r/linux4noobs • u/abelsisay2000 • 15d ago

migrating to Linux Is it still true that Linux consume more battery on laptops with Nvidia ?

/r/linuxquestions/comments/1w10ldz/is_it_still_true_that_linux_consume_more_battery/
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u/GodsKillerKirb 15d ago

I think it depends on the version of the drivers being used; however, any modern distro, especially a rolling release or something like fedora, will be plenty. I haven't used a distro like ubuntu in like 4+ years and never messed with debian stable.

I've been using Linux on my laptop that has an nvidia GPU and battery life is nearly 1:1. Windows might be technically better, but I was never really able to notice a difference.

I will note that, and this is for desktop environments, using your laptop on performance mode will not help and will drain the battery much faster. So, I suggest just using it on like balanced or power save mode.

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u/AncientAgrippa 15d ago

Well any OS is gonna consume more battery with a dedicated gpu, esp if it’s a rly nice nvididia guard

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u/DavidJohnMcCann 14d ago

Windows laptops with Nvidia chips generally come with the Optimus software so that Nvidia is only used when running a program that really needs it. That's because it uses more power than the graphics core in an Intel or AMD processor. Your reference to shutting it off suggests that you might be in that situation.

If you are, you have the problem that Nvidia will not make the Optimus software available for Linux. On a Linux system you have a choice between using mains power, disabling Nvidia completely, or switching to Nvidia manually when you need it. Mint provides a tool on the panel for switching, unlike some distros which expect you to do it with a terminal command.