Graphics issues in Alpine Linux can range from missing drivers to display configuration problems. This comprehensive guide provides systematic approaches to diagnose, configure, and optimize graphics systems for desktop environments, servers with GUI needs, and specialized graphics workloads.
🔍 Understanding Alpine Graphics Architecture
Alpine Linux’s minimal approach requires explicit graphics driver installation and configuration. Understanding the graphics stack helps identify and resolve display-related issues effectively.
Graphics Stack Components
- Kernel Drivers - Low-level hardware interface 🔧
- Mesa Libraries - OpenGL/Vulkan implementation 🎨
- X11/Wayland - Display server protocols 🖼️
- Window Managers - Desktop environment integration 🪟
- GPU Firmware - Hardware initialization files 📦
Common Graphics Hardware Types
# Identify graphics hardware
lspci | grep -i vga
lspci | grep -i display
lspci | grep -i 3d
# Check kernel modules
lsmod | grep -E "(i915|radeon|amdgpu|nouveau|nvidia)"
# Display current driver information
cat /proc/fb
ls /dev/dri/🛠️ Basic Graphics Setup and Configuration
Essential Graphics Packages Installation
# Install base graphics support
apk add xorg-server xf86-video-vesa mesa-dri-gallium
# Install common drivers
apk add xf86-video-intel # Intel graphics
apk add xf86-video-amdgpu # AMD graphics
apk add xf86-video-ati # Legacy ATI graphics
apk add xf86-video-nouveau # NVIDIA open source
# Install Mesa drivers
apk add mesa-dri-gallium mesa-gl mesa-gles mesa-vulkan-intel mesa-vulkan-radeon
# Install firmware (often required)
apk add linux-firmwareX11 Server Configuration
# Generate basic X11 configuration
Xorg -configure
# Create minimal xorg.conf
cat > /etc/X11/xorg.conf << 'EOF'
Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Layout0"
Screen 0 "Screen0"
InputDevice "Keyboard0" "CoreKeyboard"
InputDevice "Mouse0" "CorePointer"
EndSection
Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Keyboard0"
Driver "kbd"
EndSection
Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Mouse0"
Driver "mouse"
Option "Protocol" "auto"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5 6 7"
EndSection
Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor0"
VendorName "Monitor Vendor"
ModelName "Monitor Model"
EndSection
Section "Device"
Identifier "Device0"
Driver "modesetting" # Generic driver
EndSection
Section "Screen"
Identifier "Screen0"
Device "Device0"
Monitor "Monitor0"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
EndSubSection
EndSection
EOF
# Test X11 configuration
X -config /etc/X11/xorg.conf🔧 Hardware-Specific Driver Configuration
Intel Graphics Configuration
# Install Intel graphics drivers
apk add xf86-video-intel mesa-dri-gallium intel-media-driver
# Intel-specific X11 configuration
cat > /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-intel.conf << 'EOF'
Section "Device"
Identifier "Intel Graphics"
Driver "intel"
Option "AccelMethod" "sna"
Option "TearFree" "true"
Option "DRI" "3"
EndSection
EOF
# Enable Intel GuC/HuC firmware loading
echo "options i915 enable_guc=2" > /etc/modprobe.d/i915.conf
# Create Intel GPU monitoring script
cat > /usr/local/bin/monitor-intel-gpu << 'EOF'
#!/bin/sh
# Intel GPU monitoring tool
echo "=== Intel GPU Status ==="
echo "Date: $(date)"
echo ""
# GPU information
echo "1. GPU Information:"
echo "=================="
lspci | grep -i intel | grep -i vga
echo ""
# Driver status
echo "2. Driver Status:"
echo "================"
if lsmod | grep -q i915; then
echo "✅ i915 driver loaded"
echo "Driver version: $(modinfo i915 | grep version | head -1)"
else
echo "❌ i915 driver not loaded"
fi
echo ""
# DRM information
echo "3. DRM Information:"
echo "=================="
if [ -d /sys/class/drm ]; then
ls -la /sys/class/drm/
echo ""
for card in /sys/class/drm/card*; do
if [ -d "$card" ]; then
echo "Card: $(basename "$card")"
if [ -f "$card/device/vendor" ]; then
echo " Vendor: $(cat "$card/device/vendor")"
fi
if [ -f "$card/device/device" ]; then
echo " Device: $(cat "$card/device/device")"
