For more information, join the team subscribe to the mailing list 
at the bottom of the Launchpad page

    http://launchpad.net/~hybrid-graphics-linux 

Please join this team if you are new by clicking on the "Join 
Team" link at the right of the Launchpad page. It's important to 
have as many users in the community as possible to request for 
appropriate support.

Tuesday, 31 March 2009

Linux Hybrid Graphics for Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q706/Q708 and Acer Aspire 7530

If you are the proud owner of a Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q706/Q708 or an Acer Aspire 7530 and have tried to run Linux, please take a moment to provide the DSDT information for the laptop in this link:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

4 out of 15 so far, so please keep sending your info:
  1. Linux and Sony Vaio Z-series (intel/nvidia)
  2. Linux and Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 (intel/nvidia)
  3. Linux and BenQ Joybook S42 (intel/nvidia)
  4. Linux and ASUS N10J (intel/nvidia)
  5. Linux and Dell Studio XPS 13 (nvidia/nvidia)
  6. Linux and Dell XPS M1730 (nvidia/nvidia)
  7. Linux and MSI EX630 (nvidia/nvidia)
  8. Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q706/Q708 (nvidia/nvidia -- 9400m + 2x9800m GTS)
  9. Acer Aspire 7530 (nvidia/nvidia -- 9100m + ?)
  10. Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T500 (intel/ati)
  11. Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T400 (intel/ati)
  12. Linux and ASUS M51Ta (intel/ati)
  13. Linux and Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Sa 3650 (intel/ati)
  14. Linux and MSI PX211 12'' (intel/ati)
  15. Linux and HP Pavilion tx2500 (intel/ati)

DSDT is an acronym for Differentiated System Description Table. This table contains the Differentiated Definition Block, which supplies the information and configuration information about the base system. It is always inserted into the ACPI Namespace by the OS at boot time.

If you've got a laptop with a IGP and a hybrid Nvidia or ATi card, and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

Sunday, 29 March 2009

In the news -- Dell XPS M1730 and Linux hybrid graphics

Dell XPS M1730 with 8800M GTX SLI reviewed -- that sucker is fast
As is usually the case when you slap the latest and greatest silicon in a laptop, it's going to best whatever came before. What's surprising here is how thoroughly the Dell XPS M1730 with a Core 2 Extreme X9000 processor and dual GeForce 8800M GTX cards in SLI trounces the last generation of tech. The folks at ExtremeTech pitted the laptop against a hapless m9750 from Alienware, sporting the last generation of tech, and it handily bested it in every competition. CPU tests were heavily in the M1730's favor, and GPU tests even more so. The only holdup is that new X9000 processor, and according to Dell a release is "imminent" -- and if you're shelling out $4480 for a laptop, it might as well be what ExtremeTech calls "the fastest notebook yet."

=========================

4 out of 13 so far, so please keep sending your info:

  1. Linux and Sony Vaio Z-series (intel/nvidia)
  2. Linux and Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 (intel/nvidia)
  3. Linux and BenQ Joybook S42 (intel/nvidia)
  4. Linux and ASUS N10J (intel/nvidia)
  5. Linux and Dell Studio XPS 13 (nvidia/nvidia)
  6. Linux and Dell XPS M1730 (nvidia/nvidia)
  7. Linux and MSI EX630 (nvidia/nvidia)
  8. Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T500 (intel/ati)
  9. Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T400 (intel/ati)
  10. Linux and ASUS M51Ta (intel/ati)
  11. Linux and Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Sa 3650 (intel/ati)
  12. Linux and MSI PX211 12'' (intel/ati)
  13. Linux and HP Pavilion tx2500 (intel/ati)

DSDT is an acronym for Differentiated System Description Table. This table contains the Differentiated Definition Block, which supplies the information and configuration information about the base system. It is always inserted into the ACPI Namespace by the OS at boot time.

If you've got a laptop with a IGP and a hybrid Nvidia or ATi card, and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

In the forums -- Dell Studio XPS 13 and Linux

[ubuntu] Installation of the nvidia drivers - Page 2 - Ubuntu Forums
Finally I managed to make it work, thanks to all the help i got.
So to resume everything that one must to make the nvidia drivers work for Linux 8.10 on a Studio XPS 13:

1.Exit the GUI, type: "Ctrl+Alt+F1"
( to return press Ctrl+Alt+F7)

2. $ sudo killall gdm
(to stop the GUI)

3. $ sudo apt-get install nvidia-180 modaliases
(this will download the driver from internet, and since I'm not sure how to connect with wifi, use ethernet)

4. $ sudo apt-get install nvidia-glx-180
(this will install the driver, just enter y when it is asked)

5. When the install is finished:
$ sudo nvidia-xconfig
(there will be an error, doesn't matter)
Type in the same command again
(this time it will work)

6. $ sudo reboot
(restarts the computer)

7.At this point it will give the error, 'no screens'
enter your username and password then:

$ sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf
(this will edit the xserver configuration page)

8.Go down to "Section Device"
And add a the very end the line:
BusID "PCI:03:00:0"
(remember this is for the studio xps 13)

9.Quit the editor with:
Ctrl+X
then:
Y
then:


10. reboot the computer once more and tadaaa, it works

I spent such a time to make this work, I was very happy when it finally worked, thanks alot for the help from everybody.

