compatibility Support Module) conflicts with modern UEFI features, including integrated graphics support on many ASUS boards. When CSM is enabled, the BIOS hides the NB Configuration menu where iGPU settings live. To fix this, disable CSM in the Boot menu, save changes, and restart. The integrated graphics options should return to the Advanced menu. If you need CSM for older operating systems, you’ll have to choose between legacy boot support and iGPU functionality.
What’s the difference between disabling iGPU Multi-Monitor and disabling integrated graphics completely?
Disabling iGPU Multi-Monitor prevents you from using motherboard display outputs while keeping the integrated graphics active for other purposes like Quick Sync encoding. Disabling integrated graphics entirely (through Primary Display settings or in some BIOS versions) completely turns off the iGPU. For most gaming systems, disabling iGPU Multi-Monitor is sufficient and maintains compatibility while preventing display issues.
How do I fix ASUS integrated graphics not showing in Device Manager?
If integrated graphics isn’t appearing in Device Manager despite being enabled in BIOS, try these fixes: First, run Windows Update to get the latest drivers. Then, download and install the latest chipset drivers from ASUS’s website. If it still doesn’t appear, check if Windows Fast Startup is interfering – disable it in Power Options. As a last resort, reinstall Windows with the iGPU enabled in BIOS to ensure proper detection during setup.
Should I allocate more memory to integrated graphics for better performance?
Increasing UMA Frame Buffer Size or DVMT Pre-Allocated memory can help with integrated graphics performance, but only if you’re actually using the iGPU for gaming or heavy graphics work. For basic display output or video playback, the default 64-512MB is plenty. Allocating more (like 2GB) only makes sense if you have 16GB+ RAM and specifically need better iGPU performance. Remember, this memory is taken from your system RAM and becomes unavailable for other tasks.
Conclusion
Managing ASUS integrated graphics doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you need to disable ASUS integrated graphics for better gaming performance or enable it for multi-monitor setups, the key is understanding your BIOS options. Remember that AMD boards use NB Configuration while Intel boards use SA Configuration for these settings.
Take a moment now to restart your PC and check your current integrated graphics configuration. Making the right choice between enabled and disabled can significantly impact your system’s performance and functionality. With the steps in this guide, you’re equipped to optimize your ASUS system for your specific needs.