I went back to Linux and it was a mistake
Summary
The Verge discusses the challenges faced while using Ubuntu on a Dell XPS 15, highlighting issues like slow performance and frustrating errors. The authors share their experiences transitioning to different systems, emphasizing the quest for a better user experience.
Key Insights
Why does Ubuntu on Dell XPS 15 suffer from slow performance and overheating?
Ubuntu on Dell XPS 15 models like 9560 and 9570 experiences slow performance due to issues with the NVIDIA GPU driver (nouveau), which lacks proper power management and causes high CPU temperatures up to 60°C, loud fans at 3500rpm, and thermal throttling. Switching to NVIDIA proprietary drivers or Intel-only mode helps, but NVIDIA mode still leads to excessive heat and noise.
What is thermal throttling and how does it affect Linux performance on XPS 15?
Thermal throttling is when the CPU reduces its clock speed to prevent overheating, leading to lag and poor performance on Dell XPS 15 under Ubuntu. Users report BIOS misreporting temperatures up to 91°C, causing drops to 0.78 MHz; tools like ThrottleStop and disabling Turbo Boost mitigate this while keeping the system safe.