Nvidia Optimus

Synek

Hi, from what I can gather this software does not work with Linux. I can't figure out exactly what does and doesn't work, however.

I'm going to dual-boot my new laptop with Win7 and Arch. Can I have the Nvidia GPU completely disabled when in Linux and then run Optimus when I'm on Windows? Or could I completely remove Optimus and run the GPU at all times on Windows and have it off completely for Linux?

Also, can I expect my GPU (GTX 765M) to work with Linux reasonably well? I won't be playing any demanding games on Linux so I don't mind using badly optimised drivers. I would, of course, be fine with having no discrete GPU in Linux since the integrated graphics on the new Intel CPU should manage fine, but I'd like the option!

Thanks in advance. Also, I am fairly new to Linux so keep that in mind.

croo

Firstly, Optimus is not software but hardware.

Some systems allow the (GPU) hardware to be switched on or off in the BIOS.
My thinkpad, for example, allows me to use only the integrated intel graphics gpu or only the discrete nvidia graphics card (or both via optimus obvioulsy).

Optimus was developed for windows only by nvidia and they have not been helpful to allow the open source developers on linux to develop a solution. And at the same time, back when it came out anyway, said they would not develop a linux solution themselves.

This meant if you had a laptop with no switch in the BIOS you were left with a system that would be constantly be running both graphics cards even if you only used one in lunux. which if you were plugged in constantly was no big deal but if you relied on your battery its life would go from a potential 6/7 hours to 3 (if you were lucky).

Luckily someone (MrMEEE) found a workaround for linux, in the form of a project called "Bumblebee". There is a little history here and bumblebee became Ironhide which has worked for me fine but I believe this project is now "on hold" and the original bumblebee project has been completely rewritten and renamed "The Bumblebee Project" (TBP) is now the best option to install.

The good news is these solution do work - the bad news is its often not an out of the box experience. Expect to open the terminal window!
To be honest I wouldn't recommend anyone buy an optimus laptop if they intend to use linux. Why pay nVidia for something when they go out of their way to make it difficult for you to use. But if you've already bought a laptop, as you and I have, then bumblebee is the best option.

One other point; if your BIOS does have a switch to enable/disable the nvidia gpu and you don't intend playing games or doing any CAD then you should know the integrated intel graphics is very capable of running the linux desktop with all it bells and whistles enabled.

Synek

Thanks for the reply.

My laptop is a custom build based on one of Clevo's models; do you know if I can expect to be able to disable the GPU in BIOS? I'll find out soon enough anyway.

Bumblebee sounds great. I have no problem using the command line (I am on an Arch install), but I am fairly new to Linux. How difficult can I expect Bumblebee's configuration to be, given that I managed to install and configure Arch without too much problems?

croo

I honestly don't know ... just have a look in the BIOS to see if the option is there!