How do I use acpi_call?

Question

How am I supposed to run/install acpi_call? I've found a similar solution on the linux hybrid graphics blog, but still couldn't manage to run it.

Answer 1

If you do not know how to use that kernel module, I suggest you to stay away from it. In the past it has been used for disabling discrete video cards directly, but that does not make the kernel aware of the state change. The test_off.sh file should not be used as it's just wildly guessing some calls which may have negative effects on the hardware and software (e.g. crazy fans, lockups).

If you want to disable NVIDIA cards, have a look at Bumblebee which comes with bbswitch, a module for toggling the power of NVIDIA cards on Optimus laptops. More information about Optimus laptops can be found on Is a NVIDIA GeForce with Optimus Technology supported by Ubuntu?

The bumblebee/stable PPA provides the acpi-call-tools package. After installing the PPA you can open a terminal, load the acpi_call module and perform an ACPI call by writing to the file. This requires root privileges.

Load the acpi_call module and define a convenience function for making an ACPI call:

$ sudo modprobe acpi_call
$ c(){ echo "$1" | sudo tee /proc/acpi/call >/dev/null && sudo cat /proc/acpi/call;echo;}

An example: execute the ACPI method \_SB_.PCI0.GFX0._DOD and retrieve the result of it:

$ c '\_SB_.PCI0.GFX0._DOD'
[0x80010100, 0x80010300, 0x80010410]

Answer 2

Just use acpi_call_GUI and do it via graphic interface!

1. Ensure that you have installed java and git, if not install these packages:

   sudo apt-get install openjdk-8-jre
   sudo apt-get install git
   

2. After that open a terminal and type the following commands:

   git clone https://github.com/marcoDallas/acpi_call_GUI.git
   cd acpi_call_GUI    
   sudo chmod +x install.sh    
   sudo ./install.sh
   

3. Execute it, type in terminal:

   sudo java -jar $HOME/acpi_call_GUI.jar
   

4. Use in order: install, deactivate and automates options,

Here's a step by step video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h33bvoR14x8!

Here you can find the website and sources: https://github.com/marcoDallas/acpi_call_GUI

Answer 3

I checked out a new call for

Aspire 5810T V1.35

00:02.0 VGA compatible controller [0300]: Intel Corporation Mobile 4 Series Chipset Integrated Graphics Controller [8086:2a42] (rev 07) (prog-if 00 [VGA controller])
01:00.0 VGA compatible controller [0300]: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [AMD/ATI] RV710/M92 [Mobility Radeon HD 4330/4350/4550] [1002:9552] (rev ff) (prog-if ff)

which is not documented anywhere but works great for me to switch of my ATI card:

\_SB_.PCI0.OVGA.SGOF

@MarcoDallas: thank you for your great work.