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    GPU switch and support for Linux

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by Kerper, Nov 17, 2016.

  1. Kerper

    Kerper Newbie

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    Hi everyone, I love the aesthetics and the performance of the new Alienware laptops and was wondering if the laptops support a GPU switch for the non-GSYNC panels. Because Optimus is a PITA to deal with in Linux. I know the GSYNC versions, panels are required to be connected to the panel so no problem, but the thing is I wouldn't want to use a TN display after being spoiled by the IPS and VA goodness.

    Please share the info if you can, because laptops with this kind of performance made by other brands are either ugly (cough MSI), full of plastic (cough ASUS ROG) and none of them can allow up to 4 SSDs like the Alienware can! But both of them offer FHD GSYNC, so I'm torn in this situation.
     
    Kerper, Nov 17, 2016
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  2. sste

    sste Notebook Geek

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    Optimus only, no hardware MUX switch. I suggest a Gsync version if you want to save a lot of headache. Otherwise deal with Optimus.
     
    sste, Nov 18, 2016
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  3. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The mux switch is in the gsync model, but they are deactivated.

    Non gsync will have a functional mux.
     
    Mobius 1, Nov 18, 2016
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  4. sste

    sste Notebook Geek

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    Pretty sure this is a software switch. The internal screen is routed through the igpu. If you want to use the dgpu either you use an external monitor through the miniDP or the bumblebee nightmare. There are some alternatives to bumblebee, no experience with them, personally I am skeptical.
     
    sste, Nov 18, 2016
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  5. Kerper

    Kerper Newbie

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    So you're sure there is a HW switch for this? Even on the 13 inch?
     
    Kerper, Nov 18, 2016
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  6. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    On the F7 key it says ID/GFX, so yes, it is a MUX switch AFAIK.

    When I hit that and restart on the 15R3 it shows that the nvidia GPU takes control of the display outputs (both internal and external) completely.
     
    Mobius 1, Nov 18, 2016
    #6
  7. Vasudev

    Vasudev Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I use Nvidia Prime to manually switch to GPUs since Bumblebee doesn't work optimally on Self Signed EFI key for Nvidia GFX drivers.
     
    Vasudev, Nov 18, 2016
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