# Optimus-Switch boots to black screen when using nvidia card **URL:** \ **Category:** Applications\ **Created:** [September 28, 2021, 1:11pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165 "2021-09-28T13:11:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/nick/32/16933_2.png) [@Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/Nick)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2021, 1:11pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/1 "2021-09-28T13:11:10Z")
Hi all, I have a hybrid Optimus card in my laptop: ```auto $ lspci | grep -E 'VGA|3D' 00:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation 2nd Generation Core Processor Family Integrated Graphics Controller (rev 09) 01:00.0 VGA compatible controller: NVIDIA Corporation GF116M [GeForce GT 560M] (rev a1) ``` I installed Optimus-swtich following this guide [Optimus Switch - Another Solution for Optimus Laptops](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-another-solution-for-optimus-laptops/7593) but I’m having some problems when I switch to nvidia prime mode. When I run `sudo set-nvidia.sh` and reboot, X doesn’t want to start. I’m greeted with a black screen and blinking cursor…switching back to “intel only” mode everything works perfectly fine. Going back over my installation, one thing I noticed was that I did not edit my `~/optimus-switch-sddm/switch/nvidia/nvidia-xorg.conf ` before installing, I actually went back afterwards and changed the format to what was suggested in the manual on the github page (I changed nvidia bus ID to 1:0:0 instead of 01:00.0 VGA). Oddly enough there was no BusID listed for the intel card in `~/optimus-switch-sddm/switch/intel/intel-xorg.conf ` so I didn’t change anything there. I’ve tried using it with both the standard kernel and lts, but I have the same result. I suppose I can try un-installing optimus-switch using the uninstall script included and try again from scratch but though I’d ask here first to see if anyone had run into any similar issues. Appreciate the help and let me know if I can provide any additional logs. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![linesma](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/linesma/32/9254_2.png) [@linesma](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/linesma)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2021, 3:12pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/2 "2021-09-28T15:12:07Z")
By not editing the file BEFORE you ran the install, the conf file installed is not correct. You should not need to uninstall it. Your best option is to run the install script again. However, BEFORE you do that, you need to do the following: 1. Open a terminal and run: `lspci | grep -E 'VGA|3D'` and take note of the nvidia Bus ID. 2. After you have cloned the git repository to your **home** directory by typing: `git clone https://github.com/dglt1/optimus-switch-sddm.git` go to the following folder `~/optimus-switch-sddm/switch/nvidia` and open the `nvidia-xorg.conf` and make sure the Bus ID matches what is listed for the nvidia card. 3. Save the file. 4. Now run the install script. If you still get to a black screen when trying to run on your nvidia card, you may need to use a kernel parameter. I would suggest either `acpi_osi='Windows 2012'` or `acpi_osi='Windows 2018'` or `acpi_osi=Linux` If you need help in how to apply kernel parameters, take a look at this post. > [@How to Choose the Proper ACPI Kernel Argument](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/how-to-choose-the-proper-acpi-kernel-argument/6172): > > I posted this a while ago somewhere else, and I thought people here might find this useful. I was not sure where to post this, I hope I put it in the proper place. Thanks!!! The introduction of Optimus laptops have created new challenges for Linux users. One of the biggest issues is having the proprietary graphics card work when the system boots. Many times the advice given is to add an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (acpi ) kernel parameter to grub. While a specific acpi kernel par… Without any further information about your system, I can’t give you any more advice. More information can be obtained by opening a terminal and typing `inxi -fxxz` and posting the results here. This will tell us what kind of cpu you have and what nvidia card is installed in your system. ---
