Problems with graphics of Sony Vaio Z

Question

I have problem with my Sony Vaio Z VPCZ1. It has physical selector of GPUs which Linux kernel does not detect.

So after GRUB I see black display (I tried different distributions of Ubuntu and other Linux OS). I read in Ubuntu 10.10 was solve same problem with hybrid graphics but not in my case

I found solutions (not easy at do) for oldest models.

PS. for more information I found different webs: https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1DxDty2YGNJwq_I8zmVZxDMMXBP6g4HjaDjLfVfTs034&hl=en&pli=1

Update (2011.04.30): I tried update to Ubuntu 11.04 on my VPCZ11C5E and all work (without any patch) fine less Intel GPU (only works Nvidia).

Solution 1

Finally I found solution in this web: http://www.voip-x.co.uk/files/adam/ :D

Thanks to "gokulvarma" -> with nomodeset I enter to console mode (tty). And I installed:

• linux-image-2.6.36-0-vaioz_2.6.36-0.1_amd64.deb
• linux-headers-2.6.36-0_2.6.36-0.1_all.deb
• linux-headers-2.6.36-0-vaioz_2.6.36-0.1_amd64.deb

Thanks to Adam and Sony Vaio Z group, in launchpad, for this kernel! :))

So now work X mode and I can use both GPU. Nvidia graphic use Nouveau. If I install Nvidia driver (recommended or last) 3D mode is disable.

Both graphic work good with 3D mode but...

• if I enter to Display setting or open some program (which use wine) display blind 1 or 2 times (only extern monitor).
• sometimes Intel graphic not detect well extern monitor on the boot.

Other hardware work fine. Touch-pad work thanks to same patched kernel.

I hope this patch will be in new stable kernel.

PS. I installed Ubuntu 10.10 x64 with nomodeset. Here are steps for installation.

Update (2010.11.26): Kernel updated to 2.6.37-6. Thanks Adam! =))

Update (2011.04.30): I tried update to Ubuntu 11.04 on my VPCZ11C5E and all work (without any patch) fine less Intel GPU (only works Nvidia). Any way when I find so patch which improve Sony Vaio Z performance I going to post here.

Solution 2

Press e on getting the GRUB bootloader(if not getting grub, press and hold shift key to get grub).

Go to the line which says 'quiet and splash', delete these words and type in "nomodeset" (without quotes) Now press Ctrl + X to boot

Now login to your Ubuntu as usual. If you have a Nvidia graphics card, this may be the issue with it.

Now goto System->Administration->Hardware drivers, and select and activate the nvidia current driver if you have an nvidia card. The driver will be downloaded and activated automatically, and you will be prompted for a reboot.

Comments

[Denys Pasishnyi]

Thanks, but there speaking about older models ^^ And I think with Linux is always possible found some solution :)

[dvhh]

so what is your exact model ?

[Denys Pasishnyi]

Thanks. With this it enter to Ubuntu but only command-line =(( I tried change with "Alt+F2, etc." and all are without X mode ^^ I think is better boot with Intel GPU because it has less problems with compatibility, but I don't know how.

[raja]

in the command line enter sudo startx

[Admin]

Hi dpcat237, thanks for post your solution!!! Im not an expert using ubuntu and Im trying solve the same problem on my VAIO VPCZ1, I dont understand the correct way to do this, could you help me with this please? I have ubuntu 10.10 and I get the black screen after load grub, I can enter on tty console and nomodeset but I dont know how install the linux headers, image and others!!! Thanks for your assistence!!!

[Denys Pasishnyi]

Hi! I added steps about how I installed Ubuntu ;)

[Admin]

You can ask about this in launchpad group.

[Denys Pasishnyi]

Thanks, but the problem is in button which change stat of hybrid graphics. It's only in this laptop.