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Thread: I need a memory refresh

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    I need a memory refresh

    I'm running Ubuntu 13-04 on a macbook pro with retina.
    The Ubuntu install is new and seems to be using the Gallium graphics driver.
    My laptop has a discreet graphics card and a Nvidia GT650 (I think it is).
    I assume the system is using the discreet graphics card (as I'm not sure graphics switching is possible) but how can I confirm which graphics card is being used currently?
    Thanks (it seems I've forgotten too much).
    Last edited by Quackers; August 21st, 2013 at 01:29 AM.
    MacBook Pro 10,1 retina

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Ubuntu 16.04 Xenial Xerus

    Re: I need a memory refresh

    Hi Quackers. Welcome back

    To see if you have switchable graphics run this command:
    Code:
    lspci -nnk | grep -iA2 vga
    If you see both the Nvidia card and the Intel integrated graphics, you do.

    AFAIK, 13.04's nvidia-current does not support switchable graphics, so you may need to to use Bumblebee (or look for selecting options in the BIOS like some Lenovo laptops do).

    Nvidia has declared that Optimus support is coming, but I think you would have to install it from their website which it may be a good short time solution, but it does not go well with kernel updates.

    Does that help?
    Regards.

  3. #3
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    Re: I need a memory refresh

    Thanks papibe - I definitely have switchable graphics as it's a 15 inch retina. Output from message below

    md@md-MacBookPro:~$ lspci -nnk | grep -iA2 vga
    00:02.0 VGA compatible controller [0300]: Intel Corporation 3rd Gen Core processor Graphics Controller [8086:0166] (rev 09)
    Subsystem: Apple Inc. Device [106b:00f7]
    Kernel driver in use: i915
    --
    01:00.0 VGA compatible controller [0300]: NVIDIA Corporation GK107M [GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition] [10de:0fd5] (rev a1)
    Subsystem: Apple Inc. Device [106b:00f2]
    Kernel driver in use: nouveau

    Both cards are shown but I was after confirming which is currently in use, as I'm not sure but would suspect the onboard Intel card.
    As you said I don't think I can use the nvidia card at the moment but am not absolutely certain.
    MacBook Pro 10,1 retina

  4. #4
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    Re: I need a memory refresh

    If you install Bumblebee, you could use your Nvidia card and even the proprietary driver from 'Additional Drivers' tab on 'Software and Updates'.

    Regards.

  5. #5
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    Re: I need a memory refresh

    Thanks, that's the kind of guidance I was after.
    However, I have read one or two horror stories about the nVidia drivers causing considerable problems with the retina laptops.
    I'm just being careful.
    Bumblebee does look like the way to go though - thanks for pointing me to it
    MacBook Pro 10,1 retina

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    Kubuntu

    Re: I need a memory refresh

    This site has some info on Mac of different types with Linux. Looks like you may have issues.
    http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?pag...item=Computers

    And welcome back.
    UEFI boot install & repair info - Regularly Updated :
    https://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2147295
    Please use Thread Tools above first post to change to [Solved] when/if answered completely.

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    Re: I need a memory refresh

    Thanks oldfred and nice to be here too
    To be honest the only actual problem I'm having so far is that closing the laptop lid leads to suspending but on return the system is either unresponsive or it doesn't come back at all. I'll investigate that.
    The installation wasn't as difficult as I was led to believe and all seems to be well.
    This graphics thing isn't a problem as such because performance is currently good. It's just me wondering which card is being used and whether to install the nvidia driver or not.
    MacBook Pro 10,1 retina

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