fi
fi
done
fi
echo ""
# GPU frequency information
echo "4. GPU Frequency:"
echo "================="
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_cur_freq_mhz ]; then
echo "Current frequency: $(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_cur_freq_mhz) MHz"
fi
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_max_freq_mhz ]; then
echo "Maximum frequency: $(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_max_freq_mhz) MHz"
fi
echo ""
# Memory information
echo "5. GPU Memory:"
echo "============="
if command -v intel_gpu_top >/dev/null 2>&1; then
timeout 2 intel_gpu_top -l 1 2>/dev/null || echo "Intel GPU top not available"
fi
echo ""
echo "Monitoring completed"
EOF
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/monitor-intel-gpu
# Run Intel GPU monitoring
monitor-intel-gpuAMD Graphics Configuration
# Install AMD graphics drivers
apk add xf86-video-amdgpu mesa-dri-gallium mesa-vulkan-radeon
# AMD-specific X11 configuration
cat > /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-amdgpu.conf << 'EOF'
Section "Device"
Identifier "AMD Graphics"
Driver "amdgpu"
Option "AccelMethod" "glamor"
Option "DRI" "3"
Option "TearFree" "on"
EndSection
EOF
# Enable AMD GPU power management
echo "auto" > /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_force_performance_level
# Create AMD GPU status script
cat > /usr/local/bin/monitor-amd-gpu << 'EOF'
#!/bin/sh
# AMD GPU monitoring tool
echo "=== AMD GPU Status ==="
echo "Date: $(date)"
echo ""
# GPU information
echo "1. GPU Information:"
echo "=================="
lspci | grep -i amd | grep -i vga
echo ""
# Driver status
echo "2. Driver Status:"
echo "================"
if lsmod | grep -q amdgpu; then
echo "✅ amdgpu driver loaded"
echo "Driver version: $(modinfo amdgpu | grep version | head -1)"
else
echo "❌ amdgpu driver not loaded"
fi
echo ""
# GPU clock information
echo "3. GPU Clocks:"
echo "============="
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_sclk ]; then
echo "GPU Clock levels:"
cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_sclk
fi
echo ""
# Memory clock information
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_mclk ]; then
echo "Memory Clock levels:"
cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_mclk
fi
echo ""
# Power management
echo "4. Power Management:"
echo "=================="
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_state ]; then
echo "DPM State: $(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_state)"
fi
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_force_performance_level ]; then
echo "Performance Level: $(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_force_performance_level)"
fi
echo ""
echo "Monitoring completed"
EOF
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/monitor-amd-gpuNVIDIA Graphics Configuration
# NVIDIA proprietary drivers (if available)
# Note: NVIDIA proprietary drivers may require additional setup
# Install open-source NVIDIA drivers
apk add xf86-video-nouveau mesa-dri-gallium
# Nouveau X11 configuration
cat > /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-nouveau.conf << 'EOF'
Section "Device"
Identifier "NVIDIA Graphics"
Driver "nouveau"
Option "AccelMethod" "glamor"
Option "DRI" "3"
EndSection
EOF
# NVIDIA GPU monitoring script
cat > /usr/local/bin/monitor-nvidia-gpu << 'EOF'
#!/bin/sh
# NVIDIA GPU monitoring tool
echo "=== NVIDIA GPU Status ==="
echo "Date: $(date)"
echo ""
# GPU information
echo "1. GPU Information:"
echo "=================="
lspci | grep -i nvidia
echo ""
# Check for proprietary driver
echo "2. Driver Status:"
echo "================"
if lsmod | grep -q nvidia; then
echo "✅ NVIDIA proprietary driver loaded"
if command -v nvidia-smi >/dev/null 2>&1; then
nvidia-smi
fi
elif lsmod | grep -q nouveau; then
echo "✅ Nouveau open-source driver loaded"
echo "Driver version: $(modinfo nouveau | grep version | head -1)"
else
echo "❌ No NVIDIA driver loaded"
fi
echo ""
# DRM information for nouveau
if lsmod | grep -q nouveau; then
echo "3. Nouveau DRM Information:"
