

Unfortunately, using this method, the framebuffer console is really slow, the resolution is not optimal, and the EFI framebuffer is exposed onto external monitors only from bios version “A14”. With the proprietary Nvidia driver, the efifb is not replaced so the console still operates with it and the Nvidia driver only operates the X part. When UEFI is enabled, the free drivers work fine and replace the efifb framebuffer driver with their own thus giving proper modesetting at the correct resolution and a speedy and responsive terminal. The module is built separately from the kernel package so there’s no way for it to have the same signature as the kernel. If secure boot is enabled there’s no way to use the proprietary Nvidia driver without fiddling with UEFI keys.

At the end of the post I’ve made a table with all the pros and cons of each solution.

Optimus disabled, proprietary driver for the Nvidia cardĮach one has its drawbacks, so let’s explain each setup a bit.Optimus disabled, free driver for the Nvidia card.Optimus enabled, free driver for Intel and proprietary driver for the Nvidia card.Optimus enabled, free drivers for both Intel and Nvidia cards (implementation is called “Prime”).There are four modes on which I can operate the system: Guess what? Free drivers, proprietary drivers, UEFI, UEFI secure boot, multi monitor, outputs changing on the fly… all sorts of fun! I’m impressed by the fact that it all works together. Basically while I’m at the office it looks like a normal desktop computer but sometime I need to disconnect it to go on a meeting and sometimes I use it at home to play games as well. I regularly use it docked with the lid closed, external keyboard and mouse and 2 external monitors connected to the VGA and DVI outputs of the docking station. So to use an external HDMI connection at home you need to drive it through the Nvidia card, it doesn’t matter if Optimus is enabled or not. VGA (not usable along with the docking station one) Now the UEFI console is also rendered on external monitors if the lid is closed so I’ve updated the guide. Update 23rd May 2014: UEFI console (using efifb) on external monitors has been fixed with bios update version “A14”. This one is a muxless laptop of the worst kind: video outputs are connected only to specific chips! 00: 02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation 3rd Gen Core processor Graphics Controller ( rev 09 )Ġ1: 00.0 VGA compatible controller: NVIDIA Corporation GF108GLM ( rev a1 )Ġ0:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation 3rd Gen Core processor Graphics Controller (rev 09)Ġ1:00.0 VGA compatible controller: NVIDIA Corporation GF108GLM (rev a1)
