r/linux_gaming • u/dewalist • 8h ago

tech support wanted Confusion about integrated vs discrete GPU

Hi all,

I am running Bazzite (KDE) on a Dell Vostro 5510 which has Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics and an nVidia MX450 discrete GPU. I know I can force the nVidia GPU in the BIOS, but I currently have it set to hybrid, and from what I can tell it is using the integrated graphics all the time and is not switching over to the nVidia card during games. I am saying that because Cardwire only wcwe shows the integrated graphics as being active. Cardwire is also set to hybrid. I didn't notice any difference changing it to Smart mode - but I also can't seem to find any processes to add to tell it to switch? In searching around here, I did see something about using the DRI_PRIME=1 flag for launching games, but is that really the best option?

Thanks!

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2

u/brolios 8h ago

Check prime-run to force the dGPU

1

u/dewalist 7h ago

I'm on Bazzite - is that even an option? 

1

u/brolios 7h ago

today i learned, it doesnt
Prime run is a simple script

<carlos@cachotetuff> [~]

↪ which prime-run

/usr/bin/prime-run

<carlos@cachotetuff> [~]

↪ cat /usr/bin/prime-run

#!/bin/bash

__NV_PRIME_RENDER_OFFLOAD=1 __VK_LAYER_NV_optimus=NVIDIA_only __GLX_VENDOR_LIBRARY_NAME=nvidia "$@"

1

u/MrCatChap 8h ago

Not sure about that switching thing you're talking about but forcing it to always use the dedicated GPU is fine, I'd just do that if I were you

I never want my CPU to do anything graphics related

2

u/dewalist 8h ago

Okay. I was just worried about battery life, but I can always go back to hybrid only when I need it, I guess.

0

u/MrCatChap 7h ago

That's fair, it might use more battery but I'd just carry a charger with me

1

u/askc0re 8h ago

Did you try to enable „Run using dedicated graphics card”? You can set it by RMB -> Edit applications -> pick your app-> Advanced.

Also, you can set __NV_PRIME_RENDER_OFFLOAD=1 __GLX_VENDOR_LIBRARY_NAME=nvidia instead of DRI_PRIME=1.

1

u/dewalist 8h ago

What is RMB?

1

u/[deleted] 8h ago

[deleted]

1

u/candy49997 8h ago

MX450 is Turing so it'll work with the latest drivers.