I'm running a desktop setup with an RX 9070 GPU and a Ryzen 7700 CPU, dual-booting Windows 10 and Linux Mint. I've been trying to get Linux to use my dedicated GPU instead of the integrated CPU, but it seems stuck using the CPU for everything. I've attempted to set things up by adding "DRI_PRIME=1" to the etc/environment file and tried launching programs like VLC with it, but that hasn't worked. I also followed a guide for enabling VGA_Switcheroo, but ran into several issues: I couldn't edit the grub file using the terminal, so I did it manually and set the appropriate line, but the switch file is missing which suggests a setup problem. My system detects the GPU, but won't use it. I'm hesitant to disable the integrated GPU in the BIOS due to potential future issues with the dedicated GPU. What can I do to ensure Linux uses my dedicated GPU without turning off the integrated GPU?
4 Answers
First, check your kernel version; you need at least version 6.12 for RX 9000 GPUs. It looks like your current kernel is 6.8.0, which might be why it's not utilizing the GPU properly. Also, make sure you’re using Mesa version 25.1, since you're on Mesa 24.2.8. You can update these using the package manager. Good luck!
Honestly, if you're on a desktop, disabling the integrated GPU might not be a bad idea. There's minimal risk since your dedicated GPU should work just fine. Just make sure your monitor is plugged into the dGPU. It's also crucial to keep your kernel and drivers updated, or you might be stuck with compatibility issues.
It sounds like Mint might be outdated for your setup. I recommend switching to a distro that regularly includes updated drivers, like Fedora KDE. The guides you’re following might not be suitable for a desktop setup, especially since they're mostly relevant for laptops with switchable graphics. Might be time to consider a distro change!
**🔔 Smokey says:** Always include your distro version and hardware details when asking about technical issues! Feel free to ask any questions about this auto-response!
Kernel 6.14 is even better, and you should definitely check for updates for the drivers and Mesa. Sometimes manual installation could help if the update manager isn't showing anything.