Arch Linux

twelveeighty

Member

Registered: 2011-09-04

Posts: 1,456

Newer Dell Laptops Hybrid graphics

I am considering replacing my current Toshiba A500 with a newer Dell Vostro model, but I'm worried about all of the newer Dell models, especially the Vostro models (Dell Vostro 3550 specifically). From what I gather, all these newer Dell's come with a hybrid graphics system - one onboard Intel and one Radeon HD. I have yet to read a review from someone running Linux on it that can access the Radeon as a "dedicated" card. All of them say they can only address the Intel card, which is a waste of course; not to mention that it consumes "generic" memory, no dedicated RAM for graphics.

Now, I'm aware of the Bumblebee project, but that's a little too experimental for my taste, and to my knowledge that has not been integrated with a Desktop Environment such as KDE.

My questions are:
1. Is anyone on this forum running on a relatively new Vostro model with Arch
2. If so, are you running on the onboard Intel or the Radeon? Or are you running Bumblebee and have both? Or perhaps you use "switcheroo" - is there one that works with Dell?
3. If running on the Intel card, do you get decent performance? I'm not looking for hard-core gaming ability, but I'd like to use Desktop Effects in KDE, which runs fine on my current Toshiba (GeForce 310M) using Nouveau.

alex_anthony

Member

From: UK

Registered: 2007-09-25

Posts: 344

Re: Newer Dell Laptops Hybrid graphics

3. If running on the Intel card, do you get decent performance? I'm not looking for hard-core gaming ability, but I'd like to use Desktop Effects in KDE, which runs fine on my current Toshiba (GeForce 310M) using Nouveau.

I'm using a recent Dell with intel and nvidia (bumblebee). Gnome shell runs fine on the intel chip, so i imagine kde desktop effects would too.

twelveeighty

Member

Registered: 2011-09-04

Posts: 1,456

Re: Newer Dell Laptops Hybrid graphics

Do you regret getting the Dell? Since to use the nvidia you have to run apps on bumblebee? Or do you feel it's still a good machine to run Arch on?

Are you running the Intel proprietary display driver?