echo "=========================="
if [ -d /sys/class/drm ]; then
for card in /sys/class/drm/card*; do
if [ -f "$card/device/vendor" ] && [ "$(cat "$card/device/vendor")" = "0x10de" ]; then
echo "NVIDIA card found: $(basename "$card")"
if [ -f "$card/device/device" ]; then
echo " Device ID: $(cat "$card/device/device")"
fi
fi
done
fi
fi
echo ""
echo "Monitoring completed"
EOF
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/monitor-nvidia-gpu📊 Display Configuration and Multi-Monitor Setup
Monitor Detection and Configuration
# Install display configuration tools
apk add xrandr arandr
# Monitor detection script
cat > /usr/local/bin/detect-displays << 'EOF'
#!/bin/sh
# Display detection and configuration tool
echo "=== Display Detection ==="
echo "Date: $(date)"
echo ""
# Check if X is running
if ! pgrep -x "X\|Xorg" >/dev/null; then
echo "❌ X server is not running"
echo "Start X server first: startx"
exit 1
fi
# Display information
echo "1. Connected Displays:"
echo "====================="
xrandr --listmonitors
echo ""
# Available outputs
echo "2. Available Outputs:"
echo "===================="
xrandr | grep " connected"
echo ""
# Current display configuration
echo "3. Current Configuration:"
echo "========================"
xrandr --current
echo ""
# EDID information
echo "4. EDID Information:"
echo "==================="
for output in $(xrandr | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1); do
echo "Output: $output"
if command -v get-edid >/dev/null 2>&1; then
get-edid | parse-edid 2>/dev/null || echo " EDID parsing failed"
else
echo " Install read-edid package for detailed EDID info"
fi
echo ""
done
# Generate xrandr configuration suggestions
echo "5. Configuration Suggestions:"
echo "============================"
primary_output=$(xrandr | grep " connected primary" | cut -d' ' -f1)
if [ -z "$primary_output" ]; then
primary_output=$(xrandr | grep " connected" | head -1 | cut -d' ' -f1)
fi
echo "Primary display: $primary_output"
# Multi-monitor setup suggestions
connected_outputs=$(xrandr | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1)
output_count=$(echo "$connected_outputs" | wc -l)
if [ "$output_count" -gt 1 ]; then
echo ""
echo "Multi-monitor setup commands:"
first_output=$(echo "$connected_outputs" | head -1)
second_output=$(echo "$connected_outputs" | tail -1)
echo "# Extend desktop (side by side):"
echo "xrandr --output $first_output --primary --output $second_output --right-of $first_output"
echo ""
echo "# Mirror displays:"
echo "xrandr --output $first_output --primary --output $second_output --same-as $first_output"
echo ""
echo "# Use only external monitor:"
echo "xrandr --output $first_output --off --output $second_output --primary --auto"
fi
echo ""
echo "Detection completed"
EOF
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/detect-displays
# Run display detection
detect-displaysResolution and Refresh Rate Configuration
# Resolution configuration script
cat > /usr/local/bin/configure-resolution << 'EOF'
#!/bin/sh
# Resolution configuration tool
OUTPUT="$1"
RESOLUTION="$2"
REFRESH_RATE="$3"
if [ -z "$OUTPUT" ] || [ -z "$RESOLUTION" ]; then
echo "Usage: $0 <output> <resolution> [refresh_rate]"
echo ""
echo "Available outputs:"
xrandr | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1
echo ""
echo "Example resolutions: 1920x1080, 2560x1440, 3840x2160"
echo "Example refresh rates: 60, 75, 120, 144"
echo ""
echo "Examples:"
echo " $0 eDP-1 1920x1080 60"
echo " $0 HDMI-1 2560x1440"
exit 1
fi
echo "Configuring display resolution..."
echo "Output: $OUTPUT"
echo "Resolution: $RESOLUTION"
echo "Refresh Rate: ${REFRESH_RATE:-auto}"
echo ""
# Check if output exists
if ! xrandr | grep -q "^$OUTPUT connected"; then
echo "❌ Output $OUTPUT not found or not connected"
echo "Available outputs:"
xrandr | grep " connected"
exit 1
fi
# Check if resolution is supported
if ! xrandr | grep -A 20 "^$OUTPUT" | grep -q "$RESOLUTION"; then
echo "⚠️ Resolution $RESOLUTION not found in supported modes"
echo "Creating custom mode..."
