Connecting an external display to a Late 2011 15-inch MacBook Pro with a dead GPU

[Apratt12]

My discrete AMD GPU is dead, so I blocked it from loading by moving the kext files. With this in place, only Intel Integrated HD graphics is loaded. Everything is working great now on the laptop. However I can no longer use my external monitor. I was hoping for some advise on the best USB/HDMI adapter to my external HP display that would not lag and work smoothly.

 

[jav6454]

I believe that when a secondary display kicks in, Apple made it to have the dGPU take over. I know the Intel GPU should be more than enough, but unsure if Apple allowed such feature.

 

[Apratt12]

I believe that when a secondary display kicks in, Apple made it to have the dGPU take over. I know the Intel GPU should be more than enough, but unsure if Apple allowed such feature.

Thank you. Even when using the USB connection? I understand the thunderbolt connector is hard wired to the GPU but I was hoping the USB would allow for some flexibility?

 

[Lasermoon]

Once you disable the AMD GPU, no more external display.
Purchase a used 2015, 15" MBP, it's a much better machine.

 

[Fishrrman]

Lasermoon has hit the nail on the head.

You can't use an external display with a non-working GPU.

If you're not happy with the built-in display... well... it's time to be looking for a replacement.