This is tested on " Intel 11th CPU with intel_pstate driver and an NVIDIA GPU with 535 proprietary driver", I don't know if this works the same way on AMD CPUs and GPUs
This guide is for normal users that want things just to work with least amount of headache possible
Understanding both normal system power modes & NVIDIA Prime profiles
Lets start with Power modes from gnome settings, each mode does exactly what it says ,that's it, NVIDIA Prime profiles also do what they say, but it only affects the state of the GPU, not the system, keep this in your mind.
To summarize :
System Power modes tries to apply a state for the whole system .
NVIDIA prime profiles applies a state only for the GPU's driver .
How to :
Use max power saving mode
- disable the nvidia card ,
sudo prime-select intel, don't worry , the integrated GPU in your CPU will take control now . - Enable system power saver mode .
- Reboot --> This is a vital step and can not be ignored
Use a balanced mode
- Use Nvidia on-demand prime profile .
- Use balanced power mode for the system.
- Reboot --> This is a vital step and can not be ignored
Use max performance mode
- Set Nvidia prime profile to performance mode .
- Set performance mode for the system .
- Reboot the laptop while it's plugged in the charger --> This is a vital step and can not be ignored(tested for games)
- After reboot , change nvidia powerMizer to auto, let the driver do it's thing .
Notes :
- You can change system modes without rebooting .
- You should always reboot for nvidia prime profiles to be applied .
- You can mix system power modes and prime profiles but don't make illogical mixes like system power saving mode while running performance mode on your nvidia card, this is not recommended .
This is all tested by trail and error and taking note, I hope I saved you time
See you later 👋