# Calculate modeline using cvt
if command -v cvt >/dev/null 2>&1; then
width=$(echo "$RESOLUTION" | cut -d'x' -f1)
height=$(echo "$RESOLUTION" | cut -d'x' -f2)
refresh=${REFRESH_RATE:-60}
modeline=$(cvt "$width" "$height" "$refresh" | grep "Modeline" | cut -d' ' -f2-)
mode_name=$(echo "$modeline" | cut -d' ' -f1 | tr -d '"')
echo "Creating mode: $mode_name"
xrandr --newmode $modeline
xrandr --addmode "$OUTPUT" "$mode_name"
# Use the new mode
xrandr --output "$OUTPUT" --mode "$mode_name"
else
echo "❌ cvt command not available for custom mode creation"
echo "Install xorg-server-utils package"
exit 1
fi
else
# Use existing mode
if [ -n "$REFRESH_RATE" ]; then
xrandr --output "$OUTPUT" --mode "$RESOLUTION" --rate "$REFRESH_RATE"
else
xrandr --output "$OUTPUT" --mode "$RESOLUTION"
fi
fi
echo "✅ Resolution configuration completed"
# Verify the change
echo ""
echo "Current configuration:"
xrandr | grep -A 5 "^$OUTPUT"
EOF
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/configure-resolution
# Usage examples:
# configure-resolution eDP-1 1920x1080 60
# configure-resolution HDMI-1 2560x1440🐛 Graphics Troubleshooting Workflows
Comprehensive Graphics Diagnostics
# Complete graphics diagnostic tool
cat > /usr/local/bin/diagnose-graphics << 'EOF'
#!/bin/sh
# Comprehensive graphics diagnostics for Alpine Linux
LOG_FILE="/tmp/graphics-diagnosis-$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S).log"
log_and_echo() {
echo "$1" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
}
log_and_echo "=== Alpine Linux Graphics Diagnostics ==="
log_and_echo "Date: $(date)"
log_and_echo "Hostname: $(hostname)"
log_and_echo "Kernel: $(uname -r)"
log_and_echo ""
# 1. Hardware detection
log_and_echo "1. Graphics Hardware Detection:"
log_and_echo "==============================="
lspci | grep -i -E "(vga|3d|display)" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
log_and_echo ""
# 2. Kernel modules
log_and_echo "2. Loaded Graphics Modules:"
log_and_echo "=========================="
lsmod | grep -E "(i915|amdgpu|radeon|nouveau|nvidia|drm)" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
log_and_echo ""
# 3. DRM devices
log_and_echo "3. DRM Devices:"
log_and_echo "=============="
if [ -d /dev/dri ]; then
ls -la /dev/dri/ | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
else
log_and_echo "❌ No DRM devices found"
fi
log_and_echo ""
# 4. X server status
log_and_echo "4. X Server Status:"
log_and_echo "=================="
if pgrep -x "X\|Xorg" >/dev/null; then
log_and_echo "✅ X server is running"
ps aux | grep -E "(X|Xorg)" | grep -v grep | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
# X server log
if [ -f /var/log/Xorg.0.log ]; then
log_and_echo ""
log_and_echo "X server log errors:"
grep -E "(EE|WW)" /var/log/Xorg.0.log | tail -10 | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
fi
else
log_and_echo "❌ X server is not running"
fi
log_and_echo ""
# 5. Wayland compositor status
log_and_echo "5. Wayland Compositor Status:"
log_and_echo "============================="
if pgrep -f "wayland\|weston\|sway" >/dev/null; then
log_and_echo "✅ Wayland compositor running"
ps aux | grep -E "(wayland|weston|sway)" | grep -v grep | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
else
log_and_echo "ℹ️ No Wayland compositor detected"
fi
log_and_echo ""
# 6. OpenGL information
log_and_echo "6. OpenGL Information:"
log_and_echo "====================="
if command -v glxinfo >/dev/null 2>&1; then
if [ -n "$DISPLAY" ]; then
glxinfo | grep -E "(vendor|renderer|version|direct)" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
else
log_and_echo "⚠️ DISPLAY not set - cannot query OpenGL info"
fi
else
log_and_echo "⚠️ glxinfo not available (install mesa-demos)"
fi
log_and_echo ""
# 7. Vulkan information
log_and_echo "7. Vulkan Information:"
log_and_echo "====================="
if command -v vulkaninfo >/dev/null 2>&1; then
vulkaninfo --summary 2>/dev/null | head -20 | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
