Can I change the default output in nVidia GPU?

spapakons · Jul 18, 2023

Hello! I have two monitors, a 19" Sony TV (see 2nd system specs) connected via a Display Port to VGA adapter and a Full HD monitor connected via HDMI. Before you ask, my Sony TV also has HDMI input but the resolution is limited to 1280x720. Using the VGA input I can go to 1440x900, so I would rather use that. In Windows I have set my Sony TV as my primary monitor, so when booting it switched to the Sony. However when I switch it on the default output is HDMI. Is there any way to change the default output to Display Port? I have a Gainward GTX 1050 Ti graphics card with DP, HDMI and DVI outputs if that helps. If I have to modify the GPU BIOS please recommend a utility that can do it. Can Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) do that? How?

Thanks.

Flashorn · Jul 18, 2023

OK, I'm going out on a limb here.
Could this help any

Change Main Display in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to set a display to be the main display when you have multiple displays connected to your Windows 11 PC. If you have more than one display connected to your PC, then you will be able to select which display you want to use as the main (primary) display by default...

www.elevenforum.com

spapakons · Jul 18, 2023

Thanks, I have already set my Sony TV as the primary monitor. While Windows load it automatically switches there. But until Windows load the default output is HDMI. I wanted to change that (outside Windows), if possible.

Flashorn · Jul 19, 2023

spapakons said:
Thanks, I have already set my Sony TV as the primary monitor. While Windows load it automatically switches there. But until Windows load the default output is HDMI. I wanted to change that (outside Windows), if possible.

Is there any way you could use the HDMI port with the VGA adapter instead of the display port and having
the HDMI connected to the primary display?
Since you say the HDMI is the primary, switching it around , could make the difference or have you tried it
already.

Do you use both screens at the same time or just one and you simply switch between them?

spapakons · Jul 19, 2023

Yes it is, but requires an HDMI to VGA adapter for the Sony TV and a DP to HDMI adapter for the second monitor. This is a waste of two adapters I might need elsewhere. As I have them connected now I only use a single DP to VGA adapter.

Flashorn · Jul 19, 2023

spapakons said:
Yes it is, but requires an HDMI to VGA adapter for the Sony TV and a DP to HDMI adapter for the second monitor. This is a waste of two adapters I might need elsewhere. As I have them connected now I only use a single DP to VGA adapter.

So , what I'm suggesting , would actually work and you could use both monitors ?

How expensive would this be for you?

spapakons · Jul 19, 2023

I guess it would work and I already have these adapters, but I am a Computer Technician and I might need these adapters for my work. I wouldn't like to reserve them. It is not that important, I would prefer a software (firmware, BIOS) solution.

spapakons · Jul 19, 2023

I found a Gainward utility but this only overclocks the card. It doesn't provide access to the BIOS settings. I remember Riva Tuner but I doubt it will work for such a new card and that high Forceware version. Anyone knows of a similar utility for newer GeForce cards?

MisterEd · Jul 19, 2023

Is there any reason you are not using a DP to HDMI adapter? That way you will have two HDMI connections. You then pick which one will connect to your primary display.

Flashorn · Jul 19, 2023

spapakons said:
I guess it would work and I already have these adapters, but I am a Computer Technician and I might need these adapters for my work. I wouldn't like to reserve them. It is not that important, I would prefer a software (firmware, BIOS) solution.

I understand where you are coming from and the need for the right tools at the right times.

You mentioned RivaTuner. guru3D should be the place to ask. I believe Scannerman was a member there at one time
and maybe he could be of help. In the mean time, why not ask there. You might find an answer or work around.

guru3D Forums

Guru3D.com discussion forums

forums.guru3d.com

Flashorn · Jul 19, 2023

MisterEd said:
Is there any reason you are not using a DP to HDMI adapter? That way you will have two HDMI connections. You then pick which one will connect to your primary display.

This is why I asked but his explanation is because of the low resolution he would have compared to the VGA input.

MisterEd · Jul 19, 2023

Flashorn said:
This is why I asked but his explanation is because of the low resolution he would have compared to the VGA input.

Sorry. I should have said DVI-D to HDMI cable. It is actually simpler than any adapter because it is a simple cable wired differently at both ends. On the other hand, a DP to HDMI or DP to VGA requires a circuit and power to do the conversion.

I have a couple DVI-D to HDMI cables that are simple to use and work quite well.

Flashorn · Jul 19, 2023

MisterEd said:
Sorry. I should have said DVI-D to HDMI cable. It is actually simpler than any adapter because it is a simple cable wired differently at both ends. On the other hand, a DP to HDMI or DP to VGA requires a circuit and power to do the conversion.

I have a couple DVI-D to HDMI cables that are simple to use and work quite well.

I saw that on the Amazon site when I searched for those cables. In any case, I think he would prefer a software solution
instead of a hardware one. I asked him to visit guru3D as they have the knowledge for all this.

spapakons · Jul 20, 2023

The Sony TV has to be connected via VGA to get the native 1440x900 resolution. The HDMI input is limited to 1280x720. I tried to add 1440x900 as a custom resolution in HDMI but it didn't work. So I can connect the Sony TV with a DP to VGA adapter (as I do now) or an HDMI to VGA adapter. The DVI output of the GPU is digital only, doesn't have the extra pins to use a DVI to VGA adapter, so this cannot be used. I can use an HDMI to VGA adapter so the Sony TV is always the default monitor, but to connect the second monitor I need a DP to HDMI or DVI to HDMI adapter. I have the former, not the latter, but using it would mean to sacrifice both the HDMI to VGA and the DP to HDMI adapters which I might need elsewhere. That's why I am looking for a software solution to change the default output to Display Port. Thanks anyway.

Tip: You can combine the adapters, such as connect the DP to HDMI adapter on the GPU and then the HDMI to VGA adapter on the previous adapter to get VGA output. It works, I have done it. This saves you the need to buy DP to VGA adapter. Of course I would do it temporarily to service a computer with onboard DP output only, buying both these adapters is more expensive than buying a single DP to VGA adapter.