MUX Switch Black Screen Issue on Predator Triton 500 SE (PT516-52s) with Recent NVIDIA Drivers

TIM88

Hello,

I’m reporting an issue related to the MUX switch functionality on the Predator Triton 500 SE (model PT516-52s). After updating to newer NVIDIA drivers (versions 55x and above), switching from Hybrid Mode to the dedicated NVIDIA GPU—either via PredatorSense or the NVIDIA Control Panel—results in a system freeze or a black screen.

Through testing, it appears that this behavior stems from a firmware compatibility problem. The current BIOS version (v1.08) does not fully support the updated MUX/Advanced Optimus hand-off logic introduced in newer NVIDIA driver branches.

At the moment, the issue can be avoided by:

• Remaining on older, stable NVIDIA drivers such as 512.44, 537.xx, or 546.xx Studio; or
• Disabling Hybrid Graphics through PredatorSense (Hybrid Mode OFF), which forces the system to operate solely on the discrete GPU.

Systems configured in dGPU-only mode remain stable with newer drivers, but at the cost of reduced battery efficiency.

It would be appreciated if Acer could confirm whether a future BIOS or EC firmware update is planned to address this compatibility issue.

Thank you.

Puraw

Hi TIM88,

Your BIOS hasn’t been updated since 2022, and that limits compatibility with newer GPU drivers. You should only use the official 2022 GPU drivers available on Acer Support for your exact model: https://www.acer.com/us-en/support/product-support/Predator_PT516-52s

Avoid downloading drivers from third-party sites or directly from NVIDIA—doing so can trigger BSODs, black screens, and boot failures, especially on systems with MUX switch or hybrid graphics.

Stick with the OEM-certified drivers until Acer releases a new BIOS version.