P.S If this doesn't work just reboot the computer choose the restricted partition, and just do do "Repair X"

=========================

4 out of 12 so far, so please keep sending your info:

01 Linux and Sony Vaio Z-series (intel/nvidia)
02 Linux and Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 (intel/nvidia)
03 Linux and BenQ Joybook S42 (intel/nvidia)
04 Linux and ASUS N10J (intel/nvidia)
05 Linux and Dell Studio XPS 13 (nvidia/nvidia)
06 Linux and MSI EX630 (nvidia/nvidia)
07 Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T500 (intel/ati)
08 Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T400 (intel/ati)
09 Linux and ASUS M51Ta (intel/ati)
10 Linux and Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Sa 3650 (intel/ati)
11 Linux and MSI PX211 12'' (intel/ati)
12 Linux and HP Pavilion tx2500 (intel/ati)

DSDT is an acronym for Differentiated System Description Table. This table contains the Differentiated Definition Block, which supplies the information and configuration information about the base system. It is always inserted into the ACPI Namespace by the OS at boot time.

If you've got a laptop with a IGP and a hybrid Nvidia or ATi card, and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

In the News -- The Inquirer

Nvidia pumps hybrid graphics to laptop makers - The Inquirer
SONY, FUJITSU Siemens and Benq have announced notebooks using hybrid graphics that allow users to “dynamically switch” between Intel’s Centrino 2 integrated graphics and a discrete Nvidia Geforce GPU.

The switch can be made without the need to reboot, giving the user the choice of whether to burn up the battery in 3D mode, or idly noodle about in 2D on the Interweb.

According to Nvidia, all its Geforce 9M Series GPUs support the hybrid graphics feature, but notebooks have to be specifically designed.

Four firms have joined the bandwagon, after guinea pig Acer tested the water. Sony’s new Vaio Z series, Fujitsu Siemens’ Amilo XI 3650 and Benq Joybook’s S42’s all have the feature.

“Performance when you need it, battery life when you don’t. And no rebooting!” said Nvidia’s chief spinner, Derek Perez, when we asked him about it.

Yes, but does it actually work?

“It’s clear that it is indeed working and in customers hands today,” Perez said


=========================

4 out of 12 so far, so please keep sending your info:

01 Linux and Sony Vaio Z-series (intel/nvidia)
02 Linux and Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 (intel/nvidia)
03 Linux and BenQ Joybook S42 (intel/nvidia)
04 Linux and ASUS N10J (intel/nvidia)
05 Linux and Dell Studio XPS 13 (nvidia/nvidia)
06 Linux and MSI EX630 (nvidia/nvidia)
07 Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T500 (intel/ati)
08 Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T400 (intel/ati)
09 Linux and ASUS M51Ta (intel/ati)
10 Linux and Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Sa 3650 (intel/ati)
11 Linux and MSI PX211 12'' (intel/ati)
12 Linux and HP Pavilion tx2500 (intel/ati)

DSDT is an acronym for Differentiated System Description Table. This table contains the Differentiated Definition Block, which supplies the information and configuration information about the base system. It is always inserted into the ACPI Namespace by the OS at boot time.

If you've got a laptop with a IGP and a hybrid Nvidia or ATi card, and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

Friday, 27 March 2009

4/12 Linux DSDT tables for laptops with hybrid graphics (intel/nvidia, intel/ati, nvidia/nvidia)

4 out of 12 so far, so please keep sending your info:

01 Linux and Sony Vaio Z-series (intel/nvidia)
02 Linux and Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 (intel/nvidia)
03 Linux and BenQ Joybook S42 (intel/nvidia)
04 Linux and ASUS N10J (intel/nvidia)
05 Linux and Dell Studio XPS 13 (nvidia/nvidia)
06 Linux and MSI EX630 (nvidia/nvidia)
07 Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T500 (intel/ati)
08 Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T400 (intel/ati)
09 Linux and ASUS M51Ta (intel/ati)
10 Linux and Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Sa 3650 (intel/ati)
11 Linux and MSI PX211 12'' (intel/ati)
12 Linux and HP Pavilion tx2500 (intel/ati)

DSDT is an acronym for Differentiated System Description Table. This table contains the Differentiated Definition Block, which supplies the information and configuration information about the base system. It is always inserted into the ACPI Namespace by the OS at boot time.

