Screen lagging

[ViennaTom]

Hello all,

i currently have Mint 20 Cinnamon 64bit, Kernel 5.4.0.74-generic, all the latest updates, on a H370 Gaming Pro Carbon, i7-8700K @stock settings (no overclock), 32GB RAM, M.2 970 Evo.
I have a 4K Philips BDM4037U on Intel HD 630 over DisplayPort in native 4K res. plus a NEC MultiSync E222W on Sapphire Radeon HD 4350/4550 1GB in 1680 x 1050 native over DVI.
Everything was smooth until I added the graphics card plus the small screen. Now Mint is lagging, especially when Vivaldi browser is open. Opera is little better . Youtube videos stuttering. Scrolling websites using mouse wheel is a pain. Even typing letters like this text gives delay. sometimes almost unusable.
This is NOT a hardware issue: WIN 10 on the other partition is running like perfect or honestly: even better than perfect! So it must be some Mint driver issue. any idea how to improve this situation?

Thanks,

Viennatom

System:
Kernel: 5.4.0-74-generic x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 9.3.0
Desktop: Cinnamon 4.6.7 wm: muffin 4.6.3 dm: LightDM 1.30.0
Distro: Linux Mint 20 Ulyana base: Ubuntu 20.04 focal
Machine:
Type: Desktop System: Micro-Star product: MS-7B16 v: 1.0 serial: <filter>
Mobo: Micro-Star model: H370 GAMING PRO CARBON (MS-7B16) v: 1.0
serial: <filter> UEFI: American Megatrends v: 1.40 date: 07/20/2018
Battery:
Device-1: hidpp_battery_0 model: Logitech Wireless Mouse M185/M225
serial: <filter> charge: 5% (should be ignored) rechargeable: yes
status: Discharging
CPU:
Topology: 6-Core model: Intel Core i7-8700K bits: 64 type: MT MCP
arch: Kaby Lake rev: A L2 cache: 12.0 MiB
flags: avx avx2 lm nx pae sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 vmx
bogomips: 88796
Speed: 801 MHz min/max: 800/4700 MHz Core speeds (MHz): 1: 801 2: 800
3: 800 4: 800 5: 800 6: 800 7: 800 8: 800 9: 800 10: 800 11: 801 12: 801
Graphics:
Device-1: Intel UHD Graphics 630 vendor: Micro-Star MSI driver: i915
v: kernel bus ID: 00:02.0 chip ID: 8086:3e92
Device-2: AMD RV710 [Radeon HD 4350/4550] vendor: PC Partner Limited
driver: radeon v: kernel bus ID: 01:00.0 chip ID: 1002:954f
Display: x11 server: X.Org 1.20.9 driver: ati,modesetting,radeon
unloaded: fbdev,vesa resolution: 1680x1050~60Hz, 3840x2160~60Hz
OpenGL: renderer: AMD RV710 (DRM 2.50.0 / 5.4.0-74-generic LLVM 11.0.0)
v: 3.3 Mesa 20.2.6 compat-v: 3.0 direct render: Yes
Audio:
Device-1: AMD RV710/730 HDMI Audio [Radeon HD 4000 series]
vendor: PC Partner Limited driver: snd_hda_intel v: kernel bus ID: 01:00.1
chip ID: 1002:aa38
Device-2: Focusrite-Novation Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 type: USB
driver: snd-usb-audio bus ID: 1-5.1:6 chip ID: 1235:8006
Sound Server: ALSA v: k5.4.0-74-generic
Network:
Device-1: Intel Ethernet I219-V vendor: Micro-Star MSI driver: e1000e
v: 3.2.6-k port: efa0 bus ID: 00:1f.6 chip ID: 8086:15bc
IF: eno1 state: up speed: 1000 Mbps duplex: full mac: <filter>
Drives:
Local Storage: total: 232.89 GiB used: 57.90 GiB (24.9%)
ID-1: /dev/nvme0n1 vendor: Samsung model: SSD 970 EVO 250GB
size: 232.89 GiB speed: 31.6 Gb/s lanes: 4 serial: <filter> rev: 1B2QEXE7
scheme: GPT
Partition:
ID-1: / size: 35.99 GiB used: 28.93 GiB (80.4%) fs: ext4
dev: /dev/nvme0n1p7
ID-2: swap-1 size: 32.00 GiB used: 0 KiB (0.0%) fs: swap
dev: /dev/nvme0n1p5
Sensors:
System Temperatures: cpu: 38.0 C mobo: 40.0 C gpu: radeon temp: 67 C
Fan Speeds (RPM): fan-1: 0 fan-2: 493 fan-3: 0 fan-4: 0 fan-5: 0 fan-6: 0
fan-7: 0
Repos:
No active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list
Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-earth-pro.list
1: deb [arch=amd64] http://dl.google.com/linux/earth/deb/ stable main
Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/official-package-repositories.list
1: deb http://packages.linuxmint.com ulyana main upstream import backport #id:linuxmint_main
2: deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal main restricted universe multiverse
3: deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal-updates main restricted universe multiverse
4: deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal-backports main restricted universe multiverse
5: deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ focal-security main restricted universe multiverse
6: deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ focal partner
Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/opera-stable.list
1: deb https://deb.opera.com/opera-stable/ stable non-free #Opera Browser (final releases)
Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/spotify.list
1: deb http://repository.spotify.com stable non-free
Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vivaldi.list
1: deb http://repo.vivaldi.com/stable/deb/ stable main
Info:
Processes: 279 Uptime: 1h 27m Memory: 31.25 GiB used: 1.65 GiB (5.3%)
Init: systemd v: 245 runlevel: 5 Compilers: gcc: 9.3.0 alt: 9 Shell: bash
v: 5.0.17 running in: gnome-terminal inxi: 3.0.38

