[Linux] Install the Nvidia driver and power saving on the dual Nvidia - Intel gpu laptop on Ubuntu

 

The purpose of this tutorial is to install the NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu Linux on optimus system ( Intel + Nvidia) and switch from a opensource Nouveau driver to the proprietary Nvidia driver. Follow along with our step by step instructions below to install NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu.

1. Nvidia Graphic Install

Go to Activities >> Software & Updates >> Additional Drivers.

Apply changes and reboot the system post the installation and then validate the driver installation by going again to the Additional Drivers tab. 

2. Install Nvidia Prime

sudo apt-get install nvidia-prime

Then you will have Nvidia X Server Settings in Dash. And there you can find PRIME profiles.

Everytime you wanna switch to Intel vga, just type using this command

sudo prime-select intel

Switch back to nvidia

sudo prime-select nvidia