optimus-manager
manages GPU switching on laptops with Nvidia Optimus technology
TLDR
Switch between different GPU modes
SYNOPSIS
optimus-manager [options]
DESCRIPTION
optimus-manager manages GPU switching on laptops with Nvidia Optimus technology (dual Intel/Nvidia graphics). It handles the complex task of switching between the integrated Intel GPU, discrete Nvidia GPU, or hybrid mode.
Available modes are:
- integrated: Use only the Intel GPU (best battery life)
- nvidia: Use only the Nvidia GPU (best performance)
- hybrid: Both GPUs active, Nvidia for specific applications (via PRIME)
Switching modes typically requires logging out or rebooting. The tool manages Xorg configuration, kernel module loading, and display manager integration.
PARAMETERS
--switch _mode_
Switch to specified GPU mode: nvidia, integrated, or hybrid--cleanup
Clean up leftover configuration from previous sessions--status
Display current GPU mode and configuration--print-mode
Print only the current mode name--print-startup
Print the startup mode from configuration--no-confirm
Don't ask for confirmation before switching
CAVEATS
Switching GPUs requires logging out of the desktop session. Hybrid mode requires proper PRIME render offload configuration. Works with various display managers but may need configuration. Specific to Linux laptops with Nvidia Optimus hardware.
SEE ALSO
nvidia-smi(1), prime-run(1), envycontrol(1)