[SMG]

You have an extremely small Mint install (36 GiB) and thus, your root partition is quite full (most likely because so little space has be allotted to Mint). That lack of free space can affect performance, especially graphic performance. You might want to consider some of the tips here How to Clean Linux Mint Safely as a possible way to free up space.

Partition:
ID-1: / size: 35.99 GiB used: 28.93 GiB (80.4%) fs: ext4
dev: /dev/nvme0n1p7
ID-2: swap-1 size: 32.00 GiB used: 0 KiB (0.0%) fs: swap
dev: /dev/nvme0n1p5

It's possible you might see better performance with the 5.8 kernel. Those with 7th gen Intel and newer often do notice better performance. The 5.8 kernel is available in Update Manager. Open Update Manager. Select View > Linux Kernels and click Continue. Make sure 5.8 is selected on the left panel and then click the top-most option on the right panel. An "Install" button will appear. Install the kernel and then reboot for it to become active.

However, keep in mind an additional kernel will use up more space in your root partition if you do not delete a kernel when adding the new one.

You mention you have the large screen attached to Intel and the smaller to AMD, but your graphics info indicates Mint is rendering with just AMD. I do not know how Windows might be handling the situation; that may depend on the options in your computer's BIOS/UEFI.

Graphics:
Device-1: Intel UHD Graphics 630 vendor: Micro-Star MSI driver: i915
v: kernel bus ID: 00:02.0 chip ID: 8086:3e92
Device-2: AMD RV710 [Radeon HD 4350/4550] vendor: PC Partner Limited
driver: radeon v: kernel bus ID: 01:00.0 chip ID: 1002:954f
Display: x11 server: X.Org 1.20.9 driver: ati,modesetting,radeon
unloaded: fbdev,vesa resolution: 1680x1050~60Hz, 3840x2160~60Hz
OpenGL: renderer: AMD RV710 (DRM 2.50.0 / 5.4.0-74-generic LLVM 11.0.0)
v: 3.3 Mesa 20.2.6 compat-v: 3.0 direct render: Yes

Here is a comparison of the two GPUs Intel UHD Graphics 630 vs ATI Radeon HD 4350. The newer kernel would provide a newer Intel graphics driver, but probably not a newer one for the AMD card because of its age.

[ViennaTom]

The 4K screen is connected directly to the mainboard via DisplayPort. I guessed that would let the Intel HD keep providing the 4K resolution. If that is not true, and the old Radeon chip is doing ALL the graphics work for both screens , that may explain the issue. If so - how can I get the Intel HD up and running again?

[SMG]

Some motherboards have the option to only run onboard graphics (Intel) or to only run the discrete card (AMD). Other motherboards have the option to run both simultaneously. You would have to check the settings on yours to see what is possible from a hardware standpoint.

With regards to running both simultaneously in Mint (presuming your hardware can do it), I do not know how that is handled in this type of situation (onboard Intel and a separate Radeon GPU), but perhaps others do.

