Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
To make an app prefer a particular graphics processor, set its per-app graphics preference in Windows, save the change, and restart the app. Choose High performance to request the high-performance GPU, or Power saving when the app does not need it. On a laptop, the high-performance choice can use more power; Windows does not quantify the difference. The GPU names shown beside the choices tell you which adapter each setting uses on your PC.
Set the app’s GPU preference in Windows 11
-
Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
-
Find the app in the app list and select it, then choose Options. If it is not listed, use the on-screen option to add or browse for the app.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Choose High performance to request the high-performance adapter, Power saving to prefer the power-saving adapter, or Let Windows decide to leave the choice to Windows. Check the GPU name shown for each choice; the labels do not identify a particular brand or model. Microsoft documents these per-app graphics preferences in its Windows 11 graphics settings guidance.
Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: PC Feels Slow? A Free Scan Shows What's Dragging Windows Down →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Select Save, then close and restart the app. The change may not take effect in an app that was already running.
#1 Best Overall
PCIe 4.0 x4 64Gbps Compatible eGPU DOCK, with OCuLink SFF-8612 8311 to PCIe x16 and SFF-8611 Male Cable, Enclosure supports Standard ATX Power and External Graphics Cards GPU for Laptop Mini PC- Package Include: OCuLink SFF-8612 Female to PCIe x16 Enclosure Dock, and SFF-8611 Male to Male Cable 50cm/19.7inch (Note: The GPU and Power Supply are not included)
- Advantage of the dock: Our enclosue detachable design on both ends for improved portability and easy storage. PCB board with 10μ gold-plated contacts ensure superior conductivity and reduce oxidation/rust-related resistance that may cause system crashes or BSOD. Multi-status LED indicators provide clear visual feedback for real-time device monitoring. Transfer Speed: PCIe 4.0 x4 (64Gbps )
- SFF-8611 Male to Male Cable: Ultra-thin & flexible design (0.5mm thickness) with premium aesthetics, eliminating port damage risks from rigid traditional OCuLink cables. Flat cable architecture with full-coverage shielding and advanced EMI materials to minimize interference and performance degradation
- Compatible Graphics Cards: Compatible with graphics cards of various sizes like RTX 4090, AMD RX 7900 XTX etc., no need to worry about graphics card length restrictions. 🔺Compatible Power Supply: Compatible with standard ATX power supply ONLY, dual screw mounting (top & bottom) for PSU stability
- Note: The OCulink interface does not support hot plugging, and the computer needs to be turned off to unplug the cable.
Set the preference in Windows 10
On Windows 10, open Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings and set a graphics performance preference for the app, if the option is available. Labels and paths can vary by Windows release. AMD documents this per-app feature for Windows 10 version 1803 and later; restart the app after changing its preference. See AMD’s Windows 10 graphics preference instructions.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft’s support information. That lifecycle date is not itself a cause of an app choosing the wrong GPU.
Rank #2
- Astounding Performance: Unlock near-desktop GPU power with your Thunderbolt 5 Windows 11 laptop. Breakaway Box 850 T5 delivers 80 Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth, ensuring blazing-fast performance for GPU-accelerated workflows. Accelerates Thunderbolt 4 and Most USB4 Windows 11 Computers, too. Intel Thunderbolt Certified.
- Supports Triple Wide GPU Cards NVIDIA GeForce RX50, 40, and 30 Series; AMD Radeon RX 9000, 7000, and 6000 Series.
- 850W power supply supports the power requirements of today’s and tomorrow’s power-hungry GPU cards. And large built-in, variable-speed, temperature-controlled fan quietly and effectively cools whatever card you install.
- Editing, rendering, color grading, animation, and visual effects run significantly faster with GPU acceleration. And Supercharge AI-driven applications with massively increased processing power and efficiency.
- Built-in Thunderbolt 5 Dock for Additional Connectivity Includes one Thunderbolt 5 peripheral port, three 10 Gbps USB Type A ports, plus a 5 Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) port for super-fast wired network connectivity.
Check which GPU the app is using
-
Start the app and leave it running while it performs the work you want to check.
Recommended Free Tools
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Open Task Manager and select Performance.
-
Review the GPU names and activity graphs while using the app. Microsoft explains how to view GPU details in Task Manager.
