NVidia Graphics Cards in Linux
From LinuxLaptopWiki
Nvidia do not provide open source drivers or the required technical specifications for operation of their video cards. If you are running Linux, it is recommended that you avoid laptop models with an Nvidia based graphics chipset.
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[edit] Open Source Drivers
The 'nv' modeule is standard with any recent distribution, but does not provide any 3d acceleration.
[edit] nVidia Closed Source Drivers
- 3D acceleration
- http://www.nvidia.com/object/unix.html
NB: you'll avoid a lot of problems if you can install this driver through a distribution repositery rather than direct from nVidia.
- Fedora -- from the livna.org repository.
[edit] Tips and Tricks
[edit] Improve NVidia Laptop Graphics Performance
NVidia laptop cards come with a feature called PowerMizer that dynamically underclocks the GPU when it's not being used much. This is great for battery power but horrible for performance when using Desktop Effects (compiz). Unfortunately, NVidia does not provide a way to configure PowerMizer on Linux however, it's not difficult to create a script that will give you maximum speed while on AC power and maximum power savings while on battery.
