NVIDIA Optimus on Linux – ThinkPad W520 & Bumblebee

[Updated 2021-10-11, see below to solve issue upgrading kernel]

After my ThinkPad T400 bit the dust, it was time to upgrade/replace. As I have been doing more CAD work, and have been tempted to play with Blender, when I saw a ThinkPad W520 with integrated Nvidia Quadro 1000M for a good price, how could I resist.

However, this was not the smooth ride I was expecting – and the first time I’ve ever had such a bad experience with Debian.

TLDR: JUST INSTALL BUMBLEBEE AND LEGACY DRIVERS

Tales of woe below.. Continue reading “NVIDIA Optimus on Linux – ThinkPad W520 & Bumblebee”

NVIDIA Optimus on Linux – ThinkPad W520 & Bumblebee

After my ThinkPad T400 bit the dust, it was time to upgrade/replace. As I have been doing more CAD work, and have been tempted to play with Blender, when I saw a ThinkPad W520 with integrated Nvidia Quadro 1000M for a good price, how could I resist.

However, this was not the smooth ride I was expecting.

TLDR: JUST INSTALL BUMBLEBEE AND LEGACY DRIVERS

Tales of woe below.. Continue reading “NVIDIA Optimus on Linux – ThinkPad W520 & Bumblebee”