Dell G16 AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX GPU Not Running at Full Speed Fix Windows 11

The NVIDIA GPU in your Dell G16 AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX is not delivering expected gaming performance – GPU-Z shows power draw significantly below the RTX maximum TGP, frame rates are lower than the specifications suggest, or the GPU clock speeds are reduced during gaming. Performance mode configuration and NVIDIA driver updates unlock full GPU speed on the Dell G16 AMD.

This guide covers Dell performance mode settings, NVIDIA driver updates, and GPU power configuration for the Dell G16 AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX in Windows 11.

“Dell G16 AMD GPU was throttling to 60W during gaming. Dell G-Series app was on Balanced mode. Switched to Performance and GPU jumped to 140W. Frame rates in games increased 40 percent. Big difference from one settings change.” – Firdaus, university student from Skudai

Why GPU Is Not at Full Speed on Dell G16 AMD

Dell G16 AMD uses a dynamic TGP system where the NVIDIA RTX GPU power limit adjusts based on the selected performance mode and AC/battery state. In Balanced mode (default), the GPU TGP is limited to preserve battery life and reduce fan noise – typically 60-80W for the RTX 4060 configuration. Performance mode raises the TGP ceiling to 140W+ allowing the NVIDIA GPU to reach its full performance potential. Without Performance mode and AC adapter connected, the GPU cannot draw the power needed for maximum gaming frame rates regardless of the driver state.

• Dell G-Series performance mode set to Balanced – GPU TGP limited to 60-80W
• Running on battery power – GPU automatically reduces TGP when AC adapter not connected
• NVIDIA driver thermal throttling – GPU temperature above 88 degrees Celsius reducing clocks
• AMD SmartShift redistributing power from NVIDIA GPU to Ryzen CPU during CPU-heavy game scenes

Fix 1 – Enable Performance Mode

Open Dell G-Series Command Center or Dell Mobile Connect. Find Performance mode selector. Switch from Balanced to Performance mode. Connect AC adapter if not already connected – Performance mode at full TGP requires AC power delivery. Fan noise increases significantly in Performance mode as the thermal system prepares for higher GPU power draw. Start a demanding game and monitor GPU power in GPU-Z sensor tab. The NVIDIA RTX GPU should show power draw near its TGP ceiling (140W for RTX 4060, 150W for RTX 4070) rather than the Balanced mode reduced figure confirming Performance mode is active.

Fix 2 – Update NVIDIA Driver via Dell SupportAssist

Open Dell SupportAssist and check for NVIDIA GeForce RTX driver updates. Dell-qualified NVIDIA drivers for the G16 AMD include Dell G-Series TGP profiles that allow Dell performance mode software to communicate the correct power budget to the NVIDIA driver. Without Dell-qualified NVIDIA driver, the G-Series performance mode software cannot properly raise the GPU TGP above the Balanced mode default, limiting GPU performance even when Performance mode appears selected in the G-Series software interface.

Set Windows Power Mode to Best Performance

Go to Settings – System – Power – Power mode and select Best performance. Windows Power mode affects CPU performance scaling and can also influence GPU driver power states. Best Performance mode prevents the Windows power governor from reducing GPU clock states during gaming, ensuring the NVIDIA RTX receives the power headroom it negotiates through Dell G-Series software without being further limited by Windows system-level power policy. Balanced or Power Saver Windows modes can reduce achieved GPU TGP by 10-15 percent below the Dell G-Series Performance mode ceiling.

Fix 3 – Monitor GPU Temperature

Open GPU-Z and check the GPU Temperature sensor during gaming in Performance mode. If GPU temperature exceeds 88-90 degrees Celsius, the NVIDIA GPU thermal throttle activates and reduces clocks and TGP to stay within safe temperature limits. On the Dell G16 AMD, sustained 90+ degree GPU temperatures indicate inadequate cooling: either dust-clogged vents, thermal paste degradation after extended use, or the laptop sitting on a surface that blocks bottom air intake. Cleaning the GPU heatsink vents with compressed air and using a laptop stand for improved airflow often resolves thermal throttle and restores full GPU TGP in Performance mode.

Fix 4 – Check AMD SmartShift Settings

The Dell G16 AMD uses AMD SmartShift technology that dynamically redistributes power between the Ryzen 7 7745HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX GPU based on workload demand. In CPU-intensive game scenes, SmartShift may reduce GPU power to increase CPU clock speed. This is normal SmartShift behavior optimizing total system performance. If SmartShift is causing GPU power reductions that exceed expectations in GPU-intensive scenes, check Dell G-Series settings for SmartShift toggle. Disabling SmartShift allocates a fixed TGP to the GPU without CPU power borrowing, which benefits GPU-bound games while reducing CPU performance in CPU-bound scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is GPU not running at full speed on Dell G16 AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX?

Balanced mode limiting GPU TGP to 60-80W. Switch Dell G-Series to Performance mode and connect AC adapter for full GPU power budget.

How do I get maximum GPU performance on Dell G16 AMD?

Performance mode in Dell G-Series software, AC adapter connected, Windows Best Performance power mode, Dell-qualified NVIDIA driver from Dell SupportAssist.

Does Dell G16 AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX have a MUX switch?

Some configurations – check Dell G-Series settings or BIOS for Hybrid/Discrete GPU mode toggle. Discrete mode improves performance by eliminating AMD Optimus overhead.

What NVIDIA GPU does Dell G16 AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX have?

RTX 4060 or RTX 4070 Laptop GPU depending on configuration purchased. Check Device Manager or Dell SupportAssist for exact model.

Conclusion

Dell G16 AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX GPU not at full speed in Windows 11 is resolved by switching Dell G-Series performance mode from Balanced to Performance with AC adapter connected. Dell-qualified NVIDIA driver from Dell SupportAssist enables Performance mode software to properly communicate GPU TGP budget to the NVIDIA driver. Windows Best Performance power mode prevents system-level power policy from reducing GPU clock states below the Dell G-Series Performance mode ceiling. GPU temperature monitoring identifies thermal throttle as a secondary TGP-reducing factor requiring vent cleaning or improved airflow.