else
log_and_echo "⚠️ vulkaninfo not available"
fi
log_and_echo ""
# 8. Framebuffer information
log_and_echo "8. Framebuffer Information:"
log_and_echo "=========================="
if [ -f /proc/fb ]; then
cat /proc/fb | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
else
log_and_echo "No framebuffer devices"
fi
log_and_echo ""
# 9. Display configuration
log_and_echo "9. Display Configuration:"
log_and_echo "========================"
if command -v xrandr >/dev/null 2>&1 && [ -n "$DISPLAY" ]; then
xrandr | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
else
log_and_echo "⚠️ Cannot query display configuration"
fi
log_and_echo ""
# 10. Graphics memory usage
log_and_echo "10. Graphics Memory Usage:"
log_and_echo "========================="
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/mem_info_vram_used ]; then
log_and_echo "VRAM used: $(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/mem_info_vram_used)"
fi
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/mem_info_gtt_used ]; then
log_and_echo "GTT used: $(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/mem_info_gtt_used)"
fi
log_and_echo ""
# 11. Package information
log_and_echo "11. Installed Graphics Packages:"
log_and_echo "==============================="
apk info | grep -E "(xf86-video|mesa|intel|amd|nvidia)" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
log_and_echo ""
# 12. Common issues check
log_and_echo "12. Common Issues Check:"
log_and_echo "======================="
# Check for missing firmware
if dmesg | grep -i "firmware.*failed" >/dev/null; then
log_and_echo "⚠️ Firmware loading failures detected"
dmesg | grep -i "firmware.*failed" | tail -5 | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
fi
# Check for graphics errors in dmesg
if dmesg | grep -i -E "(drm|gpu|graphics).*error" >/dev/null; then
log_and_echo "⚠️ Graphics errors in kernel log"
dmesg | grep -i -E "(drm|gpu|graphics).*error" | tail -5 | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
fi
# Check if running in software rendering
if command -v glxinfo >/dev/null 2>&1 && [ -n "$DISPLAY" ]; then
if glxinfo | grep -q "llvmpipe\|softpipe"; then
log_and_echo "⚠️ Using software rendering (no hardware acceleration)"
fi
fi
log_and_echo ""
log_and_echo "Graphics diagnostics completed"
log_and_echo "Full log saved to: $LOG_FILE"
EOF
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/diagnose-graphics
# Run comprehensive diagnostics
diagnose-graphicsGraphics Performance Testing
# Graphics performance testing suite
cat > /usr/local/bin/test-graphics-performance << 'EOF'
#!/bin/sh
# Graphics performance testing for Alpine Linux
TEST_DURATION="${1:-30}"
if [ -z "$DISPLAY" ]; then
echo "❌ DISPLAY not set. Start X server first."
exit 1
fi
echo "=== Graphics Performance Testing ==="
echo "Test duration: ${TEST_DURATION} seconds"
echo "Date: $(date)"
echo ""
# 1. OpenGL renderer test
echo "1. OpenGL Renderer Test:"
echo "======================="
if command -v glxinfo >/dev/null 2>&1; then
echo "Renderer: $(glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer" | cut -d':' -f2 | xargs)"
echo "Version: $(glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version" | cut -d':' -f2 | xargs)"
echo "Vendor: $(glxinfo | grep "OpenGL vendor" | cut -d':' -f2 | xargs)"
if glxinfo | grep -q "direct rendering: Yes"; then
echo "✅ Hardware acceleration enabled"
else
echo "❌ Hardware acceleration disabled"
fi
else
echo "⚠️ glxinfo not available"
fi
echo ""
# 2. GLX gears test
echo "2. GLX Gears Performance:"
echo "========================"
if command -v glxgears >/dev/null 2>&1; then
echo "Running GLX gears for $TEST_DURATION seconds..."
timeout "$TEST_DURATION" glxgears -info 2>&1 | tail -5
else
echo "⚠️ glxgears not available (install mesa-demos)"
fi
echo ""
# 3. GPU stress test
echo "3. GPU Stress Test:"
echo "=================="
if command -v gpu-burn >/dev/null 2>&1; then
echo "Running GPU burn test for $TEST_DURATION seconds..."
