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--- linux:egpu [2026/04/25 12:25] – created mh
+++ linux:egpu [2026/04/25 12:30] (current) – [Setup Procedure (Linux Mint 22 + Razer Core X + GTX 1060)] mh
@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 There is no scenario in which hot-plugging a functioning Thunderbolt cable damages the hardware.
+=== Plug-in sequence ===
+<code>
+- Power on laptop normally
+- Log into desktop
+- Turn ON the eGPU enclosure
+- Wait 2–3 seconds (GPU initializes)
+- Plug in the Thunderbolt cable
+- Wait for the OS to detect/authorize the eGPU
+</code>
+=== Unplug sequence ===
+<code>
+- Close any apps using the eGPU (optional but safer)
+- Save your work
+- Unplug the Thunderbolt cable
+- Wait 2–3 seconds
+- Power OFF the eGPU enclosure if desired
+</code>
+<WRAP center info>
+Note: On older Thunderbolt 3 laptops (e.g. 2017 Razer Blade Stealth), the eGPU must be plugged **after boot**, otherwise the system may hang during startup.
+</WRAP>
+==== Setup Procedure (Linux Mint 22 + Razer Core X + GTX 1060) ====
+=== 1. Install Thunderbolt tools ===
+<code bash>
+sudo apt install bolt thunderbolt-tools
+</code>
+Ensure the bolt service is running:
+<code bash>
+systemctl status bolt
+</code>
+=== 2. Verify Thunderbolt controller ===
+<code bash>
+lspci | grep -i thunderbolt
+lsmod | grep thunderbolt
+</code>
+Expected:
+  * Intel Thunderbolt controller listed
+  * thunderbolt kernel module loaded
+=== 3. BIOS configuration ===
+In BIOS:
+  * Thunderbolt: Enabled
+  * Security Level: No Security (SL0)
+⚠️ Required, otherwise devices may not enumerate under Linux.
+=== 4. Connect and authorize the eGPU ===
+Boot the laptop **without** the eGPU connected.
+Then:
+  * Power ON the Core X
+  * Plug the Thunderbolt cable
+Check detection:
+<code bash>
+boltctl list
+</code>
+If needed:
+<code bash>
+sudo boltctl authorize <UUID>
+</code>
+Verify PCIe device:
+<code bash>
+lspci | grep -i nvidia
+</code>
+=== 5. Install NVIDIA driver ===
+Install the recommended driver (for GTX 1060):
+<code bash>
+sudo apt install nvidia-driver-535
+</code>
+⚠️ Do NOT use NVIDIA .run installer (breaks package management and updates)
+=== 6. Disable nouveau driver ===
+<code bash>
+echo "blacklist nouveau" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-nouveau.conf
+echo "options nouveau modeset=0" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-nouveau.conf
+sudo update-initramfs -u
+</code>
+Reboot (without eGPU connected).
+=== 7. Create PRIME offload helper ===
+Linux Mint 22 does not provide prime-run by default.
+Create it manually:
+<code bash>
+sudo nano /usr/local/bin/prime-run
+</code>
+Content:
+<code>
+#!/ bin / sh
+__NV_PRIME_RENDER_OFFLOAD=1 \
+__GLX_VENDOR_LIBRARY_NAME=nvidia \
+__VK_LAYER_NV_optimus=NVIDIA_only \
+__NV_PRIME_RENDER_OFFLOAD_PROVIDER=NVIDIA-G0 \
+exec "$@"
+</code>
+Make executable:
+<code bash>
+sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/prime-run
+</code>
+=== 8. Test GPU usage ===
+Connect the eGPU after boot, then run:
+<code bash>
+nvidia-smi
+</code>
+You should see the GTX 1060 listed.
+Test offloading:
+<code bash>
+prime-run glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer"
+</code>
+=== 9. Usage ===
+Run applications on the eGPU:
+<code bash>
+prime-run <application>
+</code>
+Example:
+<code bash>
+prime-run blender
+prime-run steam
+</code>
+=== 10. Important notes ===
+  * Laptop must boot **without** eGPU connected (known limitation on this hardware)
+  * eGPU must be hot-plugged after login
+  * Internal display introduces a ~20–30% performance penalty (PCIe copy-back)
+  * External monitor connected to the GPU removes this penalty completely
+  * Cycles rendering (Blender) is not affected by this limitation