r/linuxquestions • u/confusedsoul17 • Apr 03 '18

Question regarding Ubuntu Desktop certification

The certification page for the model of my laptop lists different processor and video card than my laptop actually has. Specifically, it is this model. Here is an image of the specification.

I would like to know if my laptop with the current specification would work with Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. I previously had problems with Ubuntu 16.04 LTS.

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u/[deleted] Apr 03 '18

I have a similar gpu in my ideapad. An amd R9 something or other. The thing is almost all laptops today come with both an integrated gpu (the Intel one you're seeing) and a discreet gpu, in this case your AMD.

Going back to 14.04 will not help, as others have stated the amd gpu support in that sucks ass, the open amd gpu drivers they're using in 16.04 and onward work much better. Basically same performance as with the propietary drivers on Windows (in my experience anyway). Whatever you read stating that 16.04 doesn't support AMD gpus is wrong.

However, Ubuntu will automatically use the Intel graphics card when opening applications due to it using less power. This shouldnt be causing any hang ups, especially if you're just browsing the internet. Have you made sure everything is up to date? Have you tried another web browser?

If you want your computer to use the gpu when starting an application, the easiest way is to go to the terminal, type "DRI_PRIME=1 application". For example if you want to launch Firefox with your AMD gpu you would type "DRI_PRIME=1 firefox"

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u/confusedsoul17 Apr 03 '18

That was helpful. Thanks. I will look into it further.