In 2016, we added a way to launch apps on the discrete GPU.
*swoosh effects*
In 2019, we added a way for that to work with the NVidia drivers.
*explosions*
In 2020, we're adding a way for applications to launch automatically on the discrete GPU.
*fast cuts of loads of applications being launched and quiet*
Introducing the (badly-named-but-if-you-can-come-up-with-a-better-name-youre-ready-for-computers) “PrefersNonDefaultGPU” desktop entry key.
From the specifications website:
If true, the application prefers to be run on a more powerful discrete GPU if available, which we describe as “a GPU other than the default one” in this spec to avoid the need to define what a discrete GPU is and in which cases it might be considered more powerful than the default GPU. This key is only a hint and support might not be present depending on the implementation.And support for that key is coming to GNOME Shell soon.
TL;DR
Add “PrefersNonDefaultGPU=true” to your application's .desktop file if it can benefit from being run on a more powerful GPU.
We've also added a switcherooctl command to recent versions of switcheroo-control so you can launch your apps on the right GPU from your scripts and tweaks.
