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Enable AMD Radeon DPM (Dynamic Power Management)

gksu gedit /etc/default/grub

And in this file, search for the following line (it's on line 11 on my system):

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash"

After "splash" add a space and then add this:

radeon.dpm=1

After making the changes, this is how this line should look:

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash radeon.dpm=1"

2. Then save the file and run the following command to update the Grub:

sudo update-grub

3. And finally, reboot.

Basically, the fix / workaround is to automatically set a custom brightness value each time you boot into Ubuntu. Let's proceed.

grep acpi_video /var/log/Xorg.0.log

The command above should display an output similar to this:

[     7.385] (--) intel(0): Found backlight control interface acpi_videoX (type 'firmware') for output LVDS1

cat /sys/class/backlight/acpi_videoX/brightness

Remember this value for the next step.

gksu gedit /etc/init/fixbrightness.conf

And in this file, paste this:

description "Sets brightness after graphics device is loaded"

start on graphics-device-added
task
exec /bin/echo BRIGHTNESS_VALUE > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_videoX/brightness

here, you need to:

• replace BRIGHTNESS_VALUE with the brightness value you got under step 3;
• replace acpi_videoX with the ACPI Interface that controls your laptop's brightness, which you found out under step 1.

Then save the file.

5. Reboot and the low or maximum brightness issue after reboot / logout should be fixed.

Changes in Laptop Mode Tools 1.65:

• fixed grep error on missing $device/uevent;
• ethernet: replaced sysfs/enabled by 'ip link down';
• wireless-iwl-power: sysfs attr enbable -> enabled;
• wireless-iwl-power: added iwlwifi support;
• Runtime Power Management Framework is more robust now. Deprecates module usb-autosuspend;
• fixed multiple hibernate issue;
• when resuming, LMT now runs in force initialization mode;
• added module for Intel PState driver;
• GUI: implemented suspend/hibernate interface.

Install Laptop Mode Tools 1.65 in Ubuntu / Linux Mint

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:failsdownloadsteam/unstable
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install laptop-mode-tools

If you don't want to add the PPA, you can download Laptop Mode Tools deb files from HERE.

Once installed, it's probably best to restart your laptop.

gksu /usr/sbin/lmt-config-gui

For other Linux distributions, see the Laptop Mode Tools downloads page.

Report any bugs you may find @ GitHub.

A complete list of TLP features can be found HERE.

Changes in TLP 0.8:

• General:
• TLP_DEFAULT_MODE: change default operation mode to AC when no power supply can be detected (concerns some desktop and embedded hardware only)
• Radio Devices:
• Resume: restore bluetooth state
• Radio Device Wizard (tlp-rdw):
• Support ThinkPad OneLink Dock Basic/Pro for dock/undock events
• Detect systemd "predictable network interface names" for WWAN
• ThinkPad Battery:
• tpacpi-bat: new upstream version 2.2: get ASL path from /sys/class/power_supply/*/device/path; avoids unnecessary "AE_NOT_FOUND" kernel messages
• tlp-stat:
• Show "No batteries detected."
• Explain battery status "Unknown" as "threshold effective"
• Show battery cell group voltages (verbose mode, tp-smapi only)
• Show acpi-call suggestion for ThinkPad *40, *50, X1 models
• USB:
• Remove USB_DRIVER_BLACKLIST
• tlp-stat:
• Show warnings for ata errors by default
• Bugfixes
• tlp-stat: detect kernel config with PM_RUNTIME=N
• tlp recalibrate: fix exitcode check
• USB autosuspend: write power/control if actually changing only
• Ignore missing files in /proc/sys/fs/xfs

According to the changelog, the "USB_DRIVER_BLACKLIST" feature was removed because it caused issues with AC/BAT switching (the CPU governor didn't change when going from AC to battery or the other way around) and USB hotplugging (required for udevd v221 and higher) - issue HERE.

Install TLP in Ubuntu or Linux Mint

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:linrunner/tlp
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install tlp tlp-rdw

sudo tlp start

• active or passive cooling devices as presented in sysfs
• the Running Average Power Limit (RAPL) driver (Sandybridge upwards)
• the Intel P-state CPU frequency driver (Sandybridge upwards)
• the CPU freq driver
• the Intel PowerClamp driver

By default, thermald runs in zero configuration mode so after installing it, you don't need to configura anything however, if your ACPI configuration is buggy or you just want to fine tune it by adding more sensors and cooling devices, you can edit the thermald XML configuration file, located under /etc/thermald/thermal-conf.xml For more information about this, see the thermal-conf.xml man page ("man thermal-conf.xml")

How to enable intel_pstate in Ubuntu 14.04 and newer

This is for Ubuntu 14.04 and newer only! Don't use it in older Ubuntu versions or you may encounter various issues (see below).

gksu gedit /etc/default/grub

And for "GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT=" (it's on line 11 on my system), add "intel_pstate=enable", like this:

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash intel_pstate=enable"

sudo update-grub

cat /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu*/cpufreq/scaling_driver

The command above should return "intel_pstate".

