Nouveau driver for HDMI out external monitor

redrobred · 12-28-2021, 07:00 AM

Hi. Not sure if this is the right section to post this …
Using my old Dell with intel/Nvidia hybrid is a nightmare and system keeps crashing when using the standard Nvidia or Bumblebee version driver.

Some time ago I tried linux and I’m sure the Nouveau driver, while not the best (some tearing), at least worked while using my external monitor via HDMI, without it crashing (blue, red, white, etc screen display crash).

But now when I use the Nouveau driver, I can see my external Samsung monitor in the display settings, it’s “active” … but no picture shows. When I connect the external, it’s almost like it wants to display (the screen activates), but no picture shows.
I’m thinking maybe I’m missing some addition display software for managing the Nouveau… maybe …. Maybe not …. But thought I’d take a chance and see if anyone can help here.

Not on my pc at the moment (iPad) so can’t give you all specs.
But it’s a Dell XPS (old) , 8 gig RAM, intel/Nvidia graphics, … and currently running Linux Mint, but had same issues with other distros such as Kubuntu etc…

TIA

mrmazda · 12-28-2021, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redrobred

I’m thinking maybe I’m missing some addition display software for managing the Nouveau… maybe …. Maybe not ….

With Optimus (Intel+NVidia), nvidia-prime usually works better than Bumblebee. Did you try it?

Nouveau has multiple meanings. Read this primer for details, try prime, then think about reformulating your question(s) if prime didn't solve the problem. Try providing here, using code tags, input/output from

Code:

inxi -Ga
xrandr --listproviders

from an Xterm or equivalent, while the external display is connected and powered on, to give us details about your graphics hardware and current configuration. If you can't manage copy & paste of its input & output, try this:

Code:

sudo inxi -U
inxi -Ga | pastebinit
xrandr --listproviders | pastebinit

redrobred · 12-28-2021, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmazda

With Optimus (Intel+NVidia), nvidia-prime usually works better than Bumblebee. Did you try it?

Nouveau has multiple meanings. Read this primer for details, try prime, then think about reformulating your question(s) if prime didn't solve the problem. Try providing here, using code tags, input/output from

Code:

inxi -Ga
xrandr --listproviders

from an Xterm or equivalent, while the external display is connected and powered on, to give us details about your graphics hardware and current configuration. If you can't manage copy & paste of its input & output, try this:

Code:

sudo inxi -U
inxi -Ga | pastebinit
xrandr --listproviders | pastebinit

Okay you’ve just sizzled my brain out … I’m new to linux … just when one thinks one knows something, one realizes one knows nothin … if by Nvidia-prime, you mean the solo Nvidia 390 drover that is not the bumblebee, them yes I did … if Nvidia-prime is something else that is related to hybrid intel/Nvidia drivers, then you lost me!
When I went to “driver manager, it normally gave me an option between “Nvidia” and “Bumblebee” and alternatively “Nouveau” … that’s the nouveau I spoke of …l I’m confused more than before now … will try read up and see if anything makes sense ….

Thanks for feedback