If you've got a laptop with a IGP and a hybrid Nvidia or ATi card, and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

Linux DSDT tables for laptops with hybrid graphics (intel/nvidia, intel/ati, nvidia/nvidia)

We've got 4 out of 11 so far, so please keep sending your info:

Linux and Sony Vaio Z-series (intel/nvidia)
Linux and Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 (intel/nvidia)
Linux and BenQ Joybook S42 (intel/nvidia)
Linux and ASUS N10J (intel/nvidia)
Linux and Dell Studio XPS 13 (nvidia/nvidia)
Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T500 (intel/ati)
Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T400 (intel/ati)
Linux and ASUS M51Ta (intel/ati)
Linux and Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Sa 3650 (intel/ati)
Linux and MSI PX211 12'' (intel/ati)
Linux and HP Pavilion tx2500 (intel/ati)

DSDT is an acronym for Differentiated System Description Table. This table contains the Differentiated Definition Block, which supplies the information and configuration information about the base system. It is always inserted into the ACPI Namespace by the OS at boot time.

If you've got a laptop with a IGP and a hybrid Nvidia or ATi card, and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

Thursday, 26 March 2009

Dell Studio XPS 13 and Linux Nvidia Hybrid Graphics (9200M GS + 9400M G)

Dell Studio XPS 13 is in the list, more are needed:

If you've got any of the laptops below and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

Linux and Sony Vaio Z-series (nvidia)
Linux and Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 (nvidia)
Linux and BenQ Joybook S42 (nvidia)
Linux and ASUS N10J (nvidia)
Linux and Dell Studio XPS 13 (nvidia)
Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T500 (ati)
Linux and Lenovo ThinkPad T400 (ati)
Linux and ASUS M51Ta (ati)
Linux and Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Sa 3650 (ati)
Linux and MSI PX211 12'' (ati)
Linux and HP Pavilion tx2500 (ati)


To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

ASUS N10J with hybrid graphics and Linux (NVIDIA 9300M GS and Intel GMA 950)

If you've got an ASUS N10J and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

Tuesday, 24 March 2009

HP Pavilion tx2500 and Linux Ati PowerXpress

If you've got a HP Pavilion tx2500 and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

What is Hybrid SLI?

Scalable Link Interface - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In response to the PowerXpress technology from AMD, a configuration of similar concept named "Hybrid SLI" was announced on January 7, 2008. The setup consists of an IGP as well as a GPU on MXM module. The IGP would assist the GPU to boost performance when the laptop is plugged to a power socket while the MXM module would be shut down when the laptop was unplugged from power socket to lower overall graphics power consumption.[9][10]

Hybrid SLI is also available on desktop Motherboards and PC's with PCI-E discrete video cards. nVidia claims that twice the performance can be achieved with a Hybrid SLI capable IGP motherboard and a GeForce 8400 GS video card.

On November 5, 2008 in Microsoft’s Guidelines for Graphics in Windows 7 document, Microsoft stated that Windows 7 will not offer native support for hybrid graphics systems. Microsoft added the reason for the decision saying that hybrid graphics systems ‘can be unstable and provide a poor user experience,’ and that it would ‘strongly discourage system manufacturers from shipping such systems.’ Microsoft also added that ‘such systems require a reboot to switch between GPUs.’

On desktop systems, the motherboard chipsets nForce 720a, 730a, 750a SLI and 780a SLI and the motherboard GPUs GeForce 8100, 8200, 8300 and 9300 support Hybrid SLI (GeForce Boost and HybridPower). The GPUs GeForce 8400 GS and 8500 GT support GeForce Boost, the GPUs 9800 GT, 9800 GTX, 9800 GTX+ 9800 GX2, GTX 260 and GTX 280 support HybridPower.


Posted by at

What is ATI Hybrid Graphics?

ATI Hybrid Graphics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
PowerXpress

Available on mainstream mobile IGP chipsets (the AMD M780G chipset), the PowerXpress technology allows seamless switch from integrated graphics (IGP) to discrete graphics on notebooks when the notebook is connected to the AC power supply for better 3D rendering capabilities, and vice versa when disconnected from power supply to increase battery life. The process does not require a system reboot as in past and some current notebook implementations.