[ViennaTom]

Mobo is set to habe both graphics enabled.
WIN 10 shows that both are running simultaneously.
MINT shows the following info:
sudo lshw -c video
*-display
Beschreibung: VGA compatible controller
Produkt: RV710 [Radeon HD 4350/4550]
Hersteller: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [AMD/ATI]
Physische ID: 0
Bus-Informationen: pci@0000:01:00.0
Version: 00
Breite: 64 bits
Takt: 33MHz
Fähigkeiten: pm pciexpress msi vga_controller bus_master cap_list rom
Konfiguration: driver=radeon latency=0
Ressourcen: irq:129 memory:90000000-9fffffff memory:a1120000-a112ffff ioport:3000(Größe=256) memory:c0000-dffff
*-display
Beschreibung: Display controller
Produkt: UHD Graphics 630 (Desktop)
Hersteller: Intel Corporation
Physische ID: 2
Bus-Informationen: pci@0000:00:02.0
Version: 00
Breite: 64 bits
Takt: 33MHz
Fähigkeiten: pciexpress msi pm bus_master cap_list
Konfiguration: driver=i915 latency=0
Ressourcen: irq:128 memory:a0000000-a0ffffff memory:80000000-8fffffff ioport:4000(Größe=64)

[SMG]

It's possible the X Server log might tell how each GPU is being used. Use this command in a terminal to upload the X Server log file to termbin:
cat /var/log/Xorg.0.log | nc termbin.com 9999
It will return with a url address that you should post in your next reply.

[ViennaTom]

Reslut: https://termbin.com/v6jz

[roblm]

The 4K screen is connected directly to the mainboard via DisplayPort. I guessed that would let the Intel HD keep providing the 4K resolution. If that is not true, and the old Radeon chip is doing ALL the graphics work for both screens , that may explain the issue. If so - how can I get the Intel HD up and running again?

I think both the Intel and AMD GPUs are rendering the graphics, but the inxi output will always list only one renderer, so you can’t force the Intel GPU to do all the graphics processing. The Radeon HD 4350/4550 are old weak performing GPUs that do not support a 4K resolution like the Intel UHD Graphics 630 does.

Multi GPU/multi monitor support and performance is usually inferior in Linux compared to Windows, so it’s best to try connecting all monitors to a single GPU. Your motherboard has another video port but an adapter may be needed.

[SMG]

Reslut: https://termbin.com/v6jz

It appears both Intel (G0) and radeon (0) are being used for the screens attached to each of them (although I only saw the "use GLAMOR acceleration" listed for Radeon--I'm not sure if that is significant to this issue or I just missed seeing it).

Code: Select all

[     4.455] (II) RADEON(0): glamor X acceleration enabled on AMD RV710 (DRM 2.50.0 / 5.4.0-74-generic, LLVM 11.0.0)
[     4.645] (II) RADEON(0): Manufacturer: NEC  Model: 6777  Serial#: 16843009
[     4.742] (II) RADEON(0): [DRI2] Setup complete
[     4.742] (II) RADEON(0): [DRI2]   DRI driver: r600
[     4.742] (II) RADEON(0): [DRI2]   VDPAU driver: r600
[     4.743] (==) RADEON(0): DRI3 enabled
[     4.752] (II) RADEON(0): Use GLAMOR acceleration.
...
[     4.662] (II) modeset(G0): glamor X acceleration enabled on Mesa Intel(R) UHD Graphics 630 (CFL GT2)
[     4.728] (II) modeset(G0): Manufacturer: PHL  Model: c142  Serial#: 6934
[     4.830] (II) modeset(G0): [DRI2] Setup complete
[     4.830] (II) modeset(G0): [DRI2]   DRI driver: iris
[     4.830] (II) modeset(G0): [DRI2]   VDPAU driver: va_gl

I will again make the suggestion to upgrade to the 5.8 kernel if you have not already done so. That kernel has helped a number of people with Intel CPUs to get better performance including fixing system "freeze" issues (regardless of what graphics they were using).

Open Update Manager. Select View > Linux Kernels and click Continue. Make sure 5.8 is selected on the left panel and then click the top-most option on the right panel. An "Install" button will appear. Install the kernel and then reboot for it to become active.

You can then test to see if keeping your current configuration gives you the performance you desire, or connecting both monitors to the Intel iGPU provides better performance.

[ViennaTom]

I have not tried the 5.8. Not sure what this is about, since it is not in the update repositories. Is there a safe way to go back in case the kernel doesn't work at all?

[ViennaTom]

"Multi GPU/multi monitor support and performance is usually inferior in Linux compared to Windows, so it’s best to try connecting all monitors to a single GPU. Your motherboard has another video port but an adapter may be needed." Initially, I was thinking about buying an adapter, but then I found the old card somewhere in my house. I am a tinkerer, always trying to avoid costs in case there is any used item that can do the trick. But honestly - that adapter won't be a million dollars..

