Question

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Should I switch my graphics mode in the BIOS to avoid using Bumblebee?

rated 0 times [ 1] [ 0] / answers: 1 / hits: 6872 / 3 Years ago, fri, june 25, 2021, 7:43:49

I have just purchased a Acer 3830TG, the timeline X series.

To my surprise I found out that there is no first-party support for nvidia optimus for linux. Bumblebee works great, but the battery life from the graphics card always running is not so great.

I don't use linux for games so i don't really need the graphics card on, I have Windows for that.

In my bios, I have the ability to change my graphics mode from switchable to integrated.

If I do this, reinstall ubuntu, what will happen? Will my nvidia card just turn off? Will everything work properly, as if i'm not running an optimus laptop? Is this recommended as opposed to dealing with bumblebee?

What is the best thing I could do?

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elopingapo

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1 Year ago

answered 3 Years ago kneducator · Accepted Answer

You are a lucky one, not all users have the luxury of being able to switch their cards on the BIOS.

If you dont play games use the integrated Intel card, I believe nothing wrong will happen and you will be able to boot in to Ubuntu without problems, if something wrong happens just revert the setting back and nothing will be lost.

The most logical reason for that is battery ofc, disabling the nVidia card will save you around 15W power increasing the amount of time you need between charging your laptop. Also reduces significantly the amount of heat your laptop generates, that is a big plus in my opinion.

If after disabling the nVidia you cant boot in to Ubuntu drop a comment or ask a new question asking how to remove Bumblebee and the nVidia drivers from your system.