Video in Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex

[quest]

Well, I guess its time for my first post, hope it helps some of you out.

When I first got my s10 I wasn't very happy with the video performance in Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex. So, I started hunting around and seeing if there was a solution. Luckily I ran across the following article:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/xserver-xorg-video-intel/+bug/177492

Now, I knew what my problem was, and created a simple xorg.conf which fixed the issues for me. I have included it with the archive below, but its short so I put it here too.

--- Start xorg.conf

Section "Device"
Identifier "Configured Video Device"
Driver "intel"
Option "AccelMethod" "exa"
Option "MigrationHeuristic" "greedy"
Option "ExaNoComposite" "false"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Configured Monitor"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Monitor "Configured Monitor"
Device "Configured Video Device"
SubSection "Display"
Virtual 2048 2048
EndSubSection
EndSection

--- End xorg.conf

Now my final task was to be able to easily attach it to an external monitor. So I found a script I used on my eeepc (now in my closet) and it works great for the s10. You can find the script "reloadvideo" attached to this post which I got from http://www.di2.nu/software/eeetweaks.htm. It only has 2 modes. Either it enables the external monitor, or turns it off. I find that it works for all the monitors in my house and xrandr simply handles what res to use (you can always change it in Screen Resolutions). I just put it in /usr/local/bin.

Even though the script is useful, it is only ideal when you can bind it to a key on your keyboard. I have decided to not use compiz, since there is still some rendering issues with it enabled. So I bound it to Control F4 in metacity using this tutorial:

http://the-gay-bar.com/index.php?/archives/166-Binding-a-keyboard-shortcut-to-a-random-command-in-GNOME/

Seemed like a decent key to pick since there isn't a blue function key item there. I am sure there is an easy way to do the keybinding in compiz if you continue to use it.

Also, compiz works fine except for a couple higher end 3d games, the new xorg.conf will help with both metacity and compiz.

[six]

What kind of video issues were you experiencing? I've got a few things running in compiz, and yes it could be better but it's not unbearable at the moment.

[quest]

There was a few problems actually with Intrepid.

* If compiz was running Google Earth textures went crazy. This works fine in Hardy.
* Really low framerates in glxgears (Was sub 400, fixes above got me to 650fps max).
* Occasional hard lockups when using 3D apps. This could happen on launch, or after many hours of operation, however it was usually when a new 3D scene was loaded. AKA level changes in Open Arena.

I tried everything to fix them in Intrepid but nothing worked. Basically worked out to be an issue with the Intel driver, xorg, libdrm, and the Intrepid kernel. They are all implementing GEM which is a new memory system developed by Intel for improved performance, however Ubuntu users won't get this till Jaunty. Intel isn't even taking bug reports for any pre GEM drivers (Think intrepid and hardy)... and for now the only real solution is to downgrade to hardy if you want reasonable 3D performance. Yes the driver is still not supported, but it doesn't bug out and offers superior performance.

In hardy I get 1000fps in glxgears (yes I know its not a benchmark), and all my games run much better. Only thing that really freaks it out is the atmospheric effects in Google Earth 4.3.

Anyways I hope this helps.

[six]

Actually, yes. I don't stress the little machine at all so I haven't noticed. Sure, compiz does slow down every now and then, but it's not unbearable, just annoying - if I was using 3D stuff, sure, I'd have noticed sooner.

Interesting stuff about GEM, and some good reading material about EXA too.

[Paulo]

Old, but a good help. Thank you.