Nvidia Linux Optimus
Most linux distros seem to hate nvidia s graphics cards e g.
Nvidia linux optimus. By creating a separate installation media that is dedicated for providing support to nvidia s graphics cards. For those unaware nvidia optimus is a technology that allows integrated intel graphics and a discrete nvidia graphics card to be built into the same computer generally a laptop and switch between the two on demand. I hope it s simple enough to understand. Nvidia optimus technology intelligently optimizes your notebook pc providing the outstanding graphics performance you need when you need it all the while extending battery life for longer enjoyment.
Furmark was able to run the test at 16 to 20 fps while the intel hd 3000 gpu stuck at 8 9 fps. So that s all about how to configure nvidia optimus in ubuntu in a minimal way. They have decided to form a good relationship with nvidia fans and nvidia itself. If you re using nvidia optimus on linux you switch between discrete and integrated graphics using the mate optimus utility.
Gpu offloading and power management with nvidia cards are not properly supported on linux though there has been some great progress recently which can make it hard to use your optimus laptop at full performance. This panel based applet even supports the nvidia prime offloading feature included in the latest nvidia 435 x linux beta driver and the nvidia 435 21 linux stable drivers both of which are now available in daily builds of ubuntu 19 10. Use nvidia graphics only gives more performance than intel graphics but drains more battery which is not welcome for mobile devices. This same technology is also the cause of linus torvalds infamous finger gesture directed at nvidia themselves.
So i will try my best to explain how to properly use dedicated gpu s for avoiding performance issues. Nvidia optimus there are different methods to take advantage of the nvidia gpu which depend on the driver version supported by your hardware. There are several methods available. Use intel graphics only saves power because nvidia gpu will be completely powered off.
So it s no secret that nvidia optimus technology has a somewhat. This utilizes the same underlying process as the optimus manager and nvidia xrun options it should be. System76 have decided to be kind.