Use only integrated graphics when connecting to external monitor

[Falcon80]

Is it possible to force a MBP 16" to use only integrated graphics when connecting to an external monitor? I am not sure why but it usually take a few tries (turning monitor on and off) before I could get a connection to my Dell 24" Monitor. I have no such issue when connecting it to a MacBook Air 2018 so I suspect it is due to the usage of discrete graphics.

 

[hallux]

I don't believe so. I believe that, just as with the older models, the external display functionality is linked to the discrete GPU and so MUST run off that chip.

 

[chrfr]

Is it possible to force a MBP 16" to use only integrated graphics when connecting to an external monitor? I am not sure why but it usually take a few tries (turning monitor on and off) before I could get a connection to my Dell 24" Monitor. I have no such issue when connecting it to a MacBook Air 2018 so I suspect it is due to the usage of discrete graphics.

The external display connections are wired through the discrete GPU exclusively. Your guess about the cause of the display not showing is unlikely to be correct. If you provide more details, others might be able to help you to troubleshoot.