How do I get HDMI output working on a Dell XPS 15 L502x?

Recently I've bought my dream's notebook, a Dell XPS 15 but since then this dream became a kind of endless nightmare.

I'm almost getting crazy to make my graphic card driver work properly, but it seems to be just impossible. Yes, I have a 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 540m (Optimus) in it! It simply doesn't work. Every time I generate the xorg.conf Ubuntu hangs on while starting up, which forces me to remove this file to be able to start the notebook with the standard graphic settings.

Another problem is that the Dell XPS 15 does NOT have a VGA output, but a HDMI. So, to be able to use a second monitor I have to configure it by the NVIDIA X Server Settings, which just works if the driver is properly initialized with the xorg.conf.

I've also tried to make it work with the Bumblebee, but unfortunately it didn't help me much with the HDMI output.

Do you guys have any idea to solve this deadlock? Is there any way for me to use my second monitor?

Solution 1:

I have the same problem (XPS 15 L501). My shortcut (because it is not a solution!) was to use the mini display port output. With it, you can use the second monitor (projector, etc.). I tried also Bumblebee and Ironhide, but the problem is still there.

Solution 2:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xserver-xorg-video-intel/+bug/844307

I've filed a bug reagarding this issue.

Solution 3:

If you're trying to save an xorg.conf with the nvidia tool you'll have to completely switch off the integrated graphics within your BIOS - I was able to do it on my Thinkpad T410 - but apparently you can't do it on all Optimus graphics implementations.