To be able to use the "cpupower" commands below, you'll need to install "linux-tools-common" and "linux-tools-generic":

sudo apt-get install linux-tools-common linux-tools-generic

Another way of checking if Intel P-State is enabled is by using the following command:

cpupower frequency-info

And the output should be something like this:

analyzing CPU 0:
  driver: intel_pstate
  CPUs which run at the same hardware frequency: 0
  CPUs which need to have their frequency coordinated by software: 0
  maximum transition latency: 0.97 ms.
  hardware limits: 800 MHz - 3.10 GHz
  available cpufreq governors: performance, powersave
  current policy: frequency should be within 800 MHz and 3.10 GHz.
                  The governor "performance" may decide which speed to use
                  within this range.
  boost state support:
    Supported: yes
    Active: yes
    25500 MHz max turbo 4 active cores
    25500 MHz max turbo 3 active cores
    25500 MHz max turbo 2 active cores
    25500 MHz max turbo 1 active cores

If Intel Pstate is not enabled after following the steps above, it most probably means that your CPU doesn't support intel_pstate so you should disable it (simply remove "intel_pstate=enable" from /etc/default/grub and run "sudo update-grub").



- use the "powersave" intel_pstate cpufreq governor:

sudo cpupower frequency-set -g powersave

- use the "performance" cpufreq intel_pstate governor:

sudo cpupower frequency-set -g performance

You can see the currently active cpufreq governor by using the following command:

cat /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu*/cpufreq/scaling_governor

sudo apt-get install cpufrequtils

And then edit the /etc/init.d/cpufrequtils file and change GOVERNOR to "powersave" (GOVERNOR="powersave"). You can do this automatically by using the following command:

sudo sed -i 's/^GOVERNOR=.*/GOVERNOR="powersave"/' /etc/init.d/cpufrequtils

sudo sed -i 's/^GOVERNOR=.*/GOVERNOR="ondemand"/' /etc/init.d/cpufrequtils

It's also worth mentioning that TLP supports Intel P-State.

Install thermald

sudo apt-get install thermald

Thermald should then start automatically.



More info / references:

• https://01.org/linux-thermal-daemon/documentation/introduction-thermal-daemon
• https://wiki.debian.org/thermald
• https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/PowerManagement/ThermalIssues
• https://github.com/01org/thermal_daemon

#CPU_MIN_PERF_ON_AC=0
#CPU_MAX_PERF_ON_AC=100
#CPU_MIN_PERF_ON_BAT=0
#CPU_MAX_PERF_ON_BAT=30

Other changes in the latest TLP 0.7 include:

• USB:
• USB_DRIVER_BLACKLIST: exclude devices assigned to the listed drivers from USB autosuspend; default: usbhid;
• USB_BLACKLIST_WWAN: match internal driver list instead of USB vendor ids;
• USB_WHITELIST: include devices into USB autosuspend even if already excluded by the driver or WWAN blacklists;
• radio devices: DEVICES_TO_ENABLE_ON_AC/DISABLE_ON_BAT/DISABLE_ON_BAT_NOT_IN_USE: enable/disable radio devices upon change of power source (excluding connected devices) (feature implemented by Pali Rohár);
• ThinkPad Battery:
• provide proper return codes for all battery functions;
• setcharge allowed on battery power;
• do not activate new thresholds with force_discharge anymore (tp-smapi);
• tpacpi-bat: support for ThinkPad E325 charge thresholds;
• tlp-stat:
• new options: -d|--disk, -e|--pcie, -p|--processor, -s|--system, -u|--usb;
• show driver and connection state for all enabled radio devices;
• show driver name in Runtime PM PCI(e) device list;
• show type and state of docks and device bays;
• show type of init system;
• check if TLP's systemd services are enabled;
• RUNTIME_PM_DRIVER_BLACKLIST: exclude PCI(e) devices assigned to drivers;
• support Dell Latitude docks (feature implemented by Pali Rohár);
• added support for NM 0.9.10;
• set performance versus energy savings policy (performance, normal, powersave - requires kernel modules msr and x86_energy_perf_policy from linux-tools);
• fixed dock/undock event processing for ThinkPad Adv Mini Dock and Ultrabase;
• use a more robust USB device event processing.

Install TLP in Ubuntu / Linux Mint

sudo apt-get purge laptop-mode-tools

Ubuntu (14.10, 14.04 and 12.04) / Linux Mint (17.1, 17 and 13) users can install TLP by using its official PPA. Add the PPA and install the latest TLP by using the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:linrunner/tlp
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install tlp

sudo tlp start

There are also some optional packages you can install - for more on that as well as more information about TLP, see: Improve Power Usage / Battery Life In Linux With TLP. Also see the TLP FAQ.

Demo video

(direct video link)

How to install Ubuntu on your Chromebook using Crouton

Warning: following the instructions below may void warranty!


