linux:egpu [mh8 Wiki]

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===== 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