**Author:** ![Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/nick/32/16933_2.png) [@Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/Nick)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2021, 6:55pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/3 "2021-09-28T18:55:16Z")
Thanks @linesma so much for your help! I tried a number of things you’d suggested, starting with re-running the installation script AFTER editing nvidia-xorg.conf but unfortunately no luck with anything I’ve tried. Here’s a breakdown thus far: I edited my `~/optimus-switch-sddm/switch/nvidia/nvidia-xorg.conf` following the GitHub guide and here’s what it currently looks like: ```auto etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/99-nvidia.conf #adjust BusID to match your nvidia GPU #uncomment and edit the DPI option as needed #to fix scaling issues. Section "Module" Load "modesetting" EndSection Section "Device" Identifier "nvidia" Driver "nvidia" BusID "PCI: 0.1.0" #Option "DPI" "96 x 96" #adjust this value as needed to fix scaling Option "AllowEmptyInitialConfiguration" EndSection Section "Extensions" Option "Composite" "Enable" EndSection ``` I changed the BusID for the Nvidia to the format suggested in the GitHub guide. Compare that to the output of `lspci | grep -E 'VGA|3D'` in my original post for that particular card. I re-ran the installation script, issued `sudo set-nvidia.sh`, rebooted, and same black screen with a cursor. Next I tried adding ACPI kernel parameters to grub as you advised - I actually started off with `acpi_osi='Windows 2009'` since my laptop originally came with Windows 7. Ran `sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg` and rebooted (still in nvidia prime mode)…laptop hangs on TLP System startup/shutdown now. I tried this with the Windows 8 and Windows 10 parameters you’d suggested too and same issue. I even disabled TLP and tried again with the Windows 7 kernel parameter and still hangs on TLP system startup/shutdown. So for now I removed the Windows kernel parameter and re-enabled TLP and am back at square 1. Here’s my output for `inxi-fxxz`: ```auto $ inxi -fxxz CPU: Info: Quad Core model: Intel Core i7-2670QM bits: 64 type: MT MCP arch: Sandy Bridge rev: 7 cache: L2: 6 MiB bogomips: 35135 Speed: 843 MHz min/max: 800/3100 MHz Core speeds (MHz): 1: 843 2: 798 3: 2288 4: 798 5: 798 6: 995 7: 798 8: 798 Flags: acpi aes aperfmperf apic arat arch_perfmon avx bts clflush cmov constant_tsc cpuid cx16 cx8 de ds_cpl dtes64 dtherm dts epb ept est flexpriority flush_l1d fpu fxsr ht ibpb ibrs ida lahf_lm lm mca mce md_clear mmx monitor msr mtrr nonstop_tsc nopl nx pae pat pbe pcid pclmulqdq pdcm pebs pge pln pni popcnt pse pse36 pti pts rdtscp rep_good sep ssbd sse sse2 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 stibp syscall tm tm2 tpr_shadow tsc tsc_deadline_timer vme vmx vnmi vpid x2apic xsave xsaveopt xtopology xtpr ``` ---
**Author:** ![manuel](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/manuel/32/396_2.png) [@manuel](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/manuel)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2021, 6:57pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/4 "2021-09-28T18:57:29Z")
Did you use the 390 series of Nvidia drivers? The latest Nvidia driver seems to not support your card. ---
**Author:** ![Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/nick/32/16933_2.png) [@Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/Nick)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2021, 8:05pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/5 "2021-09-28T20:05:07Z")
Actually…it looks like I’m using the Nouveau drivers. Now I feel really dumb 😅!! Output of `sudo lspci -v | less` ```auto 01:00.0 VGA compatible controller: NVIDIA Corporation GF116M [GeForce GT 560M] (rev a1) (prog-i f 00 [VGA controller]) Subsystem: Toshiba Corporation Device fc01 Flags: bus master, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 11 Memory at f4000000 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=32M] Memory at d0000000 (64-bit, prefetchable) [size=256M] Memory at e0000000 (64-bit, prefetchable) [size=64M] I/O ports at e000 [disabled] [size=128] Expansion ROM at f6000000 [disabled] [size=512K] Capabilities: [60] Power Management version 3 Capabilities: [68] MSI: Enable- Count=1/1 Maskable- 64bit+ Capabilities: [78] Express Endpoint, MSI 00 Capabilities: [b4] Vendor Specific Information: Len=14 Capabilities: [100] Virtual Channel Capabilities: [128] Power Budgeting Capabilities: [600] Vendor Specific Information: ID=0001 Rev=1 Len=024 Kernel modules: nouveau ``` Based on the age of my card I’d guess I would need to use the AUR package [nvidia-390xx-dkms](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/nvidia-390xx-dkms/) instead, right? ---
