Run nvidia-smi . If TCC is active, you will see “TCC” next to the GPU name, and “Display” will be disabled.
Conversely, , run user interfaces, or interact with graphics APIs like DirectX and OpenGL.
You can switch your enterprise GPUs between modes using the command-line utility nvidia-smi . nvidia-smi -g -dm 0 Set to WDDM: nvidia-smi -g -dm 1 Check mode: nvidia-smi
: Implement more granular TDR controls to prevent "Display driver stopped responding" errors during long-running AI kernels without needing to switch to TCC mode entirely. tcc wddm better
In conclusion, TCC and WDDM are both powerful technologies with their strengths and weaknesses. TCC excels in HPC and AI applications, while WDDM is a popular choice for gaming and professional graphics rendering. When choosing between the two, consider your specific use case and performance requirements.
nvidia-smi -g 0 -dm 1
TCC vs. WDDM: Which Driver Mode is Better for Your GPU? If you’re running heavy workloads like AI training, complex 3D rendering, or high-performance computing (HPC) on Windows, you may have heard that switching your NVIDIA driver mode from to TCC can give you a major performance boost. But is it always "better"? The answer depends entirely on what you're doing with your machine. Understanding the Contenders Run nvidia-smi
WDDM, or Windows Display Driver Model, is a graphics driver model developed by Microsoft for Windows operating systems. It's designed to provide a unified interface for graphics drivers, allowing them to communicate with the operating system and hardware. WDDM is used in a wide range of applications, from gaming to professional graphics rendering.
Remote Access: TCC allows GPUs to be recognized easily via Remote Desktop (RDP) for CUDA tasks, which WDDM often struggles with. The Cons of TCC:
Enable TCC on your compute GPU (e.g., GPU 0): You can switch your enterprise GPUs between modes
So, when should you choose TCC over WDDM, and vice versa? Here are some use cases to consider:
(and essential) if your computer doubles as a daily driver, or if your creative work involves DirectX/OpenGL applications, real-time viewport manipulation, or video playback.