timeout "$TEST_DURATION" gpu-burn "$TEST_DURATION"
elif command -v glmark2 >/dev/null 2>&1; then
echo "Running glmark2 benchmark..."
glmark2 --run-forever --duration "$TEST_DURATION"
else
echo "⚠️ No GPU stress testing tools available"
echo "Install gpu-burn or glmark2 for stress testing"
fi
echo ""
# 4. Memory bandwidth test
echo "4. Graphics Memory Test:"
echo "======================="
if command -v glmark2 >/dev/null 2>&1; then
echo "Testing memory bandwidth with glmark2..."
glmark2 -b texture --duration 10
else
echo "⚠️ Memory bandwidth test requires glmark2"
fi
echo ""
# 5. Display refresh rate test
echo "5. Display Refresh Rate:"
echo "======================="
if command -v xrandr >/dev/null 2>&1; then
primary_output=$(xrandr | grep " connected primary" | cut -d' ' -f1)
if [ -z "$primary_output" ]; then
primary_output=$(xrandr | grep " connected" | head -1 | cut -d' ' -f1)
fi
current_mode=$(xrandr | grep "^$primary_output" -A 20 | grep "*" | xargs)
echo "Primary display: $primary_output"
echo "Current mode: $current_mode"
fi
echo ""
# 6. GPU temperature monitoring
echo "6. GPU Temperature:"
echo "=================="
if [ -d /sys/class/hwmon ]; then
for hwmon in /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon*; do
if [ -f "$hwmon/name" ]; then
hwmon_name=$(cat "$hwmon/name")
if echo "$hwmon_name" | grep -qi "gpu\|radeon\|nouveau\|amdgpu"; then
echo "Sensor: $hwmon_name"
for temp_file in "$hwmon"/temp*_input; do
if [ -f "$temp_file" ]; then
temp_celsius=$(( $(cat "$temp_file") / 1000 ))
echo " Temperature: ${temp_celsius}°C"
fi
done
fi
fi
done
else
echo "⚠️ Hardware monitoring not available"
fi
echo ""
echo "Performance testing completed"
EOF
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/test-graphics-performance
# Usage: test-graphics-performance [duration_seconds]
# test-graphics-performance 60🚀 Advanced Graphics Optimization
GPU Power Management
# GPU power management configuration
cat > /usr/local/bin/configure-gpu-power << 'EOF'
#!/bin/sh
# GPU power management configuration
PROFILE="${1:-balanced}"
case "$PROFILE" in
performance)
echo "Setting performance power profile..."
# Intel GPU
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_max_freq_mhz ]; then
max_freq=$(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_max_freq_mhz)
echo "$max_freq" > /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_min_freq_mhz
echo "Intel GPU: Set to maximum performance"
fi
# AMD GPU
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_force_performance_level ]; then
echo "high" > /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_force_performance_level
echo "AMD GPU: Set to high performance"
fi
;;
powersave)
echo "Setting power save profile..."
# Intel GPU
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_min_freq_mhz ]; then
min_freq=$(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_min_freq_mhz)
echo "$min_freq" > /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_max_freq_mhz
echo "Intel GPU: Set to power save mode"
fi
# AMD GPU
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_force_performance_level ]; then
echo "low" > /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_force_performance_level
echo "AMD GPU: Set to power save mode"
fi
;;
balanced)
echo "Setting balanced power profile..."