PowerXpress (Mobile)
Mode Plugged to AC power? On-board IGP discrete AXIOM/MXM
GPU module(s)		 Default PowerPlay power settings
AC Mode Yes Off On "Maximum performance"
DC Mode No On Off "Maximum battery life"



Posted by at

Understanding a DSDT

DSDT is an acronym for Differentiated System Description Table. This table contains the Differentiated Definition Block, which supplies the information and configuration information about the base system. It is always inserted into the ACPI Namespace by the OS at boot time.

If you've got a laptop with a IGP and a hybrid Nvidia or ATi card, and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

Monday, 23 March 2009

MSI PX211 12'' ultra-lightweight laptop and Linux ATi Hybrid Graphics Technology

If you've got a MSI PX211 and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Sa 3650 and Linux Ati PowerXpress

If you've got a Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Sa 3650 and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

ASUS M51Ta and Linux Ati PowerXpress

If you've got a ASUS M51Ta and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

Lenovo ThinkPad T400 and Linux Ati PowerXpress

If you've got a Lenovo ThinkPad T400 and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

Lenovo ThinkPad T500 and Linux Ati PowerXpress

If you've got a Lenovo ThinkPad T500 and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

BenQ Joybook S42 and Linux Nvidia HybridPower

If you've got a BenQ Joybook S42 and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 and Linux Nvidia HybridPower

If you've got a Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 and you have tried to use Linux on it, you may have noticed that there are issues with the hybrid graphics setup. To help improve the Linux hybrid graphics support for this laptop, please attach your DSDT information to this Launchpad bug report specifying your laptop model:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/312756

To compile your DSDT information, install if you haven't already the acpidump and iasl tools:
sudo apt-get install acpidump iasl           # on Debian-based systems

Then run the following commands:

sudo acpidump > acpidump.txt
sudo acpixtract acpidump.txt
iasl -d DSDT.dat

This will create a DSDT.dsl file that you can attach to the bug report. This information will allow the developers to fully implement the hybrid graphics features for Linux.


Posted by at

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=258304

Hybrids with the Ability to turn off the 3d chip:

AMD/ATI calls it PowerXpress and Nvidia HybridPower. It uses 2 graphics cards, one energy efficient with little 3d power and the other for gaming (fast and uses more/a lot of power), the user can choose which chip to use.
This is not a new concept. Sony has build in 2 graphics chips into some of their laptops for years. In the past a reboot was required to switch between the chips. With the new generation it is possible to change between chips on the fly, the screen will flicker but no need to reboot. At least in Windows Vista (XP, Linux not supported) the user can switch freely between the chips or set up a profile to do so automatically (eg when on battery use low power chip and when plugged in use the more powerful chip).

The graphic card hybrid not only works with two Nvidia or AMD cards but the low power Intel graphics solutions (mostly shard memory) can also be combined with 3d chips from AMD or Nvidia. This solution is ideal for users who want maximum battery life and be able to play current games. The most likely combination is Intel shard memory graphics card for battery life and some low to mid level 3d chip. This will not give great 3d performance but enable you to play some games.

Limitations are the drivers. Special drivers are needed depending on which graphic chips are combined in the hybrid. This will most likely make you depended on the Notebook manufactures driver support. It is uncertain if 3rd party drivers (such as laptopvideo2go) will be usable.

The following notebooks have Nvidia hybrid graphics (as seen on the link below):
http://www.nvidia.com/object/io_1221136906708.html
- Sony VAIO Z (Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS & Intel GMA 4500MHD)
- Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 (Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT & Intel GMA 4500MHD)
- BenQ Joybook S42 (Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT & Intel GMA 4500MHD)

- MSI EX630

On the NVidia side, we reported this issue in the nvnews forum:
http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=1916754

On the AMD/ATI side, we got words from Alex Deucher that he will liaise with AMD for docs in time:
> We can definitely look into it, the problem is we already have a
> backlog of stuff with higher priority (finishing 3D, newer power
> management bits, investigating IDCT/UVD, etc.) to work through at the
> moment, so I cannot say when we'd get to hybrid graphics. The other
> problem is that since many of these hybrid solutions are multi-vendor,
> we may not have the rights release certain IP. Even if would could
> release some information, as has been stated previously, the driver
> stack needs significant work to support something like this.

On the Sony Vaio Z series, right now both cards are visible under Linux, but there is no way to hot-switching-off (if that is a word...) the Nvidia card. There are currently ~100 users of Sony Vaio Z series using Linux that would like this feature to be implemented. See:

https://launchpad.net/~sony-vaio-z-series

Also, see:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=325616&page=1
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=325616&page=2
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=325616&page=3
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=325616&page=4
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=325616&page=5

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