**Author:** ![Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/nick/32/16933_2.png) [@Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/Nick)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2021, 11:05pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/6 "2021-09-28T23:05:08Z")
The more I’m reading the more I wonder if Bumblebee may be the better option for my system, especially because my laptop is older. I may try Bumblebee at some point later unless someone thinks it’s a terrible idea. Beyond that the only thing I can think of trying with optimus-switch is installing the legacy Nvidia drivers from AUR and trying to use them with switch… ---
**Author:** ![linesma](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/linesma/32/9254_2.png) [@linesma](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/linesma)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2021, 8:22am UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/7 "2021-09-29T08:22:09Z")
> [@Nick](#): > > Actually…it looks like I’m using the Nouveau drivers. Now I feel really dumb 😅!! Don’t feel too bad. It happens to the best of us. > [@Nick](#): > > use the AUR package [nvidia-390xx-dkms](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/nvidia-390xx-dkms/) instead, right? Yes, that would be the case. I would give it a try with the AUR driver. Since you already have everything installed, this should be they only thing you need to do. I would do this all in a TTY session while in Intel mode. Make sure to remove or disable the nouveau driver BEFORE you reboot. You may still need the kernel parameter, even with the proper driver installed. With my 2019 vintage Asus FX504GD, I have to use a kernel parameter to have everything work properly. Give it a try with the proper driver first. If it does not work, then try the kernel parameters. You should not need to go back to Windows 2009. The newer ones SHOULD be compatible with older hardware. > [@Nick](#): > > I wonder if Bumblebee may be the better option for my system, I have never been able to get Bumblebee to work properly with any laptop that I have owned that had Optimus capabilities. However, it may work better for you. It really depends on what you want to do. If all you are using your laptop for is e-mail, web, etc… In other words, not gaming. You may be able to get by in just Intel mode. ---
**Author:** ![Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/nick/32/16933_2.png) [@Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/Nick)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2021, 7:13pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/8 "2021-09-29T19:13:38Z")
Thanks for the guidance! I’ll try this later tonight or tomorrow…it’s been a wild day at work today so might not get to it until later. I’ll be back with some updates! ---
**Author:** ![linesma](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/linesma/32/9254_2.png) [@linesma](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/linesma)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2021, 7:27pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/9 "2021-09-29T19:27:30Z")
No worries. It is late here, 2:30am. Give it a shot and see what happens. Good Luck! ---
**Author:** ![Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/nick/32/16933_2.png) [@Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/Nick)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/10 "2021-09-30T18:49:24Z")
Hey all I’m back with an update…unfortuantely I’m still experiencing the issue 😫. Here’s a rundown of what I’ve done so far: Taking @linesma’s advice I installed nvidia 390xx drivers from AUR. Here’s what I’ve got as far as nvidia drivers go: ```auto pacman -Q | grep nvidia lib32-nvidia-utils 470.74-1 lib32-opencl-nvidia-340xx 340.108-1 nvidia-390xx 390.144-1 nvidia-390xx-dkms 390.144-2 nvidia-390xx-utils 390.144-2 nvidia-installer-db 2.4.25-1 nvidia-installer-dkms 3.3.9-1 opencl-nvidia-390xx 390.144-2 ``` After installing those, I attempted to blacklist the Nouveau driver(s) by doing the following 2 things: 1. Added `blacklist nouveau` to this file: `/etc/modprobe.d/nouveau.conf` 2. Regenerated initramfs with `mkinitcpio -p linux` 3. Added `modprobe.blacklist=nouveau` to my `/etc/default/grub`, and then updated with `grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg` Here’s my current output for `lspci -nnk | grep -i vga -A3 | grep 'in use' ` ```auto ` Kernel driver in use: i915 ` ``` I then ran `sudo set-nvidia.sh` and rebooted, but it still hangs on the TLP System Startup/Shutdown. So I then tested each of the acpi kernel parameters for Windows (2009, 2012, and 2018) one by one. Still hangs on teh TLP message.I haven’t tried the Linux one just yet, but my laptop is a Toshiba so I didn’t think that one would apply. Not sure if it means anything, but the point that TLP message seems to hang is when Network Manager seems to be attempting to start…this is the same regardless of which acpi parameter I use. Any more info I can provide I’ll be happy to share…I’m running out of ideas unfortunately ☹. As always thanks for everyone’s help!! ---