# Intel GPU
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_force_performance_level ]; then
echo "auto" > /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_force_performance_level
fi
# AMD GPU
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_force_performance_level ]; then
echo "auto" > /sys/class/drm/card0/device/power_dpm_force_performance_level
echo "AMD GPU: Set to automatic power management"
fi
;;
*)
echo "Usage: $0 {performance|powersave|balanced}"
echo ""
echo "Profiles:"
echo " performance - Maximum GPU performance"
echo " powersave - Minimum power consumption"
echo " balanced - Automatic power management"
exit 1
;;
esac
echo "GPU power profile set to: $PROFILE"
EOF
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/configure-gpu-power
# Usage examples:
# configure-gpu-power performance
# configure-gpu-power powersave
# configure-gpu-power balancedGraphics Memory Optimization
# Graphics memory optimization script
cat > /usr/local/bin/optimize-graphics-memory << 'EOF'
#!/bin/sh
# Graphics memory optimization for Alpine Linux
echo "=== Graphics Memory Optimization ==="
echo "Date: $(date)"
echo ""
# 1. Check current memory usage
echo "1. Current Graphics Memory Usage:"
echo "================================="
if [ -f /sys/kernel/debug/dri/0/i915_gem_objects ]; then
echo "Intel GPU memory usage:"
head -10 /sys/kernel/debug/dri/0/i915_gem_objects
fi
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/mem_info_vram_used ]; then
vram_used=$(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/mem_info_vram_used)
vram_total=$(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/mem_info_vram_total)
echo "VRAM usage: $vram_used / $vram_total bytes"
fi
echo ""
# 2. Optimize memory settings
echo "2. Applying Memory Optimizations:"
echo "================================="
# Intel GPU optimizations
if lsmod | grep -q i915; then
echo "Optimizing Intel GPU memory..."
# Enable GPU memory compression
if [ -f /sys/module/i915/parameters/enable_fbc ]; then
echo 1 > /sys/module/i915/parameters/enable_fbc
echo "✅ Frame buffer compression enabled"
fi
# Optimize memory frequency
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_min_freq_mhz ]; then
# Set minimum frequency for better memory efficiency
echo 200 > /sys/class/drm/card0/gt_min_freq_mhz
echo "✅ GPU minimum frequency optimized"
fi
fi
# AMD GPU optimizations
if lsmod | grep -q amdgpu; then
echo "Optimizing AMD GPU memory..."
# Enable memory clock gating
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_features ]; then
echo "✅ Memory clock gating available"
fi
fi
# 3. System memory optimizations for graphics
echo ""
echo "3. System Memory Optimizations:"
echo "==============================="
# Optimize swappiness for graphics workloads
current_swappiness=$(cat /proc/sys/vm/swappiness)
if [ "$current_swappiness" -gt 10 ]; then
echo 10 > /proc/sys/vm/swappiness
echo "✅ Reduced swappiness from $current_swappiness to 10"
fi
# Optimize dirty memory handling
echo 15 > /proc/sys/vm/dirty_ratio
echo 5 > /proc/sys/vm/dirty_background_ratio
echo "✅ Optimized dirty memory ratios"
# 4. Graphics buffer optimizations
echo ""
echo "4. Graphics Buffer Optimizations:"
echo "================================="
# X server memory optimizations
if pgrep -x "X\|Xorg" >/dev/null; then
echo "X server detected - applying optimizations..."
# Create optimized X11 configuration
cat > /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/99-memory-optimization.conf << 'XORG_EOF'
Section "Device"
Identifier "Graphics Memory Optimization"
Option "AccelMethod" "glamor"
Option "TearFree" "true"
Option "VariableRefresh" "true"
# Optimize memory allocation
Option "BufferAge" "false"
Option "TripleBuffer" "true"
EndSection
Section "Screen"
Identifier "Screen Memory Optimization"
Option "metamodes" "nvidia-auto-select +0+0 { ForceCompositionPipeline = On, ForceFullCompositionPipeline = On }"
EndSection
XORG_EOF
echo "✅ X11 memory optimization configuration created"
fi
# 5. Memory pressure monitoring
echo ""
echo "5. Setting up Memory Monitoring:"
echo "==============================="
cat > /usr/local/bin/monitor-graphics-memory << 'MONITOR_EOF'
#!/bin/sh
# Graphics memory monitoring
while true; do
echo "$(date): Graphics memory status"
# System memory
free -m | grep Mem
# GPU memory if available
if [ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/mem_info_vram_used ]; then
vram_used=$(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/mem_info_vram_used)
vram_total=$(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/mem_info_vram_total)
vram_percent=$(( vram_used * 100 / vram_total ))
echo "VRAM: ${vram_percent}% used"
fi
echo "---"
sleep 60
done
MONITOR_EOF
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/monitor-graphics-memory
echo "✅ Graphics memory monitor created"
echo ""
echo "Graphics memory optimization completed"
echo "Restart X server or reboot for all changes to take effect"
EOF
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/optimize-graphics-memory
# Run graphics memory optimization
optimize-graphics-memory🎯 Troubleshooting Common Graphics Issues
Black Screen and Boot Issues
# Black screen troubleshooting guide
cat > /usr/local/bin/fix-black-screen << 'EOF'
#!/bin/sh
# Black screen troubleshooting for Alpine Linux
echo "=== Black Screen Troubleshooting ==="
echo "This script helps diagnose and fix black screen issues"
echo ""
echo "1. Checking current display status..."
