From 5 to 30 Times Faster

AI Deep Learning

Install and run Anaconda, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and an AI benchmark with a single command. Enjoy NVIDIA RTX, CUDA, and CuDNN-powered performance 5 to 30 times greater than popular Unix® laptops. Develop with the industry-standard PyCharm IDE using the expertly packaged JetBrains Toolbox and desktop integration. This solution only applies to Focus models with NVIDIA GPUs.

• Run kfocus-conda
• Maximize VRAM with Intel GPU
• Benchmarks
• Troubleshooting
• Revisions
• Disclaimer

Install tools for machine learning and AI with the Anaconda GPU AI Suite Installer.

Please read the disclaimer before proceeding. We review and update guided solutions regularly. If you have suggestions or requests, please write support@kfocus.org.

Run kfocus-conda

Run the app from either the curated app icon, Start Menu > Kubuntu Focus Tools > Anaconda GPU AI Suite Installer, or open a terminal and enter kfocus-conda. This installs a GPU-accelerated and professionally vetted Anaconda suite. It will ask you if you'd like to install the following environments:

• Anaconda (required)
• (GPU) Jupyter Notebook
• (GPU) PyTorch
• (GPU) TensorFlow
• (GPU) Theano

Kfocus Conda will not overwrite or delete data unless you tell it to do so. You may run it again to add environments as needed. For example, you may install only TensorFlow at first and then add PyTorch later. Run the AI suite at the end to compare to the results shown in the Benchmarks section.

When you wish to build on these Conda environments, we recommend using Pycharm. You may install this with the JetBrains Toolbox installed on all Kubuntu Focus laptops.

Maximize VRAM with Intel GPU

You can change the GPU used for your displays using the GPU Widget found in the system tray. When you use Nvidia GPU (Performance Mode), every display pixel consumes additional VRAM. Total display VRAM may exceed 2 GB. Run watch nvidia-smi in a terminal to see VRAM use.

Sometimes you may want to use all VRAM for a pipeline so it can complete or run faster. The best solution is to click on Switch to Intel GPU (Power Save Mode). This will free all VRAM by using the iGPU and system RAM for the display. Only the primary laptop display may be available, although some models support a second display with DisplayPort.

If you need to drive more displays, you can Switch to Hybrid GPU (On-Demand Mode) as shown here. Remember to switch back when you are done!

Configure GPUs and free up VRAM for intensive tasks with Plasma Optimus.

Troubleshooting

Q: Starting NVIDIA Visual Profiler results in an error. How can I fix this?

A: One must install Java 8 and then call nvvp with the correct path.

Q: I booted my Kubuntu Focus, and it never got past the splash screen. How do I fix this?

A: NVIDIA Settings and other applications may ask you to save an xorg.conf file. This action could disable your internal display after logout or restart, blocking your login. If this happens, we recommend you remove this file:

• Press [CTRL][ALT][F3] simultaneously.
• Sign-in with your username and password.
• Type sudo /bin/rm /etc/X11/xorg.conf, type your password when prompted.
• Type sudo systemctl restart sddm && exit.

After you have completed the above steps, you should be able to log in normally.

Q: I see some library errors when installing Anaconda. What can I do?

A: Focus systems with NVIDIA GPUs ship with OpenGL and Vulkan libraries installed. When you run the KFocus Conda script, it will prompt you to download and install additional libraries, such as CUDA and CuDNN. Ensure you have a fast internet connection, as the download can be quite large. If you still receive these errors, you can cancel, run the FocusRx System Repair tool, and then try again.

Disclaimer

We try hard to provide a useful solution validated by professionals. However, we cannot anticipate every situation, and therefore cannot guarantee this procedure will work for your needs. Always backup your data and test the solution to determine the correct procedure for you.

THIS SOLUTION IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOLUTION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.