Issues with Nvidia driver on a laptop

Tried once more, here is the detailed procedure I followed.

  • I Installed openSUSE 64-bit from scratch, using net-install
  • After successful installation, I rebooted the system in default mode using the “nomodeset” parameter
  • At this point, in etc/sysconfig the NO_KMS_IN_INITRD is still set to “no”
  • I added the NVDIA repository, and checked the packages to install: nvidia-gfxG02-kmp-desktop and x11-video-nvidiaG02 have been correctly added
  • Successfully proceeded with the update
  • After the update, I verified that in etc/sysconfig the NO_KMS_IN_INITRD has been automatically set to “yes”
  • Rebooted the system
  • Started it again using nomodeset
  • Saw it crashing, again, instead of showing the Nvidia logo

Hmmm … you are installing from run level 5 using rpms. I confess I never install the nvidia driver that way (as I always install from run level 3 building the driver ‘the hardway’ (which is not hard)) and hence I can’t help reference installations the rpm way.

That should work
so…

Options as I see it:

  • Try beta and or archived drivers (you would have to install these manually as per @oldcpu’s method)
  • what about the nouveau driver? is it working sufficiently?

I will try a beta version. Nouveau driver don’t allow me to change screen resolution. Thanks for support!

It would be beneficial if you can get the proprietary driver to work, as it does have superior performance.

Still, reference your difficulty with the nouveau driver and resolution, its possible that some of our more knowledgeable members may also be able to help you there. Often the /var/log/Xorg.0.log file provides a hint as to why a higher resolution does not work with a specific driver, and then armed with that information one can sometimes apply a technical work around. Unfortuantely such a work around is typically not a user friendly method and often requires what can be considered arcane methods/edits, but it can in many occasions be made to work.

Good luck with any beta drivers (or milestone openSUSE Linux) that you may decide to try.

I had the same problem with my Vaio with a GeForce 310M. I solved by following the hard way method, downloading the last NVIDIA beta drivers:

ftp://download.nvidia.com/XFree86/Linux-x86_64/260.19.26

and by following this instruction:

http://ben.savoch.net/index.php/computers/linux/sony-vaio-mandriva-linux-and-nvidia-driver-problems

Pay attention that the current NVIDIA drivers 260.19.21 doesn’t run for me. The last stable running was the 256.53.

The last stable running was the 256.53
That’s what I was thinking

I mean: 256.53 was running for me, 260.x was not running anymore, but the last beta 260.16.26 (not yet public) is now running for me even if I have to provide EDID file as for 256.53.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will try again on Monday as I go back to the office!

Based on what suggested by davide_dozza, I extended my searches on the internet.

Apparently on Vaio F-series there is an issue with the EDID, as documented here: NVIDIASetup - vaio-f11-linux - Setting up X11 with NVIDIA’s driver for the Vaio’s new display using an EDID file - Project Hosting on Google Code

Apparently should be sufficient using the EDID already present in /proc/acpi/video/NGFX/LCD/EDID, I tried using it with the NVidia driver in the official repos, but it did not work.
I also tried to submit an EDID “sniffed” using a program running on Windows, but I am not exactly sure that I got a valid file.

Unfortunately for me downgrading to driver version 256.53 it is not a feasible option, as this version does not support the 425 M. Tomorrow I will try again using the beta driver suggested by davide_dozza, and report again. Fingers crossed!

Problem Solved!

I installed the latest release of the beta drivers (released the 13th of December, just a day ago) via console, and no other adjustments were needed.

With no further adjustment needed, I mean that is no longer necessary to use the “nomodeset” options at boot.

I mean that is no longer necessary to use the “nomodeset” options at boot.

Are you absolutely sure?

Happy to hear it’s better though

I think that driver released on the 13th, has already been named the ‘official’ release driver (ie it did not stay beta for long). I note this URL for the 32-bit NVIDIA DRIVERS 260.19.29 Certified and this URL for 64-bit NVIDIA DRIVERS 260.19.29 Certified, and it notes these “release highlights”:

    * Added support for the following GPUs:
          o GeForce GTX 460 SE
          o GeForce GTX 570
          o Quadro 5000M
          o NVS 300
    * Fixed a bug that caused some OpenGL applications to become unresponsive for up to a minute on some GPUs when changing the resolution or refresh rate.
    * Added support for NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro.
      See the "Stereo" X configuration documentation in the README for further details.
    * Added a new X configuration option "3DVisionProConfigFile" to allow user provide a filename which NVIDIA X driver uses to store 3D Vision Pro configuration settings. See "Appendix B. X Config Options" in the README for more information.

Yes I confirm, that nomodeset is no longer necessary for me, and I confirm also that I used the driver cited by OldCPU.

Moreover, I can tell you that the nouveau driver do not need to be uninstalled to make the Nvidia one work. I cross checked with my desktop computer (same 64-bit kernel, same OS, different Nvidia card), that the gpu works perfectly (maximum res, compositing effects, etc) even with the nouveau and the Nvidia driver installed on the same machine (and, again, no nomodeset used)

I found this extremely confusing!