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--- linux:rbs [2026/04/14 23:32] – [OLD] mh
+++ linux:rbs [2026/04/25 12:21] (current) – mh
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 There might be a way to edit the config file located at /usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d/40-libinput.conf and adding something but I haven't been able to make it work that way yet.
-===== Razer Core X eGPU =====
-//Updated procedure for Linux Mint 22 and eGPU running Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB//
-==== Regarding hot-plug ====
-Thunderbolt (TB3/TB4) is explicitly designed for hot-plugging.
-It uses :
-  * Hot-plug–safe PCIe tunneling
-  * Overcurrent protection
-  * Digital handshaking before enabling high-power lanes
-  * Cable and device negotiation before link-up
-  * Mandatory protective circuitry required by Intel’s TB certification
-You are supposed to plug and unplug TB devices while the system is powered — that’s how eGPUs, docks, displays, and drives are meant to work.
-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