if [ -n "$DISPLAY" ]; then
echo "✅ DISPLAY variable is set: $DISPLAY"
else
echo "❌ DISPLAY variable not set"
echo "Try: export DISPLAY=:0"
fi
echo ""
echo "2. Checking X server status..."
if pgrep -x "X\|Xorg" >/dev/null; then
echo "✅ X server is running"
echo "X server PID: $(pgrep -x 'X\|Xorg')"
else
echo "❌ X server is not running"
echo ""
echo "Try starting X server:"
echo " startx"
echo " or"
echo " X :0 &"
fi
echo ""
echo "3. Common black screen fixes:"
echo "============================="
echo ""
echo "A. Add nomodeset to kernel parameters:"
echo " Edit /etc/default/grub and add 'nomodeset' to GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX"
echo " Then run: grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg"
echo ""
echo "B. Force VESA driver (safe mode):"
cat > /tmp/xorg-vesa.conf << 'VESA_EOF'
Section "Device"
Identifier "Generic Video Card"
Driver "vesa"
EndSection
VESA_EOF
echo " Created /tmp/xorg-vesa.conf - copy to /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/"
echo ""
echo "C. Reset X11 configuration:"
echo " rm /etc/X11/xorg.conf"
echo " rm -rf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/*"
echo " Let X auto-detect hardware"
echo ""
echo "D. Check kernel boot messages:"
echo " dmesg | grep -i -E '(drm|gpu|fb|vga)'"
echo ""
echo "E. Try different graphics drivers:"
echo " apk add xf86-video-modesetting # Generic driver"
echo " apk add xf86-video-fbdev # Framebuffer driver"
echo ""
# Automated safe mode setup
echo "4. Automated Safe Mode Setup:"
echo "============================"
echo "Would you like to set up safe mode graphics? (y/N)"
read -r response
if [ "$response" = "y" ] || [ "$response" = "Y" ]; then
echo "Setting up safe mode graphics..."
# Backup existing configuration
if [ -f /etc/X11/xorg.conf ]; then
cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.backup.$(date +%Y%m%d)
echo "✅ Backed up existing xorg.conf"
fi
# Create safe mode configuration
cat > /etc/X11/xorg.conf << 'SAFE_EOF'
Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Safe Layout"
Screen 0 "Safe Screen"
InputDevice "Safe Keyboard" "CoreKeyboard"
InputDevice "Safe Mouse" "CorePointer"
EndSection
Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Safe Keyboard"
Driver "kbd"
EndSection
Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Safe Mouse"
Driver "mouse"
Option "Protocol" "auto"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
EndSection
Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Safe Monitor"
HorizSync 30.0 - 83.0
VertRefresh 56.0 - 75.0
EndSection
Section "Device"
Identifier "Safe Graphics"
Driver "vesa"
Option "UseFBDev" "true"
EndSection
Section "Screen"
Identifier "Safe Screen"
Device "Safe Graphics"
Monitor "Safe Monitor"
DefaultDepth 16
SubSection "Display"
Depth 16
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubSection
EndSection
SAFE_EOF
echo "✅ Safe mode X11 configuration created"
echo "Try starting X with: startx"
fi
echo ""
echo "Black screen troubleshooting completed"
EOF
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/fix-black-screen
# Usage: fix-black-screen🎉 Conclusion
Fixing graphics issues in Alpine Linux requires understanding the graphics stack, proper driver installation, and systematic troubleshooting approaches. With the right configuration and diagnostic tools, you can achieve reliable graphics performance for any workload.
Key takeaways:
- Identify hardware correctly and install appropriate drivers 🔍
- Use systematic diagnostic approaches 🛠️
- Configure power management for your use case ⚡
- Implement proper monitoring and testing 📊
- Maintain fallback configurations for recovery 🔄
With properly configured graphics, your Alpine Linux systems will provide smooth visual experiences and efficient GPU utilization! 🚀
