This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which drivers you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required drivers have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.

Page Contents Introduction Editing This Page Specifications Linux Compatibility Notes Summary

If you are looking to purchase this laptop you can visit Lenovo's notebook page.

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Lenovo IdeaPad Y510 laptop.

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Specifications

Name	Lenovo IdeaPad Y510
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5Ghz
Screen	15.4" WXGA Widescreen
RAM	2GB
HDD	250GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	NVIDIA Geforce 8600M GS
Network	Ethernet, 802.11abg, Bluetooth

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
HDD	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Use the iwl3945 driver
Bluetooth	Not Tested
Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
Card Reader	Not Tested
ExpressCard Slot	Not Tested
Webcam	Not Tested

Notes

Most Linux distributions do not yet properly support the NVIDIA Geforce 8600M GS found in the IdeaPad Y510. In this case you will need to install the proprietary NVIDIA drivers. Have a look in our guides section for detailed installation instructions on a number of distributions.

Sound works best when you are using ALSA version 1.0.16 or greater. At this time no Linux distribution includes this so you will need to install these yourself. Again, our guides section has details on how to do this.

Even with the latest ALSA drivers the sub-woofer does not function. There is no known fix for this yet.

Summary

The Lenovo IdeaPad Y510 isn't the easiest install possible mainly because of the need to install the ALSA drivers. Also the sub-woofer doesn't work at the moment.


Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.