The embodiments relate to a computer system, and management of an operating mode of a general-purpose computing on graphics processing unit (GPGPU) adapter. A tool is provided to control the function of the GPGPU adapter. The tool includes an input/output (I/O) interface operatively coupled to the GPGPU adapter. The tool further includes basic input/output system (BIOS) to determine presence of the GPGPU adapter and to interrogate the GPGPU adapter to automatically set an operating mode of the GPGPU adapter. At least two modes of the GPGPU adapter are provided. The GPGPU adapter is set to a first mode in response to determining that the GPGPU adapter is in communication with the visual display, and set to the second mode in response to determining that the GPGPU is not in communication with a visual display.