This is tested on " Intel 11th CPU with intel_pstate driver and an NVIDIA GPU with 535 proprietary driver" ,I don't know if this works the same way on AMD CPUs and GPUs
This guide is for normal users that want things just to work with least amount of headache possible
Understanding both normal system power modes & NVIDIA Prime profiles
lets start with Power modes from settings ,each mode does exactly what it says ,that's it ,NVIDIA Prime profiles also do what they say ,but it only affects the state of the GPU ,not the system .
System Power modes tries to apply a state for the whole system .
NVIDIA prime profiles applies a state only for the driver .
How to :
max power saving
- disable the nvidia card , `sudo prime-select intel , don't worry , the integrated GPU in your CPU will take charge
- enable system power saver mode . -reboot
Balanced
- use Nvidia on-demand prime profile .
- use balanced power mode for the system.
- reboot
Max performance
- use Nivida performance mode profile .
- use performance mode for the system .
- reboot the laptop while it's plugged in the charger
- after reboot , change nvidia powerMizer to auto , let the driver do it's thing .
Notes :
- you can change system modes without rebooting .
- you should reboot for nvidia prime profiles to take effects .
- you can mix system power modes and prime profiles but don't make illogical mixes like system power saving mode while running performance mode on nvidia card , this is not recommended .
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Key Points of the Article:
System Power Modes vs. NVIDIA Prime Profiles:
Power Modes:
Practical Tips:
Thoughts on the Article:
Clarity and Usability: The guide is clear and practical, making it accessible for regular users who want to optimize their system's power and performance balance without diving too deep into technical details.
Specificity: The guide is tailored for systems with Intel CPUs and NVIDIA GPUs, so users with AMD hardware may need to seek alternative guidance. However, the principles of balancing power and performance are broadly applicable.
Importance of Rebooting: The emphasis on rebooting after changing NVIDIA Prime profiles is crucial, as many users might overlook this step and wonder why the changes haven't taken effect.
Potential Risks: The warning against combining conflicting modes (e.g., power-saving with performance settings on the GPU) is a good reminder. Such combinations could lead to suboptimal performance or even system instability.
Suggestions for Improvement:
AMD Considerations: It might be helpful to add a brief note on how these settings might differ for AMD CPUs and GPUs, or at least mention that users with such hardware should look for specific instructions.
Visual Aids: The included images could be better annotated or explained to make it clear what they represent and how they relate to the guide.
Overall, this article is a practical resource for users looking to manage their power and performance settings effectively on a Linux system with Intel and NVIDIA hardware.