Installing and Configuring Third-Party Graphics Cards on Industrial PCs

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Introduction

When running large-scale 3D applications on an industrial PC (IPC)—such as factory-floor 3D simulations or detailed equipment visualization—the integrated graphics on the CPU may not provide sufficient graphics-processing performance. In these cases, installing a third-party GPU is necessary to achieve the required graphical computing capability.

Installation and Configuration Procedure

  1. Verify that the IPC motherboard includes a PCIe x16 slot (see illustration below).


  2. Insert the GPU into the PCIe x16 slot.
    If the graphics card requires auxiliary power, connect the appropriate power cable as specified.
    Note: Beckhoff IPCs are typically equipped with a 300 W power supply. Ensure that the GPU’s power consumption stays within the available power budget.

  3. After installation, connect your monitor to the integrated graphics output on the motherboard.

  4. Power on the IPC and press DEL during startup to enter the BIOS setup.

  5. In the BIOS, set the following items to ENABLE:

    • Chipset → System Agent (SA) Configuration → PEG Port Configuration → Detect Non-Compliance Device

    • Chipset → System Agent (SA) Configuration → PEG Port Configuration → Enable PEG

  6. Save and exit the BIOS settings.

  7. Shut down the IPC and turn off its power.

  8. Reconnect the monitor to the output port on the newly installed GPU.
    The discrete graphics card should now be fully functional.