Optimizing Intel Graphics Configuration on a Lenovo T480 Running Linux Link to heading

Linux users with Intel graphics often seek to optimize their system’s performance and stability. One effective way to achieve this is by configuring the Xorg settings to take full advantage of the Intel graphics driver. In this blog post, we’ll walk through a configuration that has been tested and proven to work well on a Lenovo T480 running Linux.

Why Customize Xorg Configuration? Link to heading

The default Xorg configuration often works well out of the box, but there are times when you might encounter issues such as screen tearing, lag, or other performance bottlenecks. By customizing the Xorg configuration, you can fine-tune your system to meet your specific needs, ensuring a smoother and more responsive user experience.

The Configuration Link to heading

Here is the xorg.conf configuration that has been tested and works well on my Lenovo T480 running Linux:

Section "Device"
    Identifier  "Intel Graphics"
    Driver      "intel"
    Option      "TearFree"        "true"
    Option      "TripleBuffer"    "true"
    Option      "SwapbuffersWait" "true"
    Option      "DRI"             "2"
EndSection

My configuration location: /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-intel.conf

Also note that you have to restart Xorg for the changes to take effect.

Explanation of the Options Link to heading

  1. Driver “intel”: This specifies that the Intel graphics driver should be used. This is the default driver for most Intel GPUs on Linux.
  2. Option “TearFree” “true”: This option enables tear-free video, which can help reduce or eliminate screen tearing, especially during video playback or gaming. This is particularly useful if you notice tearing when scrolling or during animations.
  3. Option “TripleBuffer” “true”: Triple buffering can help improve performance by reducing the latency between frames. This is especially useful for applications that require high frame rates, such as games or video editing software.
  4. Option “SwapbuffersWait” “true”: This option ensures that the swap buffers operation waits for the vertical blanking period, which can help reduce screen tearing and improve visual smoothness.
  5. Option “DRI” “2”: Direct Rendering Infrastructure (DRI) is a framework for allowing direct access to graphics hardware in a safe and efficient manner. Setting this to “2” enables DRI2, which is the current standard and provides better performance and stability compared to DRI1.

Conclusion Link to heading

By customizing your Xorg configuration for Intel graphics on your Lenovo T480, you can significantly improve the performance and stability of your Linux system. The configuration provided in this post has been tested and works well, but feel free to experiment with different options to find the best settings for your specific use case.

If you encounter any issues or have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Linux community or consult the official documentation for the Intel graphics driver. Happy configuring!