general graphics question

[axel2078]

I'm getting a 15" Dell XPS laptop within the next few weeks and I'm opting for the i7-2620m processor. This processor comes with Intel HD Graphics 3000 and the graphics card in the laptop is Nvidia GT 540M w/Optimus. Now, from what I've gathered so far, people with laptops like this have the option in the BIOS to use the integrated Intel graphics or the Nvidia graphics. I want to install Fedora 15 on this laptop, so will I have better luck with the Intel graphics, or the Nvidia graphics? Thanks.

[evilhita666]

Both should do the trick, it depends on what you'll be using your laptop for... If you're not using a lot of 3D, the Intel card is fine and you don have to install any drivers as it works out of the box in F15 with Gnome Shell and all the bells and whitles, but if you are using 3D intensive apps or games then the nVidia card is a better choice, bear in mind that you'll have to install the drivers, but Leigh has a great thread on the HowTo's section, so it shouldn't be a problem...

[axel2078]

I should note that this will be a dual-boot setup between Windows 7 (thought it won't be used often) and Fedora 15. I don't plan on using any 3D intensive apps, but I do plan on utilizing KVM within Fedora 15 to run virtual machines.

Edit: I just thought of another question. If I enable the Nvidia Optimus in the BIOS so that I can use it under Windows 7, will Fedora 15 default to the Intel HD Graphics 3000 unless I install the Nvidia graphics driver from the rpmfusion repo?

[evilhita666]

Originally Posted by axel2078

I should note that this will be a dual-boot setup between Windows 7 (thought it won't be used often) and Fedora 15. I don't plan on using any 3D intensive apps, but I do plan on utilizing KVM within Fedora 15 to run virtual machines.

Edit: I just thought of another question. If I enable the Nvidia Optimus in the BIOS so that I can use it under Windows 7, will Fedora 15 default to the Intel HD Graphics 3000 unless I install the Nvidia graphics driver from the rpmfusion repo?

I also use dual boot and Optimus enabled, and F15 uses the Intel graphics by default, just remember that even if you're using only the Intel graphics, both cards will be powered on under F15 so your battery life may be too short...

[axel2078]

Ok, thanks for the info. I'm getting a 9 cell battery so hopefully that will help a bit.

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[Dutchy]

By default you can't use the powerfull card, only the IGP.
You can with the latest kernel easily switch off the power hungry second card (truly switching cards like how Optimus is intended is being worked on but most likely won't come quick).
Be advised that you might not even have the option to switch cards in the BIOS.
The idea of two different cards is nice but for now it is just some useless piece of hardware (I hardly use it on Windows and to be honest the automatic switching can be a pain in the ass too).

Oh well, maybe someday it will come to use.

[axel2078]

Is there any real advantage of the NVIDIA optimus over the Intel HD driver? How can you switch off the NVIDIA card in F15?

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