Problem with Disabling Integrated Graphics Card in BIOS

Guide Overview: Recently I purchased an older dedicated graphics card for PCI Express, and properly connecting and configuring it in BIOS took some time. So for others who have problems with this, I'll write a quick guide on how to easily connect a new card and disable the integrated graphics. I'll use Award BIOS as an example on an older Gigabyte GA-Q35M-S2 motherboard. Let's get started!

1 Installing the Dedicated Graphics Card

The first step is to insert the dedicated graphics card into the appropriate slot - likely PCI Express. Keep in mind that today's graphics cards need additional power, usually a 6-pin PCI Express connector, either 1 or 2 of them.

Power Requirements

Better and newer power supplies have 2x PCI Express connectors. If your PSU only has one, you need to purchase an adapter from Molex to 6-pin PCI Express. For information about what power supply to buy to handle your graphics card plus motherboard and processor, I've written about this in another article.

2 Accessing BIOS Settings

Once you've properly inserted the dedicated card into the slot, start the computer and enter BIOS, usually by pressing the Delete key or F2. Look for a tab called "Advanced BIOS Features" or something similar.

BIOS → Advanced BIOS Features (or Advanced Chipset Features)

3 Key BIOS Settings to Configure

After entering the tab, look for two lines with these names:

Init Display First

Graphics card initialization priority - in simple terms: which card will be activated during computer startup.

Available options:

• PCI - Card located in a regular PCI slot (usually additional graphics card)
• Onboard (OnChipVGA) - Integrated graphics card
• PEG - Dedicated graphics card located in PCI Express slot

Onboard VGA

Option to enable integrated graphics card.

Available options:

• Enable If No Ext PEG - Will enable integrated graphics if PEG card (in PCI Express slot) doesn't exist
• Always Enable - Always enables integrated graphics

The Solution: Configuring Settings

We want to disable the integrated graphics card so the computer boots directly from the dedicated card.

Configuration Steps:

1. In BIOS, enter "Advanced BIOS Features" or "Advanced Chipset Features"
2. Select "Init Display First" from the list
3. Choose PEG from the options
4. Navigate to "Onboard VGA" option
5. Set the value to "Enable If No Ext PEG"
6. Save settings and restart the computer

If the card is in the PCI Express slot, the computer will boot from it and the integrated graphics card will be disabled.

Special Case - PCI Slot Cards: If you have a graphics card in a regular PCI slot, unfortunately, to disable the integrated graphics you'll need to disable it in the system settings through Device Manager. Expand "Display adapters," select the appropriate one, right-click, and choose "Disable."

✓ Troubleshooting Tips

• Make sure your power supply has enough wattage for the new graphics card
• Ensure all power connectors are properly seated
• If the system doesn't boot, try clearing CMOS and reconfiguring
• Some motherboards may have slightly different menu names
• Always save BIOS settings before exiting