Update 18/03/2014: I'm sad to announce I no longer have this computer nor any PC with hybrid graphics... My ASUSM51Ta passed away, so I no longer could compile kernels and test things on hybrid graphics. As far as I know this technology is already supported more easily Hybrid Graphics Wiki.

First of all, this HowTo is intended to people like me with almost no knowledge about compiling and patching kernels. Also to people that may want to share their experience using the vga_switcheroo (now included in kernel 2.6.35 onwards) from David Airlie with their own machines with switchable graphics.


If you want to test this HowTo on your computer, please post your experience at the mailing list of https://launchpad.net/%7Ehybrid-graphics-linux

For more info about hybrid graphics consult:
http://linux-hybrid-graphics.blogspot.com/


Notes:





GNU/Linux used: Fedora / Ubuntu
Machine: ASUS M51Ta
Graphic card configuration:
- Integrated: 01:05.0 VGA compatible controller: ATI Technologies Inc RS780M/RS780MN [Radeon HD 3200 Graphics]
- Discrete: 02:00.0 VGA compatible controller: ATI Technologies Inc Mobility Radeon HD 3650



[05/11/2010] Fedora 14 / Ubuntu 10.10 already with vgaswitcheroo!!

Good news!
From now on, if you want to use the vgaswitcheroo module you just have to install (or test from a Live CD/USB) Fedora 14 or Ubuntu 10.10 (sure, other distributions may also do the trick) and go directly to point "(2) Run the new kernel and test:" from previous post. That's all! I personally have installed in my laptop both Fedora and Ubuntu and they both work perfectly well although there are some differences in the scripts (when I have some time I'll make a specific HowTo for each of the new systems; in the meantime, please write me if you have any doubts). Good luck and I hope you enjoy your hybrid graphics on GNU/Linux!

So just download Fedora 14 or Ubuntu 10.10 and try it for yourself:

Fedora 14


Ubuntu 10.10



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