[ViennaTom]

OT: Right now I am sitting at my other machine (Dual Xeon z620), which has a GTX1060 6GB card. The card does a 4K Samsung TV over HDMI (which promised 60Hz, but is intermittant at 60, so I can only use 30Hz GRRR*#:**) AND a IIYAMA ProLite E2607WS over DVI in 1920 x 1200. I always use a 4K screen to maximize 1 or 2 apps AND have a smaller side-desktop screen for folders, bar, start menu, desktop links, etc. This is most effective, since I need not minimize the apps to reach any desktop item. The graphic on this old workstation is working wonderfully on both WIN 7 and MINT (besides the lame 30Hz TV, that has otherwise great image quality.) (Can't afford a 1060 for my i7 currently, though that would be the preferred solution, since I am not sure, if the HD630 can do BOTH screens, if I buy the adapter)

[SMG]

I have not tried the 5.8. Not sure what this is about, since it is not in the update repositories.

I do not know what you mean by "update respositories". I already gave you instructions on how to update to this kernel, which is available in Update Manager, but I will list the lines individually here.
-- Open the application Update Manager.
-- Select View > Linux Kernels
-- Then click Continue.
-- Make sure 5.8 is selected on the left panel.
-- Click the top-most option on the right panel.
-- An "Install" button will appear.
-- Click the button to install the kernel.
-- Reboot for the kernel to become the active kernel.

Is there a safe way to go back in case the kernel doesn't work at all?

Yes. There are two options.
Option 1 - Take a Timeshift snapshot before installing the kernel. You can then restore to the snapshot if you do not like the kernel's performance.
Option 2 - (The one most people tend to use when returning to use an older installed kernel.) Boot into grub. Select Advanced options. Select the installed 5.4 kernel you want to use and boot. Then go to Update Manager and remove the 5.8 kernel so your next boot will be with the highest installed 5.4 kernel.

[SMG]

I am not sure, if the HD630 can do BOTH screens, if I buy the adapter

I believe UHD Graphics 630 is rated to handle three displays, so I would expect it can handle both screens.

[ViennaTom]

I ll try that 5.8 kernel, in case the Fire Pro V4800, that I just found in one of my Dell OptiPlex PCs doesn't help vs. the Radeon card.
I got your instruction how to install 5.8, thanks! What I have meant to say is that if I sudo apt-get upgrade, this 5.8 kernel is not installed. Why ?

[SMG]

What I have meant to say is that if I sudo apt-get upgrade, this 5.8 kernel is not installed. Why ?

The 5.4 kernel is the LTS (long-term support) kernel with support through April 2025.

The 5.8 kernel is only receiving support through August. At that time, a newer kernel will replace it as the option for something newer than 5.4. The 5.8 kernel is not a replacement for the 5.4 kernel which is probably why it does not show up if you do apt-get upgrade. The 5.8 kernel is an additional Ubuntu-supported option.

[ViennaTom]

Replaced the Radeon by the FirePro 3D V4800 today. It worked instantly in both MINT and WIN 10. I had been quite afraid of the small high RPM fan, that is why I started the adventure with the fan-less Radeon card, and indeed, the firePro IS audible, but acceptable. Under idle load, the low noise PC is not affected tremendously, but under load the hizz is clearle there, even though I have a noise-blocking case ("be quiet!"). The video performance is great - no noticeable lag during scrolling of websites any more! Replaying a 4K youtube file and live-rescaling it to fit the 1680 x 1050 screen gives absolutely NO any stutter. However, if I watch the 4K video in its full glory on the 4K screen, is shows a bit of stutter and I know it is not my 150Mbit internet connection (but honestly, I do not care about that!)....

[ViennaTom]

The FirePro fan noise seems to be worse during the night, when everything is quiet. sometimes I really hope those manufacturers will eventually learn and include bigger heat sink plus bigger slower fan at additional cost of USD 3.50 which I would happily pay.... It seems cost / size is all that counts nowadays.....So I was looking for a HDMI-DVI adapter, hoping that I could connect the 1680 x 1050 screen to the mainboard's HDMI out in addition to the 4K screen over DisplayPort, both screens powered by Intel HD. Found and bought: "ednet HDMI / DVI adapter, gold plated". Problem 1: The heavy adapter plus heavy DVI cable has no physical support, not easy to have both stuck and connected in HDMI out. Problem 2: no signal on any screen, cannot even reach UEFI, BIOS... Had to connect the screen back to the FirePro card....

[ViennaTom]

Summary (1 x 4K + 1 x 1680*1050)
Intel HD 630 + Radeon HD4350: Graphics lagging / very slow
Intel HD 630 + Fire Pro 3D V4800: Fan noise (graphics performance is "over the top")
Intel HD for both screens, 1680*1050 connected over HDMI -> DVI adapter: no any signal on any screen

[SMG]

Problem 2: no signal on any screen, cannot even reach UEFI, BIOS...

That sounds like it might be an issue related to the cable. Others on this forum have more experience with cable issues than I have. I do not know what the issue might be.