NVIDIA Optimus support coming to Linux

Posted on Wednesday, September 05 2012 @ 20:06 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
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PC World heard NVIDIA's Optimus power saving technology is finally coming to Linux. NVIDIA software engineer Aaron Plattner revealed that he has a proof of concept working and promises a new version of NVIDIA's proprietary graphics driver for Linux will add Optimus support.
“I've been experimenting with support for Dave Airlie's new RandR 1.4 provider object interface, so that Optimus-based laptops can use our driver to drive the discrete GPU and display on the integrated GPU,” Plattner wrote in his email seeking advice from open source developers.

“The good news is that I've got a proof of concept working,” Plattner added.

A new version of Nvidia's proprietary graphics driver for Linux, in other words, will add Optimus support, making it possible for Linux users to enjoy its battery-saving ability to switch the GPU's power on and off as needed.


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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