Hybrid graphics

[Michael Pope]

I just brought a new notebook and it has this hybrid graphics switch. It switches between a Intel 4000 graphics chip and a Nvidia 640M LE dedicated GPU. Ubuntu 12.04 doesn't detect it at all and just ends up using the Intel 4000 GPU.

Has anyone played around with these?

I've tried installing bumblebee from https://launchpad.net/~hybrid-graphics-linux
This didn't help.

Then I tried installing nvidia's latest drivers by following these instructions:
http://www.techlw.com/2012/06/install-nvidia-driver-in-ubuntu.html

This didn't work either, but I'm not surprised as I think the problem is to do with the switch and not so much the drivers for the nvidia card.

Then I found most people were using a config tool called 'ironhide'. So I gave that a go:
http://hybrid-graphics-linux.tuxfamily.org/index.php?title=Ironhide

Install:
apt-add-repository ppa:mj-casalogic/ironhide
apt-get update
apt-get install ironhide

Configuration (do on the notebook within a GUI)
sudo ironhide-configuration

Currently trying every sony config.
reconfigure? yes
download? (Only once for the day)

Manual config? No
I tried all the Sony setups from 809 through to 816, none of which worked.

For each go with the default XV

Could not get Manual working either.

I've created a bug report here.
https://github.com/MrMEEE/ironhide/issues/251

I don't know if I'm using the correct software, or if it is really this hard to get the Nvidia card switched on. I don't even care if I have to reboot between switching graphics cards.

Is there any easier way?
Or am I on the right track and should I continue with ironhide?

from
Michael

[Bianca Gibson]

On some of them you need to switch it in the bios, and doing so breaks X.
Apparently you can delete your X config (store it somewhere else and copy it back if it breaks) and it may regenerate itself, so may work.
I've never done it myself, back up first, and it's your decision whether to do it - it may well break things severely, and I take no responsibility for that, it's your choice and risk.

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[Michael Pope]

This notebook has a switch above the keep board named 'Stamina' and 'Speed' which allows you to switch between the Intel 4000 and the Nvidia. It doesn't matter if I have it in either position or I switch it whilst booted it always defaults to the Intel GPU.

from
Michael

[Bianca Gibson]

Which one was selected when you installed ubuntu? If it was the integrated maybe it's a configuration issue.
Have you tried switching to the Nvidia and booting the live disk and checking what it is using?
Other than that I've got nothing =/. I hope you can get it working.

[Michael Pope]

I installed Ubuntu with the switch in 'Nvidia'. I don't think the switch is turning the card on at all.

from
Mick

[Tim Hamilton]

HI Michael,

Whilst I haven't had any experience with hybrid graphics I remember
there being a thread about it over on the LUV mailing list a few
months ago. I don't archive emails I get from the list & a quick
search of the official archive hasn't turned anything up but if you
don't get any joy here maybe it's worth heading over there to see if
someone can help.

Cheers
Tim

Vote NO in referenda.

[Gary Pope]

Mick......   I've nothing specific to offer as help, but just reading the other's inputs it comes to mind, that unix has pretty much never listened to Bios - it sniffs and uses hardware irrespective.   I've been brought up to understand that Bios was the mainstay for helping Windows workout what to do,  Whereas, Unix makes its own decisions.  So, if two sets of hardware are available, my gut feel is, that any unix distro worth its salt, will pick the hardware it wants to use/favor from a software  focus, not a bios/fimware/hardware priorty focus.  If that throws a little lateral thinking into the research great - otherwise bin as deserved.

 

Gaz

----- Original Message -----

[Michael Pope]

I think Linus's talk sums up the situation in his recent talk:

NSFW:
Go to 48:20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MShbP3OpASA&feature=g-trend

from
Mick