**Author:** ![linesma](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/linesma/32/9254_2.png) [@linesma](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/linesma)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 7:08pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/11 "2021-09-30T19:08:35Z")
I honestly do not know what could be going wrong at this point. You might really want to give Bumblebee a try. I have not tested this setup with a card that old. You also might try a couple of things. I am assuming you can get to a TTY? Or you can still boot to Intel mode. I would do the following: 1. Take a look at the following directories: ```auto /etc/X11/ /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/ /etc/modprobe.d/ /etc/modules-load.d/ ``` I would delete anything that may even be graphics related. If you even THINK it is graphics related, delete it. Run the `set-nvidia.sh` command again and reboot. 1. Uninstall Nouveau. Sometimes blacklisting does not work properly. 2. Try the following kernel parameter: `acpi_osi=! acpi_osi='Windows 2009'` This will reset any vendor ACPI strings ans then apply a Windows 2009 ACPI table. ---
**Author:** ![Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/nick/32/16933_2.png) [@Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/Nick)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 7:29pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/12 "2021-09-30T19:29:10Z")
Nouveau is part of the mesa package, right? So I’d be looking at doing something like `sudo pacman -Rs mesa`. I’ll give that a try as well as the kernel parameter you suggested. All of those files in /etc are completely empty, so I didn’t need to clean anything out. They were actually empty before I installed Optimus Switch… I suppose I’ll give this one more try then I’ll have to uninstall it and try Bumblebee instead. Crossing my fingers… ---
**Author:** ![manuel](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/manuel/32/396_2.png) [@manuel](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/manuel)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 8:30pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/13 "2021-09-30T20:30:03Z")
At least you have nvidia packages from different series. There are stuff from 470 series, 390 series and 340 series. You should have only 390 series stuff. And if you have nvidia-390xx-dkms, then you don’t need nvidia-390xx. Nouveau is either a kernel module or from xf86-video-nouveau package. ---
**Author:** ![Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/user_avatar/forum.endeavouros.com/nick/32/16933_2.png) [@Nick](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/Nick)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2021, 1:02pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/14 "2021-10-01T13:02:24Z")
Really appreciate everyone’s help with this…unfortunately I still can’t seem to get my nvidia card working properly with optimus-switch. I tried @linesma’s last suggestion and no luck…same issue. I’m pretty confident at this point that optimus-switch may just not be compatible with my system because of its age. I actually uninstalled switch completely and am currently giving Bumblebee a go. So far it seems to be working perfectly, I just need to read up a bit more on how to configure it the way I want to and how to use it for stuff like Steam. I suppose I’ll mark this as “Solved” only because I learned that my Optimus card is too old to be able to use optimus-switch but can still be useful with an app like Bumblebee. Again, thanks everyone for your help this week!!! Love this community! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://forum.endeavouros.com/uploads/default/original/2X/9/9ea52f9fd5ef8e609e593c362d61a36295f48be8.png) [@system](https://forum.endeavouros.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2021, 1:03pm UTC](https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/optimus-switch-boots-to-black-screen-when-using-nvidia-card/18165/15 "2021-10-03T13:03:14Z")
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