Nvidia Optimus Linux

Hybrid graphics on linux nvidia optimus intel amd hybrid graphics hi i thought there is a need for a guide on that topic.

Nvidia optimus linux. They have decided to form a good relationship with nvidia fans and nvidia itself. My name is cosmin crihan and i am writing this tutorial in order to show you how to make the nvidia optimus technology properly work on debian systems. This same technology is also the cause of linus torvalds infamous finger gesture directed at nvidia themselves. Before i start getting into the meat of the guide i want to mention that this guide is being written with arch linux or it s derivatives in mind.

System76 have decided to be kind. 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. Nvidia hybrid graphics are a notoriously sore subject for linux users. So i will try my best to explain how to properly use dedicated gpu s for avoiding performance issues.

There are several methods available. 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. This utilizes the same underlying process as the optimus manager and nvidia xrun options it should be. Use nvidia graphics only gives more performance than intel graphics but drains more battery which is not welcome for mobile devices.

If you re using nvidia optimus on linux you switch between discrete and integrated graphics using the mate optimus utility. As a result many laptop owners with both an intel gpu and nvidia gpu don t have it enabled and don t know the first thing about getting it working. 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. 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. Many linux distributions don t specifically outline how to enable support for optimus. Most linux distros seem to hate nvidia s graphics cards e g.