2. Install Ubuntu with Crouton

• by default, Crouton will install Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (Precise) but I added "precise" to the first command below so you can see how you can change the Ubuntu version. You can see a list of supported Ubuntu versions by running "sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -r list"
• in Developer Mode, the default configuration is completely insecure and you won't be prompted for a password when using "sudo" in the Chrome OS terminal. For this reason, I recommend encrypting the chroot by using "-e"
• "-t" means "targets" which is what Crouton uses to decide what to install. The target can be the desktop environment (in the two commands below) such as "unity", "xfce" and so on or other "packs" like "touch" for instance. Use "sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -t help" to see all the available targets and find out more about this.
• If you're using a Chromebook with a touch screen, also add the "touch" target, like this (example for Xfce): "-t xfce,touch". More tips for Chromebook Pixel HERE.

Ubuntu 12.04 with Unity running on HP Chromebook 11

sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -r precise -t unity -e

sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -r trusty -t xfce -e

c) Start Ubuntu

sudo startunity

sudo startxfce4

For more information, see Crouton @ GitHub.

Removing Ubuntu / Crouton

cd /usr/local/chroots 
sudo delete-chroot * 
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin

Update - also see: Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu On A Chromebook Using Crouton

1. Install extra applications

sudo apt-get install gnome-terminal file-roller gedit

sudo apt-get install leafpad audacious

sudo apt-get install bash-completion vlc ubuntu-restricted-extras ttf-ubuntu-font-family software-center synaptic

gksu software-center

2. Updating the chroot

sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -u -n chrootname

3. Xfce tweaks

Before:


After:



To fix the font, open Settings Manager > Appearance, on the "Fonts" tab check the "Enable anti-aliasing" box and under "hinting", select "slight":

sudo apt-get install ttf-ubuntu-font-family

• Settings Manager > Appearance > Style: select Numix or Greybird;
• Settings Manager > Window Manager > Style: select Numix or Greybird.

Install the Xubuntu icon theme (in the Xfce4 terminal):

sudo apt-get install xubuntu-icon-theme

To remove XScreensaver which causes some issues, use the following command (in the Xfce4 terminal):

sudo apt-get purge xscreensaver

To install both, use the commands below:

sudo apt-get install xfce4-whiskermenu-plugin xfce4-indicator-plugin
sudo apt-get install --no-install-recommends indicator-sound

4. Fix brightness and volume keys

sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -r ubuntuversion -t keyboard -u

Where "ubuntuversion" is the Ubuntu version you've installed ("precise", "trusty", etc.)

This will add the "keyboard" target to the existing chroot.

Then, start Ubuntu and use:

• Search key + volume keys to change the volume;
• Search key + brightness keys to change the brightness.

-increase the brightness:

brightness up

-decrease the brightness:

brightness down

• for increasing the brightness: under "Name" enter "Brightness Up" and under command: "brightness up";
• for decreasing the brightness (click "+" again): under "Name" enter "Brightness Down" and under command, use: "brightness down".

For more tips, see Crouton's GitHub readme | wiki.

Install Laptop Mode Tools in Ubuntu

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:failsdownloadsteam/unstable
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install laptop-mode-tools

gksu lmt-config-gui

For more information, see the Laptop Mode Tools FAQ page.

Changes in TLP 0.6:

• set systemd service type to simple, allows tlp service to start asynchronously in the background;
• remove DISABLE_TPACPIBAT from configuration;
• remove DEVICES_TO_ENABLE_ON_RADIOSW from configuration because it's deprecated: works with Ubuntu 12.04/Kernel 3.2 only;
• enable RUNTIME_PM_ALL by default (controls runtime power management for PCI(e) bus devices);
• do not touch kernel settings if param is empty or commented: DISK_IDLE_SECS_ON, MAX_LOST_WORK_SECS_ON, SCHED_POWERSAVE_ON, NMI_WATCHDOG, SATA_LINKPWR_ON, PCIE_ASPM_ON, RADEON_DPM_STATE_ON, RADEON_POWER_PROFILE_ON, WIFI_PWR_ON, SOUND_POWER_SAVE_ON, RUNTIME_PM_ON;
• tlp-stat:
• consider changed sysfs paths for i915 enable_rc6/fbc as of kernel 3.15;
• consider changed sysfs paths for hwmon coretemp/sensors as of kernel 3.15/3.16;
• report speed of all fans, not just the first one;
• show warning for kernel sata errors (possibly) caused by SATA_LINKPWR_ON_BAT/AC=min/medium power;
• retrieve trace output from systemd journal if present;
• do not disable TLP when laptop-mode-tools is detected, just output a warning about possible conflicts;
• fix: Makefile - remove tlp-nop in uninstall-tlp target;
• fix: tlp-stat - don't suggest tp-smapi on non-ThinkPad hardware with thinkpad_acpi loaded;
• fix: tlp-stat - don't show /proc/acpi/ibm/fan on Lenovo non-ThinkPad models.

Install TLP in Ubuntu / Linux Mint

sudo apt-get purge laptop-mode-tools

Ubuntu / Linux Mint users can install TLP by using its official PPA. Add the PPA and install the latest TLP by using the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:linrunner/tlp
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install tlp

sudo tlp start

There are also some optional packages you can install - for more on that as well as more information about TLP, see: Improve Power Usage / Battery Life In Linux With TLP.

For how to install TLP in Fedora, Debian, Arch Linux or Gentoo, see the TLP installation page.

To check out the source code, report bugs, etc., see the TLP GitHub page.