Rank #3
PCIE 3.0 x16 22Gbps eGPU DOCK, Thunderbolt 4 cable, compatible with external GPU NVIDIA AMD Graphics Card for Windows Laptop Console featuring Thunderbolt 3/4 USB 4, Powered by PD/8PinCPU/Molex/DC5521- Compatible graphics cards: Any GPU with available drivers on the official NVIDIA or AMD websites can be used. For NVIDIA, this ranges from the top-end RTX 5090 all the way down to the GTX 450. The same applies to AMD graphics cards. (Do not recommend Graphics Cards with Intel)
- Compatible devices: Most Windows10/11/Linux -based laptop, desktop, or console (including the Lenovo Legion Go) with a Thunderbolt port and an Intel/AMD processor can be used (some console with USB4 may require a BIOS update to enable USB4 functionality), Compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4
- Transfer speed: The device uses the JHL6340 controller, delivering speeds around 22Gbps, compatible with both Win10 and Win11—offering better stability. Perfect for graphics work, video editing, AI art, and AAA gaming
- Flexible 4 power input options (choose one): CPU (4+4-pin), Molex, PD 3.0 (12V Max 60W), or DC5521 (12V Max 120W)
- Packing Includes: PCIE 3.0 x16 eGPU Dock withThunderbolt Port, High-quality Standard Thunderbolt 4 Cable (23.6 inch), a 24Pin Power Jumper Cable
GPU activity is a practical check that an adapter is working, not proof that the app uses it exclusively for every task. A Windows preference requests an adapter; it does not guarantee a particular frame rate or determine every part of how a system routes rendering and display output.
If NVIDIA Control Panel disagrees with Windows
Set the preference in Windows Graphics settings first. For Windows 10 version 20H1 and later, NVIDIA says Windows assigns graphics processors to apps and overrides the NVIDIA Control Panel preference when Windows has set an app preference. NVIDIA’s control-panel preference may apply when Windows has not set one. See NVIDIA’s explanation of preferred graphics processors and its guidance on assigning GPUs through Windows graphics settings.
Rank #4
- Application: Our this eGPU enclosure is ONLY Compatible with Thunderbolt4/3/USB4 interface NUC/ LAPTOP/Game machine. (NOTE1: It does NOT compatible with Thunderbolt 1/Thunderbolt 2 ports/type c/USB-C interface products, computer or laptop with these port DOES NOT WORK. NOTE2: For Windows system,Please install or update the latest version of the Windows 11 operating system, low version can not be detected.)
- Size of graphic card support: Please note that the theoretically supported graphics card maximum size is 13.7*6.17*2.3 inches(350*157*59mm). And support single-slot and dual-slot graphic card, do NOT support three-slot graphic card. (Package does not include the graphics card.)
- Great Performance: Our portable eGPU dock enclosure built in the officially certified JHL7440 controller module, which used to break the 22Gbps limitation of JHL6 series and the neutering of JHL8 series PCIE X1,provides a stable and efficient expansion experience.
- Daisy Chain Support: The port supports daisy chain for excellent performance. Enables 32Gbps data transfer with PCIE3.0X4.
- Function Well: Built with a 10Gbps USB A port, a TB4 port, a daisy chain port, which makes this external GPU docking station also as a hub, and can attach the external device as you need.
If the high-performance GPU is not listed
There is no universal settings fix established for a missing adapter. First check whether Windows detects both graphics adapters. If one is absent, consult support for your PC model and installed graphics hardware; the next steps depend on that device. Avoid assuming that a BIOS or MUX change, registry edit, driver removal, or hardware purchase is necessary.
Why Radeon Software may not have the old switchable-graphics setting
AMD says Windows 10 version 1803 and later provides per-app graphics performance preferences. AMD also removed the older Radeon Software Switchable Graphics option in Adrenalin Edition 19.12.1 and later, so its absence there does not mean you must find that old control. Use Windows Graphics settings where the feature is available; see AMD’s current guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Up Link & Down Link】Up link: Oculink 4i(PCIE4.0x4), Down Link: PCIEx16(PCIE4.0x4). Only Support Oculink.
- 【Power Supply】This DEG1 supports ATX and SFX standard power supplies, which provides flexible power supply solutions for mini chassis.
- 【Oculink Interfaces】Please kindly note the OCulink interface does not support hot plugging, and the machine needs to be turned off first.
- 【Follow-start Function】The follow-start function is only compatible with MINISFORUM Mini PCs, it requires the use of original wires.
- Note: The GPU is not included.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
