Free Dedicated GPU VRAM by Enabling iGPU in BIOS
Enable iGPU in BIOS and connect the display to the motherboard to free dedicated GPU VRAM for compute workloads.
Enable iGPU in BIOS, connect the display cable to the motherboard, and verify that the dedicated GPU’s VRAM is now available for your applications.
Summary
The post explains that enabling the integrated GPU (iGPU) in the BIOS and connecting the display cable to the motherboard allows the iGPU to handle the system display, freeing the dedicated GPU’s VRAM entirely. This trick is especially useful for users running Windows or non‑server Linux distributions with a graphical interface.
By offloading the display to the iGPU, the dedicated GPU can be used exclusively for compute workloads, potentially reclaiming a few hundred megabytes of VRAM that would otherwise be reserved for the display. The author notes that this method is a quick and simple way to squeeze more memory out of a limited GPU setup.
The tip is applicable to any system with a discrete GPU that also has an integrated GPU, and it requires no additional software changes beyond the BIOS setting and cable connection. The author encourages users to try the trick if they are constrained by VRAM on Windows or Linux with GUI.
Key changes
- Enable iGPU in BIOS
- Connect display cable to motherboard
- iGPU handles system display, freeing dedicated GPU VRAM
- Useful for Windows or non‑server Linux with GUI
- Reclaims a few hundred MB of VRAM for compute workloads
- No software changes required beyond BIOS and cable
- Works on systems with both discrete and integrated GPUs
- Simple trick to squeeze more memory out of limited GPU